USA > California > Humboldt County > History and Business Directory of Humboldt County [Calif.]: Descriptive of the Natural Resources. > Part 4
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HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY 27
California is the land of greatness and of magnitude. Her forests are gigan- tic; her plains are vast, and her giving-forth of wealth has been stupendous. Her people are seized with the spirit of greatness that pervades even the atmosphere,- they attempt great things, and even if they fail, they do so grandly. In less than forty years of its life as a country of action and of progress, more history-making has been done, more vicisitudes of fortune and despair, and more wonderful suc- cess has been achieved than in all the rest of the world put together. In all these matters Humboldt county has had her place. She has her successful men, her millionaires; and she has seen noble and manlike struggles against adverse fates with triumphant results.
Hope is one of the Godly virtues of which all mankind in general possess to a great degree. No matter if in a dungeon, the stony walls and dismal enclosure are lighted up by a ray of hope-hope for liberty and freedom. The youth as he sets out from home is animated with the same Godlike characteristic fame, honor and wealth he hopes to obtain and although he may struggle against superhuman obstacles a star beacons him onward, "follow" it seems to say, that star is hope. It is the light, the pillar of fire which has guided man across unknown seas, over mountains whose peaks seem almost to pierce the canopy of the sky, across the yarn- ing abyss, and onward to the building of an Empire, has the rays of this star been the guide. It lead the pioneer, the gold hunter and fortune-seeker to the land of the Golden Gate; from Europe and from the East they came in thousands, dreaming of future happiness, prosperity and wealth-dreams inspired by hope. "Westward the star of empire wends its way," and to the present generation the star of hope shines on the shores of the Pacific. The man of family struggling to obtain a living amid the heat of summer or the snows of winter in the Eastern States looks forward to the time when he may go to the Eldorado of the world, not the land of gold, but of peace and plenty, the California of to day. Here indeed can be found the realization of his reasonable hopes, for here in this great State is a climate conducive to health and longevity. But California is a great State, and where and in what part is most desirable for the settler of moderate means? It is to answer such questions that the publisher proposes to lay before the reader the resources, climate, productiveness and advantages of
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
As we have stated before, California is a great State with a coast line of nearly or over 800 miles, possessing every variety of climate, every variety of soil and all possible natural resources. In Southern and Central California the orange, lemon and the fig are attractions, but land is high and to those of moderate means who cannot wait ten or twelve years to reap an income from their labor and investment it is undesirable for them to settle there. So we therefore turn the eyes of the prospective settler towards Humboldt county, and present to his mind its manifold advantages and great resources. Here the giant redwood towers hundreds of feet into air awaiting only the ax to fell, and saw to cut to be transformed into the finest lumber known to man, the luxuriant grasses which carpet every hill,
Gibbard & Lever Manufacturer of Furniture and
2d & E Sts. Every Kindof Ornamental House Finish
Factory, Eureka, Cal.
Headquarters
FOR USEFUL VARIETIES AND ORNAMENTAL ARTICLES
J. E. Man.
HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY
29
mountain, canyon and valley are capable of sustaining thousands of herds of cattle, sheep and horses. The rich bottom lands of the valleys await the coming of the orchardist and farmer to liberally reward his investment of capital and liis labor. The dozen saw-mills working to their utmost capacity in supplying the demands of the counties bordering on the Pacific for lumber invite the capitalist to in- vest and treble their number which are now incapable of meeting the requirements of trade. To those who think that the days for amassing wealth have vanished we invite them to investigate the natural resources of this great county, and we can, with assurance, say that in no part of the world is capital invested so quickly repaid or labor performed so rapidly and richly rewarded. Nature has indeed liberally endowed Humboldt county even to the borders of extravagance, and the man who, with even a small amount of capital and willingness to labor, cannot succeed here, must indeed be far beyond all earthly assistance and would un- doubtedly starve to death in the midst of plenty.
GEOGRAPHICAL.
