USA > California > Los Angeles County > Pasadena > History of Pasadena, comprising an account of the native Indian, the early Spanish, the Mexican, the American, the colony, and the incorporated city, occupancies of the Rancho San Pasqual, and its adjacent mountains, canyons, waterfalls and other objects of interest: being a complete and comprehensive histo-cyclopedia of all matters pertaining to this region > Part 19
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FUN IN THE COLONY.
The first colony settlers of Pasadena were very largely of the class who keep school-houses and churches in the foreground wherever they go, yet they were neither morose nor long-visaged people. The spirit of fun and fun- making cropped out very soon, even amidst the most arduous cares and labors of their pioneer life. D. M. Berry was notably a joker ; Calvin Fletcher had a keen vein of humor ; Judge Eaton could see the ludicrous side of a thing, and laugh as easily as any one; and in fact the American tendency of the age to give serious things a humorous turn was not at all lacking in this sober and very earnest community. But the first distinctive historic manifestation of this spirit is found in the first number of The Res- ervoir, Pasadena's first newspaper.
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER.
This was a pen-and-ink paper, prepared by Arthur H. Day, and read before the literary society in the up-and-down board shanty school-house of the colony, December 28, 1876. It was entitled "The Reservoir"; and the following extracts from the leading editorial article will serve to show the spicy flavor of the entire first number. The editor says :
""To carefully conserve the results of this experiment we have prepared this 'Reservoir,' small in size to be sure, and plain in construction, but we do not assess yon for its making, and its water is free.
" That an undercurrent of literary genius does exist in this fertile ranch has been satisfactorily proved-not artesian in its nature, forcing a profuse current into the upper atmosphere ; neither, on the other hand, has one to bore severely for results. A judicious removal of the upper crust of modesty and excuses will give rise to many a gentle flow.
"As your appointed 'zanjero,' having filled the 'Reservoir,' we con- tinue our official duties by apportioning its contents out to you. This is ' service-water ' only, and only your small pipes are to be used -large ones we could not fill, and you will only be disappointed if you prepare to receive our effusions in that way. You may complain of lack of head, and that feature we acknowledge and justify - a part of a tale,* at least will appear."
Under the head of " Foreign Correspondence," the following humorous and witty "letter from London " was given :
LONDON, December 25, A. D. 2000. MOST VENERABLE DOCTOR DAY -The High and Mighty Editor of the " Reservoir": In looking over the mouldy archives of the past I came
*This "tale" refers to a story entitled, "Perdita," written by Mrs. Margaret Collier Graham, which was commenced in " The Reservoir" and afterward completed by Mrs. Graham and published in The Argonaut at San Francisco. And also in a volume of her writings issued in 1894.
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HISTORY OF PASADENA.
across an account of a settlement of a city in California named " PASADENA." Said city was founded in the year of grace 1873, by some devout pilgrims from the country of Indiana and other Indian countries of North America, because the stock of quinine on which they lived and moved and had their being had become exhausted. * * * The land was appointed to the pilgrims by choice, and all fell to work to develop some pet hobby. Among the first settlers were found the names of Porter, Green, Croft, Bennett, Barcus, Elliott, Rosenbaum, Clapp, Newton, Locke, Banbury, Berry, Conger, Cooley, Mundell, Watts, Bristol, Washburn -these ancient names indicating distinguished tribes to which they belonged. * * In time * the people extended all over the great valley of San Gabriel, but the original settlement of Pasadena remained the center of attraction and a sacred place to all the descendants. And now in all parts of that beautiful place are conspicuous monuments to the memory of the pioneers, with characteristic inscriptions.
To the memory of Green there is a tablet with a copy of Blackstone and Whateley's Logic and Rhetoric, with an orange grove in the distance.
In the memory of Porter is a marble shaft with a bust of John Wesley and a Methodist church surrounded by orange trees in bas-relief on the pedestal.
On the monument to Croft was a span of mules driven at full speed by himself and carrying a load of provisions and some books of music and poetry - all for the benefit of some family in distress .*
Over the ashes of Bennett rose a montiment representing two bachelors cooking Christmas turkey and labeled "Par nobile fratrum, Ann Arbor, Michigan."
The monument to Elder Clapp represented that venerable father in Israel marching at the head of his tribe to Sunday school, carrying a banner with the inscription, "I consider this the proper thing to do."
Judge Locke is represented as the presiding magistrate of the people, and has just blown counsel, sheriff and jury out of doors by exploding a pun in the court-room about the size of a barrel of cider. Some thought it was an earthquake ; but his son who could Sey-mour, said it was pure Lock-jaw, and was sent to the Lock-up for contempt of court.
