USA > California > Humboldt County > History of Humboldt County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 23
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The last meeting of the Eureka Library Association was held April 30. 1878, after a very useful life of three months' duration. The whole amount of money received by the treasurer from all sources amounted to $352, a sum which speaks well for the enterprise and generosity of the people of that early period. A tax "amply sufficient" had by this time been levied by the city for library and reading room purposes. A resolution of thanks was voted to the Eureka Amateur Dramatic Club for a generous donation. All the property of the association was turned over to the appointed trustees of the city free library, with all debts paid, and a committee was appointed to deliver the property to the new board.
The common council at the meeting of May 11, 1878, appointed the first board of library trustees, which consisted of J. J. De Haven, J. H. Kimball, Fred Axe, Mrs. J. E. Wyman, Mrs. Taylor and S. Cooper. Mr. De Haven was chosen president, and Mr. Cooper secretary. Spencer Purser was recommended for librarian and duly appointed. The salary of the librarian was fixed at $25 per month. The library was to be kept open every day from 9 a. m. to 10 p. m. The librarian, after a few months' service, was commended for faithful attention to the duties of his office, and further rewarded by an increase of salary to $1 per day.
An official report of the library trustees to the city council at the end of the first eleven months of the city free library shows that the library then consisted of 541 volumes. The old Humboldt library furnished 306 volumes, five volumes were loaned by the city school trustees, five volumes were gifts and 225 volumes had been added by purchase.
The circulation for the first eleven months was 4563 books, of which 3264 books, or seventy-one per cent of the whole circulation, were novels. Reports of the library at the present time show that the proportion of fiction to all other books taken by patrons is about fifty-one per cent. This change is no doubt due in large measure to the fact that a greater variety as well as a greater number of interesting non-fiction books are now to be had.
The financial statement for the same period shows that $196.36, of the annual income of $1177.36, was spent for books. The library throughout its history has not varied greatly from the above proportion of service to expense. The large investment for buildings, grounds and running expenses which a free library implies would justify a greater outlay for service. The usefulness of a public library is largely determined by the amount of working capital above the necessary running expenses.
The library remained in the Jones building until March 1, 1883, when it was removed to the Ricks building on Third street. Here it remained until 1890, when it was again moved, this time to the Gibbard building, on the corner of Third and H streets. It was moved from the Gibbard building to its present home October 1, 1904.
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The records show that Spencer Purser resigned his position as librarian to take effect May 1, 1883. J. F. Taylor was his successor. M. W. Stringfield was appointed librarian on August 6, 1884. Mr. Stringfield brought to his duties the qualification of experience and special training. He had served an apprenticeship in library technology under John Vance Cheney, the poet. He had also served in the branch libraries of San Francisco, under Horace Davis. Patrons of the library during Mr. Stringfield's term have many pleasant recollections of the old library and his accommodating service. Mr. Stringfield quit the library April 30, 1898, for more healthful occupation.
Capt. W. G. Bonner succeeded Mr. Stringfield. Captain Bonner is well known in Eureka as a gentleman of high culture, an ardent lover of art, music and literature. During the period of his service several marked changes took place. The library was moved from the Gibbard building into its present location. The Brown charging system was introduced, the same being in use in this library at the present time. The card catalogue system, used now in libraries throughout the country, was started by Miss Bertha Kumli of the California State library.
Captain Bonner retired from the library in December, 1911, after nearly fourteen years of service, and the author of this sketch answered the call to the library service.
Miss Grace Cochrane, now Mrs. Edgar Stern, became assistant librarian at the time of the removal to the new building. Her successors in office in the order mentioned are Miss Grace Brown (now Mrs. Fred Tibbits), Miss Anna B. Woodcock, Miss Addie Coffin and Miss Edna Dinsmore. Alexander Rankin was appointed janitor of the new library, and after his retirement he was suc- ceeded by Andrew P. McLean.
The active movement for the new Carnegie building started in 1901, when the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce through its secretary sent the following appeal to Andrew Carnegie, at that time in Scotland :
Eureka; Calif., Aug. 16, 1901.
Andrew Carnegie, LL. D.
Dear Sir :- The Chamber of Commerce at Eureka, Humboldt county, Cali- fornia, would respectfully submit to your consideration the city of Eureka as a place that would be greatly benefited by becoming a sharer in your noble benefac- tions in the shape of a new library building.
