USA > California > Monterey County > History of Monterey County, California : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, farms, residences, public buildings, factories, hotels, business houses, schools, churches, and mines : with biiographical sketches of prominent citizens > Part 22
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A CENTENARIAN OF MONTEREY.
F. M. Jolly, Census Enumerator in the San Antonio District, has, it is helieved, found the oldest person in the State, heing an Indian named Juan Capistrano, whose age is one hundred and thirty-three years. Being interrogated in the Indian tongue, his vernacular, he says he came to San Antonio ahout the time of the founding of that mission, one hundred and seven years ago, and had then a wife and two children. Having been taught Latin by the priest, he was a singer in the choir there ahout one hundred years ago .- Democrat.
Salinas, the County Seat.
SALINAS is a central place for business for the whole valley, and directly on the line of the great southern railroad.
The population of Salinas city, hy census of 1880, is as fol- lows: White males, 973; white females, 782; Chinese males, 97; Chinese females, 5; colored persons, 8; total, 1,865.
Its main street is admirahly macadamized, huilt up on both sides in fine city fashion, while the whole town is supplied with gas and water. It has all those facilities for the arts, sciences, conveniences, and henefits expected in connection with such a place. Its county buildings, churches, schools, hotels, stores, shops and residences cause it to rank among the first of its size in the State. The town is emhowered in trees and adorned with pleasant gardens and lovely flowers. The aspect of the whole is that of a true, enterprising, progressive, permanent American city.
FAVORABLY LOCATED FOR BUSINESS.
It is located on the Southern Pacific Railroadl, ahout one hundred and eighteen miles from San Francisco, ten miles from tide-water at Moss Landing, and eighteen miles hy way of railroad from the harhor of Monterey. From Salinas an immense amount of grain, mostly wheat, is shipped to San Francisco. The white Australian variety is raised almost exclusively through this whole region.
The plain where Salinas now stands was an immense mustard pateh, and pasture for roving hands of cattle. No one would helieve it would produce grain. David Jacks, as late as 1864, offered portions of the Chualar Ranch at $1.00 per acre, without purchasers.
FIRST HOTEL IN SALINAS.
Half-way House was huilt in 1856 hy Deacon Elias Howe, who had purchased it from Jacob P. Leese, and the land now called " Riker Tract." The house was used as an inn, store and meeting-house for couuty conventions and elections. The house and lands changed hands in 1865, and fell to the lot of A. Tresony for $800. This was the first huilding erected in what is now Salinas. It stood, until lately, at corner of Gabi- lan street and Lincoln avenue, when it was moved to the north-castern part of the town.
FIRST ATTEMPTS AT GRAIN GROWING.
The Camphell Brothers tried their hand at grain growing, having found water at the first attempt, and the first year made enough out of two hundred and thirty acres to pay their seven years' lease. This fact established the fertility of the valley.
RANCH AND RESIDENCE OF T.F. WHITESIDE, NEAR HOLLISTER SAN BENITO CO. CAL.
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SALINAS AND ITS BUSINESS HOUSES.
FIRST MILL IN SALINAS VALLEY.
The Cooper ranch house stood near the Estroda crossing, and here was a grist-mill for grinding wheat by mule power. Tbis mill and ranch was in charge of Bill Matthew, and from bav- ing charge of the mill the native Californians called him mole- nera-the miller. This mill was moved from near the river, in 1853. Not enough wheat was raised then to supply home demand, and it was brought from Santa Cruz or Soquel. It made sweet bread-not bolted and plenty of bran in it.
SALINAS CITY LAID OUT.
A. Ricker at this time became the fortunate purchaser from the doubting Tresony at a low figure, and in the year 1867, hc and his partner, Jackson, on one side of the fence, and Eugene Sberwood on the other, laid out plans for a town to be called Salinas City, upon portions of the Sausal and Nacional Ranchos.
FIRST BUSINESS HOUSES.