Colonel Banbury was represented on one side of his monument leading a regiment of "Hawk-eyes " to battle ; on the reverse he had come home and beaten his sword into a pruning hook, while his wife had given him "Jessie."+
Watts is embalmed as the publisher of a book of hymns and a ruddy- haired son named Harvey. In his wed-Locke he joined the church Millie- tant.1
In memory of the Conger tribe was a large tablet representing "spirits of just men made perfect " ascending and descending upon the earth, with a philosopher and chemist seeking after the source of motion and life. In the group were the busts of Tyndall, Darwin, Herbert Spencer and Ralph Waldo Emerson conversing with Dr. Conger about the infinitesimal elements of existence.
*Mr. Croft had a pair of stout minles which would get up or lie down at his word of command at any time, whether in harness or not ; and being a bachelor then, he often hitched up his big wagon and took the young people on a moonlight ride to some social gathering or surprise party, or just for the fun of a ride. Hence " Croft's mules " were a historic part of the colony population.
¡The Colonel had twin daughters, and the one named Jessie is now Mrs. Dr. Crank of Pomona.
# Chas. Watts had married Miss Millie Locke - the first wedding in the colony.
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DIVISION TWO -COLONIAL.
Bristol had the keys of the first " Zanjero" of the settlement, and was intent on irrigating a span of buck-skin horses, the first in the colony.
Mosher carried a Westminister catechism on his shoulders, and was surrounded by olive branches.
Newton had a microscope in one hand, while holding the Scriptures in the other ; he was reading, "A good wife is from the Lord."
Over a grand mausoleum to Fletcher were the startling words, "He could but he wouldn't." While over Vawter there were the words, "He would but he couldn't."
To the memory of Gibson was written, "Blessings brighten as they take their flight." Barcus was smiling among the bees of Hymettus ; and Vulcan stood over the sepulcher of Baker .*
There were many other ancient relics of this singular people, showing their means of locomotion and system of cultivation.
The present city of Pasadena covers the entire valley of San Gabriel and is watered throughout by artesian wells whose source is in the moun- tains. When more mountain showers are needed a gigantic explosion of dynamite or vigorite is made between the mountain ranges, and in a short time copious thunder showers gather and drench the mountain forests, and thus keep a good supply of water perpetually for the use of this great and beautiful city, which now numbers 500,000 people. Signed, TRUTH.
Further specimens of the exuberant wit and humor of this first Pasadena paper appear in a "List of Patents granted to Pasadena inventors during the week ending November 31, 1876," as follows :
To P. G. Wooster - Bachelor's Button, covering improvement in pants and shirt buttons, and method of attachment. This improved button, in addition to eyes, has hands with which to hold on, and instead of sewing the button to the garment the garment is sewed to the button, so that even if the former is lost the button remains.
To A. H. Day - Patent Heel and Toe for Stockings. The same being detachable from the body of the sock, so that when worn through they can be removed and replaced by new. Every pair of socks accompanied by seven extra heels and toes ; being small and light can also be sent East for darning and returned at slight cost.
To H. G. Bennett - Improved Copper-Toed Collars and Cuffs. Being a light metallic binding applied to the edges of shirt collars and wrist-bands, having the appearance of linen and not noticeable ; saves all trimming of edges on Sunday morning. Proof against Chinamen. Can also be applied to the bottoms of pants.
To W. O. Moody - New Method of Raising Bread. Being a small mechanical toy resembling a gopher ; when wound up and placed in a pan of thick sponge it will move rapidly around under and through the dough and go-pher the whole until the pan is "raised" full. The process can be com- pleted while one is heating the oven.
The following appear under the head of
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Lime Trees For Sale- Buy some and raise your own lime for white- washing. A few slacked lime trees at half price. Seymour Locke-"Locke Harem."
* J. H. Baker was the colony blacksmith.
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HISTORY OF PASADENA.
Church Lots For Sale - Three corners left. Can be returned if they don't suit. Frank W. Greene - " Old Adobe."
FIRST PASADENA POETRY.
The first poetry ever written in Pasadena also appeared in this first number of the first paper, and ran as follows :
A CHURCH DOG-MA, IN DOGGEREL METER. BY PROF. SHORTFELLOW.
Our Mr. Porter had a dog ; its given name was Fido ; When Mr. Porter went to town it always said "can't I go ?"
At Dr. Newton's lived a dog ; its hair was long and yellow ;
And when the Doctor went away, Bob was quite sure to follow.
