USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 31
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
The Spinet Club, an organization of music lovers, was founded October 15, 1894, at the home of Mrs. Margaret Howard White. at Casabianca Ranch. At the start only pianists were members, while vocalists, violinists and players of other instruments were associate mem- bers. The associate members were admitted to active membership in 1898. This has been a flourishing organization from the start and one the work of which has been appreciated greatly by the people of Redlands, who have been the beneficiaries in the way of splendid musi- cal entertainment. Officers of the Spinet Club for 1921 are : Miss Annette Cartlidge, president ; Mrs. E. D. Patterson, first vice president ; Mrs. S. Guy Jones, second vice president; Miss Joybelle Hatcher, secretary ; Miss H. Grace Eaton, treasurer ; Mrs. Paul W. Moore, business manager ; Miss Nellie H. Ruggles, assistant business manager ; Mrs. C. M. Brown, director.
212
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
CHURCHES. The first Protestant religious services were held in Eastberne Valley in 1873, at the residence of H. M. Crafts, at Crafton. In April, 1876, the first prayer meeting in Lugonia was held at the residence of Colonel Tolles. During the summer of 1877 C. E. Brink, a Baptist, was influential in starting a Union Sunday school at Lugonia. At a meeting held at the Lugonia schoolhouse, April 17, 1880, a com- mittee was appointed to effect an organization of church members, and the churches of San Bernardino and Riverside, were invited to hold a council, April 17, 1880. This meeting resulted, April 18, 1880, in the organization of a congregation known as the Second Congregational Church of San Bernardino. A church structure was duly erected, the dedication being January 7, 1883, and the meeting of the Southern California Association of Congregational churches was held in this struc- ture in May, 1885. In 1887 the name of the church was changed to the First Congregational Church of Lugonia. In June. 1888, noting that the tide of settlement was drifting away from Lugonia, the people of this church purchased a lot at the corner of Olive Avenue and Cajon Street, where a chapel was erected the following year, and in January. 1889, the name of the church was changed to the First Congregational Church of Redlands. The new church was dedicated March 9, 1890. and in the summer of 1894 a considerable addition was made to the church which increased its seating capacity to 400. In 1898 the inem- bers of the Lugonia Terrace Church, who had withdrawn from the
Redlands congregation, united again with the latter church, and in January, 1899, it was found necessary to seek larger accommodations. Accordingly a new structure, modern and commodious, was erected. being dedicated April 1, 1900. The church maintains a Sunday school. a Christian Endeavor Society, a Ladies' Union (including Church Aid and Missionary), a young women's free-will offering society, a Junior Society, a Young Men's League and a Cradle Roll.
In 1886, accepting the offer of Messrs. Judson and Brown to give substantial aid to the building of an Episcopal chapel for the new settle- ment of Redlands, Rev. A. Fletcher, the Episcopal missionary at Colton went to work on subscriptions, and on June 6. 1887, the cornerstone of the building was laid in Residence Tract. It was formally dedicated July 17, 1887, as Trinity Church of Redlands, of the mission of Lugonia and Redlands. In 1896 the building was placed on the southeast corner of Cajon Street and Olive Avenue, which had become known as Trinity Episcopal Church, and occupied this site until Easter Sunday. when the new church was dedicated on the southeast corner of Fourth Street and Fern Avenue.
The growth of Crafton and the new town of Mentone demanded a religious organization to care for the spiritual interests of the new settlers, and in 1889 a Sabbath school was first organized at the Crafton schoolhouse. This grew into a church organization, formed at Mentone May 20, 1892, twenty-seven charter members being received. In the same year a church building was erected at a cost of $2,000, known as the Mentone Congregational Church, and a neat parish house has since been added.
In the winter of 1886-87 Rev. James S. McDonald, a synodical min- ister of the First Presbyterian Church, began preaching at Redlands. After a meeting it was decided to organize a congregation to be known as the Presbyterian Church of East San Bernardino Valley. The first chapel building was completed January 23, 1890, located at the corner of Orange and Vine streets. On April 25, 1904. the church purchased the lot which is the site of the present church edifice, but building was
213
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
deferred and it was not until January 22, 1899, that the new structure was occupied. Numerous improvements and enlargements have since been made and this is now one of the attractive and valuable church properties of the city.
