USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles county, Volume I > Part 52
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"By reason of the manifest and manifold advantages that will result to the city of Santa Monica on account of the proximity to the city of the Pacific Palisades.
"Be it resolved by the Santa Monica-Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce through its directors.
"First :- That the Santa Monica-Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce gives it unqualified endorsement and hearty co-operation, in the effort to establish an all-year-round religious, educational and residential section on the tract of land comprising 1100 acres situated to the west of the Santa Monica Canyon.
"Second :- That this Chamber, in recognition of the nation-wide scope of advertising which will result from the development of this property through the activities of the Pacific Palisades and its kindred organizations, asks the public, the city officials and the press to foster, support and assist where possible in the success of this great enterprise."
The Association is inter-denominational, but under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ten denominations are represented among its founders and five in its board of directors. The Board of Trustees of the Association is composed of George I. Cochran, C. C. Chapman, Clar- ence Matson, Andrew Chaffee (treasurer), R. C. Gillis, A. J. Romberger, of Pasadena; Walter Armacost, of Santa Monica and A. N. Dike, of Redlands. A. J. Wallace, former lieutenant governor of California is chairman of the Board.
Local newspapers had the following to say in January, 1922, of this great undertaking: "It is organized for the purpose of building here on the Pacific Coast, the largest Chautauqua and Convention center in the world. The 1100 acres of land afford an opportunity for about three thousand home sites. The half mile of beach will be the only Christian beach resort on the Pacific coast, being entirely restricted to the use of the community and the many thousands gathering here for the Chautauqua and Conventions.
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PACIFIC PALISADES BEACH FRONT
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
"The President, Rev. Charles H. Scott, expects the institution to be world-wide in its influence, and says, with reason, that it will be the means of drawing many thousands to the Pacific Coast of Southern California who would not otherwise come to our midst. He calls attention to the high class of people who will come, thus making it the most desirable resort on the coast. He points to the fact that it has been successfully financed without one appeal to the public, or to any advertising features or methods as worthy of note by those who will consider investing here. Clarence P. Day, engineer in charge, says this is to be the crowning work of his life. He is laying out the whole tract as one great and beautiful garden, enhancing the beauty of nature in the sea, hills and canyon. In one of the deep ravines hidden entirely from the view of the outside world, will be built an Alpine village. Other sites will include church homes, still others in commanding view of portions of the near-by, ever roaring ocean and mountains, hotels and apartment houses. One home will harmonize with another, and all be protected from the objectionable features, yet all within reach of those of limited means, and high ideals. Abundant recreational features will be a part of the great system."
Another attractive feature is the building of a dam across a pretty canyon, so turning its waters as to make a handsome lake. Upon a high hill commanding a sublime view of the entire Santa Monica Bay District, will be erected a beautiful building dedicated to the promotion of Peace throughout the great Pacific basin, as the strategic world center of the immediate future, upon a Christian basis rather than commercial or political. A large auditorium is to be built as soon as possible ; also other buildings to take care of the various departments connected with the summer schools of the Chautauqua.
Already streets have been partly graded and improved. Water is obtained through a fifteen inch pipe, high pressure, for the system of water mains. Both electric and gas will be added as fast as required. The Association will construct the necessary streets, side-walks, curbs and other improvements except the sewers.
One of the founders in January, 1922, said : "'As an indication of the faith the institution has inspired, two hundred and seventy-five people put into it $1,000 each while it was still in process of experiment. These are our founders. These persons will be given first choice of lots during the week ending January 14, 1922, which has been styled as Founders' Day. While the grounds were being laid out, still another three hundred people invested in convertible notes which can be applied on lots after the founders have made their choice. As there are more than three thousand lots in the tract, and the number each may secure is very limited, there will be an abundance left when the grounds are thrown open to the public early in February this year. It can truthfully be said that every lot on this tract is desirable, as a glorious view of sea and mounain is to be had from all over the grounds, and proximity to the Chautauqua center, the sea or the hills, makes it hard to choose, yet affords abundant opportunity for choice. The price of lots has persistently been kept down in order to enable those who invest who will throw their influence toward building up the kind of Christian community it is desired to build here.
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
"Two beautiful boulevards run through the property: One the State Highway from Santa Barbara to San Diego, through the Beach Tract, and the Beverly Boulevard coming through the Second Street Tunnel from the heart of the business center of Los Angeles, sixteen miles from the Palisades running over the plateau for two miles.
