Westwood in Lassen County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Boardinghouses

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

1. Boardinghouses Marker

Inscription. The first boardinghouses were built by Red River Logging in 1915 near the mill in Pine Town. The consisted of wood floors and canvas tents. Nine 2 story units built on Birch Street housed 80 men each while two units south of Birch Street housed women. More units were built as the mill expanded. Small apartments in each bunkhouse housed two men with communal bathrooms and showers on each floor. Clean linens were provided by the mill. In 1918 the Madero Unit burned down killing 4 men. When rebuilt, all units had fire sprinklers added. Loggers would come to town maybe twice a month for clean clothes, hot showers and cold beer. Then maybe a poker game at the club across the street or out of town for more traditional amusement.

Erected 2011 by E Clampus Vitus, Vigilante Chapter No. 1911.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.

Location. 40° 18.225′ N, 121° 0.101′ W. Marker is in Westwood, California, in Lassen County. It is on Birch Street south of 4th Street,

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on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 390 Birch Street, Westwood CA 96137, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Modoc Plateau

and in the Shasta Cascade.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Westwood Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Chuck’s Railroad Room (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Red River Bakery (about 400 feet away); Westwood Masonic Lodge (about 500 feet away); Westwood Firehouse (about 500 feet away); Lassen Trail - Westwood (about 600 feet away); Paul Bunyan (about 700 feet away); Westwood (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westwood.

Additional commentary.
1. Not Really "Boardinghouses"
These residences

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

2. Boardinghouses Marker

The marker is to the left of the building.

were really just "rooming houses", as no meals were served in them. All residents had to go to the cafeteria for their meals. The term "room and board" means a place to sleep with meals included. So no meals leaves us with a rooming house.

— Submitted May 1, 2013, by Patricia Church of Westwood, California.

Boardinghouses image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

3. Boardinghouses

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

4. Boardinghouses

Boardinghouse, rear image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

5. Boardinghouse, rear

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

6. Boardinghouse, rear

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 817 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 23, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.