Mark Arnold’s life was cut short. In late April 1898, he had an attack of appendicitis at Hayden Hill. He never recovered and passed away in Susanville on May 7, at the age of seventeen.  A native of Susanville, and a grandson of the town’s founder, Isaac Roop, he was born on October 17, 1881 to Alex and Susan Arnold. He was laid to  rest in the Susanville Cemetery, but there is no marker for his grave.

His family did finally remember him.  In 1920. the Arnold family created two subdivisions just north of present day Memorial Park. There was Arnold Orchard Tract and the Arnold Addition.  Separating the two, was one block long street between Grand Avenue to the east and North Weatherow. They named it Mark Street, in honor of Mark Arnold.

The street would double in length when on July 6, 1952,  the City of Susanville approved the Compton Orchard Subdivision. The new subdivision created 51 building lots. Mark Street was extended by one block to connect with Parkdale Avenue. Other streets were extended as well, Arnold, Parkdale and Willow. A new street was created–Vista. Construction of the streets began in the fall of 1952.

Subscribe