And Mrs. Barcus had her dog ; it wouldn't stay at home ;
When Mrs. Barcus came up town, Carlo would likewise come. Then Mrs. Mundell had one, too ; 'twas socially inclined ;
If told to stay at home alone, sometimes it would not mind.
Now all these folks were church-going folk, and went to church each Sunday ; So all the dogs they followed on, the same as though 'twas Monday. Now this was wrong, for dogs should learn the difference in days ; Their special fort it is to watch; they cannot pray or praise.
And so they should not go to church ; and if they try to follow, Their master should turn right about, and whip them till they holler ; For folks will laugh and look distressed to see a dog at service ; And when it goes up towards the desk, it makes the preacher nervous.
And when four dogs together come, they make such a commotion, 'Tis very likely to disturb the spirit of devotion.
But not long since the Methodist another church began ; And now there is but one dog left at the Presbyterian.
" Bob" Newton now comes all alone ; all others on the list Now go just where their masters go, and have turned Methodist. And now we hope, before 'tis time that church to dedicate, A pledge to leave all dogs at home, some one will circulate.
The precedent is very bad, when dogs do so increase,
And by and by, if all should go, we could not meet in peace. This market is getting stocked with pups, of every kind and size, And if the old dogs go to church, the pups will go, likewise.
The Moody boys a puppy have, and Charley Watts, another ; And Seymour Locke is keeping one, besides "Ivy," their mother ; And Mrs. Barcus, not content with her nice Black and Tan, Has gone and got a puppy, too ; and now she has a span.
Then Johnny Nelson got one too, before it was too late ; And Mr. Wallace spoke in time to make sure of its mate. The Martin boys have also two, and Banbury a third, And Doctor Edwards several more ; from some we have not heard.
Now, if each pup when it's grown up, should go to church each week, We could not sing, or hear a thing our Minister might speak ; So let each man who has a dog help cur-tail this abuse ; But if our dogs must go to church, let's build one for their use.
The Mr. Day who wrote the above poem and prepared the entire paper, was a newspaper man connected with The Advance of Chicago, the organ of the Congregational denomination in the Mississippi Valley States. He was here for his health ; his name was Arthur Henry ; he kept some hens ; and so he was facetiously called "A. Hennery Day." He and Frank W. Greene
141
DIVISION TWO-COLONIAL.
and a Mr. Fleming "kept bach" in a shanty near where the Garfias house then stood. Mr. Day was afterward the hero and victim of a fearful, calamitous adventure in Eaton Canyon, related by Judge Eaton in Chapter 8; but he recovered, and finally returned to his newspaper work in Chicago. Frank Greene afterward married a daughter of John Werner on Columbia street ; he moved from Pasadena to Eagle Rock valley ; but in 1894 was residing at Garvanza.
The second number of The Reservoir was edited by Miss Jennie Collier ; and from its leading editorial I quote this excellent bit of facetiæ :
"We hope in another issue to give the exact number of pounds of Mus- cat grapes the Moody brothers raised to the square inch, as well as the exact number of turkeys the coyotes raised from Mr. Watts' barn-yard. We trust that the notice taken by The Reservoir of the triumphs of the colonists in agriculture, literature, poultry-ture, dogra-ture, and bachelor-ture may excite our readers to a laudable emulation in these worthy pursuits ; and in order to stir up an interest in some of these departments we propose to offer two handsome premiums in the next three months. One will be a fine chromo of Mr. Berry's house, taken from the southwest corner, so as to bring out in all their beauty the five varieties of architecture displayed in its construction, with the lean-tos both west and south standing out in beau- tiful relief. The picture can be obtained with or without the fluted columned porch, as desired. The hen-ranch on the slope can be dimly seen circulating in the distance. This exquisitely colored chromo will be pre- sented to anyone who will in the next three months send us the names of six regular contributors to The Reservoir, accompanied with the written promise of the same over their own signature. We also offer a life-size chromo of Mr. Croft's mules to anyone who will bring to our table an orange raised from a three-year-old seedling, planted on unmortgaged ground and raised without irrigation. It is unnecessary for us to expatiate on the beauties of this far-famed chromo. The graceful attitude of these noble creatures as they stand with ears erect, waiting the word of command from their master, is so life-like and pathetic that all men praise it and children cry for it. Who among you will be the happy possessors of these lovely chromos ? "
From The Reservoir No. 2 I also copy this dash of wit played off by Miss Collier on the unmarried men of the colony who were "keeping bach" as it was called.
CO-OPERATIVE KITCHEN.
On a chill January day in 1877 the following circular was quietly dis- tributed among the male inhabitants of the colony, by one whose visage was lean and hungry, and whose sunken eyes told a touching story of desti- tution.
