History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 109

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206

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KELLY'S MARBLE WORKS .- J. F. Kelly, the proprietor, began operations at his present place of business, Seventh Street, near Market, in February, 1882. He is engaged in the manufacture of marble mantels, marble and granite monuments, head- stones, and building work.

DWYER'S MARBLE WORKS .- Mr. Dwyer began business first in Oakland in 1876, on Broadway, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets. In February, 1880, he moved to his present location, at the southeast corner of Seventh and Castro Streets. He is engaged in the manufacture of marble mantels, granite and marble monuments, headstones, plumbers' slabs, etc.

KNOWLES & CO.'s GRANITE AND MARBLE WORKS .- These works are located at the southwest corner of Seventh and Castro Streets, Oakland. Operations were begun here in February, 1878. Granite and marble monumental, cemetery, and building work is executed at these works. The firm consists of F. E. Knowles and Abel Hosmer.

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

THE PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE .- The accompanying engraving repre- sents the building known as the Pacific Press Publishing House. The left of the pic- ture represents the Castro Street front (No. 1059), the right being the Twelfth Street front (No. 715). That portion fronting on Castro Street is twenty-six feet front by sixty-six feet deep, having central side wings projecting nine feet from the main frame. It is two stories, basement and attic. This building, together with a one-story brick engine-house in the rear, was erected in 1876. During the course of construction many people were curious to know for what purpose it was intended. Some supposed it to be a school house or seminary, while others conjectured this, that, and the other object. But the surprise of all was complete when the institution developed into a printing-office, in which was placed a large Cottrell & Babcock four-roller press, run by steam, on which was printed the Signs of the Times, and books and pamphlets for the Publishing Association.

And when, in 1877, a fine job printing department was added, a great many folks, especially printers, actually laughed at the idea of running a printing business "away out on Castro Street." But when the office turned out the finest work that could be done in the city, even vying with the San Francisco offices, and the tide of work flowed constantly in this direction, the laugh stopped, and business men found that the corner of Twelfth and Castro Streets was not very far from the recognized business centers of the city-and it appeared all the nearer when the low prices were added to the excellent quality of the work.

The same year a book-bindery was added to the institution, as also a large stock of book and newspaper, and printer's stationery. This, in connection with the book- selling business, filled the large building to overflowing; and at the same time the job printing had increased until an additional cylinder press became necessary. In the same year a three-story building, fourteen by twenty-four feet, was erected in the rear of the main building, surmounted by a five thousand gallon water-tank, which was filled by a steam-pump, from a well in the yard, and the Association dispensed with city water. This building is used also for lodging and storage purposes.

In 1878 the Association purchased the lot on Twelfth Street, and erected that portion of the structure, thirty by eighty-four feet, two stories and an attic, and fin- ished to match the other building, with which it is connected at the rear. The job printing department was at once moved into the first story of the new building, and materially enlarged by the addition of a new two-roller Hoe Press and other impor- tant facilities. The book, paper, and music composition department was moved into the second story, and the attic was devoted to storage and lodging. While this build- ing was in process of erection, a stereotype and electrotype foundry was introduced, which has added much to the working capacity of the institution. This now occupies the rear of the first floor of the Twelfth-street house and the former engine-house.

During the summer of 1880 further important improvements were made. The Castro-street building was raised, and the basement enlarged and fitted up for a press- room, an engine-room, and a storage-room for paper. Another press (a Cottrell & Babcock four-roller, double-revolution), the largest book press on the coast, was imported and put in operation. Again in 1882 another book press was added, as also additional machinery in the book-bindery and electrotype foundry. .

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

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PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE.

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

The establishment is now a complete home institution, doing a large and ever increasing business. No printing-office on the coast is better supplied with facilities for fine job work, as custom specimens all over the State will attest; and no pains or expense is spared to keep pace with the rapidly advancing new styles in the art. The gentleman in charge of this department has few, if any, equals in the State, having been ranked as an artisan in some of the best offices in the East. The book, paper, and music department is furnished with facilities for an extensive range of work. The electrotype and stereotype foundry is manned with competent workmen, and provided with first-class equipments. The book-bindery is under the direction of one of the very few men on the coast who understand thoroughly all parts of the business. He is lately from the East, and since his arrival has turned out some specimens of blank-book work, and other binding, gilding, and ruling that challenge the admira- tion of all who examine them. The bulk of the printing-paper, inks, etc., used here is imported directly from Eastern manufactories, which gives customers an advan- tage in getting work done at this house.