No sooner was the project of a village started than new settlers began to come in and locate, among them was a Mr. Conklin, who claims the honor of renting the first store, which was built by Raiker & Woods. J. Lacy was the first blacksmith. A, Groves and Mr. Brannon conducted the first saloon. The town grew rapidly ; and within two years the population increased to six hundred. The advent of the Southern Pacific Railroad gave a fresh impetus to the town and all business enterprises.
ACT OF INCORPORATION.
The city of Salinas was incorporated by Act of the Legisla- ture, March 4, 1874, and the following persons elected, viz : J. J. Harvey, Mayor; William Vanderhurst, J. B. Iverson, Dr. Tuttle, Burbeck Huglies and - Wilcoxen, Couneilmen. It was deter- mined to lay the foundation sure for a substantial city. They macadamized Main street, which is eighty-seven feet wide, and made asphaltum sidewalks, at a cost of $30,000.
To-day, Salinas City is a prosperous town, with good hotels for the traveling publie, business houses with enterprising merchants, and private residences surrounded by trees and gardens.
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, AND SOCIETIES.
There are seven ehurehes, ineluding Catbolie, Episcopal, M. E. Church, M. E. Church South, Presbyterian, Baptist, and United Presbyterian, where services are generally main- tained throughout the year.
There is a large and flourishing publie school, employing several teachers, more fully noticed elsewhere.
There are numerous flourishing secret and benevolent socie- ties, as well as otbers of a literary character. It has a well organized and equipped fire department.
THE WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS.
The Monterey Democrat was established about 1867, and is now in its fourteenth volume. As its name implies, it is an exponent of the Democratie party, yet quite independent and fearless in its advocacy of matters of public interest. It bas, by many of its able and oft repeated artieles, done much to build up the town and county. It is published by J. W. Leiglı.
The Salinas Index is published by J. W. Hill, as editor and proprietor. It is in its ninth year. Its history is given in an artiele elsewhere. It has occupied a leading position among the journals of the coast since it came into possession of the present proprietor.
GAS AND WATER-WORKS.
The water-works is a private enterprise; and water is obtained from three or four wells, the deepest of which is two hundred feet. Water can be thrown upon the top of the highest house. There are twenty-two hydrants located in the corporate limits. Gas-works are able to supply a larger town. Both cost $40,000.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
The following business directory will give to a stranger a good idea of the size, and amount of business transaeted at Salinas :-
DRY GOODS AND CLOTHING .- Hale & Co., 99 Main street. Meyer & Friedlander, west side of Main street, near Gabilan. Solomon Bros., corner Main and Gabilan.
C. P. Nance, west side of Main, between Gabilan and Alisal.
GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS .- J. B. Scott, west side of Main, between Gabilan and Alisal.
J. F. Hay, west side of Main, between Gabilan and Alisal.
C. A. Dayton, west side of Main near Alisal.
Geo. Warren, west side of Main near post-office.
C. P. Nanee, west side of Main, between Gabilan and Alisal. J. H. McDougall, at the post-office.
R. Strellnauer, east side of Main street, between Sausal and Gabilan.
HOTELS .- Abbott House, Harrison & Smith, proprietors, west side of Main street, between Central Avenue and Gahilan. Central Hotel, Jas. Jeffery, proprietor, east side Main street. Diamond Hotel, M. Tynan, proprietor, corner San Juan. Paraiso Springs Hotel, Reeve & Fine, proprietors. Hardwick Hotel, Win. Nanee, proprietor, Gonzales. Tidball's Hotel, T. T. Tidball, proprietor, Jolon.
MERCHANT TAILORS .- G. Bohland, Main street, nearly opposite the Abbott House.
H. P. Brown, west side Main street, between Gabilan and Alisal.
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RESOURCES AND PROPERTY OF CASTROVILLE.
BOOKS AND STATIONERY .- J. H. McDougall, at the post-office. E. K. Abbott, at the Eagle Drug Store.
Lyon Colien, under the Abbott House.
UNDERTAKERS .- J. E. White, Gabilan street.
J. P. Stanley, east side of Main street, between Gabilan and Sausal.
PHOTOGRAPHERS .- Eardley & Van Diveer, east side of Main, between Sausal and Gabilan streets.
