by Shelley Bennett
It’s been almost a month since the fire at the St Francis Hotel and Restaurant and every time I pass by, I make myself look at the ruins and remember what was and imagine what could have been.
Over the summer, I was hopeful of a revival for that block in Uptown Susanville.
If the Sierra Theatre became home to Susanville’s vibrant performing arts community, it seemed fitting that the St Francis would also be polished and loved and returned to its former grandeur. Now it’s a reminder of how difficult it is to make progress.
I have some wonderful memories of the St Francis. Mostly in the banquet room where my grandpa Paul Simpson would hold his annual office party.
The crew of Simpson and Associates would first gather in the bar area. Everyone would be dressed up under the layers of winter coats and jackets as they came in from the cold. The adults enjoyed drinks while Casey and I ordered Shirley Temples.
I always had a new Christmas dress on, velvet or taffeta, made by mom or grandma. Tights and shiny Mary Janes on my feet. Hair pulled back with a ribbon for embellishment. I remember spinning on the linoleum floor to check the fullness of my skirt.
The tables would be lined up in a long row, all set with silverware and fine china. We would start with a crisp salad of iceberg lettuce and tomatoes. You would add garlicky kidney and garbanzo beans and rich, blue cheese dressing, sharp with vinegar in it. My mouth is watering right now thinking of that simple, but delicious salad.
Suddenly the door to the kitchen would open and platters with steaming pasta, roasted meats, and vegetables would be set out family-style, to be passed around and enjoyed. The raviolis were my favorite.
After dinner, my brother and I would play around the Christmas tree and wait for the stockings. There weren’t very many kids back in the 70s, just me, Casey, Tessa Nagel, and then Laura Jean Schmidt. The stockings were the red mesh type filled with nuts, candy, and of course an orange in the toe.
There were other times we ate in the main restaurant, but usually for special occasions. It was an upscale, classy place where you had to dress up a little and behave during dinner.
Thank you to the Goni family for all the memories. You brought families and friends together for many years with food, conversation, and the love and pride you had for your business. We are extremely grateful.
The Lassen Grizzly Varsity Football team will battle the Orland Trojans for the section title this Saturday, 11/30 at 6:00 on Arnold Field. Let’s show up and cheer this team on to victory!
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
