USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 24
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 24
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The First National Bank of San Bernardino was founded in 1886 with a paid-up capital of $100,000, its officials being: J. H. Smith, president ; M. B. Garner, vice president; and W. N. Crandall, cashier. The bank experienced some trouble in 1887, when some differences between the stockholders caused a flurry and consequent run on the institution, but that storm was successfully weathered. Not so, how- ever, the trouble of 1894, when the bank closed its doors, with the announcement that the depositors would be paid in full. When the court battles were at an end, in 1899, the depositors received about 621/2 per cent of their deposits.
The San Bernardino National Bank had its inception in 1887, and opened its doors for business February 4, 1888, with J. G. Burt, presi- dent; A. H. Hart, vice president; E. H. Morse, cashier; and W. S. Hooper, teller. Its headquarters were in the original Stewart Hotel, in the burning of which structure, in 1892, the institution lost some of its records, but the bank was in no way hurt financially and resumed opera- tions in the new Stewart Hotel when that structure was completed. In 1891 J. W. Roberts became president of the institution and at the same time the capital stock was doubled. Upon his death in 1903, the presidency was filled by his son, E. D. Roberts. E. D. Roberts died August 4, 1920. J. B. Gill, his successor, took office October 7, 1920. Present officers: J. B. Gill, president ; H. E. Harris, vice president ; R. E. Roberts, vice president ; J. S. Wood, Cashier ; H. H. Weir, assistant cashier ; V. J. Micallef, assistant cashier. Resources, December 30, 1921, $2,212,824.60. From the latest available figures the San Bernardino National Bank ranks second in the State of California, on the roll of honor.
The San Bernardino County Savings Bank was opened for business July 6, 1903, with a paid-up capital of $55,000, E. D. Roberts being
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president ; Seth Marshall, vice president; A. C. Denman, second vice president; and A. G. Kendall, cashier. During the first year, deposits exceeded $200,000. The present officers: J. B. Gill, president ; H. E. Harris, vice president ; A. M. Ham, second vice president ; J. H. Wilson, cashier ; J. C. Ralph, Jr., assistant cashier. Resources, December 31, 1921, $3,212,931.13.
The California State Bank of San Bernardino was organized and incorporated August 2, 1901, beginning business August 15th. It was incorporated with a paid-up capital of $50,000, and organized under the banking laws of the state, being conducted under the board of bank commissioners for the State of California. Its officers were: John L. Oakey, president; H. H. Ham, vice president; W. S. Boggs, cashier. The resources of the bank on December 31, 1921 were $1,619,915.41. Directors: J. L. Oakey, president; H. H. Ham, vice president ; C. B. Hansen, cashier ; J. M. Oakey, assistant cashier ; Dr. John N. Baylis, Grover Cooley, Dr. W. H. Stiles, R. W. McGilvery. During the year 1921 extensive alterations and improvements were made in the bank building and rearranged for the convenience and comfort of patrons which added materially to the attractiveness of the bank home.
The Savings Bank of San Bernardino was organized December 2. 1889, by men interested in the Farmers Exchange Bank, with a capital of $10,000. Officers elected at that time were: President, Frank Hinckley ; vice president, H. L. Drew ; secretary-treasurer, S. F. Zombro. Directors: H. L. Drew, John Andreson, Sr., James Fleming, C. Kurtz, M. Byrne. In 1891 W. S. McAbee was elected president, succeeding Frank Hinckley. He served until 1894, being succeeded at that time by John Andreson, Sr. In July, 1901, James Fleming was elected vice president, succeeding H. L. Drew, deceased. S. F. Zombro resigned as secretary and treasurer in January, 1906, being succeeded by John Andre- son, Jr. The capital stock of the bank was increased to $50,000, April. 1908, and several years later again increased to $100,000, with $85,000 paid in. In February, 1909, A. L. Drew was elected president, succeed- ing John Andreson, Sr. The bank was operated from the date of its organization up to June, 1910, as a savings department of the Farmers Exchange Bank, at which time it was moved to the corner of Third and E streets and in October, 1910, C. E. Vahey was elected secretary and treasurer, succeeding John Andreson, Jr. The bank was still connected through its officers and directors with the Farmers Exchange Bank. which bank, by the way, is now the Farmers Exchange National Bank.
