USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles County, California, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, residences, fine blocks and manufactories > Part 45
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To these gentlemen is due the preparations of this beautiful "City of the Dead," already attractive iu appearance and promising to become more so every year as the trees and shrubs planted therein increase in size. An imposing gateway has been erected at a cost of five hundred dollars. Passing through this, we enter a broad avenue forty feet wide and one and a half miles long, bordered by eypresses, making almost the entire circuit of the grounds. From this diverge many other aveuues, twenty feet in width ; thirty-four acres out of the seventy being taken up by the streets and avenues. A
handsome hedge surrounds the whole. The plants and trees are constantly irrigated from a well on the grounds eighty feet in depth, the water being pumped by a Halliday windmill, having a capacity of four thousand gallons daily, aud the soil is such that a little water goes far and produces excellent results.
Many of the improvements are very beautiful. Among the more striking of these may be mentioned a handsome granite sbaft upon the lot of Mr. J. E. Hollenbeck, costing something over one thousand six hundred dollars. The lots of Colonel J. F. Godfrey, Messrs. Quimby aud Mcclellan, Mrs. Tansey, Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Bonebroke, Mr. Vail and Mr. Gillmore, are also finely improved. A plot of five acres has beeu set apart as a "potters' fiekl." Upon the whole work some fifteen thousand dollars has been expended. Up to date there have been about three hundred burials.
BANKS.
The following historical letter on banks and banking in Los Angeles, was furnished by Ex-Governor John G. Downey to the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce in 1876. As there is really notbing further to add on the subject, we insert his let- ter entire, and say no more :-
THE BANKING SYSTEM OF LOS ANGELES.
BY GOVERNOR J. G. DOWNEY, EX-PRESIDENT FARMERS' AND MER- CHANTS' BANK OF LOS ANGELES.
The American population was composed principally of young men without much financial experience, and the old American and foreign pioneers, many of them wealthy, had the experience only of mount- aineers and trappers, and the idea of establishing a hank, to them, was simply preposterous. The result has been that from the year 1849 until 1868, Los Angeles was without a hank, save the small facilities offered, in the way of exchange, hy Wells, Fargo & Co. Every mer- chant who had a safe was a repository of money belonging to friends. During the three years of active business of my own. 1851, 1852 and 1853, I used to have in my safe two hundred thousand dollars; each depositor putting in his sack or bag, of buckskin, filled with gold-dust, or fifty-dollar octagonal slugs, tying with a string, and taking no receipt, and when be wanted money he called for bis hag, took out what he wanted, and placed it hack again. I have since often reflected what an excellent opportunity there was of establishing at that time a bank- ing business of the most profitable character.
Acting upon the necessity that was always apparent to me for a bank in Los Angeles, I tried to induce some Los Angeles friends to join me. not having sufficient funds myself. They all laughed at me, and I well recollect the consolation I received from an intimate and dear personal friend. It was tl.is, "J hope, Downey, that you and I will never see a hank established in Los Angeles. We have gotten along so well withont one." I then turned my attention to some friends in San Francisco, and Col. Hayward started, in February, 1868, his sou, Jamea A. Hayward, as a partner of mine, our capital being one hun- dred thousand dollara. We had flattering prospects and did admirably, hut young Hayward entered into miuing business, and promptly invested his entire capital in trying to develop the Soledad gold wines. This necessitated a dissolution of the partnership of James A. Hayward & Co., John G. Downey continuing the business, assuming and paying all liabilities of the old firm. In the month of September, 1868, was estab- lished the firm of 1Iellman, Temple & Co., Bankers, who continued in husiness until March, 1871, when the firin was dissolved. and the husi- ness was continued by I. W. Hellman, who assumed and paid all the liabilities of the old firm. On the 10th day of April, 1871, was opened the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Los Angeles, a joint stock com- pany, uniting the capital of I. W. Hellman and John G. Downey with that of newly associated atockholders and the friends of the twoold banks. John G. Downey being elected President, and I. W. Hellman, Cashier. This institution has since progressed in usefulness and wealth, and. without interfering with the individual business, and private means of its stockholders, has paid up its capital stock, or nearly so; much of which has come from accumulated earnings. It has carefully steered
RESIDENCE OF E. N. MC DONALD, WILMINGTON, CAL.
MUMSMED HY THOMPSON . WEST.
129
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
clear of speculation, and its officers and directors have had no accom- modations not accorded to other responsible parties.
