USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 27
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an elevation or hill, rising in a gradual slope to a height of about one hundred feet and from which a grand view of the country around may be had. Later Mr. Taylor sold the property to the Baroness Hickey, daughter of the oil magnate, Henry M. Flagler. Later it passed into the hands of Mr. Flagler, who still owns it.
The Temescal Water Co. was formed this year, in April, 1893. Up to this time the Land and Water Co. had charge of all the water, each buyer of land becoming a stockholder, and now the Land and Water Co. turned the system over to the stockholders and the present company was formed. The Temescal Water Co. have suc- ceeded in building up a water plant second to none in the state.
This year Daniel Lord built a magnificent residence on Mag- nolia avenue, the building, two-story and of splendid proportions, has a fine location, on the southwest side of the avenue, and a clear view from Riverside to the town of Pomona is afforded. Frank Scoville also started the erection of a fine residence on the corner of Ontario avenue and Main street which was completed early the following year.
In May, 1894, the Baptist Association, which had been holding services in the schoolhouse for some time, decided to erect a church building on their property, corner of Main and Eighth streets, at a cost of $5000 and on October 11 of the same year the cornerstone was laid with fitting ceremonies. The pastor, assisted by the pas- tors of other local churches, conducted the service, which was very impressive and attended by a large and appreciative audience. The building was completed early the following year. It was much appreciated by the people of the town, as its ornate exterior vastly improved Main street and its beautiful interior was a pleasure to the worshippers. This building in a few years proved to be inade- quate and a handsome Sunday school room was added and within the last year a magnificent banquet hall in the basement. This makes the Baptist Church one of the finest in the southland.
The Episcopal Society also commenced the construction of their church building in December of 1893, on the corner of Washburn and Eighth streets, which was also finished early in 1894 under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Fletcher. Within the last year they have also added to the building a handsome guild room through the efforts of the Rev. Mr. Scott.
The town had now reached considerable proportions and it was
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felt that improvements were in order so that we might keep up with the outside world. To this end there was formed a Board of Trade in April, 1894. E. E. Hamilton was elected the first presi- dent and S. W. Lockett secretary. Improvements were undertaken by the board and carried through, such as planting trees along both sides of Main street from Sixth to the depot and caring for them. They also urged that a volunteer fire department be formed. This met with instant response and a fire department was formed with E. M. Sheffield as chief. C. S. McMillen as first foreman, O. A. Arborn as second foreman, and D. F. Connell as secretary. Other members were J. F. Edwards, J. R. Riddell, A. N. Schoneman, John Schleishmann, J. II. Brumbaugh, C. C. Wall and Charles Schmeiser, Jr. Hose and cart were secured and thus the first fire company formed.
In 1894 the St. John the Baptist Church, Catholic, was erected on their property on West Sixth street. It was not dedicated until October, 1898. The services were conducted by the Rev. Montgom- ery. In 1909 there was added to the property a fine parsonage. The Rev. Father Corcoran is now the pastor in charge.
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In another part of this history it was mentioned that the name of the town was a matter of discontent with almost every citizen and the matter was taken up by the Board of Trade. It was decided that the town must be incorporated with change of name, but the question was, what should the name be? Everyone had a different name. A trial election was had and the following were some of the names voted: Rochelle, Magnolia, Regina, Bernice, Grevilla, City of the Hesperides, Southside, Southland, Superior, Montello, and Circle City. Obviously all these names could not be used, but the battle raged, meetings were held, elections were had, but no con- clusion could be reached. For months the agitation went on, but finally quieted down and the matter dropped for the time.
