In 1859, Peter Olsen located along the north bank of the Feather River, which would later become the community of Chester. Olsen like a handful of others, of what then was known as Big Meadows were dairymen. Over the years, he acquired some 1,100 acres. Upon his death in 1892, his three sons, George, Nels and Edgar took over the operation. Time changes. In the early 1900s, Great Western Power Company began buying all the properties in Big Meadows to transform it into Lake Almanor. The Olsen’s sold all but 110 acres, which was above the 4500 contour line.
The dairy operation would slowly be phased out, so it was time to change occupations. The family became innkeepers. In 1913 construction began on their hotel. In early May 1914, the doors were open to the public, and timing could not have been better. By the end of the month, Lassen Peak began erupting, bringing throngs of people to see it. Olsen’s was one of the few nearby lodging establishments and business was off to a booming start.
For many years the hotel was operated by Nels and Eula Olsen. In 1948, it was time to retire and they sold the hotel to Earl McKenzie. McKenzie leased it for a time, and it finally shuttered. As to the building’s final demise, I do not know.