In October, 1917, N. L. Levering and associates bought into the bank, N. L. Levering being elected president, John Andreson, Jr., vice- president, and C. E. Vahey, secretary and treasurer. This bank was strictly a savings bank up to September 17, 1917, at which time a com- mercial department was added. C. E. Vahey resigned in January, 1919, and C. L. Cronk was elected to succeed him March 4, 1919, H. R. Scott, then a director, acting as secretary and treasurer in the interim. In August, 1919, the bank moved to its present location at 466-468 Third Street. In April. 1920, J. C. Smith purchased the Levering interests and became its president. Since this date the bank has been owned and operated by the present management, being as follows: President, J. C. Smith; vice president,. W. S. Shepardson; secretary-treasurer, C. L Cronk; assistant cashier, C. H. Shorey; directors, J. C. Smith, W. S. Shephardson, C. L. Cronk, H. C. McAlister, J. E. Rich, A. G. Arm- strong, J. C. Love, H. R. Scott. This bank has shown a steady growth, with resources at the present time approximately $800.000. On December 6. 1920, the name was changed to San Bernardino Valley Bank.
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AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK
In 1916 the American National Bank of San Bernardino was organ- ized. It opened for business on December 30th with a paid up capital of $100,000. The first day's business of this bank was most unusual. When it opened at 9:00 o'clock in the morning a line of depositors were at the front door and when it closed at 9:00 o'clock in the evening 813 people had opened accounts, averaging more than one account per minute for the entire day. Nothing succeeds like success and the first day's was only the beginning of a steady, rapid growth. At the end of the first year its deposits were more than $500,000. "Useful service" might be said to be the watchword of this institution. Every facility of its organization has been brought to bear to promote the agricultural and business interests of the community. Its officers and entire force have always been willing and able to give a helpful, cooperative, personal service to its smallest as well as its largest depositors and the bank has always been a place where its customers could enter and feel at home. R. D. McCook, former president of the First National Bank of Sumner, Iowa, through whose personal efforts the American National was organ- ized, is its president ; W. S. Shepardson, widely known throughout the valley, is vice president; WV. O. Harris, born and raised in San Bernar- dino, is cashier, and Mr. O. R. Ervin, assistant cashier. Its board of directors are all well known San Bernardino men-Joseph E. Rich, W. S. Shephardson, H. S. Wall, P. M. Savage, J. W. Cattick, Nelson McCook, R. D. McCook. At the close of business December 31, 1921, this bank had a capital and surplus of $150,099.99, deposits $1,284,515.42 and total resources $1,619,915.41.
THE SAN BERNARDINO WATER SYSTEM. The little ditch brought into their stockade by the Mormons from Garner's Springs and the stream formed by their overflow formed the first water supply of the town of San Bernardino. In 1854, when the town was incorporated and platted, ditches were run along the streets for, irrigation purposes, these being originally known as Town Ditch No. 1. No. 2, etc., but being later given the names of East Upper Dan, West Upper Dam, etc. The water for these ditches was originally brought from Town Creek, and in 1854, by special act of the Legislature, the waters of Twin Creeks were appropriated for municipal purposes, and an open ditch brought the waters of both creeks into the town. This supply proving uncer- tain, it was abandoned later on, and water was then supplied from Lytle Creek, from artesian wells both within and without the city limits, and by a water company. After the town developed into a city, bonds were voted for a water system, and in 1890 there was constructed a reservoir with a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons, located four miles northeast of the city and 250 feet above its level. The reservoir was supplied by water from Lytle Creek and from artesian wells located on land purchased by the city, this giving sufficient pressure to deliver water at any point. A complete system of water mains was put in during 1890 and 1891, and the system, owned by the city, was so well managed that for a time the water rents afforded the city an income. However, the old supply became inadequate with the growth of the city, and in December, 1902, bonds to the amount of $231,000 were voted by an overwhelming majority for the acquirement of a modern system. Steps were immediately taken for the acquirement of a 100-inch water right, commonly known as the Hubbard water right, applying to Lytle Creek waters; a 22-acre tract of land about one mile east of the city and in the center of the artesian
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helt was secured. upon which a pumping plant was constructed: the capacity of the old storage reservoir was doubled by the building of an addition, and a complete system of water mains and distributing pipes was put in. The work was completed in December. 1904, under the supervision of the city engineer. E. A. Rasor, giving the city a service of 300 inches of pure water for domestic purposes, an amount that could be doubled or tripled if necessary, from the water rights then owned by the municipality.
