By Susan Couso
Edward Bass built the Cindercone Ballroom in Standish in 1929. In a mere ninety days from the start of construction the ballroom was ready for business and the first dance was held.
The building appears to be a huge log cabin, but it is actually made with log siding produced at the Red River Lumber Company’s Westwood mill. Credit for the design of the building’s roof trusses is given to Charles Hansen, Bass’s uncle.
The interior of the dance hall was highlighted by a mirrored 3-foot-diameter ‘Crystal Showers’ ball from Tony’s El Patio Ballroom in Reno which reflected colored lights around the room, and there was an orchestra ‘shell’ to enhance the band’s sound.
Bass also designed and made the hanging iron light fixtures festooned with red roses and silver shields.
Edward Bass was known to hire only the best bands for his dances, and sometimes up to 350 couples showed up. It was certainly the ‘place to be’ in Lassen County and people came from all parts of the county to enjoy the music.
Admission was $1.50 per couple and unescorted ladies were admitted for free. Food was available, soft drinks were sold and once Prohibition had ended, beer and wine became available too.
Bass noted that his customers were almost always well-behaved. He was proud to arrange a social event where people dressed up put their best foot forward.
In 1946 Edward Bass sold the ballroom. It was still used for a dance hall for many years after Bass sold out.
Since the ‘hey day’ of dancing ended it has been used for several enterprises including a roller-skating rink and a private home.
