History

Golden Spike Ceremony

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Arthur Curtiss James of the Western Pacific Railroad driving in the golden spike—Courtesy of the Big Valley Museum

On November 10, 1931, a historic day was held in Bieber with the Golden Spike Ceremony connecting the Western Pacific and Great Northern Railroads. While intensive planning was done, one thing never considered, it turned out to be an extremely cold blustery day. Some attendees pondered which was worse the long winded speeches by dignitaries or the cold northerly winds. After Western Pacific Chairman Arthur C. James had driven in the golden spike, the crowds quickly dismantled the temporary wooden grandstand of make a huge bon fire.

It should be duly that on the twentieth anniversary Lucius Clegg and Charles Beebe of the Virginia & Truckee fame, did a re-enactment ceremony of the driving of a golden spike at Bieber.

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History

The Good Old Days

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Lassen Mail, May 24, 1935

That was good news In 1935, but the city officials of 2019 are dealing with their day of reckoning with a financial meltdown.

During an audit of the city’s finances in 1935, it found that city officials showed fiscal restraint. The city in fiscal year 1933-34 had an income of $47,640.36. At the end of the fiscal year, the city’s total expenditures were $40,359.17. Thus, the city had in reserves a balance of $7,281.19! They city had only three full time employees: W.O. “Lannie” Long, Chief of Police with a monthly salary of $200 per month; Perle Long, Nightwatchman at $150 per month and H.S.Riddell who wore multiple hats as City Clerk, Engineer, Fire Chief and so forth at $150 per month.

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Last Call for 2020 Calendars

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It is that time to slowly focus on a new year that is quickly approaching. As usual I have put together a 2020 calendar with a wide variety of historic scenes that include Camp Harvey Cookhouse, the Volcano Room of the Hotel Mt. Lassen, the Lassen Monuments, Paul Bunyan Lumber Company, Bly Tunnel, the Sierra Theater to name a few. One has three options to purchase calendars:

1) Locally, you can purchase them at Margie’s Book Nook.

2) You can purchase direct online by clicking here

3) You can also email me to place your order, and it will be sent with an invoice.

Thanks.

History

Herlong Junction–Then & Now

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Herlong Junction, April 2016. Courtesy of Oliver Grosz

One of the lessons, I learned from my ‘fall from grace,” is that I do need to get out more, than my familiar customary outings in the back country of this region. Prior to the accident, I had not been to Reno since June 2017, when I boarded Amtrak with a destination to the Bay area to attend a special 95th birthday luncheon for Art Mathews. To my surprise on my return to Susanville from Reno last month, that in the preceding two years the abandoned building known as Herlong Junction had been demolished.

Herlong Junction,, November 16, 2019

History

Hayden Hill Mining District

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Hayden Hill, 1909. Courtesy of Dallas & Joyce Snider

On December 5, 1870 the Hayden Hill Mining District formed.* Gold was accidentally discovered there in the fall of 1869 when a group of prospectors camped on the mountain, after an expedition in search of the fabled Lost Cabin Mine. They returned the following spring and named their discovery, “The Providence.” Once word spread of the new gold strike over 500 miners had flocked there. It was necessary to form a mining district to keep track of the claims. It was decided to name it Hayden Hill, instead of Providence, since Joseph W. Hayden, a veteran miner aged 56, was the oldest miner there, and they honored him with the bestowment. Hayden died there on Christmas Day 1884 and was buried in the town’s cemetery.

*For those not familiar, Hayden Hill is located approximately twenty miles north of Eagle Lake and eleven miles south of Adin.

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History

Susanville’s State Cafe

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The State Cafe was located on South Gay Street, Susanville.

Seasoned residents of the region may recall this restaurant on South Gay Street. What many may not realize when it opened its doors on July 3, 1936 it was on the corner of Main and Gay. Its first proprietors consisted of E.L. Elskamp, Paul Dedick and Jack Tilton, best known for their bootleg joints during prohibition. In the course of time, the restaurant moved from its prime Main Street location to the rear of the building to be replaced with the State Bar. In the center of the building between the two establishments was a laundromat—all interconnected. One could easily eat, drink and do laundry all at the same time, never leaving the premises.

Excavation of the State Building, next to the Grand Cafe., May 1935. Courtesy of Helen Sargent

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History

City Pharmacy aka Spalding Drug

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Interior of Spalding Drug, circa 1910. Courtesy of George McDow Jr.

Seasoned residents of the area will have fond memories of a one time inconic local instutition, Spalding Drug. It was established in 1865, by Zetus N. Spalding. In the 1890s, his son, John B. Splading took over the business. To give it a more cosmopolitan flair, he renamed it the City Pharmacy. The basic operation remained the same. Members of the Spalding were avid sportsmen and it was reflected in the merchandise they stocked. Not only was there a wide selection of fishing tackle, but guns and ammunition as well. By the time, City Pharmacy moved into its new stone building on the 700 block of Main Street, the name reverted back to Spalding Drug.

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History

15,000 Christmas Trees

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An interesting silver tip near McCoy Flat Reservoir, June 15, 2019

In December 1936, the Lassen National Forest issued a statement that 15,000 Christmas trees had been cut. The majority of the harvest were shipped to metropolitan areas for sell to “city dwellers.” The forest service stated, “The cutting serves to thin crowded stands and to stimulate growth of the remaining trees.” The most popular tree cut were “silver tip” fir.

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Give the gift of Lassen County history

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Eagle Lake siphon, 1922. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner

Not sure what to give that special someone, but want to keep the budget balanced too? Why not a gift membership to tipurdy.org. At five dollars a month it is a bargain. You can decided whether for a month, quarter or even splurge for a year.

The recipient not only receives a daily email notification of the latest topic, but is entitled to hard to find papers on the Eagle Lake Ice Caves, too. On top of that they can partake in members’ tours such as the summer solstice observance at an ancient solar observatory. Even if that person on your list is not local, they still receive materials associated with the tours.

Information on subscriptions is found right here. Have a question drop me a line at tim@tipurdy.org.

History

Where the Elk & Buffalo Roam

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Elk, with the Wingfield residence in the background. Courtesy of Alphozene Terrill

On May 23, 1910, Goldfield Nevada millionaire, George Wingfield purchased the 320-acre Clint DeForest ranch about eight miles south of Susanville. Besides an elaborate summer home, he created a wildlife preserve. During the fall of 1910, Wingfield had eighty acres fenced off for a elk and deer park, where he imported the elk from is not known. In 1914, he purchased four buffalo to add to his preserve. This was a popular local attraction to see the buffalo and elk. To round out the “exotic” species were numerous peacocks that roamed the grounds.

In July 1923, Wingfield sold the property to Lassen Lumber & Box Company. The buffalo were shipped to Wingfield Park in Reno, that were on display there for many years. Subsequent owners did not maintain the fenced enclosure, allowing the elk to escape the preserve. In the winter months the elk could be found foraging on nearby Bald Mountain and sightings of the elk were reported in Willow Creek Valley, north of Susanville. Of course, hunters delighted in this new game to pursue. It was sometime in the late 1930s or 1940s, when the last elk was killed.

Where the buffalo and elk roam at Wingfield Ranch. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner

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Exploring Lassen County's Past