Good Realty Building Gets Early West Face Lift
July 24, 1975
TO HELP KICK OFF Susanville’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in honor of the city’s 75th birthday, a “Western Theme” was established by the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce, Susanville Merchants Association and Susanville Promotion Committee. First to get into the act was Realtor Robert O. Elliott, of Good Real Estate.
Pictured above is Elliott’s Good Realty Building located on North Sacramento Street, just off Main. The building has been remodeled to look like an old 1860 boarding house. The whole outside including stairs and balcony is constructed of custom cut pieces of Pecky Cedar wood.
Elliott told The Advocate that when he bought the building it looked so bad he wanted to do something to change its appearance. The thought of a western theme, for Susanville’s 75th Birthday, gave him the idea which was further enhanced when Elliott talked to Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Manager Dan Mitchell, who agreed to take measurements and came up with a drawing. Elliott said it was a fantastic answer to his problem and the ball started rolling for what is seen above.
Elliott saved much expense as Tom Glenn custom cut all of the wood in his small mill. Elliott hired two carpenters, Jerry Hickey and Gary Lavezzo, and they made Mitchell’s drawing into the real thing.
“We have received such a great response that other establishments such as the Juniper Inn on Hall Street are planning similar remodeling with a western motif,” said Elliott. “A number of people from out of town were amazed and some took movie pictures of our building.”
Elliott said the remodeling is not over yet and stated, “a two-pole fence (about three feet high) will be constructed around the parking lot. I bought an old buckboard in Ravendale which will be placed over in the corner by our sign when the parking lot fence is completed. Jack Van Dorn has located some old barn lanterns and they will be wired electrically and hung between posts for soft night lighting.”
The outside is not the only thing western about the Good Realty Building. Elliott’s associate, Dennis Brant, has taken some old authentic barnwood (including old square nails) to panel Robert O.’s office and a third office and conference room. One room will have a combination of barnwood, shakes and Pecky Cedar.
The front office has been wallpapered by Elliott with the wallpaper depicting old newspaper ads at the turn of the century. (Advocate photo).
