In 1871, M.O. Folsom (1845-1931) moved with his family from Virginia City, Nevada to Willow Creek Valley, just north of Susanville. In 1873, he became a partner with his brother Louis, when they purchased 600 acres in the Willow Creek Valley.  When his father passed away in 1903, He took his possession of that ranch. In 1908, Folsom sold ranch to the Hill & Lonkey Land & Livestock Company and moved to Susanville. It should be noted, that his father, Orman, dabbled in real estate, and purchased Hank Landt’s Clear Creek property. In 1909, the younger Folsom sold it to the Red River Lumber Company for $6,500.

In 1911, M.O. Folsom entered into the subdivision field, with his East Addition to Susanville. This we explored, and you can read about it here.  The subdivision did not meet his expectations, though not a failure, the real action was the south side of town where the railroad was located. Folsom, however, did serve on the committees to secure the Fruit Growers Supply Company and Lassen Lumber and Box Company’s mils.The mills more than tripled the town’s population, thus a golden opportunity for island speculation. For instance, in 1922,  Folsom sold a parcel land to the Susanville School District for $9,000 the future home of Lincoln School.

Folsom also had a benevolent side. In 1929, he offered the future site of Memorial Park to the Susanville Rotary Club at a bargain price. It was a complicated affair that ultimately fell through. He also owned what now known as Hobo Camp, along the Susan River, near Susanville. It was known as Folsom Park, a favorite picnic spot among locals.

Folsom passed away in 1931 and is buried in the family plot in the Susanville Cemetery. In 2005, his granddaughter and only heir, Mary Dale Folsom, still owned several parcels that once belonged to her  grandfather.

Tim