A little known fact is that Susanville had its own bandstand. It was located at the top of Main Street. It was through the energetic efforts of the Mountain Echo Band. 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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For decades this prominent feature at the west end of Susanville had no name. The locals just referred to it as the “bluff.” By late 1918, it appeared that the Great War, now referred today as World War I, was coming to end. Locally, discussions were held how to honor the men from Lassen County who lost their lives. It was proposed a monument be placed at the bluff and the bluff be named Lookover Loop. This, of course, did not materialize. More about this and other attempts to develop this remarkable landmark will be one of my topics to be addressed at September’s forthcoming tour. Please note, this is a paid  subscriber’s only event. It is never to late join in on the fun. Details as to dates and times will be forthcoming to subscribers. Consideration is being given to do two: one mid-week in the evening and the other on a Saturday or Sunday. Those who are either out of the area, or have prior commitments, of course, will receive a paper on the topics discussed.

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Also, you do not want to miss out on a special Halloween tour.

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A month ago, I mentioned an excursion to Susanville Supermarket, and how that created a post concerning a Living Memorial at the Lassen County Courthouse. Well, not that long after that when I was in Margie’s Book Nook, a customer asked me a question about a building and when it was moved to its current location. The building in question is now located at North  Roop and Willow Streets, Susanville. It was originally located at 50 North Gay Street, now the current site of the Bank of America. In 1978, in preparation to build the current bank the Italianate style home was moved to its present location. The home built in the early 1880s has had numerous owners over the years. My great-great-grandparents Ben and Franceska Neuhaus purchased the home in 1902, when they retired from their ranch in Willow Creek Valley. Continue reading On The Move →

My parents bought 500 Cottage Street in 1956, and my Mother has lived there ever since. A portion of this story is at her request. My Mom is in the process of downsizing, not an easy task since she has lived there for nearly sixty years. She has among other things a “cow jumping over the moon cooking jar,” which she is looking for a good home for it. Let me know if you are interested. Continue reading Susanville – 500 Cottage Street →

I just cataloged this photograph the other day. One reader asked for pictures of the Emerson Hotel, which is the prominent building featured in this photograph. To the left, was a two-story wooden frame building known as the Hyer House, a boarding house. Further down the street, is the Knoch Building, before the third story was added in 1914. In the far background is the old fire house, which is now the current site of Susanville’s City Hall. It was destroyed in a 1921 fire. The Hyer and Emerson were destroyed by fire in 1915. Continue reading South Lassen Street →