The reputation of the Pacific Press for fine work and square dealing attracted so much attention in San Francisco that in 1879 it became expedient to establish an ageney in that city-a project which was carried out to the gratification of many prominent business houses, and profit to the Institution. This branch office, under the management of J. W. Gardner, is now established at No. 529 Commercial Street, at which place a first-class engraver is kept constantly employed.

In the delta of the two buildings (on the corner represented as vacant for the pur- pose of better showing the plan of the business house), stands a two-story double frame building, also owned by the Publishing Association, which is occupied as a boarding and lodging house, and conducted by the Association, principally for the accommodation of employés.

The projectors of this enterprise realized that Oakland, from the very character and standing of its citizens, and the nature of its beautiful situation, would always be a legitimately high-toned city, and have ever aimed to give their buildings and grounds an appearance in keeping with the surroundings, so far as the work of almost continuous improvements would permit. They have endeavored, and with a good degree of success, to demonstrate that large places of business (a few occupations excepted) need not be disorderly eyesores in any community. And whereas some residents in the vicinity were inclined to take exception to introducing a business house in a residence neighborhood, it is evident their objections have been ground- less, at least so far as appearance is concerned. And a heavy outlay of means was occasioned by placing large presses and engine in basement apartments to avoid annoyance to neighbors on account of noise. Persons entering the building for the first time always express surprise at the extent of the work carried on as compared with the quiet and orderly appearance outside. This house stands in fair competition with any printing-house or book-bindery on the Coast, for any class of work, large or small. There are employed, in all departments seventy hands, and there is always a busy-bee appearance throughout the interior, while the outward improvement is one of which even handsome Oakland may well feel proud.

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP-CITY OF OAKLAND.

OAKLAND BREWERY .- Situated on the northeast corner of Telegraph Avenue and Durant Street; proprietors, Kramm & Dieves. This enterprise was started by a man named Wilmer in the year 1853, where now is the corner of Ninth Street and Broadway, but it was a miniature concern, capable of turning out only from ten to fifteen barrels of beer per month. It afterwards passed into the hands of Joseph Becht, and during the year 1863 was entirely consumed by fire, being, however, rebuilt on the ground on which it formerly stood. In 1867 Mr. Kramm purchased the concern from Mr. Becht, and conducted it for eighteen months. In April, 1869, he admitted Messrs. Mangles and Bose into partnership, and thus it was conducted until the Fall of that year, when purchasing one hundred feet fronting on Telegraph Avenue and Durant Street, the erection of the present brick building, one hundred by fifty feet, was undertaken and completed early in 1870. The Ninth-street business was then transferred to the new brewery, when they first began the use of horse- power. Since that date they have added considerably to their premises until they now own one hundred and thirteen feet on Telegraph Avenue and one hundred and twenty-five feet on Durant Street. In 1876 steam-power was introduced into the buildings, giving the establishment a capacity of eighteen thousand barrels at the present time. The annual manufacture is about fourteen thousand barrels. The Oakland Brewery gives employment to fifteen men, and a sale is found for their produce in all parts of the county of Alameda and city of Oakland.

WASHINGTON BREWERY .- This establishment is located at the corner of Fifth and Kirkham streets, West Oakland, and was completed early in the year 1879 by Bredhoff & Cordes, proprietors. This firm continued until March 1, 1882, when the last-named gentleman disposed of his interest to Mr. Westerman, the firm being now Bredhoff & Westerman. The premises, which comprise the necessary brewing buildings, occupy one hundred and eighty-two feet on Kirkham Street, and one hundred and seventy-five on Fifth Street. The capacity of the establishment is thirty barrels per day, but at present is not run to its full power.