With the new city charter laws in force, in 1905, the water system came under the control of the board of water commissioners consisting of A. G. Kendall, F. T. Perris and M. D. Katz, appointed by the mayor. The commissioners were appointed and confirmed on the 8th day of May, 1905, took the oath of office and organized on the 16th of May, 1905, by electing A. G. Kendall president of the board. About the first day of June they moved into quarters provided and were, so to speak, ready for business.
The first year was very much a twelve months of investigation, not in a sense of censure or criticism, but to lay foundations for a stable. substantial system having in view a rapidly growing city. with ever new demands upon its water supply.
The board was led to believe that a further supply of water to main- tain the pumping capacity then installed was needed : extension of such water mains as the growing necessities of the city required and the establishment of meters to prevent waste and misuse, yet yield an increase of revenue and leave them in a position to furnish water to those who need it in the suburbs.
Near the close of the year 1905 seven meters were installed, for test- ing purposes, and three water fountains installed. These were placed at Southern Hotel, T. S. and A. Drug Store and H and Third streets.
One of the first acts of the board during its first year's work was to transfer Wm. Starke from the Lytle Creek pumping plant, where he had been in charge since April, 1899, to oversee the active city water operations. He became fully clothed with authority on January 1, 1906. by receiving the title of superintendent of the water department.
Before July 1. 1906. the board had purchased the Little Mountain reservoir site; paid into the city treasury the sum of $11,200, and had a balance on hand of $6,863.65. For the year ending June 30, 1906. the water rental was $37,121.03. For the year 1921, for the month of December alone, the rental amounted to $8,892.31, indicating the city's growth, with its 100 miles of water mains.
The necessity for a permanent location for a pipe yard and store house as well as a corporation yard for the street department led to the passing of an ordinance, during the year 1907, for purchasing the lot at the southeast corner of D and Second streets.
The city has the reputation of using more water per capita than any other of its size in the country and having as low a water rate to consumers as any in Southern California. The water supply during the few years just preceding 1912 had consisted in the flowing capacity of four wells on the Antil tract-600 inches-and 100 inches of Lytle Creek water flowing into the Lytle Creek reservoir. Perris Hill water, in com- pleted system, was delivered into the city in 1912. The famous gusher at Antil that flows 300 miners' inches was one of the permanent shows of the city.
In the spring of 1913. a new mayor and common council were elected. necessitating a new water commission, consisting of C. A. Rouse, A. M. Ham and J. F. Hambleton. Mr. Rouse was elected president of the
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board. In June, 1914, J. F. Hambleton was elected president of the board. In 1916 a new hoard was appointed, Ralph E. Swing, C. W. Smith and A. M. Ham, Mr. Swing being elected president of the board. From the report of June 31, 1918, valuable information is gleaned. Prior to the year 1890 the inhabitants of the city and vicinity were supplied with water entirely from privately owned artesian wells. In the year 1890 it was deemed advisable to install a municipal system and at that time voted a bond issue of $130,000 for this purpose. At that time arte- sian water could be obtained upon the MacKinsie tract, near what is now known as the Lytle Creek reservoir. The city purchased this tract, sunk a number of wells, constructed a receiving reservoir and installed a distributing system. The people were slow, however, to take advan- tage of the municipal system; only ten service connections were made the first year and at the end of the fifth year but 145 connections had been made. The city, however, has gradually developed and has increased in both population and territory until today, June 31, 1918, we claim 20,000 inhabitants and have an area of approximately 4600 acres and service connections of over 4,800.
The city has a sewer system of approximately forty miles, which requires a daily average of more than 200 inches of water to keep it flushed and in good condition. There are many acres of lawns, flowers. trees, gardens, which require constant care and irrigation ; likewise many manufacturing establishments, depending on this department for water. Since the city embarked in the distribution of water as a municipal affair, this department has acquired and now possesses the following properties : A Lytle Creek plant, comprising ten acres, upon which there is a receiv- ing reservoir, with a capacity of 3,000,000 gallons, a pumping plant and well capable of producing approximately 200 inches of water under normal conditions; 100 inches of the surface flow of Lytle Creek; the Antil plant, comprising twenty-two acres upon which there are four artesian wells and an expensive steam pumping plant ; the Perris Hill plant, comprising 100 acres, on which there are two wells and an auxil- iary electric pumping plant ; eighty miles of distributing mains and later- als; the material yard, situated at Second and D streets, used for storing the surplus material required for this department ; lastly, the right to take water from these various tracts as the needs of the city require. The right is the most valuable asset the city possesses. The value of the properties and rights controlled by this department is considerably in excess of $1,000,000.