Hemingway's Gallery, Gabilan street.
HARNESS AND SADDLERY .- M. Hughes, west side of Main St. TOBACCO AND CIGARS .- A. Mautner, west side Main street. Jas. H. McDougall, at the post-office.
R. Strellnauer, east side of Main street, between Sausal and Gabilan.
MEAT MARKETS .- H. E. Abbott, west side of Main street. E. and C. O. St. John, west side of Main street, between Gabilan and Alisal.
TOYS AND NOTIONS .- R. Strellnauer, east side of Main street, between Gabilan and Sausal.
Lyon Cohen, under the Abbott House.
FLOURING MILLS .- Empire Mills, Tobey & Hudson, proprie- tors, Sausal street.
Standard Mills, Hudson & Holloway, proprietors, Alisal St. BOOT AND SHOEMAKER .- G. A. Tolman, east side of Main street, opposite the Abbott House.
WATCHES AND JEWELRY .- Harry Heerdt, in Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express office.
LAGER BEER. Salinas Brewery, Lurz & Menke, proprietors. WINES AND LIQUORS .- R. Strellnauer, east side of Main street, bet Gabilan and Sausal.
INSURANCE AGENTS,-W. P. L. Winham, Main street.
L. H. Garrigus, Main street. J. R. Eardley, Main street.
BLACKSMITHINO .- Iverson Bros., Gabilan street.
J. V. Lacey, Sausal street.
A. Bullenc, corner Main and Alisal streets.
TEACHERS OF MUSIC .- T. R. Davenport with J. P. Stanley. Will J. McCoy, music rooms at the residence of Win. Bur- beck, corner Riker and Archer streets.
DENTISTRY .- Dr. G. B. Lemon, Central Hall building, Main St. DRUGS AND MEDICINES .- Eagle Drug Store E. K. Abbott, proprietor, corner Main and Gabilan streets.
STOVES, TINWARE, ETC .- Peter Eitzert, east side of Main street. BREAD, PIES, CAKES, ETC .- Pioneer Bakery, E. Rinehardt, pro- prictor, east side of Main street, bet. Gabilan and Alisal. REAL ESTATE AGENTS .- W. P. L. Winham, J. R. Eardley and L. H. Garrigus.
FRESH FRUITS .- J. F. Hay, R. Strellnauer and Geo. Warren. LIVERY STABLE .- Fashion Stables, Franks & Lean, proprie- tors, Central Hall block, Main street.
LAWYERS .- Webb & Wall, Central Hall building, Main street. H. V. Morehouse, west side of Main street, near Gabilan.
W. M. R. Parker, Wasson building, Main street.
F. Sherwood, Dean's building, Main street.
N. A. Dorn, Court House.
R. M. F. Soto, Wasson building, Main street.
S. F. Geil, Riker's building, Main street.
Gregory & Shipsey, west side of Main street, between Gabilan and Central Avenue.
Dodge & Clipperton, Wasson building, Main street.
S. L. Cutter, Riker's building, corner Main and Gabilan Sts. PHYSICIANS,-E. K. Abbott, Eagle Drug Store.
O. S. Trimmer, west side of Main street.
S. M. Arcber, Santa Rita. E. S. S. Root, Gonzales.
Castroville.
SKETCH OF THE TOWN AND VICINITY-LOCAL RESOURCES AND PROSPECTS.
BY JOSEPH MERRITT.
AN intelligent observer wrote as follows, after a brief visit to this town: "The first introduction to Castroville, which is situated about a half mile from the railroad depot, is not prepos- sessing, since only small cottages, scattered here and there, wildly, yet in abundance, are met with; but upon entering it, one can see signs of life, business and thrift, and can forget the first impressions in the realization of the fact that there are substan- tial stores and residences, pretty gardens and plenty of trees. And then, if we stand in the handsome plaza in front of the statcly Catholic church-in the cast the Queen of Night man- tling in her robes of filmy, golden mist the fading forms of the Gabilan mountains; in the west still lingering the faintest rays of a saffron sunset-and mark the mellowed light fall softly on roof-tops, or pierce in fitful filagrce tbe cypress, pines and eucalypti, the tinkling guitar and the musical moaning of the ocean chanting a requiem for the dying day, we may well
'Lift up deep eyes from dusty ways of mart and money'
And call Castroville a charming little town."