REUTER'S DYE WORKS .- This establishment was originally established in Feb- ruary, 1875, by Charles Reuter, at 912 Broadway, in connection with which he con- ducted the practical portion of the work at Nos. 833-835-837 Washington Street, Oakland. In the spring of 1881 both places were consolidated, and at the latter address twenty-two hands find constant employment. These works have a large connection throughout the State and in the city of San Francisco, the business occupying the two stories of the large building.

OAKLAND PLANING MILLS .- Proprietors, Burnham, Standeford & Co. This establishment, situated on First, Second, and Washington Streets, is the largest in the county, and will compare favorably with any other of the same kind in the State. It was originally started in June, 1868, by O. H. Burnham, D. W. Standeford, and Robinson. In 1872 Mr. Robinson sold his interest in the concern to W. N. Miller, who in turn disposed of the share to L. G. Cole, who is at present the junior partner. To give an idea of the magnitude of this enterprise it may be mentioned that it was

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commenced in one building, still standing, at the corner of First and Washington Streets; as business increased the contiguous property was purchased until at the present writing they occupy no less than twenty-one lots. There is a capacity in the mills for fully a hundred and twenty-five men, but only eighty find constant employ- ment. They manufacture, to an enormous extent, moldings, brackets, frames, sashes, blinds, stairs, doors-in fact, all descriptions of wood-work finish, while their business connections extend all over the Pacific Coast, Arizona, Mexico, and the Territories, with portions of Central America.

TRUNK MANUFACTORY OF BT. COLIN .- This enterprise, located at No. 415 Thirteenth Street, Oakland, was established in the year 1866, under the Grand Cen- tral Hotel. After the destruction by fire of which in 1880 it was moved to its present location, where all kinds of trunks and valises of the best quality are manufactured.

ODD FELLOWS LIBRARY OF OAKLAND .- August 12, 1867, there was a meet- of Odd Fellows for the purpose of founding a library, and it was determined to establish an association, to be composed of such members of the Order as might choose to unite with it. The first event of any importance was the transfer of two hundred and ninety-five volumes from the "Oakland Philomathean Library Associa- tion," immediately followed by a large donation from W. W. Crane, Jr., and in quick succession by smaller donations from many individuals. For nearly four years the library attracted but comparatively little attention from the Order, and its friends often despaired of its success. A radical change, the basis of its present organiza- tion, was decided upon June 5, 1871; the association formally dissolved, handing over its assets to a Board of Trustees, consisting of an equal number of members from each of the lodges in the city. Oakland Lodge, No. 118, and University Lodge, No. 144, were the only lodges then in existence. These lodges had agreed to assume the trust, and to pay the sum of fifty cents per quarter for each member in good standing. Thus every Odd Fellow became entitled to the benefits and privileges of the library. January 10, 1872, Fountain Lodge, No. 198, was instituted, and was admitted into the association. Some years later Harbor Lodge, No. 253, and Porter Lodge, No. 272, were admitted, and are now contributing to the library, and the association is open for the admission of any lodge that may hereafter be instituted in this city. There is at present in the library or in circulation four thousand three hundred well- selected volumes. The library is open all day except Sunday. The Odd Fellows and their families are the only ones entitled to draw books from the library, but others are always welcome to examine the books in the library for reference, and many are daily availing themselves of the privilege.

THE OAKLAND FREE LIBRARY .- Perhaps no institution in the city is held in more esteem, judging from the patronage it receives, than the Oakland Free Library. Its clean and neat rooms, and well-stored shelves, and ample newspaper files, form a healthful attraction which the public is not slow to perceive. The history of its foundation and growth to its present degree of excellence is not altogether an unevent- ful one. The Oakland Library Association was organized March 5, 1868, by a party of citizens called together for that purpose, upon which occasion some $6,000 were

