There are readers from far and near. While the later, is well aware of the Susanville’s St. Francis Hotel came to an end on November 1, 2024 when it was engulfed in flames caused by a suspected arsonist.

My great-great grandmother Franceska Murrer Neuhaus had the original portion of the hotel  built in 1914. It should be noted that she was 74 years old with this business venture. She was a devout Catholic, hence the hotel’s name. It was  also conveniently located near the Sacred Heart Church, which she was instrumental, along with Antone Bantley and Thomas Mulroney that established the parish. When she passed away in 1918, her son Bill Neuhaus inherited the hotel.

In 1925/26 Bill and his wife Flora, had expanded the hotel with a west wing addition.   In 1944, the childless couple sold the hotel due to Bill’s health. It should be noted, in 1901, at Willow Creek Valley, during hay season, Bill’s right leg  was mangled a steam threshing machine and subsequently amputated.

Tim