History of Orange County, California : with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its earliest growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 9

Author: Armor, Samuel, 1843-; Pleasants, J. E., Mrs
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1700

USA > California > Orange County > History of Orange County, California : with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its earliest growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 9

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The census of 1900 showed a population of 4,933. During this year a hand- some court house, costing $100,000 with furnishings, was erected by the county on the old plaza owned by Mr. Spurgeon, which had always been reserved by him for that purpose. This building with its imposing architecture and spacious, well- kept grounds, is the most conspicuous structure in the city.

One of the notable achievements during the city's history was the abolition of saloons, which was accomplished at the regular election in April, 1903, the proposition being submitted directly to the people and carried by nearly two-thirds majority. For a number of years preceding this crisis the anti-saloon forces had been agitating prohibition, and the action of the city trustees in granting an extra saloon license in 1902, increasing the number from six to seven, brought the issue to a head. All saloon licenses expired June 30, 1903, and Santa Ana has remained "dry"" ever since. That a strong high-license sentiment still existed, however, was demonstrated by the fact that the next year the trustees were compelled by a popular petition to again submit the question, the majority still being in favor of prohibition, but greatly reduced. An important coincidence was here manifested, for while the city's growth had been exceedingly slow since 1890, and the retard- ing effect of banishing the saloons had been one of the chief arguments of the high-license people, a marked era of improvement was soon inaugurated and has continued without interruption to the present time.

A handsome new city hall, costing $20,000, was formally dedicated in Novem- ber, 1904, at the corner of Third and Main streets. In the fall of 1906 the great Huntington trolley system entered Santa Ana from Los Angeles, giving our citizens the best passenger service possible and affording a new and popular means of transit for tourists and homeseekers to reach this section. This important event was celebrated in December by a novel innovation, called the "Parade of Products," in which the varied resources of the county were marshaled into an attractive pageant of floats, which was such an unparalleled success that the following year it was extended to three days, with a different street display each day and a large tent exhibit. The name was changed to the "Carnival of Prod- ucts," under which more comprehensive title it was for several years an annual event.

It would be impossible to attempt to enumerate the great list of improvements which have been made in Santa Ana in recent years. Handsome new residences, in which the world-famed California bungalow style predominates, have been erected by the score in all parts of the city ; several new imposing church edifices which would be a credit to any city, mark a prosperous condition in religious

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

circles ; the school facilities have been greatly improved by the addition of modern structures and including a commodious separate building for a commercial high school ; and miles upon miles of cement sidewalks and curbs have been put in.

Banks of Santa Ana

Following were the deposits in the banks of Santa Ana as reported to the Government on June 30, 1920, in comparison with those reported on June 30, 1919:

Banks ---- 1920

1919

First National

$ 6,390,621.03

$ 4,790,945.05

Increase $ 1,599,675.98

Farmers & Merchants Sav ..

2,260,395.95

1,554,442.92

705,953.03

Orange Co. Trust & Savings.

1,763,271.69

1,286,136.60

477,135.09

California National.

1,296,526.53

888,977.72

397,548.81

Totals

$11,700,815.20 $ 8,520,502.29 $ 3,180,312.91

While the date of these reports may not be regarded as the most favorable time of the year for the best showing of deposits, on account of so much money being tied up in the growing crops, yet it is just as good as any for making com- parisons either with the deposits of past years or with those of banks in other cities, since the same date would be used on both sides of every comparison.

However, $11,700,815.20 is a lot of money to have in the banks of a- city the size of Santa Ana. It is $2,623,865.20 more than all the property, real and personal, is assessed at in the county seat for the purpose of taxation. If the amount were divided equally among the citizens of Santa Ana, every man, woman and child would have a bank account, for a brief period of $755.62 in addition to any other property that he might possess. But these bank deposits do not all belong to the citizens of Santa Ana; quite a portion of them came in from the surrounding country. In any case, they are not community property or subject to any kind of distribution without an equivalent in exchange. What is true of these deposits is true of other deposits elsewhere and of all kinds of property throughout the world. Private ownership and use of property is almost invariably the reward of industry and frugality and should not be shared with the idle and dissolute. Wealth honestly acquired and rightly used is a great blessing not only to its possessors, but also to the whole community in which it is held or expended.

Present Status of the Banks

The Commercial Bank of Santa Ana began negotiating the sale of its assets to the Farmers & Merchants National Bank of Santa Ana in May, 1910. It took several months to complete the transaction on account of the legal questions involved. The Commercial Bank ceased to exist on the first day of August, 1910. The Citizens' Commercial & Savings Bank was organized and opened in November, 1914. On January 1, 1917. it merged with the California National Bank under the name of the latter, which had been doing business since February. 1911.