John H. Prowse

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subscribed, Dr. S. Merritt being its first President. It originally occupied rooms in the Holmes building, corner Eighth and Broadway; removing from there to Eleventh and Broadway, to the rooms now occupied by Dr. Cole. In the early part of 1872, a building (which forms the upper part of the present library) was erected on the corner of Twelfth and Washington Streets, on a lot given the association, we believe, by Edward Tompkins. Owing to lack of funds and financial difficulties generally, the association found it necessary, in 1874, to dispose of this lot, which they did for $12,500 cash; and the City Council giving them permission to use a corner of the City Hall lot for that purpose, the building was accordingly transplanted to the site upon which it now stands. After years of trial it was found to be next to impossible to sustain the library; the membership being so small as to render the yearly sum from the dues ($6 per member) insufficient to cover expenses; and in 1878, under the Act of the Legislature known as the "Rogers' Act for the establishment of Free Libraries in the State," and upon conference with the City Council, it was decided to surrender it to the city on condition of its being sustained thereafter by such tax as the authorities might deem proper to levy for such purpose. The transfer was accordingly made; the building (costing originally $3,600), between four thousand and five thousand books, and above $2,300 in cash, forming the nucleus of the new library. The Free Reading Room on Eleventh and Washington Streets was also merged in the library, adding $619, a few books and fixtures. The library building was raised, and the present reading-room erected under it. The old association had a paying membership of three hundred. The Free Library of to-day has a membership of over five thousand, the number of books circulated per month averag- ing between eight thousand and nine thousand. Of the total volumes withdrawn an average of sixty per cent. are fiction, the remaining forty per cent. embracing belles lettres, history, geography, travels, poetry, and religion, in the order named. In November, 1878, the date of its opening as a free institution, there were upon the shelves four thousand three hundred and ninety-two books. To-day it owns eight thousand two hundred and thirty-five, exclusive of those worn out and cast aside; of this number two thousand aud sixteen have beenadded in the last year. The reading- room is well furnished with the news and periodical literature of the day, receiving between twenty and thirty magazines, and over one hundred papers; and the branch rooms, of which there are two, one at East Oakland and one at West Oakland, being equally well supplied. The library proper and reading-rooms are managed by a Board of five Trustees, elected by the people. The force of employés consists of Miss Ina D. Coolbrith, Librarian, who has held the position since October, 1874; H. F. Peterson, First Assistant; Ina L. Peterson, Second Assistant, who have also had more or less experience in the library during nearly the same length of time, though they were only regularly employed when the library became free. D. P. H. Brown, Janitor and Curator of Central Reading Room; L. D. Mason and Miss C. E. Brom- ley, Curators of West Oakland and East Oakland branch rooms. The monthly sal- aries are: Librarian, $100; First Assistant and Assistant Secretary, $60; Second Assistant, $45; Curators, $60 each. The Library Association is extremely fortunate in having at its head as trustees public-spirited gentlemen of irre- proachable character, and possessing sound business sense, while to the 50

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superior management of the Librarian much of the popularity and efficiency of the library is due. Miss Ina D. Coolbrith, the Librarian, will be recog- nized by all competent literary critics as a woman of genius, and one among the best, if not the very best, of California's daughters of song. Those who have read with pleasure the poetical contributions by Miss Coolbrith, in the Overland, in its best days, will realize the truth of what we write. The following information respecting this institution may prove interesting: On May 1, 1883, the total number of books in the library was nine thousand six hundred and seventy-two, of which five thousand two hundred and eighty were purchased since October, 1878. The average circulation is between eight and nine thousand, while there are six thousand eight hundred and eighty- two members. The present officers are: C. W. Kellogg, President; E. M. Lorey, Sec- retary; H. F. Peterson, Assistant Secretary; Trustees, O. H. Burnham, Wilber Walker, E. A. Trefethen, E. M. Long, C. W. Kellogg.