The First Baptist Church of Redlands was first called the Central Baptist Church of Redlands and Lugonia and was organized at the Lugonia schoolhouse, November 13, 1887. The early services were held in a tent, but March 31, 1889, the dedicatory services in the new chapel were held. In March, 1894, the congregation having outgrown the chapel, removal was made to the Y. M. C. A. Building, which was used by the church for its Sunday services for over two years. During the winter of 1894-95 a new parsonage was erected, and early in 1896 the church entered upon the erection of a new edifice, which was com- pleted before the close of the year. The church building was enlarged during the summer of 1900, and during 1903 a new stone Sunday school building was added to the church property.
The first Methodist service at Redlands was preached at the old Y. M. C. A. Hall, October 16, 1887, and the First Methodist Church was organized November 15th of the same year. On March 25, 1890, two lots were purchased at the southwest corner of Cajon Street and Citrus Avenue, on which site a church building was erected. The next year a lot was purchased at 115 East Olive Avenue, on which was erected a parsonage. Early in 1895 the church was remodeled, and in March, 1906, two additional lots were purchased to the west. In 1901 seven lots at Cajon Street and Olive Avenue were purchased, the old lots and church were sold, and the cornerstone of the new building was laid November 5, 1902. The beautiful new church, with its handsome and appropriate furnishings, was dedicated June 7, 1903.
On May 2, 1887, the first meeting for the organization of a Young Men's Christian Association at Redlands was followed by a public session the same evening in the Lugonia Congregational Church, when the organ- ization of the society was completed. A two-story brick structure was erected on West Street, and the first service held October 8, 1887, this being followed November 1st by the first social. In 1892 the association entertained the Ninth Annual District Convention; July 29, 1892, it became an incorporated association. In 1893 the old building was sold, and in November, 1894, the cornerstone was laid for the present building. the first services being held therein in March, 1895. Improvements and additions have since been made. The association is a strong one and has always carried on a vigorous and successful fight among the young men of the city.
THE SMILEY BROTHERS." Redlands is indebted to many contributing forces for its growth and development, but to none more than to Alfred H. and Albert K. Smiley, twin brothers, natives of Vassalboro, Maine, where they were born March 17, 1828. Coming to Redlands in 1889, they pur- chased what later became known as Canon Crest Park, where they subse- quently developed one of the most beautiful spots in California. This property was described as follows by William M. Tisdale, in the Out West magazine: "Everywhere shrubs and trees have been disposed with an eye to the most striking and artistic effects of color and foliage. Everywhere the flowering plants have been so placed as to provide an increasing variety of bloom from one year's end to another-a limitless wealth of color, fragrance and beauty. And some of the beauty is made to serve distinctly utilitarian purposes as well, for there are about fifty acres of thrifty orange trees and many lemons and olives." Ingersoll,
214
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
in his Century Annals of San Bernardino County, says: "The location of Alfred H. and Albert K. Smiley in Redlands was one of the Key- stone events in her history. Through their business relations, as pro- prietors of some of the most popular resorts in the State of New York, and through their wide social prominence as educators, philanthropists and public men, the brothers exerted unusual influence. The deep interest which they manifested in their homes here, and in the welfare of the town, their generous expenditures, not only of money, but of thought and of personal attentions, helped to build up Redlands in many direc -- tions. The Smiley brothers were heartily in accord with the Young Men's Christian Association enterprise, and it was largely due to their generosity that this organization was planted on so firm a basis in Redlands and that they were enabled to complete the fine building which they erected in 1894. The brothers and their families assisted largely in the support and the building of the Congregational Church. They gave flowers, shrubbery and trees, and aided in their proper planting and arrangement on the grounds of the Kingsbury and the Union High schools, and also about the various churches. In the spring of 1896 Alfred K. Smiley announced that he would give $200 in prizes to those persons, 'who during the ensuing year, beginning May 1st, should main- tain their grounds with neatness, and show good taste in the selection and arrangement of decorative plants.' * * * The results were so satisfactory that Mr. Smiley made a similar offer for another year Not content with having accomplished all this for the city of his adop- tion, in addition to the magnificent park which he and his brother had so generously opened to the public for their use and enjoyment, A. K. Smiley, thought that a city park near the business center was desirable, even in this garden city, and in the autumn of 1895 he determined that Redlands should have such a tract of land set aside forever as a public park, for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Redlands, and their
* guests. * * First was bought six acres lying north of Olive Avenue, and between Eureka and Grant streets. Next nine acres lying just west of this, and across Grant Street. Then followed purchase after purchase of lots adjacent, until sufficient ground was secured for a public park leading to the business portion of the city up to the site of the library building, and extending beyond it to the main park on Grant Street. In the acquiring of this property a large sum of money was expended and many difficulties encountered. * * * The library building as it now stands is the result of much study on the part of Mr. Smiley. The style of architecture is Moorish, popularly called 'Mission.' The walls are of solid brick, relieved by stone trimmings, and the roof is of the best quality of heavy tiling. The main building is in the shape of a cross, 100 feet each way, and the structure and grounds cost between $50,000 and $60,000."