Primarily the rights of this city to take water from the San Ber- nardino basins for municipal uses was paramount to the right of any person or corporation to take water for the purpose of transporting the same to lands outside the basin.
In 1918 the board of water commissioners consisted of : C. W. Smith, president ; W. O. Harris, A. Ham, who continued the splendid work. In 1921 the commissioners were: A. M. Ham, president ; W. O. Harris and R. W. McGilvary; William Starke, superintendent of the water department.
At the close of the year 1921, in addition to other properties already stated, the city bought 1,000 acres of the Severance Tract, in Devil's Canyon. In 1905 there were seven meters, in 1921, 5,600 water con- nections, and 100 per cent meter perfect. In 1901 the assets were noth- ing, in 1921 considerable over $1,000,000.
THE SAN BERNARDINO GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY. The San Ber- nardino Gas and Electric Company was organized in 1892, with a capital
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stock of $50,000, its original officers being Peter Kohl, president ; Charles R. Lloyd, vice president ; and William Gird, secretary. The new enterprise purchased the old Davis Mill property on Mill Street and Waterman Avenue, formerly the old Mormon grist mill, thus securing ten acres of ground adjoining the mill property and 200 inches of water from Warm Creek and Mackenzie Ditch. A new flume was constructed, doubling the amount of water and securing a largely increased head. In 1897 the company was reorganized with a capital stock of $100,000, W. S. Hooper becoming president ; Charles R. Lloyd, vice president ; and B. Roos, secretary and general manager. In the following year the company bought the stock of the San Antonio Light and Power Com- pany, and Arthur W. Burt was made secretary and manager, and in July, 1898, the concern purchased also the interests of the San Bernar- dino Gas Works, including its distributing mains. Until 1902 the plant was operated by the San Bernardino Electric Company, but in that year was organized the San Bernardino Gas and Electric Company, with W. S. Hooper, president ; Charles R. Lloyd, vice president, and C. M. Grow, secretary and general manager. The capital stock at that time was placed at $200,000. In April, 1903, the plant and stock were absorbed by the Pacific Light and Power Company, of Los Angeles, although it continued to be operated as an independent concern with the absorbing company as principal stockholder. In 1910 the Pacific Light and Power Company took over the gas and electric business. In August, 1911, the company sold the gas plant and distributing system to the Southern Cal- ifornia Gas Company and Charles M. Grow was made manager of both companies. In July, 1917, the Pacific Light and Power Company sold its interest to the Southern California Edison Company; Mr. Grow remained with the gas company, and A. B. Wallober was made district agent of the Edison company. October 1, 1917. Mr. Grow was trans- ferred to Los Angeles as new manager of the Southern California Gas Company and H. C. McAlister was made manager of the San Bernardino district.
THE SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY TRACTION COMPANY. The history of the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company's interests dates back to May, 1901, when A. C. Denman, Jr., of Redlands, purchased the Urbita Hot Springs property, located just outside of the south city limits of San Bernardino, from Messrs. Parazette and Beggs, of this city. In the following month, two Redlands business men. H. H. Sin- clair and Henry Fisher, became interested in the property and these gentlemen made the improvements and operated the place under the man- agement of Mr. Denman until it was sold, June 2, 1903, to the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company. Prior to this, in June, 1901, Messrs. Fisher, Sinclair and Denman, with J. H. Fisher, Edward S. Graham and Henry B. Ely, all of Redlands, and Seth Hartley, of Col- ton, had formed a company for the purchase of various franchises then granted, or pending, and the operation of electric street car lines over these franchises, the capital stock being $500,000, and the officers : Henry Fisher, president; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice president and general man- ager; Edward S. Graham, treasurer; and J. H. Fisher, secretary. The directors of the company, August 6, 1901, completed the purchase of the following franchises : Campbell. Seventh and E streets, both of San Bernardino City; Colton Avenue, San Bernardino County ; Colton City ; Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino County ; and Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino City. The company began operations six months after the purchase of these franchises, and the first car over the line.
