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