On August 2, 1986, the Neversweats Chapter #1863, E Clampus Vitus had a plaque dedication at the Emerson Lake Golf Course Clubhouse. The plaque commemorated the forgotten town of Richmond.

Herewith is the text of the plaque: “RICHMOND.  Due to Gold Fever and named for the town of Richmond, Virginia by Orlando Streshly in 1859. The town of Richmond grew rapidly until 1861 becoming the most important and populous settlement in the County “overshadowing Susanville. Sporting hotels, a tavern and bowling alley, blacksmith shops and wagon shops. A large warehouse and local masonic lodge, the town celebrated with dances whenever possible. Schools were built, goods and services were sold, and many dwelling houses constructed and one hotel was the largest structure in Honey Lake Valley. As the town thrived, in 1861 the mines gave out. By1862 commerce had ceased, the miners left and Richmond died. All that remains are remnants of school and water works. Now Emerson Lake Golf Course stands where “Richmond rose like a rocket and fell like a stick.”

In 2002, after the golf course expanded to eighteen holes, a new clubhouse was built at a different location on Circle Drive. It was the intent to have the monument and plaque moved to the new clubhouse. The monument and plaque was removed but never relocated. When I have made inquiries in the past, no one seems recall what happened to the plaque.

Tim