In chronological order the next bank established was that of Temple & Workman. They commenced with a very limited cash capital, say fifty thousand dollars, aud a credit at the London and San Francisco Bank, limited, for one bundred thousand dollars. The well known rep- utation of Temple & Workman for wealth, secured a public confidence which, if nsed prudently, would have resulted happily. I'nfortunately the rules of banking were neglected in many particulars, and the result has heen disastrous to the founders of the hauk, placing in jeopardy a noble property, and entailing upon those who confided in the integrity and good management of those gentlemen, great loss, and in many humble cases total ruin.
The Los Angeles County Bank (savings) was established in 1875. with J. S. Slauson as manager, having duly incorporated, with a paid up capital of three hundred thousand dollars, It meets with great favor, and promises to be of great use to the community.
At the close of the year 1875 was established the Commercial Bank of Los Angeles, M. S. Patrick, President, and E. F. Spence, Cashier. Mr. Spence is an old banker, understands its management in detail, and the institution will be conducted on strict banking principles.
With this little historic sketch of banking in Los Angeles, which may be of interest to many not familiar with our early history. I will state that our banking facilities have not kept pace with our necessi- ties. The tax.roll of the county will foot up twenty million dollars when an approximate fair assessment is made-one hundred million dollars would not purchase the property of the county, and yet our banking capital does not exceed one million dollars. I wish to illus- trate what our ideas were in 1868 as to the necessity of banking facili- ties, and what our wants and capabilities are in the morning of our Cen- tennial year of 1876.
HOTELS. ST. CHARLES
Was formerly the Bella Union, which, in 1850, was the only hotel in Los Angeles. It was the official residence of Governor Pio Pico when the city was taken by Commodore Stockton, in August, '1846; and was occupied until May, 1849, by United States troops. It "entertained man and beast" until after the county organization, when it was rented for a Court House. In October, 1851, the Bella Union was re-opened by Gibson & Hodges, who continued a short time and were suc- ceeded by Winston & Hodges, who conducted the honse until March, 1853, when they sold out to Dr. Obed Maey, of El Monte. Dr. Macy was succeeded by Ross & Croeket, and they by Robert S. Hereford. April 19, 1856, it was transferred to Flashner & Hammell. In 1858-59 while under the manage- ment of Flashner & Winston the house was almost entirely rebuilt at a cost of twenty-two thousand dollars. It also
received many improvements in 1870. From 1860 to 1870 the house was managed by J. B. Winston & Co., John King, and Gustavus H. Matfield. The house flourished for a short time under the name of the Clarenden, which was changed by Salari & Whitney to the St. Charles, which name it has since retained. Messrs. Salari & Whitney were sneceeded in April, 1877, by Lips & Craigue, who managed the house until April 14. 1879 (when the Cosmopolitan was opened), when it was closed.
THE COSMOPOLITAN
Was formerly the Lafayette, which, next to the old Bella
Union, was the ohlest hotel in Los Angeles. The old Lafay- ette was built of adobe, and covered the site of the former residence of Don Eulogio de C'elis. In 1859 the house was managed by Eberhard & Koll. In 1862 the firm was com- posel of Frederick W. Koll, Henry Dockweiler, and (. Fluhr In 1864 Mr. Fluhr became sole proprietor. In IS66 the Lafay- ette was entirely rebuilt, with a broad veranda to both stories; and accommodation for one hundred and sixty guests. In 1872-3 the building again received many improvements. In 1878 Mrs. Doria Jones, then and now owner of the Lafayette, had the entire bnilling remodeled April 14. 1879, the house was opened by Hammell & Dencker, under the name of the Cosmopolitan. The building is a fine three-story edifice, imitation stone front-has a frontage of one hundred and twenty feet on Main street and extends back to New High street.
THE UNITED STATES HOTEL
Was built on the property belonging to Don Juan N. Padilla. In May, 1856, Joseph Waivel was proprietor; then, snecess- ively : H. Stasford, Webber & Hass, Louis Mesmer, Adams & Grey, Mesmer & Breinmerman, and Hammell & Bremmerman. June 1, 1868, the hotel was leased to Hammell &. Dencker, who have since conducted it. The builling has had many changes and additions since it was built. The present structure is a fine two-story brick edifice, built at a cost of forty thousand dollars by Mr. Lonis Mesmer.
PICO HOUSE
Was erected in 1869 by Don Pio Pico, and was opened for the reception of guests June 19, 1870, by Don Antonio Cuyas. The building has a frontage of one lun fred aml twenty feet on Main street by ninety-five on the plaza, running through to Sanchez street. The structure is three stories high; the front in imitation of light blue granite, is elaborately ornamented, and the roof heavily corniced after the Spanish style, with an eye to light and ventilation. In the center of the bnilling is a court. The cost of the building and furniture was about eighty-two thousand dollars. The Pico has been under several different managements since it opened, and at intervals has been closed. The house has now been closed for over a year.
