On July 6, 1925, J.H. McClure in charge of the Southern Pacific’s district freight and passenger service headquartered in Reno was a guest speaker at the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce monthly banquet meeting. Just days’ prior to the meeting he had come to Susanville to do an inspection of the region. McClure was not pleased.

As to the passenger service he said, “Running a five car train with buffet observation car and the very best equipment, that the train would and many days carry but three or four passengers and not receiving that should be accorded it. While the stage lines between Susanville and Reno were loaded each trip.”

When asked about the tonnage, McClure was critical of the agricultural community. He stated the farmers should get “busy” with some real farming instead allowing so much of their acreage to provide wild hay that had no market value.

McClure’s assessment  would never improve. In 1933, the passenger train service was discontinued.

Tim