Hundreds of acres were being set to the orange and lemon; the product of the groves growing larger, packing was done in the depot or in the groves and it was obvious that proper places must be prepared to handle the fast increasing crop. It was also evi- dent that some method should be adopted to not only protect the grower, but to properly market the fruit. The matter was taken up and a temporary fruit exchange formed with Dr. R. D. Barber as manager. The name adopted was The Queen Colony Fruit Ex-
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change, which name it has held until today, and the exchange is well and favorably known throughout the country. The need of a packing house was great and in December of 1894 the following named gentlemen commenced the construction of the Sunset pack- ing house: Frank Scoville, George Brown, and T. P. Drinkwater. The building was of concrete and was supplied with the then mod- ern equipment for the packing of fruit. The first year, 1895, there was packed in this house 13,062 boxes of fruit or forty-four cars; the output increased to 430 cars in 1898, when other houses were erected. The area soon proved too small and great improvements were made, giving them vast area and the house is still doing a great business. From the beginning Frank Scoville has been manager of the Sunset packing house and is well known in the fruit world and held in the highest estimation by the people of his home town. About this time occurred a serious drouth which lasted for three or more years. At the time it was felt as a misfortune, but in the end it proved a blessing. At that time there were few or no wells from which water was used for the irrigating of crops. Almost all the farming done was dry farming, so called, the sole dependence being on the winter rains, but the dry years made the farmers think of something more dependable than rain and they began to dig for water. The result was surprising; many hundreds of acres of alfalfa were started, and the chug of the gasoline engine was heard on every hand, thus bringing to the town, as it has brought to other towns, a magnificent addition to the wealth of the people, and instead of barren ground there is a carpet of living green. Land that at one time was thought almost worthless is now worth large sums.
In February of 1895 a meeting was held in the Congregational Church by a number of men for the purpose of forming a Y. M. C. A. A board of directors was chosen, and from this number the writer was selected as corresponding member. It was found that the town was much too small for a regular Y. M. C. A., so the organization was called a provisional Y. M. C. A. This spasm was not of long duration, but. it was the means of bringing into being an institution of which we are proud. It has been stated that the W. C. T. U. inaugurated the reading room and maintained it. The so-called Y. M. C. A. was desirous of doing something and concluded that they would take over the reading room and care for it in the future. With the consent of the ladies this was done,
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the room was enlarged and Sabbath meetings were held in the room. A committee was selected consisting of the writer, W. C. Barth. C. H. Cornell and J. N. Anderson to see to raising funds and to keeping the room supplied with literature, etc. The writer had direct charge of the reading room and while caring for it conceived the idea of creating a public library. Some two years previous to this time a number of citizens had bought a Parmelee Library, con- sisting of perhaps one hundred and fifty volumes, using it as a circulating library among the members. But at this time it was little used and the writer solicited the members to turn over the books to him as the neuclus of a permanent library to be free to the people of the town and with the promise that as many other books should be added. From this source the writer secured about one hundred volumes. He then started on a crusade to secure books and by the early summer of 1896 had about two hundred and fifty volumes. Charles McMillan donated his services in building space in the reading room for the library and on the 1st of June, 1896, the library was thrown open to the public. At once it was appre- ciated and the first year there were loaned twelve hundred books, showing that it was really appreciated. The writer was librarian and general manager, having the library open three nights each week; Wilbur Purrier assisted the writer. The men having taken over the reading room the ladies ceased supplying the liter- ature, the committee soliciting contributions for that purpose. The library was not a charge on the reading room other than occupying the shelving. Thus it will be seen that the library was dependent on the perpetuation of the reading room for quarters and the clos- ing of the reading room meant the closing of the library. Sub- scriptions fell off and soon it was a hard matter to keep the room open. Mr. Barth, an earnest worker for all that is good for the town, worked earnestly to keep the work going and took from his private funds from time to time, but towards the summer of 1897 the outlook was very gloomy. C. B. Webster, A. L. Taber and W. A. Wheeler were added to the committee and a great effort was made and for a time it was thought that the future of the reading room was secure. But soon it fell off; the room occupied was demanded for other purposes and the quarters were removed to the building now occupied by Mr. Gilmore near the Baptist Church. Here it was kept open for a time, but finally closed with the hope
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of soon reopening. George Cook, assisted by others, reopened the reading room in the store now occupied by Newton and Warner. It was open but a short time, however.
