On June 19, 1874, the Lassen Post Office was established in Willow Creek Valley, north of Susanville. Edward Bonyman served as the first and only postmaster. Then, a most peculiar thing happened. On April 1, 1875, the Merrillville Post Office was established by Bonyman’s neighbor, Orman Folsom. Since there was not a need for two post offices in Willow Creek, the Lassen Post Office closed on July 14, 1875. Today, the property is known as the Willow Creek Wildlife Refuge.