The temperance movement locally gained a foothold in the early 1880s, but never could gain any traction. In the late 1910s everything was about to change.
The first two times the town went dry were unusual circumstances. The first time was on August 7, 1917, at the request of the United States Army Draft Board. This was to accommodate the examining physicians. The doctors experienced a number of difficulties in examining inductees, since the majority of them arrived for physicals heavily intoxicated!
A year later the saloons were closed again, but this time by City of Susanville. The Spanish Influenza epidemic was the cause. There were over 300 cases of the flu in Susanville alone–roughly one-third of the population. The City held a special meeting on November 11, 1918, and it was voted three-to-two to close the saloons. The ban was effective immediately. On November 19, the City met again in special session to discuss the ban and it was lifted. It had been noted that there had been a decrease in flu cases
In 1919 witnessed the passage of the Volstead Act, also known as the Prohibition Act or the Eighteenth Amendment. June 30, 1919, was the last official day for the saloons to operate in Susanville. The Lassen Weekly Mail noted its observance; “The final obsequies for John Barleycorn in Susanville last Monday night was a very tame affair when compared with the scenes in other parts of the country. The saloons had disposed of practically all their stock before Monday and the supply of liquid refreshments was not very plentiful at the close. The doors were closed promptly at 12 o’clock.”
The saloon business was big business in Susanville. The city treasury was hit hard. The closing of these businesses city lost one-quarter of its revenue from licensing fees.