In the early 1900s there was a nation wide movement of forming tree growing clubs to sustain a future supply. Of course, certain regions were in more dire need of trees than others. For a brief movement, there was an attempt to organize the farmers of the Honey Lake Valley for an co-operative effort to do the same. It never went anywhere. Continue reading Tree Growing Clubs
On 10:00 a.m. Sunday, November 15, 1936 at Sacred Heart Church, Rose Agnes Sergi and James Sacco were married. The bridesmaids were Louise Saffores, Concha Larrea and Camilla Alosi. The best man was Marion Larrea. After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was held at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, with 500 guests. The centerpiece at the bride’s table was a magnificent five-foot tall wedding cake, weighing 250 pounds.
This is a good time as any to remind visitors to this site that there are a wide variety of books available on the region’s history, that can be found on this website. With the holidays fast approaching you might want to share a piece of local history with someone, or maybe give a gift to yourself. To make it simple click hereBooks
One hundred years ago witnessed the worldwide flu pandemic. It caught many by surprise, and Lassen County, like so many others were not prepared how quickly it spread, nor how deadly it was. In early October 1918 the flu made its presence in the communities of Susanville and Westwood. On October 10, forty-year-old Lassen County Surveyor, Thad McKay, became the first victim. A week later, Dr. F.H. Shanks, Lassen County Health Officer issued a statement that yes, the flu was prominent, but a mild one, and citizens to take the necessary precautions of any health crisis. Everything changed quickly with the death of Stephen F. Watson on October 17, shortly followed by two more members of the Watson family. By early November there were over 300 cases of flu in Susanville, roughly one-third of the town’s population. On November 11, 1918, the City held a special session and ordered the closure of the town’s saloons and other public gathering places. The ban was not lifted until November 20, after a decrease in new flu cases.
As a public service announcement, it is not too late to get a flu shot.
Yesterday, we examined problems with Highway 36 west entrance to Susanville. One of the worst accidents to occur there happened early afternoon of November 12, 1974. Robin Scherbarth was driving a cattle truck on a long haul to Nebraska. The truck hauling 70 head of cattle, had a brake failure and could not navigate the turn, struck the three foot high retaining wall. The weight of cattle shifting causing the truck to jump the wall, did a complete roll over, landing back on its wheels, after it had struck the residence of Ardene Purdy. Scherbarth was ejected from the truck, his injuries were fatal. Amongst the chaos, were the cattle were on loose, some managed to make it over to the Elk’s Lodge to graze on the lawn there. A make shift round up was conducted and eventually the cattle were taken to the old L.C. Smith until another truck could finish the transport to Nebraska. Major damage was done to the living room of the Purdy residence.
With the construction of present day Highway 36, there was an issue between the State and City of Susanville as how it would enter the town. It was agreed upon to abandon the old route of Prattville Road and North Pine Street. A new approach was agreed upon to connect South Pine Street. Yet, there were a lot of contentious issues, especially since the State would only construct to the city limit, and the City was responsible for the final approach costs. Furthermore, the City did not like the “S” curve design and considered it dangerous. It was built anyhow, and proved to be an accident prone place.
It is that time to slowly focus on a new year that is quickly approaching. As usual I have put together a 2019 calendar with a wide variety of historic scenes that I have done for more years than I want to acknowledge. 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
The early day dispensers of adult beverages were a creative bunch when it came up with ways to attract customers. In early 1880s, Joe Hale, co-owner of the Pioneer, for a brief time had a bear cub at the bar. Initially, all went well, until the cub grew much larger and had to be turned loose for the safety of Hale and his patrons.
In 1907, B.R. Zimmerman, proprietor of the Gem Saloon, installed a new upright player paino—just not any kind. It was an electric player piano, if no one was available to play it, one just pushed a button and it played by itself. As one observer noted, “The instrument is a beauty, and should prove a winner in public favor.”
1912, the Blue Goose Saloon, to make its establishment stand out from others—after there were more saloons than houses of worship—installed the town’s first outdoor neon sign. The sign did not have a long life, as the following summer it developed an electric short, which started a fire and burned down a portion of the 600 block in Susanville.
Logging has always been a hazardous profession, and the Red River Lumber Company was not immune. On the evening of October 11, 1929, a logging train coming down the grade from Warner Valley derailed two miles from Chester. The train consisted of sixteen cars that left the track cascading fifty feet down into a ravine. Three of the four train crew—George Brooks, J.A. McConnell and E.D. Burt—perished in the wreck. G.B. Kale, the rear brakeman was thrown from the caboose, sparing his life. He literally did have the wind knocked out of him, but recovered in time to prevent a second wreck. A second train was following and the lantern from the caboose was lying along the track. Kale was able to flag the other train to stop or otherwise it would have jumped the rails and met the horrible fate of its predecessor.
This is a bit promotional, with some history to go along with it. Beginning Friday, November 9 through Sunday until December 15, 2018 stop by the seasonal gift shop at Doyle Ranch located at 451-895 Highway 395 in Milford.
The Doyle Ranch is one of the oldest family ranches in the region. It was established in 1860 when James and Mary Doyle located there. It should be duly noted there is no relation to John Doyle who settled at Long Valley in 1859 and for whom the town of Doyle is named. The Doyle’s had six children—four boys and two girls. In 1904, the patriarch, James retired and moved into Milford proper. His two sons, Thomas and William stayed on the ranch, but divided the property into two separate ranches. In the line of succession, in 1973, Ken and Irene Doyle purchased the home ranch, who continue on.
So here is the perfect opportunity to do some holiday shopping and look at some local history at the same time.