At one time, small schools could be found throughout Lassen County. After all, back in 1900, the two main requirements were there was at least ten school age children living in a proposed district, and the nearest school had to be more than five miles distant.

The Poplar School was located near the entrance of the present day Dakin Unit of Fish & Game in the Honey Lake Valley. This school was created on November 10, 1913. A bond election was held on June 6, 1914, at George Hartson’s residence, to approve $1,750 for the construction of a schoolhouse. All ten voters approved the measure. In June 1935, the school closed for lack of students. Orlo Bailey purchased the schoolhouse and moved it to his nearby ranch, converting it into a bunkhouse. The school was named for the abundance of poplar trees that had been planted by the Hartson family, though, like the school, the trees do not exist today.

Subscribe!