This city now expends $1,800 annually in supporting a free library in rented quarters, and this amount would be increased to $2,000 or $2,500 without becom- ing too heavy a burden. If you would generously donate $20,000 or $25,000 for a building there is no doubt that the proper percentage for its support would be readily guaranteed.
Eureka is a permanent city of 7,500 inhabitants; its growth has been sure and steady, the additions being mainly from Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine and Canada, with a sprinkling of Scandinavians, but with very few south of Europe people. It has never had a boom or a set-back and is surrounded by a region of so great natural resources that, combined with its location on the only land- locked harbor of any importance between San Francisco and the Columbia river, its permanence is established beyond any question.
Within the last ten years the United States Government has expended two millions of dollars in improvement work on its harbor and entrance thereto, and this shows the importance attached to this port by the Government.
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Our leading industries are lumbering, dairying, stock-raising and general agriculture, and the statement of exports from this place enclosed herein will show the relative importance of each. There is no better soil anywhere. Crop failures are unknown and the climate is the most uniform of any place in the United States.
Owing to the long stretch of rough territory between, Eureka has not been connected with the outside world by rail, but the California & Northern Railroad is being built from the north, while the California & Northwestern Railroad is being built towards Eureka from the south. Hence it can only be a few years until our city is connected by rail both with the north and the south, and when that is done the short haul to deep water from all northern California and southern Oregon will be to this port.
We have asked our senator, Hon. George C. Perkins, to kindly add such endorsement to this appeal as he may judge right and to forward the same with this communication.
Hoping for a favorable response, and confident that there are few places where your generosity would be more useful or more appreciated than in Eureka, we remain,
Yours respectfully,
HUMBOLDT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
By GEORGE W. KELLOGG, Secretary.
The following reply to the foregoing letter was promptly received :
Skibo Castle, Ardgay, N. B.
Mr. George A. Kellogg, Esq. Eureka, California.
Dear Sir :- Yours of August 16th received through Senator Perkins.
If Eureka will provide a suitable site and pledge $2,000 a year for support of library, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to give $20.000 to erect a Free Public Library building.
Respectfully yours, J. A. BERTRAM, Private Secretary.
A subscription was started among the citizens of Eureka immediately after the receipt of this message. The subscriptions netted, when paid in, the sum of $8,125. Out of this fund the present site was bought for $5,700. The building was planned by Knowles Evans and B. C. Tarver, architects of this city. Ambrose N. Foster, also of this city, was awarded the contract for the erection of the building on a bid of $20,841.75, the work to begin August 1, 1902. The work was delayed of completion until the autumn of 1904. Supplementary agreements were added to the original contract, for red brick, for steps of Mad river granite, mosaic tiling and other items.
The reading public is indebted to the late John H. Gyselaar for a very sub- stantial gift. Mr. Gyselaar died in 1908, leaving to the library a bequest that amounted to $529.85.
The public owes a debt of gratitude to the many men and women who have given their time and attention unselfishly to the service of the library on the board of trustees. We cannot take account of the stormy evenings on which they have attended trustees meetings, nor of the routine of nearly forty years. It is alto- gether fitting to mention a few of the older ones of the older times. Among those not previously mentioned in this account are: D. P. Campbell, H. A. Clen- denen, Emma C. Lyon, L. J. Marshall, Miss M. A. Duggan, Miss M. J. C. Thompson, Judge J. P. Haines, Charles Armstrong, Frank McGowan, Dr. E. W. Wells, Mary A. Carr, Daniel Halloran, Judge C. G. Stafford, Emma S. Young,
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HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY
J. M. Brand, David McAdam, C. C. Marshall, Charles Fiebig, Mrs. J. W. Connick, E. Sevier, G. H. Close, John S. Murray, W. H. Brumfield, J. G. Murray, Dr. S. B. Davis, R. W. Rideout, C. F. Roberts and W. H. Johnston.
The trustees at the present time are: Mrs. E. E. Reedman, Mrs. Emma J. Mckay, Mrs. Henry Irons, Mrs. Ira B. Thompson and Olcott Cummings.
During the year 1914-15 a new heating system has been completed, the entire roof has been relaid, the wood-work painted, the walls papered in tasteful tints and new linoleum placed upon the reading room floors.
