Over the course of time the region has seen a wide variety of barn styles. Some had lasted through time and others not, for one reason or another.
In 1864, a German immigrant, Jurgen Jensen located in Susanville, where entered into a partnership with William Brockman, to operate a blacksmith shop. In the ensuing years, the two men, went off on their own, each locating on property along Johnstonville Road.
In 1891, Jensen had a large three-story barn built on his ranch. On September 11, 1923, the barn was destroyed by fire and it was believed to be caused by spontaneous combustion. Stored inside was 200 tons of hay, valued at that time around $3,500. The barn was insured for $1,500, but it was not enough to cover the cost to replace it.
Can you tell me where the Jensen ranch was/is located? I beleived it to be off of Hwy 44, according to my Sister in law that is where she used to go to visit her Grandfather. Jurgeon Jensen is her direct descendent she has never mentioned a ranch on Johnstonville Road when talking her family history
The Jurgen Jensen ranch house was built in 1886 and was located where, Zaengles Furniture, now stands on Main St. I’ve been told that it was moved in 1963 or 1964 and have met several witnesses to this event. It is now located at 4005 Johnstonville Rd., a very short distance away from it’s original site. The Jensen Slough, runs right along the side of it as well. From my understanding it was a large ranch and the fairground property was just a piece of it. There’s a good chance that the current location of the house is standing on the original ranch property! My husband, Bill, and I have lived in this wonderful old ranch house for many years and enjoy the rich history of Lassen County!
( The house was moved in order for the highway to be built ) Hope this helps.