The Smiley Library was dedicated and presented to the City of Redlands, April 29, 1898, and thus Redlands came into possession of one of the most perfectly appointed library buildings in the State of Cali- fornia. The history of this library dates back to December 5, 1891. at which time the Messrs. Smiley, J. B. Breed, and others, interested in the establishment of a public library and reading room called a meeting to discuss the matter. As a result of this interest a coffee parlor and reading room were opened in the old Y. M. C. A. Building in March, 1892. In the winter of 1893, the Redlands Library Associa- tion was formed, with F. P. Meserve as president and Mrs. White, secretary, and by January 1, 1894, had accumulated funds sufficient to purchase $1,000 worth of books. On the completion of the new
IL
CAN TIMOTEO CANYON from Sunset Drive. Sunset Drive, a unique sixteen-mile road on the crest of the foothills that overlook Redlands on
the south, gives the autoist an ever-changing panorama of oranges and snow on the north, and rugged foothills and a narrow, fertile canyon on the south.
216
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
Y. M. C. A. Building, in 1895, the library was established therein, remaining until removed to the Smiley Library.
THE PRESS OF REDLANDS. One of the first steps of the promoters of Redlands was the formation of the Redlands News Company, which immediately selected Scipio Craig as the editor and manager of a new enterprise, which Mr. Craig straightforward named the Citrograph. The first issue appeared Saturday, July 16, 1887, from the office then located in the building at the southwest corner of State and Fifth streets, where it continued to be published until its own building was completed August 1, 1889. The paper, by its make-up, its devotion to and its faith in Redlands and its original and energetic editorials, attracted wide attention, and, naturally, gained success. It was enlarged three times within the first six months and at the end of that time had a subscrip- tion list of 1,200 names, in a town only six months old. In 1903 the Citrograph moved to a larger establishment of its own. It has con- tinued to be a warm supporter of the interests of Redlands, its insti- tutions and its people and has been a large contributor to the move- ments which have made for advancement.
On October 23, 1890, there was founded a weekly news sheet, known as The Facts, S. F. Howe being the publisher. It was prohibition in politics, as was a later paper, the Daily Facts, founded by Mr. Howe October 31, 1892. The weekly was discontinued February 17, 1893, and in April of the same year the daily was sold to A. S. Sheahan, who sold out to E. F. Howe and J. P. Durbin, in October, 1894. On April 1, 1895, the size of the paper was enlarged and the name changed to Red- lands Facts, and August 1, 1895, Capt. William S. Moore, a health- seeker from Pennsylvania, purchased the paper and changed its policy to that of independent republican. The paper was again enlarged in size in November, 1896, and August 2, 1897. adopted its present heading of Redlands Daily Facts. Captain Moore died May 7, 1899, and was' suc- ceeded in ownership by his heirs, The Moore Company, W. M. Newton at that time becoming editor and manager. Lyman King is the present editor. The paper has since been enlarged on several occasions, and now has Associated Press service and all the concommitants of a first- class newspaper.
In 1895 a weekly called The Hour was started by A. H. Corman, it being a prohibition sheet. Later it passed into the hands of W. E. Willis, who changed it into a general weekly local newspaper, and named it the Redlands Review. In November, 1901, the daily edition was started, Mr. Willis having in the meanwhile formed a business connection with A. E. Brock. On February 1, 1902, the paper was purchased by the Review Publishing Company, with Lyman M. King. as the managing editor, and was made republican in politics. The paper has been increased on a number of occasions, and has Associated Press service.