Humboldt county is the most northern county but one, lying on the Pacific Ocean. Its northern line is separated from Oregon by the county of Del Norte 40 miles, and the division line between Del Norte and Humboldt is about midway between the 4Ist and 42d parallels. Its southern limit is marked by the 40th par- allel. It is bounded on the north by Del Norte county, on the northeast by Siski- you county, on the east by Trinity county, on the south by Mendocino county and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. It contains 3,560 square miles, or 2,297,600 acres of land. Its length from north to south is 108 miles, and it has an average width of about 40 miles, and 175 miles of meander tide-water line. The county is one and one-half times as large as the State of Delaware, and three times the size of Rhode Island. According to estimates that have been made the county may be sub-divided as follows :
Timber lands. Agricultural Grazing land
1,221,600. 450,000. 626,000.
It must be understood that the timber land when the trees are removed is capable of being made the best and richest and most productive land in the world, and the greater part of that classed as "grazing " would be utilized if in the East- ern States, but in California unless the land is almost in a condition to plow it is passed by in contempt for agricultural purposes.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
For a county suitable for diversified industries, the superior of Humboldt county would be hard to find. Its not overly large but numerous valleys, its roll- ing hills and extensive table lands, its acres of timber, of nearly every kind, and its many streams and rivers, make it a county of almost unlimited resources. In fact, the physical features of Humboldt county are those most to be desired. It contains no very high mountains and but few acres of valueless land, it being a
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Dunoral Directors and Embalmers Undetaking Parlors 3d & H Sts., Pioneer Bdg., Eurek:
---
1
SKILLED INTERIOR DECORATORS AT PLUKE'S
28 N. H. & S. F. PINE-EUREKA FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP
EUREKA FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP
N. H. and S. F. PINE, Proprietors
Foot of S Street
Eureka, California
MODERN IMPROVED MACHINERY OF THE BEST MAKE
-ENABLES THE-
EUREKA FOUNDRY
TO SUPPLY THE TRADE WITH
Iron and Brass Castings, Steam Engines
Steel Shafting and Pulleys of all kinds
and Manufactured Machinery
of Every Description
Estimates furnished on request at the Shortest possible Notice
EUREKA FOUNDRY
P. O. BOX, 142 EUREKA, HUMBOLDT CO., CAL. TELEPHONE, 52
General Auctioneers Real Estate Agents and Collectors CARL HAMILTON & CO., H St., bet. 4th and 5th, Eureka, Cal.
Varnishes and Brushes at Pluke's, Cor 2d & D Sts.
30 N. D. HULSE
H. H. BUHNE & CO.
Estimates Promptly Furnished
Carriage and Wagon Repository
N. D. HULSE
S. E. Cor. FIFTH AND F STS. EUREKA, CALIFORNIA
MANUFACTURER OF AND DEALER IN
Wagons, Carts, Buggies and Carriages
BLACKSMITH AND JENERAL JOBBER
Agent for the Celebrated Schuttler Wagon and Rumsey Cart HORSE-SHOEING A SPECIALTY
ITAll Orders from the Country or otherwise executed Satisfactorily.
H. H. BUHNE
H. H. BUHNE, JR.
H. H. BUHNE & CO.
South side First St., bet. E and F, Eureka, California
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN
GENERAL HARDWARE
Agricultural and Garden Implements, Iron, Steel, Machine and Carriage Bolts Tools of all Descriptions, Mann's double and single bit Axes, Shelf Hardware Blocks, Sheaves, both Iron and Lignumvitae, Cumberland Coal, Tar, Eastern Oakum, Pitch, Rosin, Sail Twine, Marlin Canvas, Duncan Jack Screws with extras, Doors, Windows, and Paints and Oils of All Kinds
We also keep on hand a full stock of New Bedford Manilla Rope from a 6-inch hawser to a 6-thread rope. A full stock of Belting and a Complete stock of - - GROCERIES++
And Ship Chandlery Stores. As we buy direct from the East, paying cash, we can offer Goods at Bed-rock Prices
IF We are also Agents for Humboldt county of the Simond's Crescent Groud Cross-cut Saw.
Blue Prints, Tracing. Etc., furnishedon Short Notice
Maps J. N. LENTELL, Civil Engineer, H St., bet, 4th and 5th, Eureka.