The library now has about 8,300 volumes, besides about 3,000 volumes and many serviceable bulletins in the United States Government depository, this being one of the libraries designated by the Government for the purpose. The circulation now reaches over 4,000 prints per month. The income of the library for the present year, beginning July 1, 1914, amounts to $6,100.
A free library has recently been established for Humboldt county, and the central office of the county free library is located in the Eureka Free Library building.
CHAPTER XXIII.
How the Fifth Division, U. S. Naval Militia, Came Into Existence.
By A. B. Adams
On the 30th day of December. 1878, a meeting was held in the old City Hall on Third street in the city of Eureka, pursuant to published notice, for the purpose of organizing a military company. The meeting was called to order by Alexander Campbell, who stated the object of the gathering. John A. Watson was chosen chairman and W. C. Stewart secretary. At a meeting held January 9, 1879, committees on by-laws and organization were appointed, after which the meeting adjourned until March 15, 1879. Chairman Watson then introduced Major Pierce H. Ryan, who had been appointed by the Adjutant General to conduct the organization of the Eureka Guard. The roll was called and the following members were present :
John A. Watson, George Dean, John L. Crichton, F. H. Wunderlich, Jr., A. P. Flagor, William P. Hanna,* S. W. Freese, A. J. Wiley, C. E. Le Grange, Richard Sweasey,* W. Sweasey, A. M. Delamore, Louis Pearsons*, Ed Ruscoe,* Charles E. Long, John Hetherington, C. G. Taylor, W. E. Stewart, Alex Camp- bell, J. Simpson,* James T. Keleher,* H. H. Buhne, Jr.,* James G. D. Crichton, Charles E. Hasty, Peter Belcher,* Thomas H. Chope,* James E. Mathews,* A. Winzler, M. Barman, C. G. Lundblade,* John A. Livingston,* Edward Everding, James B. Brown,* David Cutten,* C. S. Ricks, William P. Pratt,* T. W. Holland, W. K. Strong,* F. A. Lewitt, J. H. G. Weaver,* J. P. Monroe,* J. S. Gibson, J. P. Hopkins, T. B. Cutler,* J. H. G. Hansel, A. W. Anderson, Norman Howard, Thomas Chope, Jr.,* Edward Grant, C. Rose,* C. Frank Gardner,* A. D. Mac- Donald, T. D. Rees, R. W. Rideout, Alex Connick,* J. W. Freese, C. E. Wunder- lich, R. B. Dickson, J. W. Appleby, Cornelius McElvoy, W. H. Bull, W. F. Brown, S. H. Butterfield, J. Ballard,* W. L. Walker, A. J. Monroe,* W. W. Turner, who were duly sworn in as members of the Eureka Guard, thus forming a company of the National Guard of California.
*Still living.
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Major Ryan announced that the first business was the election of a captain, first lieutenant and second lieutenant. Ballots were accordingly cast with the following results: Alexander Campbell, captain; James B. Brown, first lieu- tenant, and W. P. Hanna, second lieutenant.
Upon the organization of Arcata Guard the two companies were thrown into a battalion formation and known as the Tenth Infantry Battalion; Eureka Guard as Company A, and Arcata Guard as Company B. J. D. H. Chamberlain was elected major and upon the expiration of his commission J. L. Crichton was elected.
Upon the re-organization of the State Militia Company B was mustered out, thus breaking up the battalion formation, Company A remaining in the service.
On February 19, 1896, Company A, N. G. C., was transferred to the Fifth Division, N. M. C., with the following officers: D. J. Foley, lieutenant ; Charles V. Otto, lieutenant junior grade; Edward Mclaughlin and Charles P. Smith, ensigns.
Since 1879, March 15th has been observed as the anniversary of the organ- ization by appropriate ceremonies in the Armory during the day and a grand ball in the evening.
The present officers of the division are: Lieut. Adolph B. Adams, com- manding ; W. E. Torrey, lieutenant junior grade; twelve petty officers and fifty- five seamen. The division is fully equipped with all necessary articles to go aboard ship for active service. The men are instructed in drills and gunnery practice, having mounted in their armory one ten-ton four-inch gun, a three- pounder, a one-pounder and a gatling gun. Each year the division goes to sea on the U. S. S. Marblehead for summer cruise and target practice. This vessel is manned entirely by naval militia men of California, and the Eureka division has attained a splendid proficiency at big gun target practice. The division has a good rating, which speaks well for its officers and men.