In February, 1899, was formed the Woman's Improvement Club with twenty-five charter members. This club from its be- ginning has been a power in the town, taking the initiative or co- operating with others along the line of progress. In April of 1899 they reopened the reading room and library in the building formerly used, the Gilmore Building, and again the good work was carried on. More books were added by the ladies and the best literature supplied the tables. Mrs. Stanley Peach and Mrs. S. E. French had charge and most faithfully did they discharge their duty. In the early part of 1900 a petition was presented to the city trustees asking them to place upon the ballot at the April election the ques- tion of instituting a public library. This they acceded to and the question carried. S. S. Willard, T. C. Jameson, G. R. Freeman, F. M. Baldwin and F. F. Thompson were elected as library trustees. On April 23, 1900, the trustees met and organized, naming S. S. Willard president and F. M. Baldwin secretary. At last the library was an established fact with no fear of closing. The trustees at once rented the two upper rooms over the Geith grocery store, in the bank building and fitted them up for reading and library pur- poses. The books which the Improvement Club had taken charge of, together with what they had added, were turned over to the city, a number of new books were added and an excellent selection of magazines and other literature was placed in the reading room and opened to the public. Miss Grace Taber was selected as librarian, which position she has held until the present.
Some time after the institution of the library it was removed to the rooms directly over the First National Bank. Subsequently it became evident that more commodious quarters must be had, as the library was growing, as also was the attendance of the reading room. Application was made by the trustees to Andrew Carnegie, soliciting funds for a library building. Such application had been made by the Improvement Club previously, but no answer had been received. W. H. Jameson having business relations with Henry Flagler, and knowing Mr. Flagler to be an intimate acquaintance of Mr. Carnegie, urged Mr. Flagler to present the matter to Mr. Carnegie. Mr. Flagler presented the matter to the steel magnate
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and shortly after the library trustees received a letter from Mr. Carnegie's agent stating that a donation of $10,000 would be made if the usual terms were agreed to by the city board. The terms were acceded to and in July of 1895 the library trustees were noti- fied that the money was available. At once the trustees proceeded to secure plans for the new building. The plans drawn by F. Burn- ham, of Los Angeles, were accepted; the contract was let to S. L. Bloom, the amount of the bid being $9,897. This sum would eat up nearly all of the donation, and to cut the plans would be to spoil the building. A subscription was started and the business men and others subscribed about $600. On the strength of this the building was started and ground was broken on the 10th of August, 1905. But still the sum available was insufficient to properly finish and furnish the building and in November the trustees made application for a further donation of $1,500. The further donation was promptly granted and the trustees were enabled to properly complete the work. The result was a most beautiful building, well equipped and of which all are justly proud. While changes have been made in some of the trustees S. S. Willard and T. C. Jameson have held their positions since the beginning of their work; they may be justly proud, as their management has been of the highest and our library ranks with the best in the state. The number of volumes at present is 6,400. The circulation of books the first year of the little library in the room 10x10 was 1,200; the present circulation is 2,300 per month. Thus from the smallest beginning has grown an institution that has been a pleasure and profit to many and that will be a permanent source of education to coming generations.
The sad event of 1896 was the death of George L. Joy on April 18th. His sudden demise shocked the entire community. Mr. Joy was one of the founders of South Riverside and was president of the Land and Water Co. for several years. A gentleman in every sense of the term, always helpful and kind, he possessed to an unusual degree a high sense of manly honor and gentleness. He was a man of magnificent physique that would compel attention and admiration anywhere. All old residents look back and feel that it was a privilege to have known George L. Joy.
