Back in the 1920s and 1930s certain segments of Susanville’s Society entertained in a variety of formats. While there were numerous card groups to pass the time, others craved something a bit more exciting. These, of course, were costume parties and the themes as varied as the host/hostess.

It is interesting to note that these “freak parties,” as they were called, were quite popular during prohibition and less so afterwards. Whether alcohol refreshments were served, is anyone’s guess, but Susanville residents enjoyed their libations during prohibition.

Who knows if we experience a roaring 2020’s, may be there will be a resurgence of some form of freak parties.

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This home built in the mid-1880s at the southwest corner of Nevada and Gay Streets, had numerous owners, my great great grandmother Franceska Murrer Neuhuas, was one of them. In 1978 the property was purchased by Bank of America where they would build a new Susanville Branch office. The house, fortunately was not demolished but moved a few blocks away to 330 North Roop Street.

Tim

In 1862, Harry Thompson who operated the local stone quarry in Susanville purchased three lots on the north side of Main Street between Lassen and Gay Streets from Isaac Roop. Shortly, thereafter he built a house there. The following year he defaulted on the payments to Roop and Roop took possession of the house and moved in. He would reside there until his death in 1869. Later his daughter and son-in-law, Alex and Susan Arnold resided with him. The Arnolds remained there until 1885 when they sold the house, and built a new home on Weatherlow Street. The Roop house was then moved to its present location at 140 North Lassen Street where it remains to this day. In 1935, Ardell Torrey completely renovated the house.

Tim

In the mid-1920s a nucleus of what would become Susanville’s Automotive Row took place. Two significant developments took place in 1925/26 with the construction of two car dealerships at the intersection of Main and Weatherlow Streets. On the northwest corner was Smith’s Chevrolet. Kitty corner, or the southeast corner of Main and Weatherlow was Ramsey Auto Sales, a General Motors dealership . Next facing Weatherlow was Menth’s Auto Service. Kitty corner to that a gas station, which out of the four is the only one that exists. Just below Ramsey Auto Sales was Wiencke’s garage, which was  an Overland dealership.* Across the street and down a bit near the Veteran’s Memorial building  was Susanville Motors, a Packard dealership. In 1931, Fred Deal purchased Susanville Motors from Felix Polin & Son and later brought in Lester Davie to form Deal & Davie.

*Overland would be best known for its Willy’s  Jeep.

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