CASTROVILLE LOCATED.
The site of the town is upon the Castro grant, known as the Bolsa Nueva y Moro Cojo rancho. The town was founded early in 1864-thus being the pioncer town of the Salinas valley-hy Juan B. Castro, one of the owners of the ranch, ex-County Treasurer and a son of Don Simeon Castro, a Judge under the Mexican rule at Monterey. The liberality of the proprietors of the town site in donating lots for public purposes, and to such private individuals as would erect substantial resi- dences, has done much towards aiding the growth of the town, which, with its immediate vicinity, has a population of about one thousand. The latter donations no doubt account, to a large extent, for the straggling nature of its outskirts. The town is well laid out in blocks, with good, wide streets, several of which have avenues of well-grown trees along them. Most of the business establishments are located on Merritt street, which lies on the . main road to Moss Landing. Considering that the town is not incorporated, the citizens are deserving of great credit for the many noticeable improvements. Private enterprise has reared substantial and home-like residleuces in the midst of pretty gardens, embowered in trees, principally gum, cypress, pine, pepper, acacia, and nearly all kinds of
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CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS OF CASTROVILLE.
fruit trees. Incorporation, with its attendant blessings and taxation, will probably follow not long hence, and it may then be expectedl that this little burghi will make the most of her opportunities, for, as a seventeen-year-old city, she is a " leetle bit " behind her inland sister, Salinas, in municipal improve- ments.
The surroundings are such as to justify the warmest faith of the citizens in the future of the town, for in its immediate vicinity are the excellent agricultural, grazing and wooded lands of the Castro rancho, besides tbe Cooper, Santa Rita, Escarpines, and Estrada ranchos, containing a productive area of some forty thousand acres, Of this little town it may well he said :-
" Nature mates her hills with valleys, Sets her meads where waters flow."
It is a noticeable and highly commendable fact, that several of the large land-owners, among whom may be named Juan B. Castro, and the Sancbez and Merritt families, have subdivided their lands into small farms and building lots of all sizes, which are sold, according to their location and qualities, at prices ranging from $4 to $100 per acre. The lands may he classified into the rolling upland, to the north-east of the town, consisting of a variety of soils, from the light, sandy formation to the black, heavy adobe, while in the opposite direction, towards and beyond the Salinas river, which winds its way about a couple of miles from town, the soil is likewise varicd, but with a preponderance of the sedimentary and adobe quali- ties. On the Castro uplands the average yield of wbeat, per acre, is thirty bushels, and of harley fifty bushels, though one hundred bushels of the latter grain have been raised in some cases, and the yield of wheat has reached eighty bushels here and there. The eastern portion of this rancho, being wooded and well sheltered, is used chiefly for grazing, dairying and the growing of fruits, many varieties of which are successfully cultivated. The prices are from $+ to $15 for grazing and orchard lands, and from $25 to $100 for farming lands.
AMPLE RESOURCES.
On the uplands and low hills east of town there is an almost inexhaustible supply of good oak or cord-wood, a large trade in which with San Jose and other points is carried on by the medium of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Along the river an abundance of willows also contributes to the wood traffic. The water is pure and excellent in quality, plentiful in supply, and never-failing even in the driest seasons. It is readily reached at a maximum depth of twenty feet. The climate is very equahle and pleasant, as well as healthful, the thermometer rarely rising above sixty degrees, and scarcely evor touching eighty degrees. The proximity to the sea produces a bracing atinos- phere, while the sea mists of heavy dew are almost of as much benefit to farmero as heavy rains. The crops mature better by
the more general and genial moisture. A more healthful location is not to be found in the State.
