On January 16, 1911, M.O, Folsom filed his map for the East Addition subdivision to Susanville. It was located east of the town and north of Halls Addition. The property was familiar to many, since it was the location of the racetrack and fairgrounds that had long since been abandoned. In the summer of 1912 work began to clear the property of sagebrush and grade streets. In addition, two speculative houses were built at North and Spruce Streets. The 300 lot subdivision created the following streets–First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Grand Avenue, Oak, Fir, Cedar, Spruce, Park and Ash. Folsom had North Street extended to his subdivision. The street had previously terminated at Weatherlow.

The East Addition contained a number of covenants. No property could be sold or transferred to foreigners, i.e. “Chinese, Japanese, negroes, Hindus or other objectionable races,” or as the Lassen Mail noted, “This addition will be for the Caucasian race only.” The East Addition promoted its healthy environment–one with a sewer system and which prohibited stables for livestock. Finally, and, what was important for property values, each house. constructed must cost at least $1,000, though in certain blocks that requirements was raised to $1,500.

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These Welsh Brothers came to Susanville in the mid-1860s. The first to arrive William “Bill” in 1866, and followed by his brother, Morgan in 1867. The brothers, it should be noted, were carpenters. In February 1867, Bill Williams was awarded the contract to build Lassen County Courthouse at  cost of $9,850. The two men were kept busy, and the courthouse was completed on October 28, 1867. The brothers  dabbled in other pursuits including homesteading, Morgan filed on 160 acres, adjoining the Goodrich Ranch at Mountain Meadows, His brother, claimed land at Devils Corral along the Susan River, There is a small stream located there and is known as Williams Creek.

The documentation of their lives in the Susanville region is sporadic. For instance in fall of 1875, Morgan took his family on an extended trip to Europe. In 1877, the Williams Brothers were busy constructing rental houses in Susanville. By 1880, William Williams relocated to Sacramento where he died in 1883. In 1888, Morgan Williams sought greener pastures in New Mexico. He died in 1893.

Tim

It is official that iconic Susanville Elk’s Lodge is up for sale. If the new owner wants to convert it a residence, that it once was, I do have some information on the matter. In 1908, J. Henry & Annie Swain purchased the building and they moved their family there. It needed a lot of work, since a portion of it was never finished. Improvements were made to the six bedroom house, that would featured not one, but two bathrooms which was unheard at the time.

For years, I corresponded with Frances Swain who grew up in the house. She provided me with sketches of the layout and that I thought some may be interested in.

Tim