In 1853, Congress passed an Act granting the State of California school lands, in effort to support public education. Every Section 16 and 36 in every Township was granted to the State of California as school sections. These properties did not require a federal land patent to be acquired, just simple fee to the State. It is interesting that 19 California counties were exempt. During the early years, the State sold these lands to prospective buyers at $1.25 per acre. When school lands are sold today, those funds are deposited into the State Teacher’s Retirement Fund. In Lassen County, there remains a high concentration of school lands in the eastern portion of the Honey Lake Valley.

Juniper Lake, located in Lassen Volcanic National Park fell under the jurisdiction of the State as a school land section. In 1892, San Francisco resident, J.P. Frenna purchased 475 acres that included Juniper Lake from the State for $1.25 per acre.

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In about a month, fall semester will start at Lassen Community College. So a little bit of Lassen College history. By 1930s, schools were adopting mascots. In 1937, the college adopted the “Camel.” Its selection was attributed to the forestry students. An interesting choice, that puzzled future alumni.

Shortly, after World War II a discussion was held whether the camel was an appropriate mascot, since it was so far removed from its natural habitat. It was decided to select a mascot of a local nature and the “Cougar,” was selected to replace the camel.

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One of the original six school districts established in 1864, that was located in the northwest segment of Honey Lake, near what would become Buntingville. In 1877, the District constructed a two-story schoolhouse with the assistance of the Independent Order of Good Templars. The second story was used as a hall for that organization. In 1934 the second story was removed as part of a WPA project. Francis Wilbur, a local carpenter was hired to do the work at a cost of $1,740.

In 1953, a ballot referendum was held to consolidate the Janesville, Lake, and Missouri Bend schools. The Lake District voters opposed it. In 1971, the school closed and annexed to Janesville. In 1975, the Janesville District declared the Lake School as surplus property and it was deeded to George and Jane Bailey. The schoolhouse has since been converted into a private residence.

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