designer, and tracks the history of the Red River Lumber Company, the sawmill established by the Walker family who built Westwood. This section also has logging industry and Native American artifacts. Binders filled with photos have been placed in the appropriate museum section. In 2010 the museum underwent a fivemonth remodeling during the off season. Work included painting, rearranging exhibits, upgrading displays and improving preservation techniques. Special UV protection window blinds were installed to keep photos from fading. Also work to museum mount photos with archival glass and mats began. A photo exhibit of the Donkey Steam Engine was the first to be museum mounted. The collection of items on display at the Westwood Museum is from a variety of sources. A lot of the artifacts were accumulated in 1987 when the town held its first Paul Bunyan Festival to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Westwood. A committee of 10, chaired by Janice McGinnis, asked community members to loan memorabilia for an historical display at the festival. According to Judy Robinson, who has been a museum volunteer for over 20 years and served as president for many of them, people brought such items as their dad’s old mill badge, claim checks, roller skates from the local rink and photos. The makeshift museum was such a success it was packed and then set up for
viewing each weekend until the committee found a business owner willing to share office space. Eventually, volunteers secured the current location in the Westwood Community Services Building on Ash Street and did some remodeling to expand the area. The Westwood Museum is open all summer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The telephone numbers of volunteers willing to open the museum to vis-
HIDDEN TREASURES — This Paul Bunyan display within the Westwood Museum includes mugs, games, figurines and banks. A soda bottle in the display case was produced by the Red River Lumber Company. The lumber company operated from 1914 to 1957 and used the folk hero as its logo. Photo by Susan Cort Johnson
itors who come through Westwood when the doors are closed is displayed in the window. Also, the museum has a Facebook page. ❖
Have you seen what’s new in the store?
Workwear Great Selection of Clothes and Work Boots
Check out our Lawn & Garden Patio Furniture, Canopies, Yard Art, Pool & Spa Supplies, BBQs & much more!
Visit our Full Service Color Center
Fishing & Camping Headquarters
ACE Royal Paint
Tents • Sleeping Bags Fishing Equipment Camp Stoves
2950 Main Street • Susanville, CA 96130 • 530-257-4117 Products
STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm • Sunday 9am-5pm
Lassen County Visitors Guide 2012-13
37