It being the second to the last day of the year, I little “housekeeping” is in order. While earlier in the year I wrote about the Standish townsite dedication held on February 5, 1898.  It was my intent to use the above photograph. Nancy Johnston Chappuis was able to identify nearly everyone of the ceremonial cutting of sagebrush at Standish. So for historical posterity here is that information.

Cutting the sagebrush is William E. Smythe. Standing behind left to right Ben Leavitt, Hi  McClellan, Gertrude McClellan, unknown, Jim Elledge, Homer McClellan, A.E. Torrey, Harriet Torrey, unknown, unknown, Mrs. Dunn, H.R.T. Coffin, and Robert Barham.

Tim

If Standish were to have a sister city, it would be New Plymouth, Idaho located in the Payette Valley of southwestern Idaho. Both communities had the same founder, William E. Smythe of the Associated Colonies of New York.

Established in 1895, Smythe noted the Plymouth Colony of Idaho will be the model of communities to be established hereafter. Its plan was made by the President of the Associated Colonies, with the co-operation of men of the largest practical experience in western life. Two years after its founding, the official head of Plymouth Colony writes, “We have not a single colonist who is discontented, or one who regrets that he located here.”

New Plymouth’s was a fairly successful venture. While its counterpart Standish was not. The Associated Colonies expended large sums at Standish and was forced into bankruptcy in 1901, thus ending the colony system.

Tim

Since it is Thanksgiving,  how appropriate to note one of the best known pilgrims of yore-Myles Standish—for whom Standish, California is named for. The founders of Standish did not quite follow all the Puritan beliefs. They took a little here, a little there. The main goal was for everyone in the Standish community to be self sufficient. They noted in the above publication, what a standard diet consisted of from examining a bill of fare published in San Francisco. Every item on the menu for breakfast, supper (i.e. lunch) and dinner could be raised in the Honey Lake Valley, with the exception of coffee and tea.

Since this is holiday where food is an integral here is the menu for a typical supper (.i.e dinner) meal. Mushrooms and Sweatbreads in Chafing Dish; Cucumber sandwiches; Compote of Pears; Layer Cake; Cheese and Tea.

Tim

The nation’s  colony movement of the 1890s gained great momentum with experimental communities—Greeley, Colorado is a prime example. The target audience to attract settlers were people who lived in the urban centers east of the Mississippi and the enticement of living in a healthier environment.

Associated Colonies of New York planned for Standish to be centered around what they referred to as the Farm Village. It was the concept of agricultural European communities, where everyone resided in a village and during the day ventured out to work their farm property. This is what the Associated Colonies referred to as the Blessing of Neighbors. Instead of living on an isolated homestead, far from a another soul, they believed in the immense benefit of the social interaction that a farm village would provide. In turn, with the village, this would create a school, library, social activities and so forth. Unfortunately, there were difficulties at Standish from its earliest years, which forced Associated Colonies to abandon this endeavor.

Tim

Someone recently wanted to know who Chappuis Lane was so named. The Chappuis family operated a ranch along the Susan River, where the lane passes through.

In 1890, Frank Johnston filed a 160-acre homestead at that location and in 1893, moved his family there. In 1906, his daughter Nancy married Ed Chappuis. For many years it was known as the Johnston & Chappuis Ranch. After the passing of Frank Johnston in 1909, his Fred Johnston, along with Ed & Nancy Chappuis carried on. In 1951 the ranch was divided, with Nancy Chappuis retaining her father’s original ranch. Nancy and her sons—Evan, Ray and Leo—carried on for many more decades. (It should be noted that Ed Chappuis passed away in 1943).

Tim

By 1900, Standish Colony was not developing the way the founders envisioned.  However, Buntingville merchant, Mike Phillips, from across the valley saw potential at Standish. He closed up shop there and moved to Standish.

Phillips first order of business was to open a store at Standish. Then he became the principal figure to organize the Standish Creamery. That was followed by building the town’s first hotel. When Phillips was at Buntingville he established a newspaper Buntingville Breezes. In 1903, he made an unsuccessful attempt to establish a newspaper at Standish.

In 1904, for reasons unknown, he sold his Standish properties. A.E. & Harriet Torrey bought the hotel. It should be noted that Harriet was Standish first postmaster. The creamery and store was sold to Susanville businessman Charles Emerson. Phillips relocated to Reno Nevada and never heard from again.

Tim