Category Archives: News

1600 Main Street

Pardee
Pardee campaign headquarters, October 1978

Part news and part history. On April 28, the first hurdle was made for the construction of a 17,400 square foot Rite Aid store. The store, along with the parking lot will encompass the entire 1600 block of Main Street. Of course, this site was the former home of Potter’s Maternity Home on the corner of Main and Park. In 1966, United California Bank took over this location and constructed their bank, which held an open house of February 27, 1967. It has housed a number of financial institutions since then. Of course, on the corner of Main and Ash was Baxter’s Flying “A” Service Station.  After it closed, for a brief time in 1978 it housed Jim Pardee’s campaign headquarters for Lassen County Superior Court Judge, and then was subsequently torn down and has been a vacant ever since.

According to records filed with the city the bronze plaque commemorating Potter’s will be preserved and replaced on the site. The fire department has sought authorization to conduct fire training on the bank and remaining vacant residences scheduled for demolition. It is Rite Aid’s goal to be in their new location by the of 2015.

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Historic Weather Patterns

Gallatin Beach
Gallatin Beach, Eagle Lake, 1940.

On Thursday May 28, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the Lassen County Board of Supervisors room at 707 Nevada Street, Susanville the Eagle Lake Interagency Board will be holding one of their regular meetings.

I will do a presentation on historic weather patterns. Some of the interesting events will be the drought of the 1850s; the devastating floods of 1861-62; the extreme wet cycle of 1907-1916, which was followed by the 20-year drought of 1917-1937. The meeting, of course, is open to the public.

Attention Subscribers: You will be receiving the text of the presentation, as another special bonus for your support.

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Fun Times Ahead

Eagle Lake Trail
Let’s Go Exploring!

Dear Subscribers:  As promised I mentioned at least one, if not more special tours, as a special way to thank you for your support. While working on June posts, I  realized there is a unique annual natural/historic event that occurs in Lassen County during that month. While it is known internationally, very few people know of it locally. This year it just happens to fall on a weekend.  Once everything is put together, subscribers will be receiving an email with details.

In addition, you will receive a copy of J. H. Rudolph’s hard to find published account about this exotic feature . Those who reside too far away or have a previous engagement will still receive it.

For non-subscribers, you can still join in on the fun, as it is not too late,  by subscribing for as little as five dollars a month.

Brockman Ranch

Brockman Ranch
The barn is far to the left, as the Brockman Ranch appeared in 1903.

I realize that the Edsel Dealership was to be today’s topic, but a recent event prompted the change. On Wednesday afternoon, April 29, the old Brockman barn on Johnstonville Road went up on flames. In 1864, William Brockman and Jurgen Jensen were partners in a blacksmith shop in Susanville. A few years later they dissolved it. The two men located on nearby ranches on Johnstonville Road. After a 1947 suicide of a Brockman family member that occurred in the barn, the ranch after three generations of ownership was sold.

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Lassen High Alumni

Lassen High

Something a little bit different. On the third Saturday of June, the Lassen High Alumni Association holds it all alumni picnic in Susanville. Alumni come far and near to attend this event, some 400+. For me its always been fun, and I can conduct a lot of historical research in one afternoon. For your reading enjoyment, I provide you with the Alumni’s April newsletter, which has a lot of interesting reading material. Clink on the link below to open the PDF file.

Alum News Apr. 15

Feed Back

Mattison House
Mattison House, near Standish, circa 1900. It was located to the east of the town, at “four corners.”

It has now been two months since the site was launched, and over a month since the daily blog began.

Of course, since I started this new venue, it is important to me receive feedback, as to what some like or do not like, and then again something you would like to see. After all, I do not possess any psychic abilities.

However, it would be tremendous for me to hear from you. You can either do a reply post below. Please take note, your email address is safe and secure, and it is never displayed publicly or exchanged. If you are on the shy side, you can always send me an email at tim@tipurdy.org

Hope to hear from you soon. Tomorrow, regular postings resume.

Easter Sunday

Methodist Church, 1905
Susanville’s Methodist Church, 1905

It being Easter Sunday, I thought it would only be appropriate to provide some of the history of religion in our region. The Methodist Church had a profound influence on the Honey Lake Valley. In 1860, this church held their first service in Susanville. By 1905, there were Methodist Churches in Janesville, Johnstonville, Standish and, of course, Susanville, more than any other denomination.  Continue reading Easter Sunday

Potter’s Maternity Plaque

Potter's Maternity Home
Pottter’s Maternity Home

As many may be aware, Rite Aid plans a 17,400 square foot building on the 1600 block of Susanville. All the buildings on that block are scheduled to a be demolished. I do not have any problem with this, in fact I am favor of the project. My only concern is the bronze plaque at the bank be saved and incorporated in the new enterprise. Anyone who is concerned needs to contact Craig Sanders at the City of Susanville to express your concern. The details of the project can be found here.

 

 

Lake School

Lake School
Lake School, 1886

One of the original six school districts established in 1864. In 1877, the District constructed a two-story schoolhouse with the assistance of the Independent Order of Good Templars. The second story was used as a hall for that organization. In 1934 the second story was removed as part of a WPA project. Francis Wilbur, a local carpenter was hired to do the work at a cost of $1,740.

In 1953, a ballot referendum was held to consolidate the Janesville, Lake, and Missouri Bend schools. The Lake District voters opposed it. In 1971, the school closed and annexed to Janesville. In 1975, the Janesville District declared the Lake School as surplus property and it was deeded to George and Jane Bailey. The schoolhouse has since been converted into a private residence.