E Clampus Vitus is a fraternal organization dating back to California’s gold rush days, that was a spoof on the more stoic fraternal societies such as Masons.  Asa Fairfield in his Lassen County history briefly noted their existence in Susanville. In the early 1880s, E Clampus Vitus was a major force in Modoc County.

In the 1930s, after being dormant for some time the organization was revived, with a focus on historical preservation, and having a good time along the away.  Some referred it to as a “drinking historical society.” In 1984, the Neversweat Chapter #1864, of E Clampus Vitus was chartered in Susanville. The local group flourished for awhile placing historical markers at such places as Jacks Valley, Milford, the Grand Cafe, and, of course, the Pioneer.

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Long before Lassen Volcanic National Park was created, hiking to the summit of Lassen Peak was a popular past time. In late August 1864, a camping party consisting of Pierson B. Reading, Kendall Bumpass, S.S. Thomas and Aurelius and Helen Brodt made the ascent to the top, and thus becoming trendsetters. Two weeks later, Aurelius Brodt wrote: “We found a beautiful little lake near the top of the mountain which was named Lake Helen after my wife, she being the first woman that had ever seen it, also her name and date, Aug. 28, 1864 is inscribed on the side of a large rock on the very peak, she being the first woman that ever ascended the peak.”

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The Meadows Market was a short-lived grocery store, located in an unlikely location—Coppervale. It should be noted that a restaurant, bar and gas station had been established there. In 1939, Hubert Hill who operated a successful grocery store known as the Red & White, built a branch store next to the aforementioned complex that was known as The Meadows.  In 1941, Hill sold the store and the new owners changed it to Meadow Market. During the remainder of the 1940s ownership of the market would change hands several items.

In the summer of 1950, Rudolph B. Lemcke purchased the entire complex and had grandiose plans. It was intention to make the place a year-round resort. On the drawing board was a motel and swimming pool, the later could be converted into a ice-skating rink as part of the development of ski facility at Coppervale.  Lemcke stated, “We will give Squaw Valley a run for its money.” Lemcke’s lofty goals never materialized for lack of funding and lack of clientele. In time, the Meadows complex was abandoned.

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