In the spring of 1864 work began on Susanville’s most elaborate structure to date, Jospeh and Lydia Steward’s two-story hotel on the northwest corner of Main and Gay Streets. It was advertised as, “This new and elegantly furnished hotel stands first in the State for comfort and accommodation for the traveling public, every room being well ventilated and neatly furnished. Even though Steward owned the hotel for less than a year, he sold to Miller & Kingsley for $7,256, the name never change with subsequent ownership.

On Tuesday night, July 18, 1893, a fire broke out in the rear of the Steward House and within minutes the entire building was engulfed in flames. Within a half hour, with erratic winds fanned the fire and the whole block were ablaze. The fire jumped Main Street and now the south side of the business district was on fire. In the end, it worst fire in Susanville’s history, the town’s entire business district was destroyed.

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Today’s topic evolved from a trip to Susanville Supermarket last month. I thought I could manage a quick trip in and out and go on my merry way. Lo and behold, while trying to make my get away, I got lassoed. Anna Stewart who needed some information about Native American Veteran Thomas Tucker, that they want to feature in their newspaper ad, scheduled for July 7.  I, of course, obliged.

Thomas Tucker was the first casualty from Susanville in World War I. Numerous records has him listed as the first Lassen County resident, but that distinction belongs to Westwood resident Clyde McKea who died almost two months earlier than Tucker. Continue reading A Living Memorial →

Last month I wrote about the area’s first newspaper, the Richmond Times. The next newspaper, also a handwritten one, the Susanville Reporter. This paper made its debut in February 1861, with Andrew Ramsey at the helm. When the second issue made its debut, the paper changed hands with Isaac Roop, as editor. As the Butte Record noted Roop penned some amusing article such as, “A Hint to Parents,” Something to be Remembered,” and Uncle Sam and his boys.” It would not be for another four years, when the first locally printed newspaper was published—The Sage Brush.

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