The Pioneer Saloon, 1920

Pio advt.
A 1920s advertisement for the Pioneer. It had to change its ways during prohibition.

Some times, when I look at historical events, and just do not get it. This is one of them. In 1920, Grass Valley resident, W.H.Tuttle, purchased Susanville’s Pioneer Saloon that had been in existence since 1863. (Now home to Lassen Ale Works) After all, on June 30, 1920, national prohibition would take effect. Not only that, Tuttle announced he was going to replace the one-story wooden structure, with a two-story concrete, which he did and still stands. This, of course, changed the dynamics of the business, founded on providing alcholic beverages to one engaging of selling soft drinks, tobacco and similar merchandise. The one item it had in its favor was a card room, where games of chance were played and lots of money changed hands, which carried on decades after the repeal of prohibition.

Brands
The interior wall at the Pioneer courtesy of Lassen Ale Works

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2 thoughts on “The Pioneer Saloon, 1920”

  1. A wooden structure that avoided getting burned down for 50 years? That was very lucky for the Pioneer.

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