Books and Stationery
10,000 Songs and Song Books Curiosities of All Kinds
J. E. Mathews
HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY
3I
territory of which nearly every foot is of some tangible worth. The only valley of any very great size in Humboldt county is the Eel River Valley, which contains tens of thousands of acres of as rich land as lie in California. There are numerous small valleys, however, in which most anything can be profitably grown, the soil being extremely fertile. Among the number, Mattole, Klamath, Mad River and Bear River Valleys should be particularly named. Humboldt county can, by no means, be called mountainous, for its hilliest sections are undulating.
HUMBOLDT BAY.
This magnificent harbor is fifteen miles long, with an average width of three miles, possessing a tidal area of forty square miles, and has an aggregate length of seventy-five miles of navigable channels. Humboldt Bay is the receptacle of a number of small rivers and creeks, of which Jacoby, Freshwater and Salmon creeks and Elk river are the principal, and which have a length from twelve to forty miles respectively. It is completely land-locked, and vessels can lie at the wharves with complete safety at all times of the year, and in all kinds of weather. It is one of three so happily situated on over 1300 miles of sea coast between the Mexican boundary and British Columbia, and ranks second only to the Bay of San Francisco in the importance of its commerce, in point of safety it is second to none.
TRINIDAD BAY.
Trinidad bay is an open port well sheltered from the winds, twenty miles north of the entrance to Humboldt bay. It is one of the best harbors on the coast, which can accommodate vessels of the largest size. It is in the immediate vicin- ity of a rich growth of timber, which will, without doubt, be utilized ere long. A railroad to connect the town with Eureka is likely to be built, in the near future, which will transform it into a scene of activity.
SHELTER COVE.
Shelter Cove lies about 160 miles north of San Francisco and about 50 miles south of Eel river bar. This is an important shipping point for extreme Southern Humboldt and Northern Mendocino. The harbor is of a horse-shoe shape, and is formed by a sharp bend, which, at that point, the coast takes in a westerly direction. It is further protected by large beds of kelp or seaweed, which, to a great extent, break the force of the sea when southerly winds prevail. There is deep water close into the Cove, and plenty of sea-room, making it a good summer harbor for vessels, and a place of refuge during the prevalence of northerly gales.
CLIMATE.
Humboldt county possesses in common with the coast of California all the characteristics of a genial and equable climate. The air is exhilarating and invig- orating, never too warm, and the mercury never descends to the freezing point, a uniformity of temperature being preserved the year round, a condition which ex-
Gibbard 8 Lever DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF Por. Third and H Streets, pioneer Building, Eureka
Furniture
Most Complete Assortment Paints at Plnke's, cor. 2d & D Sts
32
STEAMSHIP HUMBOLDT
For San Francisco and Humboldt Bay
Regular Steam Communication
Carrying U. S. Mails and Wells, Fargo & Co's Express
The Commodious and Elegantly Fitted Steamship
HUMBOLDT JESSEN Commanding
-WILL SAIL FROM-
San Francisco for Eureka Every Saturday AT 9 A.M., AND RETURNING, WILL SAIL FROM
Eureka for San Francisco every Wednesday AT THE SERVICE OF THE TIDE
The Humboldt was built in this County, was rebuilt last season, and has new boilers and first-class machinery throughout. New staterooms perfectly arranged ; new bedding and furniture; has all modern conveniences. Sets the Best Table, and is one of the fastest Steamers on the Coast.
For Freight or Passage apply to
SEARLES & STONE
304 California Street
San Francisco, Cal.
THOMAS BAIRD
E Street Wharf
Eureka, Cal.
General Auctioneers Real Estate Agents and Collectors CARL HAMILTON & CO., H St., bet. 4th and 5th, Eureka, Cal.
Oil Paintings and Engravings at J. E. Mathews
HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY
33
ists only in California. In winter on the hills back of the timber belt snow falls, but in the valleys and within the distance influenced by the ocean, there is an ab- sence of snow and frost seldom forms. The average temperature for the summer- months is about 65 degrees and in winter at 45 degrees. Here indeed is a healthy invigorating climate, free from miasma and all other kindred complaints. It adds tone to the system, and enables one to take an interest in work and gives a renewed impetus to the system, which is equivalent to a new lease of life.