The products of the district are cereals. the average yield of which has already been given; potatoes of excellent quality and large size, especially ou the Cooper rancho; and fruit of all kinds (excepting the most delicate of semi-tropical), com- prising apples, pears, pluins, quinces, peaches, apricots, walnuts, etc. The orchards of John Bowery, Mrs. Roth, and others, speak volumes in this respect. Dairying is very successfully carried on and a fine quality of butter is made. The apiary of R. J. Adcock, in San Miguel canon, from which he exports yearly 10,000 pounds of first-class honey, is deserving of mention.
CHURCHES OF CASTROVILLE.
The churches are two in number, tbe larger one being the Catholic, of which Rev. Hugh Curran is parish priest. The Union church building is used by all Protestant denominations. There is no resident Protestant clergyman, but a sermon is preached nearly every Sunday by one minister or another from Salinas. Rev. Geo. McCormick, Presbyterian; Rev. J. S. McGowan, Episcopalian, and Rev. A. S. Gibbons, of the M. E. church, bave preached here frequently during the past few years. There are two cemeteries. One belongs to the Odd Fellows, and is prettily planted with ornamental trees, which have already attained substantial and handsome pro- portions. The other belongs to the Catholic church, and is well arranged and kept in orderly style.
SCHOOLS OF CASTROVILLE.
The public school is under the charge of Mr. L. B. Wilson of San Jose, as Principal. He is a graduate of the California Normal School, and a painstaking and thorough teacher. His assistants are Miss Clara C. Richardson of San Jose, and Miss Nellie Stirling of Castroville, both very competent teachers. According to the census of 1880, there were 256 children in the district, of whom about 160 were enrolled. There are two school buildings, one of which is a handsome structure; they are valued at $7,000. The library is valued at $400. The yearly expenditures amount to $2,500. During the current school year ten months' school will be maintained. The trustees of the school district are W. A. Anderson, Israel John- son and Jos. Merritt, the first named heing chairman of the Board, and the last named District Clerk.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
The town has several fraternal societies, as follows: Con- fidence Lodge, No. 203, F. and A. M., of which A. P. Potter is W. M., and John A Malloy, Secretary; Salinas Lodge, No. 152, 1. O. O. F., A. H. Longley, N. G., Hiram Roth, V. G., Joseph
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THE BUSINESS PLACES OF CASTROVILLE.
Merritt, Secretary, and I. K. Brokaw, Treasurer ; Castroville Lodge, No. 103, A. O. U. W., Louis Meyer, M. W., Jos. Merritt, Recorder, Dr. Jolin Parker, Medical Examiner; Castroville Lodge, No. 446, I. O. G. T., L. B. Williams, W. C. T., Miss Nellie Stirling, W. S. The Good Templars have a member- ship of about sixty and are doing well. The Odd Fellows have abont fifty members, own their own hall, have considerable money out at interest, and altogether are in a very prosper- ous condition. The lodge of Workmen is comparatively small but is gaining members. The Masons have also a small mem- bership here, but own the building in which they meet. Odd Fellows' Hall is used as a place of meeting by the Workmen and Good Templars, as well as the Odd Fellows.'
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The date of the organization of each of the above-mentioned lodges is as follows; Masonic, July 19, 1869 ; Odd Fellows', January 23, 1869 ; Workmen's, May 28, 1879; Good Tem- plar's, May 24, 1877.
THE OLDEST ODD FELLOW.
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While referring to local fraternities it may be appropriate to mention that one of the oldest. men in membership in the Order of Odd Fellows is a resident of Castroville. William Childs, now in his seventy-sixth year, joined the Order in Bal- timore, Md., in 1828-fifty-three years ago-and was a con- temporary in the lodge-room with Wildey and others whosc uames are venerated on account of their early and honored con- nection with Odd Fellowship in the United States. Judge Childs has probably no senior, in length of membership, on the Pacific coast.
The professions are represented by John Parker, a thoroughly educated and successful physician and surgeon ; William Childs, Justice of the Peace; M. R. Merritt, conveyancer and Notary Public.
THE CASTROVILLE ARGUS.
The town has one newspaper, the Argus, which was estab- lished in March, 1869, and has been managed by the pres- ent editor and proprietor, Joseph Merritt, since January 1, 1875.
