In July of 1893, a fire wiped out Susanville’s entire business district. An 1898 fire would destroy records pertaining to 1893-1896 era. This makes this photograph rare, but intriguing. As the saying a picture is worth a 1,000 words. In this case, the picture asks a multitude of questions. After all, these buildings would be destroyed by a 1900 fire. It was that fire, the residents of the Susanville Township rallied for incorporation as a municipality for fire protection. A special election was held in August and City of Susanville became a reality.
Tim
This is a very cool photo. Everyone seems well dressed, even the little boy. Was it a Sunday or dressed for the photographer? Not a woman in sight! A fire hydrant but no established fire protection?
Thanks for sharing!