Fratneral organizations once social fabric of many communities, both large and small have been waning. In Susanville, it came as shock to many residents that iconic Elks Lodge that has graced the west end of Susanville will be up for sale. A dwindling membership, maintenance costs  among other things  is cited for cause.

Way before the Elks organization, initial property ownership of this prime property is rather vague. It also happens, record wise, the earliest land transaction of Chinese in Lassen County.  On September 14, 1864  Chew Henry sold this lot in Susanville to fellow countryman Hoa for $266. How Chew Henry acquired it, is not known. Ditto, how Hoa disposed it.. In November 1865, Shong Lee sold it to Isaac Roop for $150. Eventually, Sarah Hosselkus bought the property. On March 22, 1884 she sold the lot J.G. Leonard for $450. Leonard in turn commissioned the structure that we know of Elks Lodge today.

Tim