In November 1859 a posse was formed to retrieve Lassen’s remains for burial on his property near Lassen Creek by a majestic ponderosa pine tree. In June 1862 the newly organized Masonic lodge placed a monument on Lassen’s unmarked grave. It should be duly noted when Lassen made the trip to Missouri in 1847 to recruit settlers, on his return he brought back with him the state’s first Masonic charter. By the early 1900s, concerns were made that the elements were taking a toll on the monument. In 1916, Jules Alexander unveiled an ambitious plan to raise funds for a second monument, which was placed and dedicated in September 1917.
Fast forward nearly a century later, it was determined the property could use some tender loving care. The first community organization to step forward was Susanville Rotary Club. Their first order of business was to replace the old wooden picnic tables with metal ones. The Masons, too, got involved, since they are the owners of the property. The next thing you know in 2017, Susanville Boy Scout Hayden Chittock made the rehabilitation of the premises into an Eagle Scout project. It was a massive undertaking to say the least, with many volunteers lending a helping hand. Go check it out, when you can.