OAKLAND DAILY EVENING TRIBUNE .- The first number of the Oakland Daily Evening Tribune was issued on Saturday evening, February 21, 1874, by Ben. A. Dewes and George B. Staniford, under the firm name of Dewes & Staniford. The sheet was insignificant in size, but very respectable in its typographical appearance and editorial tone, being the joint production of two excellent printers and journalists. The idea on which the enterprise was based can be best expressed probably by a quotation from an editorial printed in the first number of the paper. It reads as follows: "There seems to be an open field for a journal like the Tribune in Oakland, and we accordingly proceed to occupy it, presenting the Tribune, which is intended to be a permanent daily paper, deriving its support solely from advertising patronage." Previous to the production of this unpretending sheet Oakland journalism was at a low ebb. The ability and energy displayed by the proprietors immediately attracted attention, and secured paying patronage that soon warranted its enlargement. The first number contained only three narrow columns to the page, and carried forty-three business advertisements. Three months after the first issue of the Tribune, it was enlarged to double its original size, and was no longer distributed gratuitously. The place of publication was changed to rooms in the Wilcox Block, over those occupied at that time as the Post-office, and in the following year to rooms in the adjoining block, on Broadway, between Eighth and Ninth Streets. In the early part of 1876 Mr. Dewes, who had previously purchased the interest of Mr. Staniford, disposed of one-half his interest in the paper to A. B. Gibson, of San Francisco, who retained the share but a short time, disposing of the same to A. E. Nightingill, then recently from Marysville. The present management of the Tribune was assumed July 24, 1876, when Wm. E. Dargie purchased the interests of Messrs. Dewes and Nightingill. From a variety of causes, the principal one being the long-continued ill-health of Mr. Dewes, the business had fallen away materially. Under the new management, however, renewed life and energy were instilled into the business, news, and editorial departments. Important changes were made, not only in systematizing the various details, but in the general features of the paper. The columns of the Tribune, under the old pro- prietors, had been confined almost exclusively to local affairs, and but very little space was devoted to general news. Believing that Oakland presented a field for the sup-

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port of a first-class journal, giving full and reliable reports of all matters pertaining to Oakland, and Alameda County, choice selections of miscellany, as well as the tele- graphic news of the day, Mr. Dargie resolved to bring the Tribune up to that standard as rapidly as possible. Within a month he succeeded in obtaining the Associated Press dispatches, being the first Alameda County journalist who had succeeded in doing so. Other new features were introduced from time to time, and special efforts were made to increase the circulation. No difficulty was experienced in effecting this object, and the circulation and general business at the close of the first year had increased so greatly that it was found necessary to purchase the press and other material of the defunct "News Publishing Company." This gratifying success of the first year proved conclusively that the people of Oakland appreciated the energy, ability, and intelligence displayed in the efforts to establish the Tribune as a first- class journal, and rendered its ultimate success a foregone conclusion. To accommo- date the increased circulation and advertising patronage of the Tribune, on October 1, 1877, the business was removed to more extensive quarters, at No. 406 Twelfth Street, and a book and job department added, besides which one of R. Hoe & Co.'s patent improved double-cylinder presses was purchased on which to print the daily Tribune, and a new two-roller cylinder press was placed in the book and job printing department. On November 1, 1881, the Tribune was moved to its present com- modious quarters at Nos. 413, 415, and 417 Eighth Street, where each department is under special and efficient supervision.

The Tribune is a well-printed publication, containing all the latest telegraphic and local news, with well-digested editorials and well-written articles on special sub- jects. It has a circulation of five thousand, and is to be found in every household throughout the county. The Tribune is Republican in politics, and is printed by the "Tribune Publishing Company," W. E. Dargie, Manager, A. K. P. Harmon, Jr., Sec- retary.

THE OAKLAND DAILY TIMES is to-day one of the leading journals in Alameda County, and one of the most influential Democratic papers in the State. It is an old-established paper, being formerly known as the Transcript, owned and controlled by Col. John Scott, and was then a leading Democratic journal. The chief work the paper did under that régime was the advocating of, and, in fact, the framing of the law known as the "Litigants' Law." The paper fought for this bill assiduously, and finally succeeded in procuring its passage through the Legislature. This law fixed the rates for the publication of legal notices and advertisements, and still continues in force. The office was located on Broadway, between Eighth and Ninth Streets, and the paper was printed on a hand-press. Gradually the paper grew, and subse- quently changed hands, a Mr. Powers becoming the proprietor. Under his control the politics of the paper was changed, and from an advocate of the Democracy it became a Republican journal of the most outspoken character.

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History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 109

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood Number of Pages: 1206

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206