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The Year They Blew Up Mount Lassen
The headline on the cover of the November 1931 issue of Popular Science magazine says, “Sleeping Volcano Flames at Touch of Electric Key”.
Inside, the magazine tells the story of the opening ceremonies at the National Park and just how many thousands of pounds in explosives you need to simulate a Mount Lassen Eruption.
Click on any of the images to see larger versions.
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Man Made Eruption in Lassen Crater Seen for Miles
Popular Science November 1931
With an explosion that threw columns of smoke five hundred feet into the air and detonations that reverberated thunderously among the surrounding peaks of the Cascades, Mt. Lassen, California’s dying volcano suddenly sprang to life recently, with the strangest eruption ever witnessed. For probably the first time in history, the spectacle of a mighty volcanic eruption was reenacted by man.
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With rumblings and heavy explosions the aged peak flung a plume of smoke high above it’s 10,000 foot summit and belched forth fire, smoke and steam, in a spectacular display visible miles away. This man made volcanic demonstration was patterned after Lassen’s 1915 eruption.
Behind the brilliant display that thrilled thousands of spectators lay weeks of patient study and preparation by pyrotechnic experts.
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For days, pack trains, laden with rockets, mortars and a vast quantity of other equipment, including 6,000 pounds of powder, toiled up the steep trail to the summit.
Waiting at his electrical switchboard on the mountainside some distance below the crater, Fred G. Hitt, engineer in charge, watched for the signal rocket to be fired from King’s Meadows.
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When he heard the distant boom, and saw a puff of smoke float upward from the meadow, his hand moved over the controls. Upon contact of a single switch a mighty roar sounded from the old volcano’s top.
Following this activity, old Lassen seemed to quiet down for a period. But at eight thirty o’clock in the evening, engineer Hitt, working the electrical controls, again released tons of pyrotechnic material from the crater.
There you have it, now you know all about when the National Park Service blew up Mount Lassen
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North Lassen Street from the Eastman Postcard
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Bronson Appointed to City Council
January 8th, 1943
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James E. Bronson, former Chamber of Commerce president, head of the Lassen County Livestock Show and Rodeo over a period of years, and an active civic worker, this week was appointed as a member of the city council to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of W.C. Mass, who Monday began his duties as Justice of the Peace of Honey Lake township.
The Susanville city council now consists of H.L. McMurphy, mayor; Paul T. Wemple, J. Baker McQueen, Mrs. Georgia B. Jensen and Mr. Bronson.
Due to added expense of the Susanvllle police department, and to meet the town hall bond redemption, funds were transferred from the special fund and the motor vehicle fund.
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A resolution making the city ordinance conform to the county ordinance regulating the use of bicycles was adopted, and also authorizes school authorities to give tests in traffic rules and regulations for school children using bicycles.
Fire alarm boxes also were discussed by the council.
City Clerk John Harrison was directed to make further effort to secure necessary wire for a police signal system, once denied on priority basis.
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Today: A slight chance of rain before 10am, then a chance of snow. Snow level 5900 feet lowering to 4500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 40. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 19.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 43.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 21.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 46.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 48.
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Jan. 15 Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Mixer hosted by Diamond Mountain Casino, 900 Skyline Drive, 5:30-7:30pm. For more information call 530-257-4323.
Jan. 15 Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 7pm. 707 Nevada St.
Jan. 17 Dutch Treat will perform classic jazz standards at the White House restaurant in Janesville from 5-8 PM. Call 253-3333 for details
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