This photograph is quite interesting on many fronts. First, this was the very end of the Honey Lake Maidu Bear Dance at Lone Pine, on the south side of Bass Hill, along Baxter Creek. The photograph was taken circa 1900, by Susanville resident, George McDow. There is not much historical documentation of this particular bear dance, versus those conducted by its Maidu neighbors. At the end of the ceremony, the Maidu go to the creek to wash their faces. The 1909 inscription on the back of this photograph, provides a little insight: “Last part of the Bear dance. The women put water on their heads to keep them good for the coming year.”

If you have happen to be an astute reader, you notice I provide credit to the source of the photograph. In this particular instance, instead of courtesy of, its replaced sponsored by. Anna Stewart, also known as Susanville Supermarket’s Green Grocerette,  annual subscription occurred at the same time this rare photograph appeared on Ebay, which those funds purchased it. Thank you, Anna for your support. The bottom line, is those who subscribe and/or donate help contribute to not only preserve our rich history, but to make it available through this forum for everyone to enjoy. Thank you all for your support.

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On Sunday, June 8, 1975, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. made a surprise visit at the bear dance held on Gladys Mankins’ property near Janesville. It did come as a surprise to the some 500 people at the event. The ever so inquisitive Brown asked questions about the ancient ritual in which the Indians transfer their troubles and evil spirits to the bear figure impersonator, as some relay it as a form of thanksgiving. There is very little documentation about the event of years gone by, but a piece of 1909 documentation recently surfaced, which I will share tomorrow. As to Governor Brown he stayed at the dance for nearly three hours, then left with California National Guard to make a quick inspection at the nearby California Correctional Center, then returning to Sacramento.

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