Several years ago, I did like a “Cliff Note” version on this topic. So to do it justice, the following is the complete article that appeared in the Lassen Advocate of July 5, 1873.

“On account of the great injury to the human family resulting from the use of adulterated liquors and being moved by principles of benevolence and an earnest desire to benefit suffering humanity, I have determined to organize a Loafer’s Society in Susanville.

“The object of this society shall be the promotion of the cause of temperance; and as all other means and expedients have failed to reduce the liquor traffic, the founder has come to the conclusion that the only effectual way to destroy the baneful influences of liquor on society, is for a few devoted men to sacrifice themselves for the good of the community, and consume all the intoxicating beverages of what kind soever that may be found in the community. By the word consume as used in this connection, is meant to throw one’s self on the outside of, guzzle, to get away with. Consequently, the difference between this and other temperance societies is, that whereas, Orthodox temperance organizations, forbid their members the use of various or intoxicating liquor; this society shall require its members to drink all the virous or intoxicating liquors they can find, or by any means get hold of.

It should also the duty of members of this society, to distribute themselves about the entrances of churches and places of public gatherings, and stare at and make remarks about ladies. This, we think will an impressive lesson upon the minds of a rising generation.

“The only recommendations required to become a member of the Loafer’s Society will be, immoral character, an easy flow of profane and vulgar language and a large capacity for whiskey.”

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When the municipality was created in 1900, it’s status was that of a incorporated town. In 1911, the California Legislature added a provision whereby the word “Town” in any municipal corporation could be changed to “City.” The process was a simple one. A petition signed by twenty-five percent of the registered voters was required. Once presented to the Town Council, that body could introduce an ordinance and after thirty days it would take effect. A petition was provided to the council and at their May 6, 1940 meeting they passed the ordinance to rename the municipal corporation to the “City of Susanville.” In June, it was official—Susanville was a bona fide “City.”

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In Susanville’s early years as an incorporated city, it was remarkable what the council did. One of their actions, I still support today, and that is the prohibition of fireworks. The first time they banned fireworks was in 1906, following the aftermath of the San Francisco earthquake and fire. It was also a nod to the insurance companies who suffered tremendous loss from that event. It was their belief, as well as many other communities, that this preventive measure would reduce the risk of fires.

In 1912, the City once again banned fireworks. The Lassen Advocate applauded the city and wrote: 21 June 1912 – “No Fireworks on the Fourth. We desire to congratulate our Board of Town Trustees on their action in placing the ban on all kinds of fireworks on July 2, 3, and 4. This action has been taken by large and progressive cities for years past, and we are greatly pleased to note that the smaller places are falling into line. Fireworks do no good and may do a world of harm. Fires may be started that will blot out blocks of cities or towns; little boys and girls all over the United States have lost fingers, hands eyes and in many instances, their lives from the dangerous pinwheel and firecrackers. Let them yell all they will, let them spend their money for ice cream, candy—anything on earth but the fireworks.”

In 1916, the Monticola Club appeared before the Susanville City Council asking for a ban of fireworks for the 4th of July. Their answer was no. The council assured that the utmost care would be done, but they were not going to deprive children of the festivities.

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Yesterday, I mentioned the Bocci Ball Court, and the only way I learned of their existence is because I possess a 1929 Sanborn Map of Susanville, with a 1935 update. The maps are quite rare because Sanborn never gave up ownership of their maps. As was customary, an insurance underwriter rented the map, and was later returned back to the company. My copy is only one of four in existence. How, I received a copy is an interesting story in itself, but it was in a junk pile of other records destined to the dump.

The maps are a treasure trove of information. The maps are quite detailed indicating whether a building was made of wood, brick, stone etc. Take for instance, the steeple of Sacred Heart Church was thirty feet in height. Another example, as the above illustration indicates, Carroll Street crossed Susan River to connect with Richmond Road. The street has since been realigned and no longer crosses over the river, but one can see the cement bridge abutments. Another example with streets, Alexander Avenue was not a through street and its length was from North Railroad Avenue to Cornell Street.

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This is the second installment of the “mobile home” tour. This was home of Marcus Nathan, well known merchant way back when and it was originally located on the southeast corner of Cottage and South Gay Streets. In 1920, the Susanville School District purchased the property for a new school that would eventually be known as McKinley. This was a relatively short move, almost across the street and it is now Elise’s Barber Shop.

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Susanville’s founder, Isaac Roop on why he came to the Honey Lake Valley, was different than Peter Lassen. On the other hand, Roop came to California in 1850. Roop was not a member of the gold rush. He came here from Ohio at the urging of his brother Josiah, who had a general store in the mining community of Shasta. Josiah asked his brother Isaac to operate the store while he returned east to bring his family out to California. Josiah never made back it, as he died en route. Isaac had no choice but to remain to settle his brother’s estate.

On June 14, 1853 was a turning point for Roop when a devastating fire in Shasta left him nearly destitute. A bit background on Roop. He was widowed and the father of three small children whom he left in the care of his in-laws. Roop decided not to rebuild in Shasta nor was he going to return to his family in Ohio. Instead he set out out on the Noble’s Emigrant Trail in the fall of 1853 in search of a location for a trading post. He found a spot at the very western end of the Honey Lake Valley. In June 1854, Roop with his brother, Ephraim returned and built a log cabin trading post/home that became the foundation of what would become Susanville.

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