It is not really known how this form of entertainment made it to Susanville way back when. On July 25, 1868, Bartholomew’s Great Western Circus came to town to give its first performance of this kind. It was part of their tour into the hinterlands of Northern California. The details of the event are rather sketchy. Its most famous act was the great talking pony, “Napoleon.”

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Some times, when I look at historical events, and just do not get it. This is one of them. In 1920, Grass Valley resident, W.H.Tuttle, purchased Susanville’s Pioneer Saloon that had been in existence since 1863. (Now home to Lassen Ale Works) After all, on June 30, 1920, national prohibition would take effect. Not only that, Tuttle announced he was going to replace the one-story wooden structure, with a two-story concrete, which he did and still stands. This, of course, changed the dynamics of the business, founded on providing alcholic beverages to one engaging of selling soft drinks, tobacco and similar merchandise. The one item it had in its favor was a card room, where games of chance were played and lots of money changed hands, which carried on decades after the repeal of prohibition.

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In 1920s, William “Dad Popcorn” Vellenworth located his popcorn stand to the corner of Main and South Gay Streets, Susanville. Out of nowhere for no apparent reason on the afternoon of February 17, 1930 the steam boiler connected with the apparatus exploded, injuring not only “Dad Popcorn”, but two small girls, Shirley Shoemaker and Fannie Frizzie. The popcorn machine was blown to shreds, and it was a miracle that the three only sustained moderate injuries. Flying debris broke a window of the Bank of Lassen County, and also broke the rear window of Floyd Bass’ sedan among other items.

It was a devastating moment for Vellenworth, now approaching 80 years of age. The community came to his aid. Vellenworth, was a member of the fraternal organization, Loyal Order of Moose. That organization, along with donations by individuals raised funds and purchased him a new electric popcorn machine. He carried on for four more years, having a very loyal clientele, until his death in May 1934.

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“Dad Popcorn” with the Pearce children: Frances, Kathryn and Harry. Courtesy of George McDow, Jr

In 1912, William Vellenworth, who later become known as “Dad Popcorn” arrived in Susanville as bridge carpenter for the Fernley & Lassen Railroad construction. It was during that winter he contracted pneumonia, and nearly died. After he was released from the hospital, Vellenworth who was 61 years old, did not have the strength needed in his former line of work. Nearly destitute, his carpentry tools would be his saving grace. Using the tools as collateral, he acquired a Hot Tamale wagon and began peddling tomales on the 700 block of Main Street, one busiests areas in Susanville. Two years later he was able to upgrade to a popcorn wagon to sell his wares, which now included roasted peanuts.

Vellenworth soon learned that it was in the afternoons was the busy time for his popcorn business. In mornings he spent his time doing furniture repairs, making cabinents and assorted carpentry work. For the next sixteen years, life was good for him. In 1930, tragedy struck.

Part Two: Tomorrow

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On March 21, 1861, the local Masonic Lodge was organized. When this event occured it was not in Susanville, as many would presume, but in the town of Richmond, a few miles to the south. The charter was granted in 1862 and the lodge placed into formal operation on June 24, 1862. In October of the same year the lodge relocated to Susanville, where it still is in existence—the area’s old fraternal organization.

Some may recall an article I wrote about Meet the Masons back in September 2017. There is a collection of about 35 photographs of individual Masons taken in the early 1900s. It is an interesting study. I just need to prod a certain some one to provide the scans. Stay tuned.

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Over the last two decades numerous organizations in the area now hold St. Patrick’s dinners. However, none can compare to the one sponsored by Sacred Heart Church. It was first held in 1917 and is the longest continous event in Susanville. Not even the Native American’s annnul bear dance can beat that.

This year the event will be held on Saturday evening, March 16 beginning at 4 p.m. at Monsignor Moran Hall on North Weatherlow Street. The menu, of course, has evolved over the years. For decades the traditional corned beef and cabbage was never served. In 1974, Father William Storan was appointed the parish priest. In 1975, he requested that corned beef and cabbage be placed on the menu and that the church would slowly phase out spaghetti and roast beef.

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Continue reading Bank Holiday, 1933 →