"Truly no more beautiful or advantageous sight could have been found for such an institution and no greater asset to Southern California could be found.
"The first portion of this tract to be thrown open was that situated between the beach and the county road which is later to become a part of Beverly Boulevard. The entire 110 acres, of which mention has just been made, is sub-divided into between three and four thousand lots. Among the earliest improvements in way of buildings was the construction of a spacious auditorium and public meeting place, a hotel, and bungalows for visitors.
"In the execution of these plans the best architectural talent of the country will be employed, and it is planned to make the property an attraction to visitors from all parts of this and foreign countries.
"While this Association is supported by the Methodist Episcopal Church of America, it is designed to become entirely non-sectarian and its policy will be to administer impartially to all orthodox Protestant denominations."
So let it be known that the Pacific Palisades is adjoining the city of Santa Monica-Ocean Park, "where the Mountains meet the Sea." Others may know the spot as Palisade Park, on the brink of the world-famous Santa Monica palisades, the delight of the landscape painter as well as a treat to the painter of marine pictures. There one may be delighted by mountain climbing and, within an hour, descend to the beach for a plunge in the roaring surf anywhere along a stretch of more than six miles.
The Northwestern Christian Advocate of Chicago-the great Metho- dist Church organ-in a recent issue (summer of 1922) had this relating to the proposed great religio-educational center : "The day is near when famous Ocean Grove on the Atlantic will be one of twins. The Pacific Palisades fronting the world's real ocean is already kicking in its cradle. A thousand acres of land, great bluffs hundreds of feet high, quaint and curious canyons, with two million people at the very gateway and twenty million in the yard. The Orient over the horizon, older than old Europe. The last lap in the course of empire. One wishes the fountain of eternal youth was not a dream, but that he might see the vision of a hundred years. What is there mightier under the sun than Christian culture? And the Pacific Palisades has no excuse for being but Christian culture. Come and see."
Below are given a few of the names of the two hundred and seventy-five Founders whose investments of a thousand dollars each have guaranteed the success of the enterprise; founders' subscriptions came from seven different States and ten different religious denominations: F. E. Eckhart, R. C. Gillis, C. H. Barker, M. H. Sherman, J. W. Oakley, A. M. Chaffey, E. P. Clark, of Los Angeles ; Hon. A. J. Wallace, N. J. Morehouse, E. F. Davison, G. W. Welsh, B. N. Moss, of Hollywood; F. S. Wallace, H. A. Romberger, C. P. Wilcox, J. L. Simeral, of Pasadena ; C. W. Indledue,
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
T. A. Wright, A. G. Lindley, of Glendale; P. A. Lord, of South Pasadena ; J. C. Storment, of Pomona ; H. H. Ham, of San Bernardino ; J. W. Covert, of Riverside; W. C. Johnson, of Denver ; Chestine Smith, of Decatur, Illi- nois ; George H. Uhrstadt, of Detroit ; Robert E. Harned, of Madison, New Jersey.
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SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL
MEMORIAL OPEN AIR THEATRE, IN FOREGROUND OF SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL Dedicated to Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of World War, May 30, 1921
CHAPTER XXXVII
SANTA MONICA
Among the combination home and resort beach cities of Los Angeles County, none are, for obvious reasons, more favorably situated than Santa Monica. It is a most charming seaside resort. The location is on a level plateau, between which and the ocean there is a perpendicular descent of about one hundred feet. A long line of beach is exactly what is needed for surf bathing. From almost any viewpoint in the city one may behold, with delight, the near-by mountains, the foot-hills, the plain and the ocean's bosom. The town of Santa Monica was founded, in 1875, by United States Senator John P. Jones and Colonel R. S. Baker. It is only three miles up the coast to the famous Santa Monica Cañon, a romantic spot enjoyed by thousands upon thousands annually. The above mentioned gentlemen purchased and subdivided a portion of the old San Vincente rancho, adjoin- ing the beautiful bay of Santa Monica for which the city was named. On July 16, 1875, occurred a great town lot sale for the newly platted townsite. An excursion steamer, bringing capitalists from San Francisco and other coast points, augmented the throng and lots were sold at good, but not unreasonable prices. The founders spent much money in making needed improvements, including a wharf. At first all went well, but not long afterward a financial cloud went over the affairs of the founders. The railroad that was contemplated