Alan Willendrup’s previously published book, The Lassen Peak Eruptions and Their Lingering Legacy, has been completely revised and expanded to include photos, many never published before.
The 1914-15 eruptions received sensational and very exaggerated national coverage. This book sets the story straight. In 1975, Alan interviewed many eyewitnesses to the eruptions who were still alive and graciously shared their accounts with him. Their vivid recollections of this geological milestone brought this narrative to life: they are the real “meat and potatoes” of the book.
This book concentrates on the human-interest stories at the time: Lance Graham’s near fatal encounter during one of the momentous eruptions, Elmer Sorahan’s mad dash at night through the Hat Creek Valley to warn residents of the impending mudflow, B. F. Loomis and his now famous photographs of Lassen, and the effects the blasts and mudflows had on the families living in the immediate area of devastation.
These men and women are gone now, but their spirits and memories live on in the pages of this book.
The Lassen Peak Eruptions & Their Lingering Legacy by Alan Willendrup
Alan Willendrup is a lifetime educator, having taught mainly high school history and journalism for 33 years, most of those in Colusa, California. He was raised in Vallejo, California, and graduated from California State University, Chico in 1968. He received a Masters of Arts degree from that same institution in 1976.
In addition to a love for writing, he has a great passion for opera and served four years on the board of directors for the Sacramento Opera Company. He also loves vintage cars and is the proud owner of a 1967 Austin Healey 3000.
His ties to Lassen have deep roots. He started going to Lassen Volcanic National Park as a child on camping and fishing trips with his father, Edgar. His love for the region and its history was nurtured in these formative years.
Alan has two daughters—Lia and Elena—and currently resides in Roseville, California.