RESOURCES.
We will give but passing mention of the resources of Humboldt county under this head as they are treated at length in other pages of this edition. Here lum- ber is king. The magnificent redwood is of the chiefest importance, but an inex- haustible supply of spruce, pine and cedar only await further development by the investment of capital in mills, to cut into lumber or wood, that has the world for a market. Laurel, oak and madrone are here to be found and offer the greatest of inducements to the enterprising manufacturer of furniture. Wool forms the next industry of importance and adds to the great wealth of the county. Stock raising, dairy products, fruit raising, agriculture and the salmon fisheries, besides mineral and other resources present attractions which cannot but magnificently reward those who interest themselves in their development.
RIVERS, LAKES AND CREEKS .- EEL RIVER.
Eel river has its source in Mendocino county. This beautiful, wild and ever flowing stream drains an immense area of country. It is over two hundred miles long, and has hundreds of miles of tributaries. Having its source in the Coast Range, with the snows of numerous high peaks to feed it, its waters are clear, cold and rapid, flowing freely all summer. It has a course of more than 125 miles in this county, and with its tributaries, each from fifty to one hundred miles in length, constitutes a prominent physical feature of Southern Humboldt. Its gen- eral course is northwest, flowing into the Pacific Ocean two hundred and twenty miles north of San Francisco. Some say the river takes its name from the circum- stance of the Wood exploring party having traded old iron for eels with the Indians residing on the river's banks, whilst others claim that it derives its name from the Indian word "Wee-ot-lol-la," meaning many eels. From its mouth to Camp Grant, a distance of perhaps 55 miles by the river's course, it is nearly a half-mile wide, tide-water ebbing and flowing up to a point about six miles from its mouth. For a distance of three miles or more up the river from its mouth the channel has an average depth of from twelve to fifteen feet.
TRIBUTARIES OF EEL RIVER.
The Van Duzen fork of Eel river has its source in Trinity county. It is about 100 miles in length and empties into Eel river some fourteen miles from its mouth.
Yager creek, a tributary of the Van Duzen, has its source near the low gap or divide between the waters of Mad and Eel rivers, and with its tributaries drains and waters all that section of country between Mad river and the Van Duzen,
Gibbard & Lever make a Specialty of Bedroom and Parlor Suits Cor. 3d and H Sts. Pioneer Bdg, Eureka
Most Complete Assortment of Paints at Pluke's, 2d and D Sts.
34 C. M. ARMSTRONG MONROE & McKITTRICK W. P. PRATT
high AArt Bailoring
Original Designs
W. P. PRATT -DEALER IN --
e. m. Armstrong FASHIONABLE
FURNITURE
MERCHANT TAILOR
OF EVERY DESCRIPTION
I GUARANTEE A PERFECT FIT
CARPETS
MATTING
You are Invited to Examine my Large Stock of
WALLPAPER
ELEGANT .. CLOTH
CURTAINS SHADES
TERMS VERY REASONABLE
-ojo
West side F Street, between First and Second EUREKA, CAL.
F Street, bet. Third and Fourth, Eureka, Cal.
J. M. MONROE
P. Mc KITTRICK
FIFTH STREET MARKET
FIFTH STREET, BET. E AND F
EUREKA, CALIFORNIA
MONROE & MeKITTRICK, Proprietors
DEALERS IN FRESH and CURED MEATS
Vegetables, Butter, Eggs, Poultry, Etc.
