This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the placement of this monument, located ten miles north of Susanville along Highway 139.    In past I have had posts about the the history of Jacks Valley, but this is a tale about how the monument came to be. By 1980, the fraternal organization known as E Clampus Vitus was having a influence among some rag-tag population of the Honey Lake Valley. They were an ambitious lot, and lo and behold began the process to form a chapter for Lassen-Modoc, which territory was under control of Las Plumas Del Oro, Chapter No. 8 somewhat headquartered in Quincy. To make a long story short, they succeeded with the formation of the Sagebrush Posse, a provisional step to become a full-fledged chapter to be known as the Never Sweats.

A major undertaking of the Sagebrush Posse was to recognize a historical landmark with a plaque/monument. The site selected was a cement water trough north of Susanville that was constructed in 1913 to aid travelers whether by horse or an automobile, especially those traveling from the north provided a respite after traversing the Antelope Grade.

It was a learning experience for the posse. Researching the history of the site revealed a rich, but hardly known history. With knowledge in hand, it was decided to register it through the State of California Point of Historical Interest program. It was an interesting hurdle, but accomplished and became the first Lassen County landmark registered. Next step the monument. Caltrans refused the proposed monument location in there right-of-way citing proposed plans for a four lane highway. This baffled the posse, after all this was in 1983!

Not to be undeterred, a strange loop hole was found. Adjacent to the trough was a four-acre plot that the highway dissected, that belonged to the Lassen-Modoc Joint Highway District No. 14. That district formed in 1929 was responsible for the construction of Highway139, which was finally completed in 1959.  To appease Caltrans, the posse needed to get permission from the special highway dormant district. Fortunately, one of few living board members of district, and long time Lassen County Board of Supervisor, Pete Gerig signed a letter of permission.

The moment of truth to construct the monument. When it was nearly complete it was time to install the brass plaque. Opps! It turns out the foundry made a typo and a new plaque had to be remade. When all was said and done a plaque dedication was held on July 9, 1983.

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