Westwood in Lassen County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Boardinghouses
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012
1. Boardinghouses Marker
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
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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 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.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012
2. Boardinghouses Marker
The marker is to the left of the building.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012
3. Boardinghouses
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012
4. Boardinghouses
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 624 times since then and 25 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.