AT PRICES THAT DEFY COMPETITION
J. N. LENTELL CIVIL ENGINEER, AND BRICK MANUFACTURER H Street., bet. 4th and 5th
MATTRESSES
BEDDING
Headquarters for Window Glass at Pluke's, 2d and D Streets
36
MRS. L. E. HAMM-ART AND FASHION PARLORS
EUREKA Art and Fashion
PARLORS
MRS. L. E. HAMM
N. W. cor. F and Sixth Sts. Eureka, California
Agent for BUTTERICK PUBLISHING CO .- Limited STAMPING A SPECIALTY I carry a Full Line of Fancy Work Materials and Art Novelties
STAMPING AND FACY WORK of Every Design and Description, Artistically and Promptly Executed
I keep ready stamped the following goods, in all sizes and shades
Pongee Silk and Fringed Linen Scarfs Tray Cloths and Tidies
Sofa Pillows in Shades
Turkish Rug Patterns
Felt Table Scarfs
Fringed Linen Splashes
Pillow Shams
Toilet Sets and Baby Bibs
Knotted Fringed Linen Chair Scarfs
Unmounted Suspenders Pin Cushion Forms, Etc., Etc.
Country Orders Receive Prompt Attention
The Metropolitan Catalogue of Fashions
This Magnificent Publication is 15x 19 inches in size, and cont ains over 80 pages of splendidly finished engravings; a full exhibit of costumes-standard, moderate and extreme- being displayed on its pages. It is issued in March and September of each year.
SPECIAL OFFER to any Retail Customer purchasing at my Sales-counter, at one
Time, Patterns to the value of $1.00 or more, I will present a copy of the METROPOLITAN CATALOGUE, or, to any retail cus- tomer, sending me by mail, at one time. $1.50 or more for Patterns, I will on receipt thereof, send a copy Post-paid, free of charge, Or, to any retail customer, sending ine by mail, at one time, $1.0) for Patterns, with TEN CENTS additional to prepay postage on the Book, I will forward, on receipt thereof, a copy of the Metropolitan Catalogue.
LADIES' COSTUME .- This eut illustrates Ladies' costume, No. 3084, [copyright]. In this instance the costume is shown made of plain and brocaded dress goods, with brocaded goo Is for trimming. Cashmere, sorge, Henrietta cloth, camel's-hair. Bengaline, etc., may be developed by the mode, with velvet, point passementerie or Surah for deroration. The pattern is In 13 sizes for ladies from 23 to 46 inches, bust measure, and costs 1s. 8d. or 40 cents. Of one material for n lady of medium size, the costume will require 1754 yards 22 inches wide, or 844 yards Ic Inches wide.
*
Blue Prints, Tracing. Etc., furnished on Short Notice
Maps J. N. LENTELL, Civil Engineer H St., bet, 4th and 5th, Eureka.
Illuminating Oils and Paint Oils at Pluke's, 2d and D Streets.
38 H. COHEN & CO.
R. SWEASEY C. E. PERROTT
R. SWEASEY
(SUCCESSOR TO W. J. SWEASEY & SON)
COR. SECOND AND G STREETS EUREKA, CALIFORNIA
-WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN-
Groceries, Provisions, Crockery and Glassware
Agate and Tinware, Builders' Hardware, Doors, Sash and Blinds, Lime, Plaster, Cement, Fire and Pressed Brick, Paints, Oils, Glass, Etc., Etc.
FINE TEAS, COFFEES AND SPICES, A SPECIALTY
ALL GOODS AS REPRESENTED AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Agent for the "GOLDEN EAGLE" Petaluma Flour, best Flour made
H. COHEN
H. MICHAEL
H. COHEN & CO.
WHOLESALE DEALERS IN
Wines, Liquors and Cigars
C. E. PERROTT
PHOTOGRAHER and
SCENIC ARTIST
ARTISTIC PORTRAIT WORK Crayon and India Ink a Specialty
-.
This House keeps a Large Stock of Carefully Selected Wines, Liquors and Cigars, which are sold at San Francisco Prices
Views of Humboldt County and Coast Scenery at Reasonable Prices
-do-
I am Prepared to Guarantee my Work
COUNTRY ORDERS PROMPTLY SHIPPED
Call and Leave Your Orders
BUHNE BUILDING South side Second Street between G and H : EUREKA, CAL.
