The Lassen Monuments located some six miles south of Susanville at the base of Diamond Mountain marked the finally resting place of Peter Lassen who died in 1859.  As the story is told, this is where Lassen first camped in the Honey Lake Valley beneath a stately Ponderosa pine tree. In 1862, a monument was placed on his gravesite.

For those familiar with the site, it is a idyllic setting with a pine grove overlooking an expansive grassy meadow. By the mid-1870s, the place became a popular summer picnic spot.

Fast forward to September 1917, after the dedication of the second Lassen Monument, Robert M. Cook, editor and publisher of the Lassen Weekly Mail wrote in his column that more was needed to be done with the new monument: “The location is of one scenic beauty and it is hoped that it ca be made an official cemetery and thus secure the care of the county in keeping the grounds in first-class condition. There is no fund at present for this purpose and it will be a shame to allow the beautiful stone that has been erected to become the center of unkept and neglected grounds.”

In the 1920s, a movement was started to purchase this property and establish it as a public monument. In 1925, according to newspaper reports, that mission was accomplished when it was revealed that the Hulsman family, owners of the property, donated a small parcel to local Masonic lodge (Lassen Lodge F.&A.M..). This was a bit premature, for no deed was either prepared or more importantly recorded. Finally, on April 23, 1952, Hannah F. Hulsman deeded a one-acre plot to the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Susanville Parlor No. 243. Over the years the Native Daughters found it burdensome to maintain the property and subsequently on June 29, 1976 donated to  Lassen Lodge & F.&A.M.. Over the years various community groups, such as Rotary have assisted the Masons with maintenance.

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California State Highway 89 is a bit of an odd creature in itself. One there are a number of segments wherein it is blended into other state highways. A perfect example is Highway 36 & 89 share the same roadway from just west of Chester to Mineral. While Highway 36 continues to Red Bluff, at Morgan Summit, just before Mineral, Highway 89 veers north through Lassen Park. The highway’s official designation through the park is US 1. Just as at the south entrance, when 89 leaves the park at the north entrance, it shares the same roadway with Highway 44. Just past the junction near Old Station, Highway 89 once again retains its own identity heading north towards Mount Shasta.

Of course, Highway 89 has this same quirky nature with shared highways on the southern end on the way to Quincy and beyond. A bit of road trivia for those road warriors over Memorial Day Weekend.

Tim