THE REDLANDS BOARD OF TRADE. In February, 1888, with L. W. Clark as secretary, the first Redlands Board of Trade was organized and at once began a vigorous compaign for the advancement of the new town. One of the first achievements of the body was the issuance of a folder setting forth the advantages and attractions of Redlands and the engagement of a publicity agent, an agency through which the Smiley brothers were brought to the town. They likewise gave their attention to Redlands fruit displays, and in other ways showed their progressive- ness, but after several years the interest of the members seems to have lapsed and the body died out. On December 12, 1893, to succeed the former body, there was organized a Chamber of Commerce, with A. B.
217
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
Ruggles as president ; J. Lee Burton as vice president ; and E. G. Judson, secretary. The Chamber of Commerce worked effectively, accomplishing among other things the establishment of the Casa Loma and the building of the cannery. Like the other body, however, its efforts died out. On December 28, 1898, at Woodman's Hall, there was effected the organization of the Redlands Board of Trade, which has since done much good work and has been a most important factor in the unprece- dented growth made by Redlands. Its exhibition rooms are an attractive spot for visitors and tourists, and no other city of equal size in the state possesses a more active and influential commercial organization.
MODERN REDLANDS. The years have passed by until 1921 comes and goes. The threads of the narrative will now be gathered into a story, although the Romance of Redlands cannot be told in a brief page, nor its beauties and things accomplished, explained in cold type. The story is entwined with the far-seeing vision of men who could look beyond mere semi-arid cattle range and picture a garden of loveliness, made possible by the hardihood of courageous pioneers who were not afraid to do, to dare, to wait. So it comes that today Redlands sits like a jewel at the head of the valley crowning an achievement truly Californian.
Redlands is at the extreme upper end of the valley on the east, and is sixty-seven miles from Los Angeles, with railroad, electric line and paved boulevard connections. Those who study the deep workings of the human mind, readily understand that the dreamers of the world play a big part in its development, and "What dreamest thou?" is answered, as the years roll by, in things very much "worth while." The twin brothers, Alfred K. and Albert K. Smiley, had a vision, and to this vision they attached a program, and through the vision and program these two master spirits wrought a wonderland-Smiley Heights, a park of exquisite rugged gardens. This beautiful park belongs to Redlands-and the world. And then another dream realized, the splendid library set in a wooded, green park, four blocks in extent, Moorish in architecture, substantially and beautifully furnished, with 38,000 books on the shelves. This mag- nificent A. K. Smiley Library, approximately valued at over $100,000. belongs to Redlands and also to the world. The library with its air of peace and refinement has attracted writers world famous, and a little niche is given over to a collection of their autograph productions. Many of the plaques, pictures and statues were selected by the curator of the Metropolitan Art Museum, New York City. There is a special col- lection embracing Egyptian archeologic objects of very great value, some being 4,000 to 6,000 years old. The only Carnegie contribution was money to start a collection of books on the Indians west of the Rocky Moun- tains. There is a memorial collection of Junius W. Hill's books on music, given by his wife, who still retains her home in Redlands. Of a population of 10,000, there are nearly 6,000 book borrowers, and from the American Library Association came the word that on record this was the highest per capita circulation in the United States. All these book borrowers have been registered since reorganization of the library in 1920.
Mrs. Frederick (Elizabeth Lowry) Sanborn is librarian. The trustees of the A. K. Smiley Library are: Kirke H. Field, president ; Stewart R. Hotchkiss, Lyman M. King, J. J. Prendergast, Willard A. Nichols.
Redlands has two other beautiful parks, Prospect and Sylvan. There are many active agencies that contribute greatly to the upbuilding of the city-a day nursery, supported by the community ; a strong Y .M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. The Fortnightly and University clubs are powers along intellectual lines, and the Country and Rifle clubs have a large member-
UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS
219
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
ship. Fraternal organizations are many, among them being the Rotary and Elks.
Churches of all leading denominations are found; many have hand- some, imposing buildings. Over the Congregational Church is Rev. Her- bert C. Ide ; and the pastor of the Christian Church is Rev. L. M. Meyers. Mrs. R. B. Reader is first reader of the Christian Science, and Rev. N. D. H. Hynson pastor of the Presbyterian. The rector of Trinity Episcopal Church is Rev. Ralph P. Smith. The House of Neighborly Service is in the charge of Miss Margaret Walker; the work is along lines of Americanization. The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart has been wonderfully fortunate in having Father T. J. Fitzgerald at its head for a period covering many years, almost during the lifetime of the city. He has been faithfully interested in the life of the community and has been a power of good.
