History

Milford’s Potato War

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Claude Wemple's historical map of the Milford region, shows not only the location of the Potato War, but numerous other sites.
Claude Wemple’s historical map of the Milford region, shows not only the location of the Potato War, but numerous other sites.

Who knew that the almighty spud would be the cause of conflict? It all began in October 1857 when a band of Washo Indians visited William Morehead’s potato patch, some two miles northwest of Milford. When confronted by Morehead and others the Washo became belligerent and this did not go over well with the residents of the Milford district. The locals received re-enforcements from the California state arsenal, volunteer fighters from Sierra Valley, and a band of Piutes. During the skirmish several Washo were killed and many wounded. In the aftermath, the Washo withdrew from the lower end of Honey Lake Valley and never ventured north of Long Valley. Again, the residents petitioned for a permanent military fort after the Potato War, only to be ignored, again and again.

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History

Grasshopper Valley

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A view from the southern end of Grasshopper Valley, August 4, 2016.
A view from the southern end of Grasshopper Valley, August 4, 2016.

Once you pass Eagle Lake north on Highway 139, the next broad expanse you see to your right is Grasshopper Valley.  When intrepid explorer J. Goldsborough Bruff in 1850 noted it was lake, who later in 1876 stated it had to be what was  later Eagle Lake. In wet years, the lower portion of the valley is flooded, and back in Bruff’s day especially so, since there were no dams at Said Valley or Slate Creek, so even a greater flow of water in the basin. Continue reading Grasshopper Valley →

History

A Remembrance

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The send off at the Susanville Depot. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner
The send off at the Susanville Depot of the first volunteers from Lassen, Modoc and Plumas Counties, August 10, 1917.. Courtesy of Lola L. Tanner

This being Veteran’s Day it is only fitting  to acknowledge the fallen soldiers of Lassen County from World War I. Initially, a monument was to be placed at Inspiration Point, but that never materialized. In 1922, the highway entrance into Susanville’s west end was constructed, saw the placement of a bronze plaque with the names of Lassen County men who perished in World War I. In 1966, the highway was realigned and the plaque removed. Continue reading A Remembrance →

News

Election Day

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Lassen County Courthouse, 1922.
Lassen County Courthouse, 1922.

It is indeed election day, and a sigh of relief that we will not have endure any more campaign rhetoric, etc.  I am keeping today’s post short and brief, just as a  friendly reminder to encourage everyone to vote today.  In 1976, I worked elections for the Lassen County Clerk for the first time and have done so for many years since, even working this year’s primary. However, for this election I will be absent as an official, since my name is on the ballot for Lassen College Trustee Area #1.

More importantly, the average citizen is unaware of just how much work is involved to hold the election. With that in mind, please, please go vote, it will bring smiles to faces of all the precinct workers, who we should be so grateful for all the work and the long hours they do on this special day.

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News

Oops!

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I think it is safe to safe, my day turned out much better than the driver of this Paul Bunyan Logging Truck.
I think it is safe to say, my day turned out much better than the driver of this Paul Bunyan Logging Truck.

It was bound to happen sooner or later, that I would make a mistake in scheduling articles. On occasions I do reschedule articles, usually once I completed a Your Topic request, or because something timely occurs, like when the old barn on the east edge of Susanville burned down in 2015.

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History

Westwood’s First High School

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Courtesy of Hank Martinez
The Westwood Grammer and High Schools. Courtesy of Hank Martinez

For nearly twenty years, the Red River Lumber Company’s town of Westwood operated differently than other communities.  Even the public Westwood School District was an unusual creature in the beginning.  Under normal circumstances a school district would issue bonds to finance school construction. Not so in Westwood. Red River built the schools, and leased them to the Lassen County Superintendent of Schools at a nominal cost. Continue reading Westwood’s First High School →

History

Susanville’s Kirmess Festival

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Methodist Church
The aftermath of the August 4, 1915 fire.

One of the more disastrous fires in Susanville occurred in August 1915, when a large portion of the block containing the Emerson Hotel, the Hyer House Hotel and the Methodist Church were destroyed. The losses were heavy, none of the buildings were fully covered by insurance.

Members of the Methodist Church were determined to rebuild their church that was constructed in 1901. The skeletal walls were deemed fit for re-use. While insurance covered a large percentage of costs to rebuild, more funds were needed. It was decided to hold a Kirmess Festival. Those not familiar with the term, is of Dutch origins.  While it has several meanings one is that it involves an outdoor fair/festival for charitable causes, usually affiliated with a church.

In early March 1916, members of the church announced a four day Kirmess festival to raise funds to rebuild their church. The kirmess was scheduled for March 28-31. On the first day, it took on air of Mardi Gras with a parade that included the majority of the community. Entertainment was held every night at the Orpheum Theater. On Thursday night Guy P. Johnson won the election and was crowned Kirmess King. A good time was had by all and nearly $1,000 was raised for the Methodist Church.

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Exploring Lassen County's Past