"There will be a meeting of the male housekeepers of Pasadena at the school-house, Friday evening, January -, 1877, to discuss culinary matters with a view to the establishment of a co-operative kitchen. A full attend- ance is desired, and gentlemen are requested to make any suggestions which may help to lighten the burdens now crushing us .- No refreshments.
"(Signed)
"T. F. Croft and forty others."
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HISTORY OF PASADENA.
The proceedings of this wonderful meeting might have been lost to future generations had not the younger Mr. Martin, who applied for admis- sion on the ground of having been at one time a culinary artist of high stand- ing, been refused, and retiring to the seclusion of the ante-room, by means of a crack in the door and two inches of lead pencil furnished us with the following report :
"The meeting was called to order at seven o'clock, Mr.' Berry in the chair. Mr. A. Hennery Day moved that the Bennett brothers be expelled, as he had been credibly informed that they put potatoes in their bread. Evidently the Messrs. Bennett had been notified of this attack for they hastened to display their credentials in the shape of a letter which the sec- retary proceeded to read as follows :
"'We, the undersigned, cheerfully certify that we have eaten some of the bread made with potatoes by the Messrs. Bennett, and were able to attend to our household duties at the expiration of a week after partaking of the same. Yours respectfully, Mrs. Erie Locke, Mrs. Jimmie Banbury, Mr. Donnie Pike.'"'
"The president decided, after some deliberation, that the Bennetts should be retained on promise of reform, and the payment of a fine consist- ing of one loaf of bread to each bachelor present. Fred Berry moved that a committee be appointed to submit the names of ladies in Pasadena who were willing to loan yeast. Mercer Moody objected, on the ground that this was calculated to interfere with the sale of his patented gopherated bread-raiser ; whereupon one P. G. Wooster arose with indignation in his mien and fury in his eye, and said in broken accents: 'I stand here, Mr. Chairman, the victim of base deception-in the gentleness of my unsuspecting nature I traded one of my duplex-elliptic button attachments to the gentleman from Boston for one of his gopherated bread-raisers, and the first batch of bread rose like a volcano to the tremendous height of two feet and seven inches, thereby taking the roof from my stately edifice and leaving me a homeless wanderer upon the face of the earth.' The gentleman commenced to sit down, and a death-like stillness pervaded the solemn assembly, broken only by a deep sob from Mr. Berry. When the emotion had somewhat subsided Mr. Cooley arose and told the chair how he and Dr. Baker cooked rice-' only a small quantity, Mr. President, -a quart or so,'- and how the stuff swelled and swelled and swelled until they were obliged to turn on the hose to get water enough, and how they filled seven milk-pans, one churn, two wash boilers, three hats, two pairs of boots and one pillow slip. A solemn silence followed this painful recital, broken only by a deep groan from Mr. Berry. Mr. Croft arose, and bending his earnest gaze upon the chairman, said in a voice heavy with emotion : 'My suffering brothers, the remedy for all your evils-indeed, for all the evils of the Pacific Slope, lies in the one word gems. When will humanity learn that saw-dust and water baked in the lids of yeast powder cans and served hot on the dust pan, will cure dyspepsia, even in a male? I know, Mr. President, for I have tested it-even in two males. And I have mentioned these things before, with no effect. My friend Berry still fries beans for his Sunday dinner, and Day continues to bake buckwheat cakes on a shovel, just as of yore. I leave you to your fate.' The speaker
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DIVISION TWO - COLONIAL.
burst into a flood of tears and rushed from the house, while Mr. Berry wept aloud. Mr. Mitchell arose and said, 'Brethern, I have learned the beauties of cooperation. I roll my clothes down the hill to Mrs. Watson and she throws me a dozen eggs in return. This is sweet to me, but sweet potatoes fried in butter are sweeter.'" *
"Here Mr. Berry's feelings so overcame him that Fred, thinking him threatened with an attack of horizontal parallellaries, thought best to re- move him ; so he retired leaning on the arm of his dutiful son, while the re- mainder of the lank assembly dispersed with a dejected air."
Reservoir No. 5 was edited by Mrs. Margaret Collier Graham, and from its pages I quote the following humorous announcement :
CONCERT EXTRAORDINARY.
We are authorized to announce a grand concert to be given by the ladies and gentlemen of Pasadena at an early date, the proceeds to be equally divided between the Pomological Society and the Base Ball Club. The program comprises the most brilliant vocal and instrumental talent of the place, and the mention of performers' names will be sufficient to insure a large and breathlessly appreciative audience.
The entertainment will be held in Mr. Moody's barn, which has been secured at great expense and is being fitted up in the most dazzling style. The program is as follows :
Grand opening chorus extraordinary-"I am dying, Egypt, dying," in B flat, by the Pomological Society.
