On a trip through Willow Creek Valley this weekend we had a chance to see more Lassen County history which was lost to the big windstorm at the beginning of the month. Here in the valley we lost several landmarks, including century-old barns, and the devastation uprooted trees and damaged property throughout Lassen County.
The little cabin in Willow Creek Valley pictured above was one of the casualties. Long since abandoned, the dilapidated shack was a favorite of local photographers – posed cozily next to the wildlife viewing station at the west end of the valley. The wind shredded most of the building and completely uprooted one of the two trees next to the cabin.
This got me started thinking about Roop’s Fort and the work the historical society has done lately to help keep Susanville’s oldest landmark in one piece. In December a crew from the Historical Society, including President Tony Jonas, Jerry Gibbs and Doug Millar worked to brace the fort’s weathered roof. The bracing was needed to both hold the roof up and to hold the roof down, and during this last storm the fix worked marvelously. Thank you to the guys for their commitment to local history and keeping important parts of our heritage alive.
