USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 74
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 74
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During the early months of 1896, the question of changing the name of the town was again agitated. At the same time the matter of incorpo- rating the town was considered. A meeting was held on the 23rd of April and steps were taken to incorporate as a city of the sixth class. As a result the County Supervisors passed favorably upon the proposition and an election was held which resulted in the selection of W. C. Barth, P. M. Coburn, Elwood Lilly, H. F. Sykes and J. T. Burton as city trustees ; J. L. Merriam as clerk, V. O. Harter, treasurer ; and F. H. Robinson, as marshal. At this election the question of a name was also submitted and the name Corona was chosen. Thus South Riverside passed into history and Corona was born. It was agreed by those who favored incorpora- tion that the city tax levy should not be more than ten cents per hundred dollars for the first year. This was partially because many said that the taxes would be a burden in the event of city government. The new board, organized July 20, by electing J. T. Burton as the first chairman. Wm. Corkhill was appointed the first recorder and Marshal Robinson the first street superintendent. With the re-naming of the town the first news- paper, the South Riverside Bee was changed to the Corona Courier. On August 5, 1897, the tenth anniversary of the founding of the town was
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celebrated with a banquet at Hotel Temescal, given by Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Taylor.
During the year, 1901, the proposition of water was again agitated, the result being the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of water bearing lands near Ethanac. These were later augmented by the addi- tion of four thousand acres purchased from the Chase Nursery Co. The water from this property, in addition to the supply already owned, has furnished plenty of water for all purposes up to the present time. Corona now has one of the best water supplies in Southern California.
A company was formed and a franchise issued in July 1903, to a group of Corona citizens, giving them the right to erect and maintain a gas and electric plant-thus assuring the community of these up-to-date conveniences. In the year 1905, Main Street was graded and gutters were built from the depot to Olive Street.
The First National Bank was organized August 11, 1905, with E. H. May as president and John P. Key 'as cashier. The present high school was built in the year 1906 at a cost, including the purchase of grounds and equipment, of $35,000. The Corona National Bank was organized the same year with W. J. Pentelow as president and M. Terpening as cashier.
The year 1909 perhaps witnessed one of our greatest strides in build- ing operations, at which time the Huff, Todd, Newton and Warner, Lil- libridge, Lyon, Dean, Taber and Glass Bros. buildings were erected. The same year an extensive addition was built to the Methodist Church and many residences were constructed. It was this year that bonds were voted that made possible the excellent sewer and storm-drain systems. The town was growing fast and many were of the opinion that we should have more city improvements.
Dr. R. D. Barber, one of Corona's pioneers, passed away May 25, 1910. Dr. Barber had the distinction of having set out the first lemon grove in the colony. This is still considered one of the good groves and is known as the Frank Scoville property, at present owned by F. W. Kuster. Dr. Barber was Riverside County's first Health Officer. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The Washington School House located on the Northwest Boulevard was built in 1910.
An election was held in the Fall of 1911 and bonds amounting to $135,000 were voted. With this money the present City Park, a fine fire- truck, the extension of East Sixth Street and other street improvements were made possible, as well as the building of our fine City Hall.
Corona has always had a very fine quality of citrus fruit but owing to the fact that a large per cent of our very best citrus groves are owned by capitalists, corporations or companies, who care little for the pub- licity received by getting prizes on choice fruit but little exhibiting of fruit has been done. It is a business of investment with them and the proposition of profit or loss is the only desideratum. The properties are not for sale as a general thing. Corona was able, nevertheless, in the vear 1911, under the wise leadership of Mr. W. J. Pentelow, president of the Chamber of Commerce at that time, to carry off the Grand Sweep- stakes Prize for the best display of lemons at the National Orange Show held in San Bernardino.
It was in the year 1911 that the Corona Post Office was made a Postals Savings Depository, thereby giving those who got their mail in Corona the advantages of the Postal Savings System.
A Knights of Pythias Lodge was instituted in June, 1911. the lodge formerly organized having long passed out of existence. The Corona Foothill Lemon Company was organized that year, largely through the
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efforts of S. B. Hampton, an experienced citrus fruit grower, formerly of Whittier. He associated with him men of wealth from Whittier and Los Angeles and they, together with local men, bought fifteen hundred acres of land situated above the upper pipe line. Wells were sunk inside of the circle near West Third Street and the Grand Boulevard. Pumps were installed and a pipe line laid to the property. These have furnished an abundance of water for the eight hundred acres that have been set out and they now harvest some of the finest lemons of any section in California. This land was said to be practically frostless and time has proven the truth of the prophecy.