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after its completion, was operated February 22, 1902. In December, 1901, the traction company purchased franchises along San Bernardino Avenue, Mountain View Avenue and Mill Street, for the purpose of constructing and operating an electric car line between San Bernardino and Redlands. The first car between the two cities was operated March 10, 1903. In February, 1903, the San Bernardino & Highland Electric Railway Company was organized and incorporated with a capital stock of $150,000, for the purpose of constructing and operating an electric line to the Township of Highland from San Bernardino, the officers of the company being: Henry Fisher, president; A. C. Denman, Jr., vicc president and general manager; George B. Ellis, secretary; and E. D. Roberts, treasurer. On March 4, 1903, the directors of this company purchased a franchise on Pacific Avenue, one on Base Line to Palm Avenue and one on Palm Avenue to the center of Highland. Work was about to commence when Mr. Kohl, of the San Bernardino, Arrowhead & Waterman Railway Company began negotiations with Mr. Denman for the purchase of the old motor line, and this transaction was con- summated, following which the old line was reconstructed, the gauge was widened and the line was put in first-class condition for the operation of electric cars. The first car was run over the line as far as Harlem Springs July 26, 1903, and August 13 the line to Patton and Highland was completed.
The San Bernardino Valley Traction Company and the Highland Electric Company operated separately until June 2, 1903, when they consolidated with the Redlands Street Railway Company, under the name of the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company, the officers elected being : Henry Fisher, president; A. C. Denham, Jr., vice presi- dent and general manager; C. W. A. Cartlidge, secretary and treasurer. Shortly after the consolidation the company purchased the Urbita Springs property and the Cole Race Track.
PACIFIC ELECTRIC COMPANY. Early in 1911 the Pacific Electric bought the traction company interests and became sole owner. Mr. A. B. Merrihew, who was assistant superintendent of the traction line, became assistant superintendent of the eastern division of the Pacific Electric. Following Mr. Merrihew, who took another position in Los Angeles, were O. P. Davis and A. C. Bradley, temporary supplies. These were followed by M. P. Groftholdt. T. W. Peachey became assistant super- intendent in November, 1917. The Pacific Electric occupies, jointly with the Southern Pacific, the commodious depot of Third Street.
Then came a day when the company had completed its road through to Los Angeles and the whole Southland turned out to celebrate. On Saturday, July 11, 1914, the pageant of transportation wended its way through the streets to signalize, by contrast, the completion of an electric trail spanning the orange land from San Bernardino to Los Angeles- from the mountains to the sea.
Electric railways have been called the nerves of cities. A new and great nerve of this character had been added unto Los Angeles and San Bernardino by the Pacific Electric Railway Company. At either end of this newly completed system are cities that have won fame-Los Angeles at one end, large and bountiful; San Bernardino at the other end, possesses beauty, charm, prosperity and romantic history. Lines of steel have joined the richest county to the largest. The Pacific Elec- tric is a tribute to the faith, energy, and work of President Paul Shoup and the officers of the company.
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It was a great day of rejoicing, not only by the people of San Ber- nardino, but by scores of inland cities, that were also benefited. A short open space had been left in the roadway near the corner of E and Third streets, to be closed, as part of the ceremony. The spike used was a solid silver one, the gift of the people of Alto Loma. It was driven into an orange wood tie presented by Fontana, and the two silver ham- mers were presented by Rialto and Etiwanda. Mayor Rose of Los Ange- les and Mayor Catick of San Bernardino, on the stroke of twelve, with alternate blows of the two hammers, linked the entire citrus belt by trolley line, and as every blow on the silver spike was struck, the tele- graph wires tapped the story to the world. Mrs. Shirley Bright's clear voice was heard in song. Bells and whistles, all the way from moun- tains to the sea, were sounded, and vied with the voice of man in pro- claiming the event. After placing the silver spike came silver-tongued oratory; then the pageant for which people, thousands and tens of thousands of them, had come out to see. To quote John S. McGroarty : "As actually as though we had been born 200 years ago, we strode beside the Indian savage: we saw the white man come; the first of all his race, old Juan de Arza; then the brown-robed brothers of St. Fran- cis, to found the mission of San Bernardino, in savage lands. In the footprints of the padre's sandals came all things else-the Spanish dons. the tutored Indian. the prairie schooner making deep ruts in the wild grass of the meadows; the patient ox, the slow-sure burro, the fleet- footed horse, the first crude wheel of iron, and at last the great red dragon of the trolley, annihilating time and distance across the tracks of steel."
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