In the spring of 1957, the Susanville Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) announced big plans for that summer’s Carnival to be held in Susanville’s Memorial Park. It was a bold concept and to make a permanent addition to the park—a Kiddie’s Train. Charlie Weston and large group of volunteers were in charge. They built a replica of a New York Central steam engine.

On. Friday evening, July 12, 1957 was the PTA’s Carnival. While there was an assortment of activities such rides on Shetland ponies, the train was the star attraction. Over 1,000 people rode the train. It was a busy night since the train could only carry 16 to 20 passengers at a time.

For the remainder of the summer, rides were offered on the evenings of Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Though on Sunday afternoon’s rides were also offered. The price ten cents a ride.

At this time, I do not know how long it operated, though I would say probably about eight years. If anyone happens to know that answer or has other information they would like to share, it would be greatly appreciated.

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Susanville’s founder, Isaac Roop, happened to be the town’s first realtor. In 1861 he began selling town plots, though it was not until 1863, when Roop hired E.R. Nichols survey the initial town.

Roop, as the old saying phrase goes, did a “land office business” as a real estate agent. During his eight years that there are records for, he sold 194 lots for a grand total $34,143.50. A nice tidy sum, especially considering Roop never owned the land.

When a U.S. Government Land Office was opened in Susanville in 1871,  it was discovered that Roop had never taken the proper procedures to procure title to the townsite. Thus, owners of town lots were vulnerable to claim jumpers, who could file a patent process with the Government Land Office and become the rightful owner of the town. It literally took an act of the U.S. Congress to rectify the situation and on May 20, 1872, Congress approved a townsite and vested title in all lots to the District Court Judge. The judge then had the task to reissue deeds to the current owners to the town lots.

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This was one of the original streets of Susanville, and an interesting one at that. Oak Avenue was located between North Pine and North Roop Streets. It started at Nevada Street and extended beyond Willow Street. It should be noted, North Roop Street ended at Willow Street. However, Oak Avenue only extended forty feet from Nevada, due to the fact there was no right-of-way. In December 1882, a petition by the residents of the area, requested the Lassen County Board of Supervisors to abandon Oak Avenue. The board obliged and  so no more Oak Avenue on paper.

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The following came from a newspaper clipping file from the Oakland Public Library. “Lassen County Resources Are Tapped By War—McClatchy Newspaper Services, September 1, 1948.

”Susanville—A 10 year growth which embraces industrial and agricultural expansion and increase in population has culminated in the unification of Susanville into an incorporated city looking ahead to further progress.

”A decade ago the city was emerging from the depression. Lumber and sawmills which had not operated for periods ranging from two to several years started resuming operations and the last of the Works Projects Administration were begun.

”Spurred by war demands for lumber and minerals, Susanville became the center of countywide expansion during the war which reinvigorated this area.

”The population growth had a marked effect. Susanville experienced the housing shortage which other sections of the country also experienced. More than 100 residents undertook the building of their own homes in 1946.

”Community concerts were obtained for the residents and a city park created and constructed. A well equipped clinical hospital has been established. A public golf course was opened and a museum constructed.”

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Before summer ends, what better way to commemorate it than  once upon time  American classic the outdoor bandstand. It is a little known fact that Susanville had its own bandstand, briefly.  It was located at the top of Main Street, best known today as the triangle plot beneath the Elk’s Lodge. It was through the energetic efforts of the Mountain Echo Band. that was the reckoning force. In September 1902, the octagonal bandstand was constructed and even adorned with electrical lights. On September 14, 1902, the bandstand was dedicated by the Mountain Echo Band  with their first concert. Two weeks later it was focal point of royal pageant during the county fair.  A few years later the Mountain Echo Band disbanded and the bandstand fell into disrepair. By 1906, one observer said the relic had become eyesore on the community. In 1908, it was torn down.

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