reached Los Angeles and there stopped indefinitely. Later the railroad fell into the hands of the Southern Pacific Company and that corporation condemned the wharf, removed the large warehouse and transferred all possible shipping back to Wilmington. In 1880 the main town and South Santa Monica only had a population left of 350 souls. But its attractions as a seaside resort soon began to be prized and new life was given every effort of its citizens. A large hotel was erected known as the Arcadia, the date being 1887, the Soldiers' Home three miles to the east was commenced, and another boom of a substantial character set in. In 1888, the Los Angeles County Railroad was built along the foothills from Los Angeles to Santa Monica. While this enterprise failed and went into a receiver's hands, it was subsequently taken up by the present Pacific Electric system; and this gave Santa Monica another advantage. It was completed and first used by the public in 1896. In 1892 the Santa Fe Railroad built a branch to the place and, by 1900, the city had a population of 3,057. In 1905 the city trustees ordered a census taken. The population was found to be 7,208, which entitled the place to be governed under a freeholders' charter. A committee was appointed to draft a charter which was presented at the following legislature with the result that in April, 1907, it was given a Freeholder's Charter form of city government, about the same as it operates under today. The suc- cessive incorporations were : first incorporated as city of the sixth class in
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
December, 1886; reorganized as a fifth class city, April 20, 1903, and operated under that system until the present form of government was adopted in 1914. The men who have served as mayors and presidents from the beginning of municipal incorporation have been: John Steere, 1886; W. A. Vawter and E. L. Folsom, 1888; J. J. Carvilla, 1890-92; Robert F. Jones, mayor, 1896-97; T. H. Dudley, 1900-07; Alfred Morris, 1907-09; R. H. Dow, 1909-11; S. L. Berkley, president of council, 1911; F. D. Butzer, 1914; S. L. Berkley, 1916, commissioner of public safety and ex-officio mayor. Mr. Berkley is still serving faithfully and well as the head of the Santa Monica city government. The following is a list of the other city officials (1922) : F. A. Helton, commissioner of finance; S. L. Berkley, commissioner of public safety (fire, police and health) ; W. H. Carter, commissioner of public works (streets, parks, sewer, lighting, ceme- tery, etc.) ; M. R. King, police judge; Arthur A. Weber, city attorney ; H. Ivor Thomas, auditor ; J. T. Peasgood, building superintendent.
Santa Monica and Ocean Park are now one municipality. The present bonded indebtedness of the city is (June, 1922) $1,348,750. The city has two public libraries-Santa Monica Free Library and the Ocean Park Branch. The public parks include: Central Park of Santa Monica; City Park of Sawtelle; Crescent Bay Park, Linda Vista Park, Santa Monica and Palisades Park, Santa Monica; Recreation Park and the Santa Monica Camping municipal auto grounds.
The churches are inclusive of these : Baptist, Latter Day Saints, Colored Methodist Episcopal, Congregational, Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran, Christian Science, Methodist Episcopal, Spiritualist, Free Methodist, Hebrew Congregation, Nazarene, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventists and Spanish-American Methodist.
Of the various secret and benevolent societies the standard lodges- Masonic, Odd Fellow, Elks and Knights of Pythias-are quite prominent.
The Chamber of Commerce of Santa Monica is a strong, practical, hard-working institution, which is ever watchful over the thriving city's best interests. The present officers include: G. B. Dickinson, president ; I. N. Berkley, vice president, and other business factors of the city.
The newspaper press is well represented by the Ocean Park Bulletin (evening), Santa Monica Evening Outlook, Sawtelle Tribune, Santa Monica-Venice Evening Herald; Veteran Enterprise, Sawtelle; The Churchman, and Church Messenger, Santa Monica and the Bay District News, Ocean Park.
Concerning the population of the district it may be stated that Santa Monica-Ocean Park had in 1910, 7,847; 1920, 15,252, and 1921, 25,000. The population of Venice, in 1910, was 3,119; 1920, 10,385, and 1921, 20,000. Sawtelle had a population of 10,000 in 1921.
A classified city directory, published recently, gives in a nut-shell the following facts :
Noted as a deep sea fishing point.
Famed for beauty of situation and environment.
Finest bathing beaches in the world.
Venice, "The Atlantic City" of the Pacific.
Coming industrial district.
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Lowest death rate in the country.
Ideal camping grounds at beach and in mountains.
Aptly called "Wonder of California."
Noted for the high standard of its schools.
A notable flour and fruit district.
Truly "The Playground of the World."
