The Evolution of the West End of Susanville’s Main Street

Main Street, 1906
Looking west on Main Street, at Lassen, 1906. You can see the bandstand in the background. By the way, the gentleman crossing the street is Dr. W.E. Dozier. Photograph courtesy of Betty Barry Deal

Awhile back we explored the origins of the triangle at the west end of Susanville’s Main Street. For a refresher, you can read about it here. In the coming weeks we will explore how this intersection evolved over the years.

The 500 block of Main Street was criticized by many of its unkept appearance, with sagebrush creating a median. The Mountain Echo Band had an idea to change the scruffy landscape. In September 1902, an octagonal bandstand was constructed there 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 a  royal pageant during one of the infrequent county fairs.  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.

500 Block, Main Street, Susanville, 1911—C.R. Caudle Collection

Up Next: For nearly 80 years, the prominent Elks Lodge was street level.

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