The public balls are Schmidt's and Cooper's. Two hotels, the Overland House, kept hy M. King, and the American Hotel, John Mills proprietor, together with the Castroville Restaurant conducted M. L. de Fraga, cater to the wants of the traveling publie.
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS HOUSES,
Among the leading business men are the following :- Wood, Dutcher & Co., J. B. H. Cooper, L. B. Keating and Miller & Co., dealers in general merchandise ; Black & Son, proprietors of the Castroville Flouring Mills; A. H. Longley, tinsmith and dealer in stoves and hardware; J. E. Watson and J. W Mitchell, fruit and general variety ; H. D. Grandpro and ohn Rairdon, harnessmakers ; C. R. Whitcher and E. R.
Faneuf, blacksmiths; I. K. Brokaw, wagonmaker; W. H, Gib- son, dealer in grain and flour; A. Wright, painter; John Par- ker, druggist ; Chas. Thiriet, watchmaker and jeweller; J. H. Hillman, upholsterer; C. Conradls, shoemaker; W. A. Ander- son, builder and contractor; Garcia & Soto and M. Matthews, barbers; J. M. Pomber, livery stable; Knoch & Zimmerinan, meat market; Mr. Bartley, photographer ; M. F. Walsh, L. Meyer, H. Roth, P. Casey, G. Tomasini, Walter Henry, saloon- keepers.
'The brick building in which Wood, Dutcher & Co. carry on their extensive general merchandise trade is the most impor- tant building in the town proper, if we, perchance, except the stately residence of J. B. H. Cooper (the son of Captain J. B. R. Cooper, of early pioneer fame), County Supervisor at large and a merchant carrying on business in the brick store adjoin- ing that we have just mentioned. In Mr. Cooper's store is · located Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express office, W. H. Gibson, agent, and J. C. Forbes, clerk. The Western Union Telegraph office is in Wood, Dutcher & Co.'s store, T. Wood being the manager, and Alex. Patterson the operator.
The post-office is at present at the drug store, but will prob- ably be removed soon, T. Wood having recently been appointed Postmaster. The present Postmaster is Israel Johnson.
W. S. Pierson discharges the duties of station agent at the Southern Pacific Railroad depot, which is the point of june- tion of the road from Monterey and that from Soledad to San Francisco.
The Chinese have their quarters in town and are quiet and well-behaved. They find employment in wood-chopping dur- ing the winter months and threshing mustard and binding grain in summer.
A FINE RESIDENCE.
HENRY MAYERS of San Francisco has a fine residence deserv- ing of notice. It may almost be called a mansion, so elegant is it in style. It is placed on a hill a short distance from town, commanding a beautiful view, over park-like glades and rolling woodlands, of the valley and bay. The gardens, out- buildings and all other improvements give evidence of care and taste. Dairying is carried on to a large extent on this farm and some grain is grown.
PUBLIC READINO-ROOM.
The town has a public reading-room, opened this winter by the local lodge of Good Templars, and it is well supplied with books, magazine and newspapers, most of them donated by members of the order and by other persons who have thus shown an interest in tho success of an institution whose influ- ence in behalf of education and good morals is bountl to be felt in the community.
RESIDENCE OF JESSE ROSS, NEAR HOLLISTER SAN BENITO CO. CAL.
1.3.2
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RAILROAD AND WATER COMMUNICATION.
Besides the magistrate, Justice William Childs, the township officers are : Constables, J. R. Casaday and J. M. Pomber ; Road Overseer, Geo. L. Ritchey ; Deputy Sheriff, M. R. Merritt. The representative of this district in the Board of Supervisors is Juan B. Castro. The Chairman of the Board, J. B. H. Cooper, is also a resident of Castroville.
In the neighborhood there is also a large area of swamp land, the reclamation of which, as is proven by visible results, in the case of parcels that a few years ago were profitless and unproductive, is practicable at small cost. Some of the best and richest lands in this part of the county are of this class. The reclamation of extensive tracts of swamp and marsh offers a field for capital which half a decade's work would beyond question demonstrate to have been most wisely chosen.
CHOICE HUNTING AND FISHING.
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