The First National Bank and the Farmers & Merchants Bank merged Febru- ary 21, 1919, taking the name of First National Bank.

The Santa Ana Savings Bank, affiliated with the First National Bank, and the Home Savings Bank, affiliated with the Farmers & Merchants National Bank, merged July 1, 1919, under the name of Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank.

The Orange County Trust & Savings Bank was remodeled in 1911. Addi- tional real estate with leases on same cost $18,245, building cost $39,612.33, and vaults and safety deposit boxes cost $11,000.

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Public Library of Santa Ana

The spring of 1878 was one of great rejoicing for Santa Ana, as it marked the completion of the Southern Pacific Railway to the town. The round trip from Los Angeles was $4 and the trip was a luxury which was enjoyed only on state occasions, but it gave the citizens a new feeling of responsibility, a desire for greater opportunities for self culture and mutual improvement. It was at this time that the need of a circulating library was suggested. The Santa Ana Weekly Times of April 11, 1878, has a communication as follows: "Editor of The Times: Several times I have through the medium of your paper called atten- tion to the fact that Santa Ana ought to have a circulating library. The project has met with universal appreciation. I have now much pleasure in informing the public the Santa Ana Public Library Association has been organized, to be gov- erned by the following constitution and by-laws. Further particulars can be obtained by applying to Mrs. H. C. Berry, Mrs. H. W. Lake, Mrs. O. B. Hall or to Yours respectfully,

J. G. BAILEY, M.D."

Then followed the constitution and by-laws in full, one part of which was "the by-laws of the association can be altered or amended at any semi-annual meeting, providing two-thirds of the charter members present agree to the same, and not otherwise."

A few persons became intensely interested in the enterprise and assumed the task of soliciting names for membership. The following officers were elected, viz. : Mrs. O. B. Hall, president ; Rev. H. S. McHenry, vice-president ; Dr. J. G. Bailey, secretary ; Mrs. N. O. Stafford (now Mrs. R. J. Blee), treasurer, and Mrs. C. E. French, librarian. Santa Ana had a library association organized-on paper- with about $20 to purchase and equip the institution. Persons having books that were of interest kindly donated them ; thus a nucleus was formed. C. E. French contributed a wardrobe into which shelves were fitted and he offered the society a portion of the office be occupied at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. Books were added from time to time from the membership fees. In the fall of 1878 the library was opened to the members and their families. The struggle to main- tain it was then begun. To keep it supplied with new matter socials, musicals and literary entertainments were given and collections taken to increase the funds. Among some of the workers besides those already mentioned were Rev. H. I. Parker and wife, Mrs. Walter Kent, Mrs. S. H. Hersam, Miss May Kent, Miss L. Berry, Miss M. D. Hotell, Miss Claribel Nichols, Dr. J. N. Burtnett, Pearl Kent and Col. W. F. Heathman. In April, 1879, the latter succeeded in giving an entertainment which was very successful and brought over $100 to the fund, and this increased the interest in the organization. The location of the library was changed several times owing to changes in business firms, it being placed wherever the best place was offered without cost to the association.

In 1886 an organization of the W. C. T. U. was perfected in Santa Ana. The following year they decided to establish a library and free reading room. They gave a book social and over 100 volumes were donated. They leased a place over Rowe's book store and fitted up the front room as a reading room. The library of the old association numbered then about 400 volumes. After due con- sideration the members voted to turn the library over to the new organization, which was done in 1887 and in January following the W. C. T. U. gave a formal opening. The problem of meeting the necessary expenses was a grave one and the organization deserves great credit for the manner in which they solved it. One "flower festival" they gave netted them $700. A merchants' carnival for the same purpose was a great success.

The next important step was the transfer of the library by the W. C. T. U. to the city of Santa Ana, September 1, 1891. This included the 960 volumes with all fixtures and equipment and the lease of the hall at 112 West Fourth Street. From that date it was to be supported by a tax levied for that purpose and to

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

be thrown open to the city as a free library and reading room "to all proper residents and taxpayers therein." The first funds received from this source was October 5, 1891. The first board of trustees were E. E. Keech, C. E. French, Dr. J. A. Crane, Rev. Mr. Booth, and D. M. Baker. Helen A. Kernodle was ap- pointed librarian. A report of the board of library trustees of July 3, 1893, shows the library to have had about fifty patrons and the highest number of books given out in one day, twenty. The report for the year was 950 patrons and the maxi- mum number of books passed out in one day, 135.

