The old English proverb necessity is the mother invention was widely adopted locally. For years Fruit Growers searched for an effective way to reduce grass around its millsite for fire protection. In 1937, someone came up with the brilliant idea to bring in a band sheep to graze the mill property. Problem solved and they called the new addition to their workforce “Lassen Lawnmowers.”
First of all, I truly appreciate those who subscribe and/or donate to help “keep the lights on” so to speak. There is a bit of irony that is the non-subscribers who post the most comments about any daily topic. In addition, many non-subscribers inform me how much they enjoy the daily posts.
Of course, there are associated costs such as web host and domain fees, which are given. Then there are those hidden surprises, such as in when Scott Lawson of the Plumas County Museum and Susanville resident Susan Wannebo alerted about a classified ad in the Plumas papers concerning an old trunk in the bay area with a collection of photographs of the Susanville. I made contact with the party and while the trunk was free, shipping was not, but it was a $100 well spent.
I know this may get lost with the upcoming 4th of July holiday, but even if one person steps up to donate and/or subscribe, that is still better than none.
Eagle Lake Nature Programs Presents “Snakes at the Lake with Dr. Amanda Sparkman,” Saturday, June 17, 7:00 p.m. Merrill Amphitheater, County Road A1, Eagle Lake, South Shore. (in the event of rain, event will be postponed or canceled).
Eagle Lake Nature Programs kicks off its 2017 Summer Programs with, “Snakes at the Lake with Dr. Amanda Sparkman.” Dr. Sparkman, of Westmont University in Santa Barbara, California, and currently doing field study at Eagle Lake, has been involved in researching Eagle Lake garter snakes since 2005, but the original study of these snakes began 40 years ago. “We’re interested in the ecology and evolution of these snakes, including how they’ve adapted their growth rates, reproduction, lifespan, and behavior to different habitats surrounding Eagle Lake, as well as how they are responding genetically, physiologically, and demographically to current environmental change.” This year it will be particularly interesting to see how or if the increased precipitation has affected the snakes at all. Continue reading Eagle Lake Nature Programs
One of the peculiar oddities back in Westwood’s early history there were no accommodations for the traveling public. The Red River Lumber Company who controlled the town wanted it that way. This would hinder any “undesirables” to try infiltrate the town, i.e., such as union organizers. However, Red River needed to provide some sort of accommodations for people visiting on official business with the company. Red River constructed the El Solano at 501 Birch Street to meet those needs.
In the 1930s, during Red River’s financial crisis, the company converted its American Legion Hall into a hotel known as the Blue Ox Inn, and thus the El Solano diminished in status. It would later be converted into apartments. In the fall of 1965 the Assembly of God Church renovated the building, and the second story removed. Today, it is a private residence.
If you have resided in Susanville for any period of time, the odds are that you have been in the residence depicted above, albeit in its altered state that occurred in 1939. The first person who figures it out will receive a 2018 Purdy’s Private Reserve Calendar when it is released this fall.
A while back, I wrote about Hallett Creek, importing water from one basin to another. Well, a lot of folks have had their eyes on Honey Lake. Ironically, in 1868 and 1911, certain Honey Lake residents suggested that a canal be constructed between Honey and Pyramid Lakes. In those two instances, the level of Honey Lake was so high, that many farms around the lake were flooded and it was their intention to drain the excess water to Pyramid. Continue reading I will have that water, please!
As usual, things are subject to change.
| Saga of George Long | 2/1/17 |
| Papoose Meadows – End of an Era | 2/2/17 |
| Golden Eagle Mine – Hayden Hill | 2/3/17 |
| Indian Basket History | 2/4/17 |
| Anniversary Time | 2/5/17 |
| The Iron Horse Irony | 2/6/17 |
| Dixie Valley – Lassen County | 2/7/17 |
| Amedee Geyser Newspaper | 2/8/17 |
| Susanville – Burma Road | 2/9/17 |
| Lassen County Military History | 2/10/17 |
| Spalding Tract’s first cabin | 2/11/17 |
| Lassen County – Heath Reservoir | 2/12/17 |
| Lassen County – Conklin Sawmill | 2/13/17 |
| A Little Love . . . | 2/14/17 |
| Westwood’s Opera House | 2/15/17 |
| Introducing Ebenezer C. Brown | 2/16/17 |
| The Eagle Lake Cut | 2/17/17 |
| Noble’s Pass | 2/18/17 |
| McKissick Cattle Company | 2/19/17 |
| Perspectives | 2/20/17 |
| William Greehn | 2/21/17 |
| I will have that water, please! | 2/22/17 |
| Davis Cut – Lassen County | 2/23/17 |
| Eagle Lake Exotic Species | 2/24/17 |
| Riverside School | 2/25/17 |
| Leon Bly – Bad Karma? | 2/26/17 |
| A sawmill burns . . . | 2/27/17 |
It has been some time since I took a day off. As today is my birthday, I am going to tweedle dee and tweedle dum the day away. A regular post resumes tomorrow.
P.S. – For those wondering, I won re-election to the Lassen College Board of Trustees–a real squeaker by 71 votes!
One clue only: It is one of the oldest reservoirs in Lassen County, Leavitt Lake being the oldest.
A clue: It is one of my favorite picnic spots. Hopefully, this will not be as difficult as Coleman Lake. Remember, Go Exploring. The answer and story will appear a week from today.