The following came from a newspaper clipping file from the Oakland Public Library. “Lassen County Resources Are Tapped By War—McClatchy Newspaper Services, September 1, 1948.

”Susanville—A 10 year growth which embraces industrial and agricultural expansion and increase in population has culminated in the unification of Susanville into an incorporated city looking ahead to further progress.

”A decade ago the city was emerging from the depression. Lumber and sawmills which had not operated for periods ranging from two to several years started resuming operations and the last of the Works Projects Administration were begun.

”Spurred by war demands for lumber and minerals, Susanville became the center of countywide expansion during the war which reinvigorated this area.

”The population growth had a marked effect. Susanville experienced the housing shortage which other sections of the country also experienced. More than 100 residents undertook the building of their own homes in 1946.

”Community concerts were obtained for the residents and a city park created and constructed. A well equipped clinical hospital has been established. A public golf course was opened and a museum constructed.”

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Before summer ends, what better way to commemorate it than  once upon time  American classic the outdoor bandstand. It is a little known fact that Susanville had its own bandstand, briefly.  It was located at the top of Main Street, best known today as the triangle plot beneath the Elk’s Lodge. It was through the energetic efforts of the Mountain Echo Band. that was the reckoning force. In September 1902, the octagonal bandstand was constructed and even adorned with electrical lights. On September 14, 1902, the bandstand was dedicated by the Mountain Echo Band  with their first concert. Two weeks later it was focal point of royal pageant during the county fair.  A few years later the Mountain Echo Band disbanded and the bandstand fell into disrepair. By 1906, one observer said the relic had become eyesore on the community. In 1908, it was torn down.

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That was how the Sacramento Bee described the event, when a lumber truck overturned at the west entrance of Susanville spilling a load of lumber on August 16, 1982. A truck carrying a load of Collins Pine lumber crashed into the retaining wall on the west entrance in Susanville, careened out of control, rolled over scattering lumber across Cottage and South Pine Streets. The driver sustained minor injuries. Faulty brakes were to blame for the accident.

Tim

On June 6, 1900 a destructive fire wiped out a major portion of Susanville’s business district on the south side of Main Street from Roop to Union.  But prior to fire, the Susanville School District had hired Reno contractor C.E. Clough to construct a two-story brick school to replace the wooden one on Cottage Street at a cost of $12,500.

As noted yesterday, was the construction of Emerson’s three-story brick hotel. Clough kept really busy. On August 29, 1900 the Methodist Church hired him to build a brick church for the wooden destroyed earlier by fire at a cost of $4,739. Next up was Oakes & Philbrook Furniture Store at the southeast corner of Main and Gay Streets. That building along with the Methodist Church are the only two still remaining.

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After the devastating fire of June 6, 1900, a new Susanville would arise from the ashes. In addition, the town witnessed a substantial use of brick for the preferred building material.

On July 31, 1900 groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the largest most expensive building to be constructed in town to date. It was Charlie Emerson’s three-story hotel, encompassing a quarter of a block on the southwest corner of Main and Lassen Streets. Emerson invested some $300,000 to construct and furnish  the brick building that contained 27,576 square feet. The ground floor was devoted to commercial and the upper two floors contained 76 guest rooms. A grand opening was held on June 3, 1901, and The Emerson became the town’s premiere social hub.

The Emerson Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1915. Ten years later, it was replaced by the Hotel Mt. Lassen at a cost of $300,000.

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While many may be aware that Cady Springs located three miles west of Susanville in the Susan River Canyon is a major source of the City’s water supply. It was initially known as Big Springs. On March 28, 1864, Susanville resident Luther Spencer filed rights to Big Springs with the intent as future water supply for the town. At that time, the source for Susanville’s water came from Piute Creek. Spencer’s good intention never came to fruition.

In 1869, a group of Susanville residents formed the Susanville Water Works with the same proposal as Spencer. Their first priority was to survey a ditch to convey the water, which they did. When they reached out to the community to raise funds to construct the ditch, they found none. In due diligence, in 1872, a initial work began on the ditch, and thus Susanville’s new water supply.

In 1896, Frank Cady purchased the Susanville Water Works and owned it until 1930 when he sold to the Republic Electric Power Company and it was in the era when the springs became known as Cady.

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The Arnold Planing Mill along the Susan River near the Richmond Road bridge was one of the most photographed landmarks in the area before it was destroyed by fire in 1914. Of course, enhancing the view was the Susanville Grammar School (later renamed Washington) on the hill above. Then there was the wooden Richmond Road bridge that was replaced in 1915.

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The Susanville Volunteer Fire Department went all out to put on a two-day grand Fourth of July celebration for 1916. The festivities began at 9:30 a.m. on Monday July 3 with a band concert with the music provided by the Westwood Orchestra. This was followed by horse races, foot races, more band concerts, a boxing match topped off with an outdoor evening dance.

The activities kept coming the next day. There were firemen’s competitions between Alturas, Susanville and Westwood. There were more boxing matches, baseball games, band concerts with a parade that afternoon.

At 8:30 p.m. was the grand fireworks exhibition.  The location and viewing points were unique, no doubt with fire safety in mind. The fireworks display occurred at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Prospect on the bluff above the Susan River. The public was urged to view the fireworks on the opposing bluff where the Susanville Grammar (nee Washington) School. An hour later a Mardi Gras and carnival dance capped the celebrations.

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In the spring of 1910, the Hunsinger & Wood Meat Market wanted to inform their customers that they have a nice supply of pickles, cheese, cooked ham and smoked fish. This they believed would solve anyone’s lunch problem.

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