October 1, 1892, the library was transferred to the Hervey building, 121 East Fourth Street, where it remained until it was removed to its present home, made possible by Andrew Carnegie, who donated $15,000 to the city for the building. W. H. Spurgeon gave the lot and the Native Sons built the walks and the retain- inig wall. The furnishings were provided by private subscription and the trustees of the city gave $1,000. When it was first used only the main floor was occupied and there was then ample room. As the years have passed shelving has been added for the books and the quarters gradually became crowded. A document room has been added in the basement. The circulation from July 1, 1909, to June 30, 1910, was 47,588. The present building was started in August, 1902, and the library moved in July, 1903. The board of library trustees are, viz. : Dr. C. D. Ball, Mrs. W. B. Tedford, Mrs. P. L. Tople, Chas. Robinson and J. S. Smart. The present librarian, Miss Jeannette E. McFadden, became associated with the library in 1897 and in June, 1901, was appointed to her present position, which she fills with satisfaction to all.

Commercial Progress

The commercial progress of the city of Santa Ana has been even greater in re- cent years than its growth in population, as may be seen in the fact that there are $2,623,865.20 more deposits in the city's banks than its entire assessed valuation. While the assessment is undoubtedly low, that will not account for such a discrep- ancy. The fact is that a considerable part of those deposits belong to the rural population for miles around Santa Ana. The county seat is the center of trade and distribution for practically all of the middle and lower parts of the county and to some extent for the upper parts as well. With trade and distribution come produc- tion and manufacturers. In 1909 the Southern California Sugar Company com- menced operating a factory with a daily capacity of 600 tons of sugar beets. Two or three years later the Santa Ana Sugar Company entered practically the same field, each of these companies employing about 300 men during the campaign, be- sides providing a market for the farmers' beets. Two large lumber yards with well- equipped planing mills have been kept busy supplying the increasing demand for building materials. Several large packing houses for fruits, nuts and vegetables make this city an important shipping point. A number of autos are constantly employed collecting and returning clothes for the steam laundries of the city. Among other industries that made noteworthy progress during the year 1919 may be mentioned the C. H. Kaufmann & Sons' plant, which manufactured and shipped nearly 100,000 automobile spotlights during the year, and employing about fifty people. The Haven Seed Company produced, cleaned, packed and shipped nearly five billion tomato seeds during the season of 1919, with an annual payroll of $100,000. The J. E. Taylor Canning Company packed thousands of jars of mar- malade, jellies, preserves and canned fruits, and the California Packing Corpo- ration's plant packed approximately 7,000,000 cans of chili, pimentos and apricots. A horse-collar factory, a rug factory, an iron and brass foundry, artificial stone works, several machine shops, numerous garages and bicycle shops and oil stations, an ice plant and many other industries have added their quota to the general volume of business.

Two important industries have been reserved from the foregoing brief sum- mary for special mention, because they gave some special data about their business

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

to chronicle in the history. They are the "Mission Woolen Manufacturing Com- pany" at Washington Avenue and Santiago Street, and the "California Crate Company."

The woolen mill has been running since Angust, 1917. Up to January 1, 1919, it made 70,000 army blankets and 60,000 yards of melton for overcoats for the Government. It is now making blankets, cassimeres and lap robes. Some of the blankets are exported to Siberia and China. The company is employing seventy-five men and women, and has a weekly payroll of $1,600; at one time, while on Government work, it had $90,000 worth of wool in the warehouse. The officers are : A. E. Bennett, president ; C. A. Robinson, vice-president ; P. A. Robin- son, treasurer. According to a newspaper report the mill is planning to put on a night shift of weavers to keep pace with the demand.

The California Crate Company dates the first step that led to its organiza- tion back about four years. Fred P. Jayne of Santa Ana established a small factory in August, 1916, for manufacture of folding or collapsible crates of his own invention. In February, 1917, M. A. Carter, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, joined him under the firm name of Jayne & Carter. In October of the same year the California Crate Company was incorporated with F. P. Jayne as president, A. M. Jayne as vice-president and M. A. Carter as secretary and treasurer. The principal product of the company has been the manufacture of the standard "Cummer Type" folding onion crate and during the last year this company has furnished the largest part of these crates used in Imperial and Coachella Valleys. This year the company has spread out and in addition is now making two sizes of a fruit crate invented by F. P. Jayne and known as the "Midget Crate," which is meeting with large success. It has also begun the manufacture of a new toy aeroplane and is fairly launched in the toy business having recently purchased two new buildings for use of the toy department. Mr. Jayne and Mr. Carter are both actively engaged in establishing and enlarging the business, the former as president and manager and the latter as superintendent. There are about twenty men and women employed in the factory at present and the number will be largely increased during the busy season beginning in December and running until June. The factory buildings consist of large, light and roomy machinery house, as- sembling rooms and storage warehouse, all well located on the tracks of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in Santa Ana.