West side F Street Bet. Fourth and Fifth EUREKA, CAL
Real Estate, Carl Hamilton & Co. General Auctioneers and Real Estate Agents H Street, between 4th and 5th Eureka, Cal
Pianos and Organs LATEST ASSORTMENT SHEET MUSIC
J. E. Mathews
HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY 39
upper end of the Van Duzen Valley to Bridgeville, a distance of twenty miles, the hills come down in places to the edge of the river, the bottom land lying in patches on both sides of the stream. In the valley of Eel river and its tributaries there is an aggregate of about 100,000 acres of bottom land, and no where in the world can a more fertile section of country be found. The soil has been formed by sedimen- tary deposits, and ranges in depth from one to fifteen feet. It produces abundant crops, and can not be excelled as clover land.
The valley is divided into small farms and dairies, and in a few years' time, when it becomes entirely cleared of its brush and patches of timber, it will be the paradise of Northern California. As you travel up the valley, the climate becomes perceptibly warmer, the climate of what is known as the Upper Valley being suffi- ciently warm to render it one of the best fruit-raising countries in the State.
REDWOOD California's Monarch of the Forest
The Vast Lumber Interests of Humboldt County
T HERE are many places in California known as the redwoods, but in reality the redwoods of Humboldt county are alone worthy of the name-just as there are many silvas or woods in the world, but the silvas or woods of the Maran- on or Amizon are the only ones that take their place in a map of any continent. The redwoods of Humboldt county cover the following area:
ACRES.
Humboldt Bay 125,000
Eel River.
100,000
Van Duzen and Yager
75,000
Redwood Creek
100,000
Little River
40,000
Mad River
30,000
New Trinidad
40,000
Total 510,000 This makes up a little over one-fifth the total area of the county and represents an im- mense quantity of lumber. There are single trees that yield 50,000 feet, and acres
Gibbard & Lever Do All Styles of
Upholstering AND Repairing PIONEER B'DG Cor. 3d & H St
Artistic Sign Painters at Pluke's
ACIFIC
RESS
UBLISHING
Co., O
INCORPORATED, April 5, 1875.7
RE-INCORPORATED, March 26, 1888-
ENGRAVING, ELECTROTYPING, STEREOTYPING, k
AND ZINCOGRAPHING.
MAIN OFFICE:
Twelfth and Castro Sts., Oakland, Cal.
Branch Offices: -0-
218 POST ST., SAN FRANCISCO.
-
-43 BOND ST.,
NEW YORK.
- 48 Paternoster Row, K LONDON N., HNO.
Book and Job Printing.
JUEVERY description of printing from a Visiting Card to the finest bound volume, exe- cuted promptly and at reasonable rates. Fine poster work a spe- cialty. We have a la ge assort- ment of body type selected espe- cially for book and catalogue work, samples of which we will be pleased to send upon application.
Electrotype and Stereotype Foundry.
FRTHE PACIFIC PRESS is the on'y printing house on the Pacific Coast that has a Foundry un- der the same roof. Thus our great facilities for handling large work rapidly will be apparent to all.
Book-Binding Department ..
INE Book-binding is a spe- cialty with our establishment. Our bindery is thoroughly equipped and well fitted up with the best modern machinery, and our facilities for first-class and rapid work in this line are unsur- passed on the Pacific Coast. A large stock of English and Amer- ican cloths and all kinds of leath- er kept constantly on hand.
0
Engraving, Zincographing, Lithographing, etc.
SE are prepared to produce engravings of every kind at short notice, from the finest and most costly process work down to the cheapest zinco- graph plate. Those who contem- plate getting up engravings of any kind will do well to consult us before sending their orders East. Lithographing and artotype work executed with dispatch.
Book and Stationery Depart- ment.
IN this department we are handling and have the exclu sive agency of several fast- selling subscription books; also a large and fine assortment of trade books, Bibles, albums, and a fine line of stationery of every variety.
Orders from the Country. AFE give special attention and great case to all orders from the country, and our business in this line is rapidly in- creasing. "Orders by mail or ex. press for Job P.inting, Doox-bind- ing, Engraving, Zincographing, or anything in our line, will re ceive prompt and careful atten- tion.
We are always pleased to fur- nish estimates for any kind of work done by our institution.
The Largest, Most Complete, and Best Equipped Printing and Publishing House on the Pacific Coast.
Five Departments under One Roof and One Management, and occupying more than 39,000 Square Feet of Floor Space.
ADDRESS,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.,
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