WHITE HOUSE
Has a frontage of seventy-eight feet on Cominercial street and sixty feet on Los Angeles; is a two-story building, huilt in imitation of granite. It was built in 1875 by John Sehn- macher, who is the present owner. The house was first con- ducted by Mr. Grenbaum and Mrs. Goldstein, who continued for one year, when Mr. Grenbaum retired and was succeeded by Mrs. Grenbaum. Mrs. Goldstein and Mrs Grenbaum man- aged the house between two and three years. It has since been in charge of Mrs. Trobridge.
GRAND CENTRAL
Was built in the year 1875 by Perry & Riley. It is a three- story brick editice, with a frontage of fifty-five feet on Main street It was opened in the fall of 1875 by Peter Bachmmnn, mler the name of the Bachman Honse. Mr. Bachman con- dneted the house for about a year, when he wns succeeded by E. E. Fisher, who changed its name to the Grand Central. In two years Mr Fisher was succeeded by Salari & Whitney, who ran the house under the same management as the St. Charles, The Grand Central is now conducted by G. L Schmidt.
PACIFIC HOTEL
Is located on Main street, adjoining the Union Depot, W. N. Monroe, proprietor. All trains coming into Los Angeles stop at the Pacific for meals. A view of this hotel will be found on another page.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
SAN GABRIEL TOWNSHIP.
New Life from Decay-A l'entury Ago-An Interregnum of Rent - Topogra. phy of the Township-Present Appearance of the San Gabriel Valley San Liabriel Village -- Pasadena-Sierra Madre Villa-Water Supply Sunoning Up-Table of the Orange Interest-Table of the Wine Interunt.
As decay feeds ever on maturity, so new life springs ever from the ashes of decay.
More than a century ago a little band of ten Spanish soldiers, led by two Franciscan friars, journeying northward from San Diego, came to a smiling valley, shut in by guardian hills, and watered by a never-failing stream. The soil seemed fruitful, the climate propitions. What more conll these spiritual adven- turers desire ? Here then they rested, and hard by the Indian village Nibuy-na, founded a mission which they named San Gabriel.
In our former chapters we have followed the fortunes of these intruders, from this, their humble beginning, to their zenith of prosperity ; thence to their nadir of decline. It is not our intention to review the ground we have already trav- elel, but rather let us glance brielly at the present condition of this ancient mission site and note here a new and stalwart virility springing from the sepulchre of an etlete past.
Less than a score of years have lapsed since the great San Gabriel valley lay brown and bare. Then was the interregnun: between two periods of action; a scason of repose; a quarter century, during which Nature remarshalled her scattered forces and revivified her failing powers.
The township of San Gabriel extends southward from the southern boundary of Soledad township, and comprises within its limits the San Pasqual Rancho, a part of the Santa Anita Rancho, and some two hundred acres of church property, con-
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. CALIFORNIA.
lirmed to the San Gabriel Mission. The northern half of the township is covered by the Coast Range, which forms a majestic background to the valley. South-west of the latter, luw rolling hills temper the sea-breeze, while scarcely obstruct- ing the view. Far as the eye can see to the south and cast extend the level lands of San Jose and El Monte, forming as it were, one continuous valley, whose different portions have adopted different names.
But the vast desert of twenty years ago has taken on new features, and the eye is sootlied by varied shades of orchard, vineyard and grain-land, in ceaseless alternation. Here Ceres, Pomona, and Bacchus dwell side by side, and if, in their gen- crous rivalry, either should succeed in obtaining the more votaries, yet do the others abate not one inta the value of their gifts, in either quantity or quality.
Under the hand of intelligent labor this valley is now become a perfect wilderness of luxuriant vegetable growth, and the amazed traveler at times feels wholly uncertain which path to pursue, in order to extricate himself from the leafy labyrinth, and reach a given point. The dwellings of the inhabitants fairly revel in roses, and many of them nestle neath mighty oak trees, whose umbrageous shadows have rested like benedictions upon the heads of long-forgotten gen- crations, and several distinct races of men. A brooding peace possesses the hazy, moulded landscape. But small stretch of the imagination were necessary to make us believe we had here stumbled on the "Utopia" of Sir Thomas More, or that Eastern Paradise whereof Byron so eloquently sang :-
Know ye the land where the eypress and myrtle Are emblems of deeds that nre done in their clime? Where the rage of the vulture, the love of the turtle, Now melt into snrrow, now madden to crime? Know yo the land of the cedar and vine, Whero the flowers ever blossom, the beams ever shine; Where the light wings of zephyr, oppressed with perfume, Wax faint o'er the gardens of Gul in her bloom; Where the citron and olive are fairest of fruit, And tho voice of the nightingale never is mnte; Where the tiuts ol the earth, and the hues of the sky, In colors though varied, in beauty may vie, And the purple of ocean is decpest in dye; Where the virgins are soft us the roses they twine, And all, savo the spirit of mau, is divine? .