Eng bu b & Williams & Bro NY.
Historie Record Co
R.Brizard
BIOGRAPHICAL
ALEXANDER BRIZARD .- The history of the growth of the great establishment of A. Brizard, Inc., from the small store opened during 1863 in Arcata (originally known as Union Town) to the institution now receiv- ing patronage from every community in the northern portion of Humboldt county, is the history of the man whose name it bears and who as its founder laid the basis of the business wisely and well, while as its proprietor for more than forty years he developed its trade with courage and efficiency. Descended from an old French family and himself a native of France, born in Bordeaux March 17, 1839, he knew practically nothing of his native land by actual experience or childhood recollections, for in 1843 he was taken to Peru, South America, by his parents and there he lived for six years, mean- while learning Spanish in school and French at home. His father, Capt. Paul Theodore Brizard, a sea captain fond of adventure, engaged in the trans- portation business between Lima and Callao until news came concerning the discovery of gold in California, at which time he immediately left South America for San Francisco and embarked in the transportation business be- tween that city and Sacramento. September 25, 1849, he was joined by his wife with their ten-year old son and infant daughter. The family estab- lished a home in the midst of the turbulent conditions then existing in San Francisco and the son was at once sent as a pupil to the first Protestant school in the state, a small institution established by Rev. James S. Ver Mehr.
As early as June of 1850 Capt. Brizard came to Humboldt county and decided to locate at what is now Arcata, where the family joined him in August, occupying a portable house which he had brought from Peru and which in later years was regarded as one of the landmarks of Arcata. Being of an adventurous spirit the Captain was not satisfied to locate permanently in an isolated region while there existed in his mind any hope of success in the finding of gold. Leaving his wife and small daughter in Humboldt county he took his son, Alexander, to the mines on Trinity river, where for three years they endured the privations and hardships incident to such an expe- rience. Many comforts to which they had been accustomed could not be bought at any price, while flour sold as high as seventy-five cents a pound and other necessities were equally expensive. In the midst of such conditions the younger member of the family learned to do the humblest tasks and do them well. As they found no fortune in the mines, he turned his hand to any work that offered an honest livelihood. If riding the bell-animal of a pack train was the best thing that offered, he took the job and did it to the very best of his strength and ability. In that way he learned lessons far more valuable to him than the chance finding of gold would have been. On return- ing to Arcata he took up school studies, which were interspersed with occupa- tive duties contributing to his support. During the summer of 1858 a young Hollander named Van Rossum introduced him to his employer, the head of the firm of Roskill & Co., and the result of the interview was an offer of a clerkship in the Arcata store.
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As a clerk Alexander Brizard at once proved his value. It proved to be the thing for which he was best qualified by natural endowments. Business capacity quickly developed. Working conscientiously in the interests of his employer, giving his entire time and thought to the upbuilding of the busi- ness, he rose in the estimation of all, and with the recognition of his value came increase in salary. With the passing of time there came new oppor- tunities to him. The firm of Roskill & Co. retired from business. Their prin- cipal competitors, the firm of Spencer, Manheim & Stern, secured the ser- vices of Mr. Brizard and his friend and co-worker. Within a few years, owing to the death of one of the partners, the firm was dissolved, which gave an opportunity for the two clerks to embark in business. The Humboldt Times of June 20, 1863, contained the following item: "New firm: In our advertising columns today will be found the business bow of our young friends, Alexander Brizard and J. A. C. Van Rossum, of Arcata. They have opened business at the old stand of Spencer, Manheim & Stern, and if expe- rience, ability, close attention to business and honesty are any guarantee, we predict for them success." An old account-book kept by Mr. Brizard shows that the partnership was formed June 8, 1863, for the purpose of con- ducting a general grocery and dry goods business, with an investment of $693.70 cash by Mr. Brizard and of $1447 by Mr. Van Rossum, who notwith- standing his heavier investment offered to share alike in gains and losses. As the business showed gains instead of losses, this offer was most helpful to the younger member of the firm. During 1865 they purchased the business of William Codington, successor to the pioneer firm of Bowles & Codington. The retirement of Mr. Van Rossum in 1870 threw the burden of the business exclusively on the younger partner, who became sole owner. With charac- teristic enterprise he established branch stores at Hoopa, Weitchpec, Orleans and Somes Bar. Soon after this, in January, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Henry, the ceremony being performed in Arcata by Rev. J. S. Todd. Mrs. Brizard is the daughter of William and Mary (Nixon) Henry, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively, and the grand- daughter of Isaac Nixon, who was a California pioneer. Mrs. Brizard was born near Winchester, Iowa, and in 1863 accompanied her parents across the plains to Arcata, Humboldt county.