The Redlands Community Players' Association has for its object help- ing home talent. Every year there is a spring pageant given by the city. In the spring of 1921 the play, "Spirit of the Town," written and directed by Garnet Holme, was carried out, depicting an allegorical story of Redlands.
The University of Redlands, under the auspices of the Baptist denomination of the state, has an enrollment of 375 students. The school comprises a group of buildings, commodious and imposing looking, and in appearance very much resemble a little city. The president of the University is Dr. Victor L. Dukes, and general secretary, Judge J. W. Curtis of San Bernardino.
Another institution is Loma Linda, a hospital and sanitarium and medical and nurses' training school of the Seventh Day Adventist faith, a branch of Battle Creek, Mich.
Redlands has an assessed valuation of $9,000,000.00; school enroll- ment, 2,310.
City officers are : Board of Trustees-A. F. Brock, president ; C. A. Tripp, W. L. Fowler, Jesse Simpson, Rev. Wade Hamilton. Clinton P. Hok, city clerk, assessor, auditor ; C. J. Tripp, treasurer ; Peter C. McIver, recorder; G. S. Hinckley, engineer; G. E. Larmore, marshal; Frank Leonard, attorney ; G. S. Hinckley, street superintendent ; Dr. Kenneth L. Dole, health officer ; H. G. Clemment, superintendent of schools; J. A. Revera, constable ; M. E. Armstrong, building inspector ; J. C. Tripp, tax collector ; G. S. Hinckley, park superintendent and water supervisor.
The Redlands National Bank and the Union Savings Bank of Red- lands have combined with resources of $3,103,230.51, and officered as follows: H. H. Ford, president; E. M. Lyon, vice president; G. E. Soucher, cashier; F. K. Grassle, assistant cashier. Directors: E. M. Lyon, C. A. Tripp, E. Cohen, R. E. Bell, A. Wheaton, F. C. Hornby, H. H. Ford, M. W. Hill, L. M. King.
The Savings Bank of Redlands on September 6, 1921, had resources of $1,305,804.36, with the following officers: M. J. Sweeney, president ; W. L. Pile, vice president ; John P. Fisk, vice president ; Silas Williams, secretary; M. Lombard, cashier; L. S. Morrison, assistant cashier. Directors : M. J. Sweeney, John P. Fisk, Herbert L. Hubbard, Edward M. Cope, Charles H. Clock, W. L. Pile, Silas Williams, H. H. Garston and H. W. Seager.
The First National Bank of Redlands on September 6, 1921, had resources of $2,272,270.53, and is officered as follows: M. J. Sweeney, president ; Edward M. Cope, vice president ; John P. Fisk, vice president ; Austin T. Park, cashier ; S. R. Hemingway, assistant cashier ; A. M. Sar- gent, assistant cashier. Directors: H. H. Garstin, A. Gregory, Edward
220
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
M. Cope, W. W. Seager, John P. Fisk M. J. Sweeney, Herbert L. Hub- bard, W. L. Pile, C. H. Clock. ,
The Chamber of Commerce is a power for usefulness and in its loyalty to the community has strengthened all endeavors. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is splendidly officered : H. A. Cherrier, president ; K. H. Field, vice-president ; A. E. Isham, secretary-treasurer ; Philip Har- ris, comptroller.
There is a little scrap of history connected with Smiley Heights and its trees not generally known. Mr. Smiley contracted with a San Ber- nardino nurseryman for 500 cedar Deora trees for the park at $5.00 a tree. In the spring of 1888 or 1889 the trees arrived. The 500 trees were set in tin cans-found on any rubbish heap-and were from ten to fifteen inches high. In counting them over, there was found one very inferior tree, and this one Mr. Smiley did not care to pay $5.00 for, and suggested that it be "thrown in." But the nurseryman did not see it in that light, and so Mr. Smiley left with his 499 trees just as a lady cus- tomer entered the door, and to her the nurseryman gave the one tree. Today Smiley Heights has those 499 magnificent trees, the pride and joy of everyone, and over in Seventh Street, San Bernardino, is that cull of the bunch, a truly splendid specimen of the tree kingdom, the delight of the whole city. It is also interesting to know that the early trees were from seeds gathered on the Himalaya Mountains, India, propagated in France, shipped to wholesale dealers in Los Angeles and from there sup- plied to the retailers. Forty years ago they were just coming into favor, today they are planted in plenty.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.