Solo, " Betsy and I are out," John Pease Babcock. This gentleman is the only artist on the slope who can sing with a meerschaum in his mouth.
Boarding-house trio, "When the tourists homeward fly," by Mrs. Locke, Mrs. Banbury, and Mrs. Graham, accompanied by Miss Collier.
Bass solo, "When the cows come home," by Seymour Locke. If en- cored, Mr. Locke will give that charming ballad, "What is home without a Moody."
Chorus by the Gilmore family, "Out of the old house into the new."
PART II.
Mendelssohn's 59th symphony, "Dead March in Saul," by the Base Ball Club.
Solo, "Hush, my babe," from Italian opera of "Nothing to do," by Mrs. Conger. t
Duet, " Almost persuaded." Miss Annie Clapp and Miss Gilmore.
The performance will conclude with that tearfully pathetic ballad, "No one to love," by Mr. D. M. Berry.
The services of Mr. P. G. Wooster of Puckechechuck, Skehowtan county, Maine, have been secured as pianist. Of this musical phenomenon the Boston Globe says : "He has the most unprecedented genuinity of ar- tistic feeling, and extraordinary excessiveness of manual dexterity. Es- pecially was this noticeable in the difficult double run of thirds which oc- curred in the presto of Gordigiani's aria from orchestral suite in 'D.'"
We bespeak for this gentleman the most tumultuously enthusiastic re- ception. Admittance 212 bits. Children, three for $1. Tickets for sale at
*This joke was on Rev. J. A. Mitchell, the bachelor pastor of the Presbyterian church.
¡Mrs. Dr. Conger then had in arms her baby Lulu, the second child born in the colony.
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HISTORY OF PASADENA.
Post-office, Watson's meat market, and the laundry of John C. Yuen, Esq., lately from China.
Other numbers of The Reservoir were prepared by D. M. Berry, Clar- ence Martin, and Mrs. Dr. Conger. I found no copy of Berry's or Martin's numbers, and only some fragments of Mrs. Conger's. These latter were es- says of a high order of merit-but not humorous, and not comprising any special points of Pasadena history-hence not quoted. (Mrs. Conger pre- pared No. 4, dated February 24, 1877, and also No. 8, dated August 3, 1878.)
GRASSHOPPER TALK.
Charles A. Gardner wrote up a conversation which he heard among " old settlers " about the grasshopper trouble in the colony days [1876], and I quote the gist of his article from Pasadena Star of May 15, 1889 :
Some one started the question of grasshoppers and a visitation which the colony had endured from them long ago, before Prof. Holder came to scare them away with hard Latin names.
Says one, " I've seen the time when I would have left Pasadena if I could have got away."
"No?" says the tenderfoot ; "when was that - when you were in the jug ? "
"No, when the grasshoppers got us, ten or twelve years ago. They were as big as blackbirds and ate everything from the ground up."
"Do you remember," says another, "the fire we built to kill them, and how it got away from us and burned over the sheepherder's land ? "
" Yes," responded a bald-headed reprobate, who is generally not far off when a pioneer yarn is in the stocks, "and how mad he got about it and threatened to sue us ; kept sending us threatening letters for six months."
"We started the fire down in Baker's place," resumed the first sinner, " with the expectation that the road would stop it from the pasture lands above; but it jumped two roads and we had only one more to go. Finally, by plow- ing ahead of it we got it stopped, and some of the furrows are there yet. It roasted the grasshoppers, you bet, and I remember one day while we were looking at the wreck, Doctor --- said, 'I've often heard of the Indians eating them ; I've a notion to see how they taste.' So he reached down and hauled up a fat one out of the cinders, pulled off a hind leg and gave it a bite. It was pretty good, and I'm inclined to think they'd make good eating. Well, these fellows were the occasion of my wanting to leave. It seems that it was only a local visitation. They didn't extend down into the lower valley, and if I could have sold out that year I should have gone down to Alhambra. As it was, they destroyed every green thing that was not in some way protected. Hollingsworth had just opened his store then (1876), and I got of him a lot of paper sacks which I put over my trees, first cutting off the tops of the trees and tying the sack down close around the trunks. But the worst joke happened to Dr. - . He got some cheese-cloth and wrapped it around his trees, sewing it with long stitches. The stitches were too long, however, for on examination one day he found these tree-covers full of the hoppers, whichi had crawled through the stitches and were eating up his trees in the very shelter of the covers he had made to keep them off. The Doctor's rage at this knew no bounds. 'Oh, you sons-of-guns!' said
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