History

Shumway, Lassen County

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Benjamin E. and Mahala (Conklin) Shumway—Carl Illig

Shumway was a ranch and stage stop located at Horse Lake. Benjamin Emerson Shumway (1823-1909) settled there in 1869 and built the first cabin at Horse Lake.  In addition, he built the road from Willow Creek Valley to Horse Lake and then onto the Madeline Plains. For a time, it was the quickest route to Alturas and Surprise Valley.

On May 23, 1883, the Shumway Post Office was established with Susie Shumway, as postmaster. On October 31, 1913, it was discontinued. In 1916, Horse Lake residents attempted to re-establish the post office and have a mail drop off at the NCO Railroad’s Horse Lake siding. The postal authorities denied the request. They stated they did not need a mail drop as there were only four permanent families residing in the area. In addition, it was cited, the NCO was an unreliable operation, with irregular train service and since there was no attendant at the Horse Lake Station, there was no way that the mail could be protected.

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Where are We—Echo Lake

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July, 15, 2021

Echo Lake is in northern Plumas County, not far from the headwaters of Bailey Creek. It encompasses some thirty acres, and there is a small unimproved forest service campground there. Prior to the early 1970s it was only accessible by hiking. That changed when the forest service decided to extend road along Bailey Creek from Heckle Ranch to connect over to Silver Lake and the Caribou Wilderness.

Unfortunately, this area was ravaged by last year’s Dixie Fire.

Tim

History

Lassen High School’s First Fence

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Lassen County High School

In 1908, the trustees of Lassen County High School ordered to have a fence built in front of the school. Its primary function was to keep stray livestock off the school grounds.

It should be noted that in Susanville during its early years had a problem with stray livestock roaming the community. It was so bad, that in 1870 the California Legislature passed “Barnes Hog Law”which prohibited free roaming pigs in Susanville. This was a major concern after all, since the town’s water supply came from Piute Creek and was distributed by open ditches.

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Seven Years and Counting

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Constantia Church, Doyle, July 12, 2021—Ronda Dockstader

Today, marks the anniversary of launching this website and the posts, and it has been quite the journey.  I am constantly learning something new about the region. In addition, I learn from you the reader with your questions, that allows me to explore something I did not know, too. Also, awhile back another milestone was observed, with the crossing over the 2,500 posts. Last July, Updraft a subscription service that creates a backup file, informed me that I was approaching maximum storage, and so I added more. It just goes to show, how much material that can be gleaned from this website.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank  those who subscribe and support this endeavor. Equally, important are the words of encouragement, which is much appreciated.

Now, back to regular programming, and I have made a lot of head way for the postings in 2022.

Tim

 

History

Lake School, Lassen County

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Lake School
Lake School, 1886

Lake was one of the original six school districts established in 1864–the others being Susanville, Richmond, Susan River, Janesville and Long Valley.  It was so named, due to its close proximity to Honey Lake and the school house was located some four miles south of Janesville.

In 1877, the District constructed a two-story schoolhouse with the assistance of the Independent Order of Good Templars. The second story was used as a hall for that organization, as well as others.In 1898, the student population was 31.

Numerous changes were on the horizon, especially with automobiles and highways. The second story no longer used by fraternal organizations.  In 1934 the second story was removed as part of a WPA project. Francis Wilbur, a local carpenter was hired to do the work at a cost of $1,740. According to former student, Erma Reuck McNett, she stated during the renovation process school was held at the nearby Bailey Ranch.

Lake School as a private residence, February 7, 2016.

In 1953, a ballot referendum was held to consolidate the Janesville, Lake, and Missouri Bend schools. The Lake District voters opposed it. In 1971, the Lake School closed and annexed to Janesville. At the October 9, 1975, meeting of the Janesville School District Board declared the Lake School as surplus property, since the old school house would not meet current state building code standards for a school. The title to the property was a bit “cloudy”concerning a reversion clause. It was deemed that the property should revert back to the Bailey family. On October 17, 1975 it was deeded to George and Jane Bailey and the schoolhouse  converted into a private residence.

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History

Chinese New Years in Susanville

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Susanville’s Gay Street, looking north, 1864. Courtesy of Gilbert Morrill

By the mid-1860s, Susanville had its very own Chinatown. It was located in the area of Main and Union Streets. It is interesting to note, where the current Elk’s Lodge is, it was owned by Chinese in 1864. Anyhow, this being Chinese New Year, the following is the earliest account of that event being held in Susanville.

Lassen Advocate – February 13, 1869 – “The celestial portion of our community have had a good time enjoying their New Year feast. It was ushered in by burning three bunches of fire crackers—superior size—at Main Street, much to the annoyance of our peaceable and quiet citizens. Rice, hog, gin, chickens and red paper are in great demand.”

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History

No Ground Hog in 1914, in these parts!

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Approaching the summit of the Fernley & Lassen Railroad in 8 feet of snow, February, 1914—B.R. Zimmerman Collection

It was a very wet and snowy January 1914 in the Lassen region. There was so much snow on the ground, the ground hog, could not even make it to the surface, even if it wanted to see his shadow or not.

Summit, Fernley & Lassen Railroad, February1914—B.R. Zimmerman Collection

In January 1914 Susanville had received nine inches of rain, along with 93 inches of snow. The total precipitation for the month was 18.27 inches.

Approaching Westwood, the final destination, February 1914–B.R. Zimmerman Collection

This is a good day as any to showcase these photographs of the construction of the Fernley & Lassen Railroad between Susanville and Westwood during that time. The snow depths in early February 1914,  ranged from 8 to 10 feet.

In February 2012, a classified ad appeared in the Lassen County Times that a person had a small trunk of old photographs of the region. I called the number and it took several attempts. An elderly gentleman answered and said the trunk was found in an old barn in Richmond, Contra Costa County. It took several months before the trunk was shipped to me. It was twice the size, I was told, and when I examined the contents, which were photographs of the B.R. Zimmerman family, long time Susanville residents, I was thrilled. I did end up paying about $70 for the cost of sipping and it was worth every penny.

Tim

History

Strange Indeed!

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County Surveyor Patridge’s Field Notes recorded on June 5, 1869

Researching the Official Records of Lassen County can be challenging. The above is a perfect example how vague a document can be. The title of this document is confusing, too. “Field Notes of the Survey of County Road from Susanville and Johnstonville Road to Richmond and Susanville Road.”

John C. Partridge, spent two years as the Lassen County Surveyor. In 1871, after the U.S. Government Land Office established an office in Susanville, he was appointed to U.S. Deputy Surveyor. He spent five years conducting the initial Government Land Office surveys in the region.

Tim

History

Spaulding Tract’s Banner Year

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Spalding Boat Launch, April 20, 2021

Some years have a way for things to come together and that was the case for Spaulding Tract. On May 21, 2005 a dedication ceremony was held for the new $2.5 million Spaulding Marina.

In 2004, the property owners there approved to build a sewer system at an approximate cost of $10 million, which the community’s cost would be $8.8 million. In May 2005 it was announced that the Spaulding Tract Community Service District received a $1.8 million grant from the USDA as a part of rural development. With everything in place that summer they were ready to accept bids for the construction.

A view of Spalding Tract from the Eagle Lake shoreline,June 21, 2020.

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Exploring Lassen County's Past