PRODUCTS OF SAN GABRIEL TOWNSHIP.
Almost all varieties of grains and vegetables known to the temperate and , semi-tropic climates of other lands, flourish here. Of small graius, the staples are wheat, barley, oats, rye, and fax. Corn is a principal crop; potatoes likewise. To- bacco and castor beans are both raised to some extent.
But the great boast of the San Gabriel valley is the extent and variety of its fruit crop. Almonds, figs, pomegranates, walnuts, peaches, olives, apples, and various small fruits, all do well, but oranges and grapes constitute the crowning glory. As to the relative profit of these last-named crops horticultur-
iste ditler, and while the question may not be soon definitely settled hy incontrovertible figures, the fact remains that both thrive aduriraldy, and pay the producer handsome returns upon his investment and labor.
SAX GABBIEL VILLAGE.
To the tourist, the ancient mission church-more than a cen- tury of age-is naturally the first object to be inspected. Built of adobe and masonry, it has so far defied the elements; and like one who has outlived his time, seems sadly out of place in this present century ; looks, in fact, just what it is, no more, no less, a monument of what hath been.
The village is a scattering collection of Mexican adobes, inter- spersed here and there with a few frame buildings. A small hotel ckes out a precarious existence, and waits for the "boom," that forlorn hope of every western town and village. There are one or two stores, and the various small business of an agricul- tural settlement.
PASADENA.
In the year 1873, a colony of persons, largely from Indiana, purchased a tract of some l'our thousand acres in the south-west corner of the San Pasqual Rancho. The stock of the company was limited to one hundred shares of fifteen acres cach, the remainder of the tract being held in common. Having passed through many vicissitudes, this little band have succeeded in rearing one of the handsomest young settlements on the Pacific coast; and though their trees are yet far from maturity they have already held several exhibitions of fruit which were the admiration of all visitors. So young is this settlement, that it can scarcely be said to have a history; but if we can be allowed to forecast the future, the historian of twenty years hence will have much to write about.
We clip the following in regard to its present condition from the Herald correspondence of June 5, 1880 :-
"Indiaua Colony" it was at first called, but it is now more generally known by the name of Pasadena. The name is an imported one-from the East, therefore it must be a good one. It is of Indian origin, hence it is romantie. It signities " erown of the valley." and for that reason it is very appropriate. And a magnificent crown it is to the head of the richest valley of the imperial county of the State! The goldeu fruit that will be yearly gathered from the Crown of San Gabriel will be of more value than the glitteriug gems that bedeck the useless crowns of kings and queens.
Comparing it with what I have seen, there is not a more beautiful, nor a more prosperous young settlement in California than this. Here is seeu illustrated most clearly the superior advantages of making homes in well-organized colonies. The facilities and privileges of old and established communities can be enjoyed at onee. It would often take twenty years, in the ordinary course of events, in a new country, where immigration is slow, and where there is too often manifested & lack of mutual interest and co-operation, tn bring about what would be done in a colony iu a year or twn.
Pasadena is but five years old, dating from when improvements com- menced. It has only about one hundred and twenty families, steadily increasing, yet I doubt if there are many rural settlements of the same number of inhabitauts in the finished Atlantic States where school and church advantages are better, where the social amenities of society are more generally regarded, and where so much is done to make the
homes pleasant and attractive. The improvements that have been made are almost marvelous. Several thousand acres of a sheep pasture and grasshopper range have been converted into a magnificent park of orange and lemon groves, fruit nrchards and vineyards, that will be sources of income to many of the owners this year.
The land is owned in lots of ten to thirty acres, and almost every lot has a comfortable house ou it, set buek, and heing approached hy a drive through an orange grove which invariably fronts the neatly kept ave- nues, Many of the residences are handsome, costing from two to ten thousand dollars. Evidences of taste aud refinement are seen every- where. Beds of flowers, ornamental trees, running vines and roses in greatest profusiou are growing in every yard, no matter how unpreten. tions the cottage may he. This is a paradise to the lover of flowers. Nowhere have I ever seen so great a variety and such quantities of roses as here. Most of the avenues have rows of sbade trees on either side, chiefly the beautiful glossy pepper, with here and there a line of tall eucalyptus and the umbrageous English walnut. An evergreen hedge of cypress or of lime is growing iu front of almost every place, Thousands of young cypress were planted last winter to formu such hedges and will he kept trimmed to four feet in height.