· Average summer temperature 68 degrees ; winter, 60 degrees.
Every day of the year an out-doors day. Pure municipal water for household use.
Starting point of dozens of scenic trails.
A wealth of clubs and golf links near.
A religious city, with all denominations represented.
Unexcelled gas and electric light service.
Sawtelle, location of the National Soldiers' Home.
While not noted as a manufacturing center, among the industries are four large airplane manufactories ; a casket factory and large cornice and metal works.
In Southern California, published in 1914 in connection with the Panama Exposition, there appeared important up-to-date facts about Santa Monica which may well be incorporated as a portion of this chapter: "Santa Monica and Ocean Park, with a permanent population of 30,000 people, are combination home and resort beach cities, fourteen miles west from Los Angeles. They have excellent transportation facilities, fine business blocks, banks, hotels, public library, hospital, two sanatoriums, ample club rooms, newspapers and a chamber of commerce.
"There are a $250,000 high school building, fine grammar school buildings and two private schools.
"In the way of amusements these cities offer the Million Dollar Pier. with scenic railway, theatre and ball room, and a score of other theatres and amusement devices. There are boating, bathing and fishing every day in the year, and in addition many fine boulevards, oceanside and country driveways."
Among the church histories furnished the author for this work is a brief history of the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, organ- ized September 28, 1875. Its original membership was composed of these: H. S. Bassett, Mrs. C. A. Vawter, Miss May Vawter, Miss Jennie Vawter, J. H. Clarke, Mrs. E. Mountain, Mrs. F. Bassett, Miss R. S. Bassett, Miss Mattie A. Mountain, L. M. Perkins and Mrs. S. P. Perkins. From 1875 to 1880, the interest and responsibility of the church were in the hands of a limited few, a portion of which period the membership was composed of ladies only.
Rev. James White was pastor-supply in 1875. Since the formation of the church there has been four pastors: Rev. Richmond Logan from No- vember, 1886, to April 30, 1889; Rev. O. F. Wisner from May 20, 1896, to November 6, 1898; Rev. H. P. Wilber, 1902-07 ; Rev. W. H. Cornett since April 26, 1911. He was a supply four years before he became regular pastor. Besides the foregoing, there have been fifteen supplies.
The two lots on Third Street and Arizona Avenue, where the first church was built, were gifts from Senator John P. Jones and Colonel R.
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AUDITORIUM, SANTA MONICA
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
S. Baker. The church building was dedicated March 12, 1876, by Rev. Dr. White of Los Angeles. The size of the first building was 22 by 36 feet and its cost was about $2,000; $500 was received from the Board of Church Erection. On February 17, 1888, the society took action to provide a larger house of worship to cost not less than $5,000, and on Sunday, September 4, 1892, the new church was dedicated.
During the past fifteen years, with Rev. Cornett as pastor, the church has greatly increased in membership and efficiency. The present member- ship is 397. There are nine elders.
At the annual meeting on April 1, 1921, the trustees were instructed to sell the church property at Third and Arizona streets, and plans were pre- sented for a much larger and better equipped church, Sunday School, Social Hall, and all other conveniences that go to make a complete up-to-date church home. The edifice is to be built at Second and Arizona, the church having previously purchased a lot 133 by 150 feet. A new edifice is now in course of construction on this site, and will be completed about Sep- tember 1, 1922, at a cost of $135,000, which, with the lot valued at $15,000, makes the total $150,000.
SANTA MONICA BAY WOMAN'S CLUB
Mrs. D. G. Stephens, founder of this Club, at the "Mortgage burning" exercises in June, this year, gave the subjoined account of the organization : "In 1903, Miss Elizabeth E. McLaughlin asked a friend to organize a woman's club in Santa Monica, but in a few days she returned sadly dis- appointed. The women did not want a club, one saying she never had and 'never would join a woman's club, play a game of cards or wear a shirt waist.' The class was organized and did good work one year, and all except one woman voted to have a club and supported it. December 8, 1904, the Woman's Club of Santa Monica was formally organized with twenty-nine members. It had sixty dollars in the treasury, a gift from the lecture class. All persons joining on or before February 5, 1905, were voted charter members, eighty-nine in number. The club was first an itinerant, moving from a cottage to Accanem Hall, City Hall and Odd Fellows' Hall, with special meetings in Columbia Hall and the Elks' Clubhouse. Later, the Crescent Bay Club of Venice came into the Club, the name being changed to Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club; then, as now, many distinguished artists, musicians and others appearing before the club. On those early pro- grams we find Prof. Baumgart, Charlotte Perkins Gillman,' Estelle Hart Dreyfus, Thilo Becker, Ellen Beach Yay and others of equal prominence, with reciprocity days, children's parties, lectures, parliamentary drills, etc. As today, the club did its work through committees. The Civic committee finding the Sixth Street School in a deplorable condition, and failing to interest the Board of Education, circulated petitions securing signatures necessary to call an election to vote school bonds. Jefferson and Westgate schools, and one story of the Roosevelt building, were the result. Later, the club did excellent service in helping to elect two women on the School Board, and to secure the site and vote bonds for the Santa Monica High School building. Election day being cold and rainy, the club served luncheon at the City Hall and hot coffee all day.