The Chamber of Commerce maintains a substantial fund to aid in securing industrial enterprises.

Churches

The Methodist Episcopal Church South holds the distinction of being the first religious organization in Santa Ana, which was effected at the home of WV. H. Titchenal in December, 1869. Services were held for a time in a private residence, later on in the schoolhouse and finally in its own building erected in 1876, which is now supplanted by a commodious and well-arranged edifice. The Baptist Church was organized in 1871, the Methodist Episcopal North in 1874, and the United Presbyterian in 1876. After these pioneer churches various other denominations have been established here, until at the present time the list includes the following churches with their locations :

Christian Holiness Mission, Spurgeon bet. Second and Third

Church of Christ .

S. E. cor. Walnut and Broadway

Church of the Messiah. S. W. cor. Bush and Seventh Church of the Nazarene, Pentecostal. .N. E. cor. Fifth and Parton First Baptist. N. W. cor. Main and Church

First Christian

N. W. cor. Broadway and Sixth

First Church of Christ, Scientist S. E. cor. Sycamore and Sixth

First Church of the Brethren. .N. E. cor. First and Lacy

First Congregational S. E. cor. Main and Seventh

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

First Methodist Episcopal. .N. E. cor. Sixth and Spurgeon

First Presbyterian.

N. E. cor. Sixth and Sycamore

First Reformed Presbyterian. .N. W. cor. First and Spurgeon

First Spiritualist Church.

3061/2 East Fourth .311 Fruit

Friends

S. W. cor. Sixth and Garfield

Holiness S. W. cor. First and Flower

Immanuel Baptist. S. W. cor. Sixth and French

International Bible Students' Association.

311 N. Birch

Japanese Church .. 602 E. Fifth

Mexican Methodist Episcopal. N. W. cor. First and Garfield

Pentecostal Gospel Mission .

405 N. Birch

Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Richland Avenue Methodist Episcopal. .S. E. cor. Fifth and Flower

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic.

S. E. cor. Lacy and Stafford

Salvation Army .3031/2 N. Sycamore

Seventh Day Adventists. S. E. cor. Fifth and Ross

Spurgeon Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South.

N. E. cor. Church and Broadway

Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran. Sixth bet. Lacy and Garfield Unitarian. . S. E. cor. Eighth and Bush

United Brethren N. W. cor. Third and Shelton

United Presbyterian. N. W. cor. Sixth and Bush

Zion's Church Evangelical Association ( German ) N. E. cor. Tenth and Main

Fraternal Societies

F. & A. M .. Santa Ana Lodge, No. 241. R. A. M., Orange Chapter, No. 73. O. E. S., Hermosa Chapter, No. 105.

I. O. O. F., Santa Ana Lodge, No. 236.

R. & S. M., Santa Ana Council, No. 14. Canton S. A. No. 18, Patriarchs Mili- I. O. O. F. Laurel Encampment, No. 81. tant U. R. Sycamore Rebekah Lodge No. 140. Ladies of Canton. Santa Ana. Torosa Rebekah Lodge. Veteran Odd Fellows Association.

Veteran Rebekalı Association No. 50. Fraternal Aid Union.

I. O. of R., Osage Tribe, No. 166.

Knights and Ladies of Security. Knights of the Maccabees.

Independent Order of Foresters. Knights of Columbus.

Ladies of the Maccabees Review No. 7. K. of P., Santa Ana Lodge, No. 149.

R. N. A., Magnolia Camp, No. 4133. Modern Woodmen of America.

K. T., Santa Ana Commandery, No. 36. Women of Woodcraft, S. A. Circle, 295. Woodmen of the World, Santa Ana Camp, No. 355.

Patriotic Societies

G. A. R., Sedgwick Post, No. 17.

Sedgwick, W. R. C., No. 17.

L. of G. A. R., Shiloh Circle, No. 21. D. of V., Sarah A. Rounds Tent, No. 10.

Miscellaneous Organizations

Altar Society, St. Joseph's Church. Automobile Club of Orange County. Catholic Homeseekers' Bureau. Ebell Society of S. A. Valley. Orange Co. Bldg. Industries.

Associated Charities of Santa Ana. Automobile Club of Southern Calif. City Parent-Teachers' Association. Monday Club. Orange Co. Medical Association.