Besides the private dwellings there are in Pasadena two fine church buildings belonging to the Presbyterian and Methodist denominations, two school-honses, the larger one costing six thousand dollars. A High school will he established in this building this year. The upper portion of this house is now used as a public hall. There is also a store and post-office building, a blacksmith shop and a meat market, at the cross roads, near the center of the settlement. During the past winter u much needed want was supplied by Mr. J. Griswold, who eularged his house and opened it as a hotel-the Lake Vineyard House-where the weary traveler can now find rest and refreshments, and the visitor seeking our genial climate for health a pleasant and comfortable home while he remains with us.
SIERRA MADRE VILLA.
This is a favorite resort for pleasure-seekers and tourists in southern California, as well as for the residents of Los Angeles county. Situated in the foot-hills of the San Gabriel Range, eighteen hundred feet above the sea level, the whole great valley of Los Angeles with its background of purple glancing sea lies spread below in full view. Much money has heen expended on the surroundings, and as a resort for invalids and pleasure- seekers, it would be hard indeed to find any place which surpasses this in natural and acquired advantages.
WATER SUPPLY.
Natural springs abound in various portions of the Sau Gabriel valley, some of the principal ones taking their rise on the lands of Mrs. B. D. Wilson, J. De Bath Shorb and L. H. Titus. There are also several small streams which flow con- stantly the year round. By the construction of reservoirs aud an elaborate system of piping (principally due to the energy and enterprise of Mr. Shorb), this water supply has been so economized that there is now enough and to spare for all.
SUMMING UP.
Taken as a whole, the San Gabriel valley-so far at least as fruit and wine interests are concerned-claims to be without a rival on the Pacific coast. The following tables, prepared by H. V. Slosson, Esq., station agent of the Southern Pacific Rail- road at San Gabriel, February 1, 1880, will show these interests more completely than could be done in a hundred pages of descriptive writing :-
REAR VIEW OF RESIDENCE
-
-
PUBLIINFO MY THINGSON & WERT
PARK ORANGE GROVE AS RESIDENCE OF MRS R.PARK MALLETT, ORANGE, LOS ANGELES C., CALIFORNIA .
THE ORANGE INTEREST OF SAN GABRIEL VALLEY.
TABLE SHOWINO NAMES AND OWNERS OF THE ORANGE ORCHARDS AND THE PRODUCTION OF EACH
Age of Trees -- No. Each.
3 Years.
[ 5 Years.
7 Years.
9 Years.
Over.
11 Years
Orange Trees.
Ron Bearing.
Trees Past Sea-
No. Orange
No. Lemon
No. Lime Trees
Trees.
Total
Oranges
No, Boxes
Past Season.
No. Hoxey
Past Suas m.
No. Boxes
Gabriel Depot
No. of Boxes
Orchard.
Sold at
Boxes.
Total
Oak Knoll.
40
600!
1,100
1,700, 1,700}
2,500
4.100
9,635
300
9% 9.008
500 10,498
San Marino. .
Mr. R. D. Wilson.
100
3,000
4,000
7,000
6,800
300
100
7,400
9,555
267
0,552
150 10,002
L. J. Rose ....
5
350
350
4,070
4,0.0
100
400
5,170
6,595
602
7,636
325
7,961
L. Hi. Titus ...
40
1,500
1,000
2,500
2,500
100
2.000
3.235
38
3,279
60 3,323
Winston lights
20
200
500
1,085
560
200
1 235
1,294
37
1,331
761
1,400
Santa Anita.
30
200
1,400
1,600
1.400
20 }
..
250
300
1,350
510
95
614
764
20
300 1,600
700
100
370
3,0,0
500
1,200'
000
100
20
1,320
642
257
4
808
503
El Molino.
E. J. C. Kewen.
2
20 ..
130
114
304
114
300
15
U19
30
1
31
229
859
579
Las Robi'es. .
Gen. Gco. Stoneman
40
14
600
100
100
150
250
Brightwood.
20
1,000
114
120
320
10
50
50
520
A. Phillips,
400
250
.....
1,400;
600
200
2,200
M. J. Wicks.
40
2,250
500
250
3,000
200
3,250
149
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