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THE BEACH AT OCEAN PARK
محضد ى
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
"In 1906 a Rosa Bonheur picture was presented to the Lincoln School. In 1907 two scholarships were given. The philanthropy committee was active at the time of the San Francisco disaster, food, money, clothing and bedding being collected and sent without delay. In time of need, $400 was sent the Los Angeles Orphans Home. The true spirit of Christmas giving has always been observed. Later, during the war time, the Club did nobly. The Red Cross, starving people and any worthy cause have always found a ready response from this club. Each year the club has taken charge of two municipal Christmas trees. One member without authority has prom- ised the same service this year. Not only has the District Federation Con- vention been entertained twice, but in 1907 the Women's Parliament of Southern California was entertained, its session lasting two days and one evening with nearly one hundred delegates.
"Early in 1910 the Club decided it could be of greater service to the community, as well as to itself, if it had its own home. A building com- mittee was appointed, special meetings were held and the enthusiasm spread. After much looking about and discussion, the present site was chosen. Mr. Hobnedel generously offered his services as architect and superintendent of building. Fourteen women were appointed chairmen of as many committees, each to select her committee, earn the money and purchase her share of furnishings. It makes the head swim to think of those days-subscriptions, pledges, entertainments, cooked food sales, etc .; so much work, so much joy, and friendships formed that will last with life.
"In December, 1913, through the kindness of Joseph H. Clark, the club borrowed $12,000 at six per cent and mortgaged this property for security. Stakes were first driven January 9, 1914, and in March, 1914, the corner- stone was laid. The first meeting in the new home was held October 5, 1914. During the war the club was content if only the interest was paid, leaving little or no surplus in the treasury. In 1919-20 the financial con- dition was brought back to normal, through wise administration and hard work.
"The building site cost $2,600; the building, $21,845.05; furnishings. $3,874.76; gifts of furnishings, $270.43; adjoining lot, $1,900. Total amount, $30,490.24.
"Nineteen years ago a woman's club was not wanted in Santa Monica. Eighteen years ago the club organized with $60 in the treasury. Nine years ago it decided to build. · Two years ago there was a mortgage on the property of $8,150; the adjoining lot was bought for $1,900; making a total of $10,050, paid in two years, besides money spent for programs, taxes, and other expenses-a wonderful financial record for a club of this size. But best of all are the harmony and spirit of good will toward all.
"'Girls, I am proud of you! Mrs. Cornett, have you the mortgage? Mrs. Wagner, come forward!' And a match was touched to the cancelled mortgage by Mrs. Wagner and the paper burned amidst the applause of the assembled members and their guests."
OCEAN PARK
It was in 1892 that Abbot Kinney and F. G. Ryan purchased a long. narrow strip of land known as the "sand dunes" along the shore line of the
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CANAL SCENE. "VENICE OF AMERICA"
(Courtesy J. C. Milligan)
BEACH AT VENICE
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Pacific, a part of which was comprised within the municipality of Santa Monica, the remainder of its territory being to the south of it. Those far- seeing founders lost no time in securing the entry of the Santa Fe railroad to Ocean Park, as they named the place. They also constructed two piers and induced the Young Men's Christian Association to establish a branch at Ocean Park and there erected an auditorium and bathhouse. Many changes have been made in ownership, occasioned largely by death. The most noteworthy improvements were effected, or rather begun, in 1904, when an immense bathhouse was in course of construction. It was finished in 1905 and cost $185,000 ; a double-decked recreation pier was built and a $25,000 toboggan railway was constructed. In 1905 the horseshoe pier was built. Two new banking houses were opened that year-see Banking chapter.
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