History

The creation of the Lassen County Free Library

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The Lassen County Library bookplate used several local iconic features representing the pioneer era.

In 1915, when the Lassen County Board of Supervisors agreed to create a County Free Library it was a new territory for them to undertake. On September 7, 1915 they entered into a contract with the County of Sacramento to organize the Lassen County Free Library system. It was a one year contract at $960. One of the first stipulations was Sacramento would hire a librarian for Lassen County at a salary of $80 per month. When the contract expired on October 31, 1916, the Lassen County Free Library was fully functional.

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History

Lassen National Forest Ranger Stations

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Butte Lake Ranger Station

Just as one-room schools could be found every where in another era, the same held true for ranger stations. Records for schools can be found through county archives. One of the problems researching activities on the Lassen National Forest is the lack of archives. A portion of this can be attributed to the fact that its headquarters has moved so many times. During such moves, there is a tendency to discard documents, at the time that seemed no longer relevant.

Fortunately, documents such as Harvey Abbey’s diary as a Forest Ranger from 1905-1920 sheds an interesting glimpse of the early years on Lassen. This, plus records in my files, should make for an interesting series.

If you happen or know someone who has information on this topic, I would appreciate hearing from you.

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History

Lassen COUNTY FARM BUREAU COOKBOOK

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The first local cookbook published was in 1915 by the Monticola Club which was very well received. The second one, I am not so sure of, since I have seen only one copy and I never come across references. In November 1927, the Lassen County Farm Bureau released a 144 page cookbook. The recipes cover most everything imaginable from that era. Those recipes were contributed by members of the farm bureau and every nook and cranny in the county was represented.

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History

Wendel Hot Springs

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Wendel Hot Springs, circa 1940.

Eons ago, Richard Peterson of the University of Hawaii at Manoa contacted me in regards to published locally material on hot or mineral springs. Sadly, I informed him, that with exception of some stories of the Amedee Hot Springs during its heyday that such material was non-existent.

However, not to dissapoint him, I did some research to send along. As to Wendel Hot Springs, I informed that since 1856 some one has always tried to use these springs, initially for a steam bath. When James A. Wood had a homestead there in 1870s and 1880s he used the springs to heat his home. When the NCO Railroad arrived in 1899, they tried to use the water for the locomotive boilers, but quickly gave it up, as the minerals in the water clogged the boilers. I did mention that in the 1970s about Phil Gutman and the Hobo Wells Hyrdoponics company to grow tomatoes, but that is a story in itself.

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History

McKinley School

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McKinley School, 1924

Most people assume that McKinley School has always been located on Fourth Street, but that was not the case. First a little background history. By 1920 the growth created by the arrival of the railroad and subsequent establishment of the lumber mills was more than Susanville’s one school could handle. That year the voters in the school district were asked to pass an $83,000 bond measure to build a second school. The school district trustees were stymied on the issue of where to build the second school. It was finally decided to build next to the current school. The district bought the Nathan residence on the corner of Cottage and Gay Streets and the house was moved across the street, which is now Elise’s Barbershop. In 1947, the Susanville Grammar now known as Washington was condemned and officials thought it was a matter of time McKinley would suffer the same fate. In 1950 a new McKinley school was built at the Fourth Street location.

Schools
McKinley School (left) and Washington School (right) as seen from Richmond Road, 1935.

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History

Not a pleasant anniversary

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January 7, 2005

On January 5, 2005, Susanville’s uptown district lost one of its iconic buildings from fire. For seasoned residents, they will know the place as Spalding Drug—where many recall having their first “cherry coke” at the store’s soda fountain. What many people do not know, is that six months prior to the fire, I resided on the second floor of that building. Had I not moved, a large portion of my historical photographic archives would have been destroyed among other priceless documents. Among things in the basement, not being able to retrieve anything is my cross country skis for a future archaeologist to discover.

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History

Lookout Junction

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The embossed wax sealer.—Richard Wright

Lookout Junction, was located in southwestern Modoc County that connected the McCloud River Railroad to the Great Northern Railroad. The station opened in November, 1931 which handled freight. B.J. Neal served as the only agent from 1931 to 1959. I recommend Jeff Moore’s book “The McCloud River Railroads,” as it is a wealth information and there is a great deal of material about the Red River Lumber Company.

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News

Northern California Traveler

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Cedarville
Cedarville, 1879

The Northern California Traveler, located in Cedarville, has announced that after thirty-five years, its time to retire. Founded by the late Dennis and Kathy Smith, the two have always were at the helm of the publication. Since 2016, I penned a monthly a column for the Traveler and have always had a close association with the publication. Shucks, back in 1993, they published a rare profile of yours truly, still not sure how I allowed that to happen!

Tim

History

A 1932 Journey

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Near Mineral, 1932. Courtesy of Margaret A. Purdy

First of all, I have not a clue about the background of this photograph. It was taken by my grandmother, Margaret A. Purdy. All she wrote was “On our way to Mineral to check out the snow, 1932.” Whatever the case may be, wishing everyone a Happy New Year, and that you experience some interesting journeys during 2020. Lest, we forget as an extra bonus, it is a Leap Year.

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News

Thanks Hank!

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Brands
The interior wall at the Pioneer. No need to explain if you knew Hank. He was a patron before the brands. Courtesy of Lassen Ale Works

A year ago today, I lost a very dear friend, Henry “Hank” Martinez, Jr. A native of Westwood, it was a place so endeared to him, and especially “Old Town” where he grew up. Years later, his sons, referred to their father’s visits to Westwood paramount to the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

While Hank enjoyed talking about Westwood, he was very knowledgable about so many topics and we had many epic and enjoyable discussions. Hank had many passions in life, one of which he shared with his father—photography. Over the years, Hank and I shared a variety of historical photographs. Some may notice where I credit him for those who gave to me. After his passing, there would be a final exchange whereby I received historical aerials of the region—only fitting he being a pilot among his credentials. 

Thank you Hank and your family for enriching my life. 

Tim

Exploring Lassen County's Past