In the early spring of 1896 the question of changing the name and incorporating again began to be agitated and on the 23rd of April a meeting was held and steps taken to incorporate as a city
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of the sixth class. The following were nominated for city trustees : R. B. Taylor, T. P. Drinkwater, Ellwood Lilly, William Corkhill, F. Scoville, H. F. Sykes, G. R. Freeman, W. C. Barth, J. T. Burton and P. M. Coburn, clerk D. F. Connell, H. A. Wood, J. L. Merriam; treasurer N. C. Hudson, O. A. Smith, V. O. Harter; marshal F. H. Robinson, William Baker and W. B. Roberds. A petition was pre- sented to the supervisors, who passed on it favorably and June 26th was named as election day, and the name to be voted for was Corona. It may be readily understood that the 26th of June was an exciting day for the town, and when the votes were counted there were, for incorporation 157, against 97. The following were elected as the first officers : Trustees, W. C. Barth, P. M. Coburn, Ellwood Lilly, H. F. Sykes and J. T. Burton; clerk, J. L. Merriam; marshal, F. H. Robinson; treasurer, V. O. Harter. Thus South Riverside died and Corona was born. The men elected were well qualified to fill the several positions, each having an earnest desire for the wel- fare of the city.
While the name Corona had been endorsed as the name of the new city, few knew, and few still know, how the name came to be presented. Some few months prior to the election the writer hap- pened into the office of the South Riverside Bee. At that time all that could be talked of was a name for the town; the writer and H. C. Foster began to talk of how to get a name that would settle the matter and later R. B. Taylor coming into the office also joined in the conversation. He stated that he had received a letter from Baron Hickey, then in Tucson, Arizona, and in the letter the Baron suggested the name Corona. Mr. Taylor thought the name would perhaps be a compromise and stop the struggle. His view was con. curred in by both the writer and Mr. Foster. The writer suggested that if Mr. Foster got out a petition that he, the writer, would see that it was circulated. This was done, the writer passed the peti- tion to Justice Phillips, who circulated it and the name was adopted. Some time after election the Baron Hickey died. R. B. Taylor re- moved to South America. Justice Phillips removed to Kentucky and there died. H. C. Foster removed to Los Angeles and the writer is left to shoulder the blame for the name.
It was agreed, by the ones who favored incorporating the town that the city tax should not be more than ten cents per $100 for the first year, this because it was said that taxes would be a burden 18
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in the event of city government. Thus it may be understood that the trustees had no enviable job to steer the municipal craft with so little income, and much credit is due the first trustees for the excellent manner in which they managed the finances of the city the first year.
On Monday, July 20th, the newly elected officers took the oath of office and organized. J. T. Burton had the honor to be selected as the first chairman of the board of trustees of the new city. The writer was appointed the city recorder and Marshal Robinson the street superintendent. Perhaps the first important measure of the city board was the granting of a franchise to the Sunset Telephone Co., after which the company installed their system in the city and Corona was really in touch with the outside world by telephone. It may be said that there had been a long distance office in the Hotel Temescal for some years, but now every business house and many private dwellings were connected.
On May 9, 1897, occurred the death of N. C. Hudson and again the town was bereaved, for it would be hard to find a more gentle and kind friend, a more consistent Christian and a more zealous worker for the town than was Mr. Hudson. Esteemed by all who knew him and lamented by all when he departed this life, Mr. Hud- son had been identified with South Riverside since its inception and had been secretary of the Land and Water Co. for many years.
On August 5, 1897, was celebrated the tenth anniversary of the town. Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Taylor gave a banquet in the Hotel Temescal to a large number of the old settlers. Memories of times gone by were recalled and it was unanimously felt that the town was a decided success. With the renaming of the town the name of the South Riverside Bee was changed to the Corona Courier, which name it carries today. Subsequently the Corona Courier was pur- chased by C. B. Webster and W. N. Bowen. H. C. Foster had been identified with the publication almost since its inception.
It has been pointed out that the Temescal Water Co. had been organized and the domestic water was sold directly to the user by that company, but in October of 1897 there was formed the Corona City Water Co., incorporated under that name, Frank Scoville president, S. W. Lockett secretary, and the Citizens' Bank treas- urer. Though it was still a part of the Temescal Water Co., yet this course was taken to simplify the handling of the town system.
