One never knows what lurks in the archive files. I thought some might be interested in the above bill. It should be noted what we might refer to as a grocery store today, was better known as a mercantile store. Most carried “dry goods” and very little perishables, as this was before refrigeration. Neil’s Mercantile at Standish and Heard’s Market in Litchfield were among the last of its kind. However, there is Winje’s Emporium in Doyle that in its century old building has that rustic charm. Let’s not forget, when you are headed north stop in at Adin Supply.
Since this is Sunday of the Fourth of July weekend, I will keep things light. The Lucky Land of Lassen slogan was developed for the Panama Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco during 1915. The above was the reverse of H.R.T. Coffins business card that he more than freely handed out in the California Building of the Exposition. Coffin was the official representative for Lassen County. It was a clever way to highlight some interesting facets of Lassen County.
Lover’s Lane, near Chester, circa, 1914–Hazel York Moller
When I penned this, it was before the Covid 19 pandemic. Normally, Chester’s Fourth of July parade draws big crowds, making it the largest community in Plumas County. This year’s festivities have been cancelled.
Today’s photograph, however, back in the day, never witnessed a whole lot of folks at once. The postcard given to my by the late Hazel York Moller was taken circa 1914. Where Chester’s Lovers Lane was back then is up to speculation, and whether Chester has a Lovers Lane in 2020, I do not know that either. Its a big holiday weekend, so enjoy, but be careful at the same time.
Several years ago, I did like a “Cliff Note” version on this topic. So to do it justice, the following is the complete article that appeared in the Lassen Advocate of July 5, 1873.
“On account of the great injury to the human family resulting from the use of adulterated liquors and being moved by principles of benevolence and an earnest desire to benefit suffering humanity, I have determined to organize a Loafer’s Society in Susanville.
“The object of this society shall be the promotion of the cause of temperance; and as all other means and expedients have failed to reduce the liquor traffic, the founder has come to the conclusion that the only effectual way to destroy the baneful influences of liquor on society, is for a few devoted men to sacrifice themselves for the good of the community, and consume all the intoxicating beverages of what kind soever that may be found in the community. By the word consume as used in this connection, is meant to throw one’s self on the outside of, guzzle, to get away with. Consequently, the difference between this and other temperance societies is, that whereas, Orthodox temperance organizations, forbid their members the use of various or intoxicating liquor; this society shall require its members to drink all the virous or intoxicating liquors they can find, or by any means get hold of.
Susanville’s Gem Saloon, circa 1905. B.R. Zimmerman Collection
It should also the duty of members of this society, to distribute themselves about the entrances of churches and places of public gatherings, and stare at and make remarks about ladies. This, we think will an impressive lesson upon the minds of a rising generation.
“The only recommendations required to become a member of the Loafer’s Society will be, immoral character, an easy flow of profane and vulgar language and a large capacity for whiskey.”
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Loyalton in nearby Sierra Valley became a municipality in 1901. Reportedly, it encompassed some 50 square miles. It was a measure to keep it a “dry” town. By 1930, its boundary had been reduced to less than a square mile.
Loyalton lately has distinction of being dubbed the “Loneliest Town in America.”
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In 1922, Lincoln School was built for $35,000 on the south side of Main Street at the intersection of Hall Street. The school was completed and put into use in February 1923. It closed at the end of the 1966-67 school year being replaced by Diamond View on Richmond Road. In the early 1970s Lassen College used the facility until its new campus was built on Highway 139. It then found new life as the headquarters of the Lassen National Forest. For a number of years, it sat vacate and was heavily vandalized. It is slowly coming back to life again being converted into apartments
Over the years I have met a wide variety of folks who have made the pilgrimage to the Lassen region to learn more about a family ancestor who resided here. Equally important for many is to see the lay of the land.
On many occasion they will bring with them interesting family mementos or documents. In one instant, I was literally overwhelmed what the grandsons of William B. Dillon had in their possession. It should be noted that their grandfather came to Hayden Hill in the early 1880s and died there in 1898. What these two men had were two issues of a handwritten newspaper “Town Talk” from Hayden Hill. These kind of documents are extremely rare.
There were two issues, with the first one published on April 7, 1884. The second issue, released a week later, the name was changed to Talk Town. The contents were rather whimsical in nature. Such commentary as “Snow fast disappearing” and “There was a social at the Hotel last evening. The music both instrumental and vocals was good.”
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In 1866, Jurgen Jensen established his ranch some three miles east of Susanville, along what is known as Johnstonville Road. In 1891, Jensen had a large three-story barn built on his ranch. On September 11, 1923, the barn was destroyed by fire and it was believed to be caused by spontaneous combustion. Stored inside was 200 tons of hay, valued at that time around $3,500. The barn was insured for $1,500, but it was not enough to cover the cost to replace it.
April 12, 2020
Fast forward to 2020 the site now contains storage units.
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Stock certificate courtesy of Dick and Helen Harrison
In 1906, the fraternal organization Foresters of America built a two-story hall in Standish. As was customary of the day, the first floor was rented to a commercial enterprise, which in turn the rent money used to pay off the construction debt, plus for maintenance of the property. The second floor, of course, was a hall used for various functions. However, the Foresters’ struggled with the building and they found a solution. They turned to the community to form the Standish Hall Association. The Association needed to raise $5,000 to purchase the building, sold stock to raise the funds and were successful.
One of the first tenants was Susanville merchant, Charles Emerson, who expanded his operations to have a second store at Standish. For nearly a decade, all went well. Whenever, Emerson asked for improvements, the Association refused. Emerson’s solution, by members stock to gain a controlling interest. In 1920, Emerson wrote to L.C. Stephenson to purchase his stock and wrote, “The building is practically run by an old man named Wrede. I am a rentor of the store, lower floor and pay monthly rent. The cellar is wet and small and they will not fix it. The front lets in sand and dirt when the wind blows and they will not fix it. Now I am trying to get enough stock to be able to vote and have some say.”
Emerson used the old fashioned barter system. He would give store credit to owners of shares, in exchange for their stock. Emerson was successful and eventually purchased the building.
The Standish store, no date. Courtesy of Camilla Moody.
Seasoned residents will know the building as Neil’s Mercantile, though its doors have been shuttered for decades. There have been plans for the structure, but nothing has ever materialized.
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One of the more interesting facts about this town, was when it was incorporated it was the second largest city in California—land wise, not population.
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