Free Methodist.

S. E. cor. Parton and Richland

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran N. E. cor. Sixth and Van Ness Avenue

B. P. O. E., Santa Ana Lodge, No. 794. Fraternal Brotherhood, S. A. Lodge, No. 2.

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Orange Co. Bar Association.

Orange Co. Society P. C. A.

Santa Ana Domino Club. Santa Ana Rifle Club.

Sunset Club.

Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

Orange Co. Trades Association.

Santa Ana Music Association.

S. A. Typographical Union No. 579.

United Daughters of Confederacy. Woman's Club of Santa Ana.

Young Ladies' Sodality.

The Press

Nap Donovan, pioneer printer, published the first number of the Santa Ana News, on May 15, 1876. This paper died young from inanition. In October of the following year, he started the Santa Ana Herald, which, after passing through many hands, was absorbed by the Blade in 1903.

Some time in the eighties the Stamps Brothers started the Santa Ana Times, which they afterwards sold to D. M. Baker. He changed its name to the Santa Ana Standard and continued its publication through the formative period of Orange County's history. He then sold the paper and traveled through the North- western States in search of a better field. After passing through a number of hands and suffering a change of name, the paper gave up the ghost.

The Evening Blade was founded in 1887 by A. J. Waterhouse and W. F. X. Parker; but it was soon turned over to other owners. While it suffered many vicissitudes it continued to be the only daily paper in the county for several years. except for a brief period in the early nineties when the Free Press was making a vain struggle for existence. The Blade was purchased by Horace McPhee in 1895, who with his brother George carried it on for nearly a score of years. It was then sold to a Mr. Clarkson, who in turn sold it to the Register Publishing Company, and thus ended its existence.

The Register was founded in 1905 by the Register Publishing Company with Fred Unholz and Frank Ormer as managers. The following year J. P. Baum- gartner bought a controlling interest of the stock, and has been editor and manager ever since.

D. M. Baker, failing to find a more promising field for newspaper work. returned to Santa Ana, and with W. J. Rouse established the Bulletin in 1899, which he continued to publish until his death. The paper is now owned and pub- lished by C. D. Overshiner and M. A. Yarnell.

The following are the present city officers: Trustees and committee assign- ments, J. G. Mitchell, president ; H. H. Dale, city and fire departments ; Walter A. Greenleaf, street committee; C. H. Chapman, water, sewers; and John W. Tubbs, police ; city clerk, E. L. Vegely ; city marshal, Sam Jernigan ; city attorney, Geo. H. Scott ; city treasurer, Olive Lopez ; city recorder, W. F. Heathman ; super- intendent water and sewers, Walter Wray; street superintendent and city engi- neer, W. W. Hoy; city health officer, Dr. J. I. Clark; fire chief, John Luxem- bourger ; building inspector, Thomas Ash ; city electrician, Win. McCulloch ; sani- tary inspector, W. W. Chandler.

Area of the city is nine square miles. It was first incorporated as a city of the sixth class June 1, 1886; then later its boundaries were extended to corre- spond with the boundaries of the school district and it was incorporated April 9. 1888, as a city of the fifth class. The assessed valuation of the city in 1920 was $9,076,950, with a tax rate of $1.45 for city purposes. Building permits for last year amounted to $215,344.48. The postoffice receipts for the last fiscal year were $64,648.61. Thirty miles of the streets are paved and as a rule cement sidewalks and curbs always border paved streets.

October 10, 1919, was the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the city of Santa Ana. On his fortieth birthday, October 10, 1869, W. H. Spurgeon rode through mustard higher than his head on horseback to the sycamore tree, still standing, a few yards south of Fifth Street between Sycamore and Broadway.

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Dismounting he climbed the tree and viewed the landscape o'er. Pleased with the prospect he bought seventy-four and one-quarter acres of this land from Ana M. Chaves, widow of Vicente Martinez, for $594. This was the allotment of Zenobia Yorba de Rowland in the division of the Santiago de Santa Ana grant, effected in 1867 in the Los Angeles Superior Court as the result of the suit of A. Stearns vs. L. Cota. The place was called Santa Ana from the name of the grant, Mr. Spurgeon being unwilling to call it by his own name. He lived to see his fondest hopes realized in the marvelous development of the city he founded and the county he helped to organize.

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History of Orange County, California : with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its earliest growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 9

Author: Armor, Samuel, 1843-; Pleasants, J. E., Mrs Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1700

Author: Armor, Samuel, 1843-; Pleasants, J. E., Mrs
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1700