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Through all these changes the town was expanding, new or- chards were being set, and from different parts of the country came people to swell the population, and best of all the products of the Queen Colony carried through the country the assurance that the desert had been conquered and Corona was on a solid founda- tion. One of the changes which was much regretted by the whole community was the death of O. A. Smith, of the Hotel Temescal on October 23, 1897. This was the means of the utter despoiling of the fine hotel grounds, which had long been the pride of Corona. Mr. Smith was, perhaps, the best known hotel man in the south country ; he was justly proud of what he had done, and was at all times on the alert for the betterment of the town. Shortly after the death of Mr. Smith the property was purchased by J. T. Burton, who moved the hotel to the west side of the block with the idea of making room for building lots on Main street.
In April, 1898, came the declaration of war with Spain, and, with every other town from Maine to California Corona was in- tensely stirred. Enthusiastic meetings were held, Charles Corkhill called for recruits to form a company of volunteers, but before the company could be formed the following named joined Company K of San Bernardino: Charles Corkhill, Leroy Coburn, J. McDon- ald, R. Nicholson, C. Gully, R. Nelson and Fred Hazard. These enlisted and were sent to San Francisco where they were kept for months, every day expecting to go to the Philippines, but suffered disappointment and were mustered out in the fall. Their home- coming was made a festival, as the people were as proud of them as though they had been at the front. Nearly a year after the open- ing of the war Vern Gleason and Arthur Austin enlisted and were sent to the Islands, where they saw much service and at the end of their term were honorably discharged, both as sergeants.
Up to this time there had been only one packing house, the Sunset. In August, 1898, W. H. Jameson erected a large packing house near the Sunset house and installed modern machinery. At the same time Oscar Theime began the erection of what is now known as the Orange Heights house on Main street near the depot. This Mr. Theime intended to be the finest house for the purpose in the southern country and succeeded in making it such. Both of these houses have been much enlarged since they were first built. Some- what later Henry Flagler erected a large house east of the Theime
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house, so that the following season Corona had four great packing houses to pack the golden fruit raised within the limits of the town.
In December, 1898, M. M. Randall and A. M. Phillips purchased seventy-five feet of the old hotel grounds fronting on Main street and commenced the building of a three-story structure with an opera house in the basement. Later Mr. Randall retired, leaving Mr. Phillips to complete the building, which was completed in the spring of 1900.
The year 1899 saw many buildings erected, notably the resi- dence of Mason Terpening, now owned by C. B. McConnell, the two buildings on Main street, one occupied by the Corona Hardware and Implement Co. and the other building afterward occupied by the Corona National Bank, also the residence of G. F. Dean, on upper Howard street. On November 23 opened the last chapter of the Hotel Temescal, for on that day it was totally destroyed by fire with much of the contents; thus was finished the destruction of Corona's beauty spot. Nothing that has happened since the foundation of the town has been more regretted,by those who were living in the town at the time. In 1898 a Mr. Remsburg started a publication called the Corona Review; in the early part of 1899 Charles Corkhill and Leroy Coburn purchased the plant. The Review was published by these gentlemen for some months, when it consolidated with the Corona Courier, which was later owned by H. C. Foster.
At the time of incorporation of the city the territory embraced reached from the Cerreto Rancho on the east to the Colony line on the west, and from the hills south to the Santa Ana river north. The territory on the north, from the Santa Fe tracks, was almost a barren plain. In the early day it had been platted and was known as Auburndale. Some time after election the few people residing in the above mentioned district and many in town proper wished to disincorporate the Auburndale tract. Petitions were presented to the city trustees to that effect with the result that at the regular election in April, 1900, a large vote was in favor of disincorpor- ating the said territory, which was done, thus narrowing the terri- tory embraced in the city, which seemed satisfactory to all.
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