Just when the outlook was most favorable and the future had every promise of gratifying growth, a fire destroyed a large part of the village of Arcata and the Brizard store with its contents became only a memory. There being no insurance, Mr. Brizard found himself worse than penniless, for his assets had gone in the fire and only his liabilities remained. At this dark period of his life his creditors proved his best friends. They promised him further credit and urged him to return to business, believing that by this step he could reimburse them fully in the course of some years. This he did, although it required many years to regain his financial footing. Customers of the old store stood by him in his new undertaking and the business grew so rapidly that four years after the fire he had to seek larger quarters. The store was then moved to its present site, where a building constructed of stone from the Jacoby creek quarry offered ample facilities for the expand- ing trade. During 1879 Mr. Brizard purchased the building and the ground upon which it stood. As the years went by the business grew beyond the most sanguine hopes of its proprietor in the early period of his connection
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therewith. Eventually he decided to incorporate. Papers were taken out in April, 1904, and in May of the same year Mr. Brizard passed away, leaving to his widow and three sons, Paul A., M. Brousse and Henry F., the legacy of one of the largest and most substantial organizations in northern California, but leaving to them a heritage even more to be desired, the memory of a life devoted to the principles of truth and honor.
CHARLES H. WRIGHT .- For a number of years Charles H. Wright, of Eureka, had the distinction of being "the F street jeweler," having been the first man in his line of trade to become established in business on that street, where practically all the jewelry concerns of the town are now to be found. The beautiful store into which the business was recently moved is but a few doors from his old location. Mr. Wright's success in building up a large trade entitles him to recognition as a merchant of substantial qualities, but he is also a skilled workman and a scientific optician, his attainments in both lines having contributed materially to his popularity and proved valuable factors in attracting patronage. Besides looking after his own affairs he has done public-spirited work in the cause of Eureka's development along modern lines, his name appearing in the membership of most of the organizations which have come into existence for that purpose.
Mr. Wright was born September 6, 1864, at Almont, Mich., and grew up in his native state, in his early boyhood enjoying common school advantages, but he has had to make his own way in the world since he was eleven years old. When a boy of fifteen he commenced to learn the jeweler's trade at Saginaw, Mich., where he served an apprenticeship of three years with Brown & Ward, after which he went into business on his own account at St. Clair, Mich. Being obliged to do work of a varied nature, he became an expert engraver and watch repairer. After some time at that location he began to look about for one that promised more in the way of development. He had a fine offer to go to Sitka, Alaska, but he finally decided to settle at Martinez, Contra Costa county, Cal., where he did a successful business for a period of four years. In 1890 he came thence to Eureka, Humboldt county, and at once opened a jewelry business on F street-for several years the only place of the kind on that street. For about fifteen years he had a store at No. 209, in December, 1913, removing thence to his present site, No. 217. He has a com- modious store, specially appointed for the requirements of the trade and skillfully arranged both for the display of goods and the care of the large and complete stock, which is valued at $40,000. It includes a fine assortment of jewelry, watches, diamonds and silverware, Mr. Wright's superior taste in the selection of goods drawing patronage from the most fastidious element in Eureka and the surrounding territory. Twenty-six years ago he took up the study of optics, and he has become an expert optician, his thoroughness in examination of the eyes and skillful adjustment of glasses winning a reputation for reliability which has never been shaken by any negligence on his part.
Mr. Wright is very optimistic in his faith in the future of Eureka, and he has imparted something of his enthusiasm to many of his fellow townsmen, who cannot doubt his sincerity in the light of the efforts he has made to realize some of the possibilities of the town. A mere mention of his associa- tions will serve to show how broad are his sympathies and how ready he has been to support all worthy movements. He is a member of the Eureka
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