3rd Grade History Day - May 8, 2025
Need to Know for the Day
On May 8th, more than 280 students and teachers gathered at the Lassen County Fairgrounds for the annual Third Grade Day—a hands-on educational experience celebrating the history, culture, and natural wonders of our region.
Students immersed themselves in Native American culture with the Susanville Indian Rancheria Cultural Committee, stepped back in time to live like pioneers (complete with old-fashioned shaving techniques!), and took a stroll down Main Street to view murals depicting life in early Lassen County. They also built a “home on the range” while learning about the local cattle industry with help from the Lassen County Cattlewomen and the Lassen College Rodeo Team.
From exploring native wildlife and plants to discovering what life was like for early settlers, students enjoyed a full day of learning and adventure.
A big thank-you to all the educators, volunteers, and community partners who made this enriching day possible!
The Eastman Collection
During the major part of the 1900s, Mr. Jervie H. Eastman photographed many beautiful scenes and people of Northern California. And, during his life time he was able to gather old photographs from other professional photographers in the area, which he added to his collection.
When studying Lassen County History, it would be an oversight to forget this man's photographic work. So much of our history is reflected in his pictures.
His business focused on printing and developing photo postal cards. He is credited with developing a machine in 1907 that would increase the number of finished postals to 200 per hour.
Jervie died in 1969 in Susanville at the age of 88.
As one of his portrait customers said, "His relaxed manner and winning smile made it easy to feel comfortable as one sat before this man's camera and had your picture taken."
Mr. Eastman is the subject of one of the historic murals in Susanville. He is pictured with a bi-plane and his company car stuck in the mud. The old timers tell me that Jervie did not fly the plane and that most of the aerial photos were made by his younger partner--Merle Simmons.
If you have the time, please look over what the University of California at Davis has put on their Eastman Collection web-site.
When studying Lassen County History, it would be an oversight to forget this man's photographic work. So much of our history is reflected in his pictures.
His business focused on printing and developing photo postal cards. He is credited with developing a machine in 1907 that would increase the number of finished postals to 200 per hour.
Jervie died in 1969 in Susanville at the age of 88.
As one of his portrait customers said, "His relaxed manner and winning smile made it easy to feel comfortable as one sat before this man's camera and had your picture taken."
Mr. Eastman is the subject of one of the historic murals in Susanville. He is pictured with a bi-plane and his company car stuck in the mud. The old timers tell me that Jervie did not fly the plane and that most of the aerial photos were made by his younger partner--Merle Simmons.
If you have the time, please look over what the University of California at Davis has put on their Eastman Collection web-site.
Post Office
Isaac Roop was Susanville's first Postmaster. Stories have been told about how he served in this position when he ran Roop's Trading Post in 1854. He knew the importance of folks being in contact with family and friends back in the "States." Some say that he was very dedicated to delivering that "long awaited letter" to the members of the community.
President James Buchanan officially appointed him Postmaster in 1859. He served in that position for 10 years and was Susanville's Postmaster when he died in 1869.
In past years the Lassen County Office of Education and the Susanville Postmaster have worked together to make a commemorative cancellation stamp. Local artist Cende Hill designed a stamp. During Isaac Roop's Birthday celebration, the students and the public have had the opportunity to send letters that were officially stamped and cancelled - just as they were in the early pioneer days!
President James Buchanan officially appointed him Postmaster in 1859. He served in that position for 10 years and was Susanville's Postmaster when he died in 1869.
In past years the Lassen County Office of Education and the Susanville Postmaster have worked together to make a commemorative cancellation stamp. Local artist Cende Hill designed a stamp. During Isaac Roop's Birthday celebration, the students and the public have had the opportunity to send letters that were officially stamped and cancelled - just as they were in the early pioneer days!