During the year 1912, the Corona National Bank Building was com- pletely remodeled. It was constructed of white pressed brick and was made into a fine building. The downstairs is occupied by the bank, while the upstairs is made up of suites of office rooms.
CITY PARK, CORONA
The passing of Mr. W. H. Jameson, in the Fall of 1912, removed from our midst one of the most prominent citizens. In the Corona Courier of April 10, 1913, Mr. R. B. Taylor writes: "Mr. W. H. Jameson came here in 1888 and with his associates bought two thousand acres from the South Riverside Land and Water Company, lying north of the Temescal Wash. This, they subdivided and laid out a town-site and called it Auburndale. They built a $6,000 hotel and opened an office but did little business. In 1889, Mr. Jameson and his associates bought an interest in the South Riverside Land and Water Co. and merged the Auburndale property back into that company. Mr. Jameson succeeded Mr. R. B. Tay- lor as superintendent of the company and up until the time of his death was closely associated with the growth and prosperity of the citrus indus- try in our community.
The tragic death of Mr. A. F. Call, in an automobile accident in the year 1913, removed from this transitory life one of of most progressive and highly esteemed citizens. While still a resident of Sioux City, Iowa, Mr. Call had bought a large acreage of Corona citrus property. He came here a few years before his death to personally manage his prop-
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·erties and his splendid ability was soon recognized. His groves were considered models of the citrus industry. Having enjoyed long years of an extensive legal practice, he was looked upon as an authority in all mat- ters pertaining to his profession. He was sent from Corona to Washing- ton, D. C., on numerous occasions to represent the citrus growers when questions of National importance were under consideration.
It was in July, 1913, that oil was reported as struck in the well being dug in the Temescal Canyon, twelve miles south of Corona, by Ben White of Los Angeles. Nothing ever developed from it and the territory is still unproven, although many people think there is oil in that district. In fact, the Rugby Oil Co. now has an oil derrick on a lease two miles this side of the Ben White well. Drilling is expected to start soon.
AT THE AUTO RACES ON THE CIRCLE BOULEVARD
Corona staged her second great road race on November 26, 1914. It was estimated that 100,000 people witnessed Eddie Pullen's splendid victory, breaking all known records of a 300 mile race. In fact the first five to finish broke the previous world record for that distance. Nine- teen cars started in the race. Barney Oldfield in a Maxwell added a non-stop record to his credit, by driving the entire 300 miles without a stop, at an average rate of 85.5 miles per hour.
Corona was granted free mail delivery June 15, 1914, two deliveries per day being made. A community Christmas tree was an occasion of much enjoyment the same year. This was made possible through the efforts of the Woman's Improvement Club. The Majestic Theater was opened in January, 1915, thus adding an up-to-date picture house to Corona's amusement places. The first Pacific Electric cars reached our city February 13, 1915. The event was celebrated with the driving of the last spike by Mayor W. J. Pentelow. Officials of the road afterwards enjoyed a banquet with some of our leading citizens.
During the week ending January 29, 1916, occurred one of the heavi- est rainstorms ever experienced in Corona. Five and a quarter inches of rain fell in twenty hours, taxing the storm drains to their capacity. It is estimated that 30,000 inches of water came roaring through the streets. Owing to washouts on the Santa Fé Railroad, Governor Hiram Johnson and his party and 120 passengers were marooned in Corona for three days. The people were thus able to entertain the governor for those days, an honor not often enjoyed by a city so small as this.
The beautiful property at the south end of Main Street, known as the Garfield, Ben White or Cotton Ranch, was sold to Fidel Ganahl for a consideration of over $100,000. This fine property still belongs to the Ganahl Estate and is one of the show places of Corona.
April 8, 1916, occurred the third great Road Race on the Grand Boulevard. While this street was not improved with any idea of using it as a race course, its natural advantages are so evident that many think that we should use it annually for that purpose. The weather on the day of this third race was not all that could be desired for racing. This, together with the fact that the great racer, Bob Burman, his mechanic and one citizen met their deaths and also that the race was put on at a loss to the stockholders, makes it unlikely that Corona will ever care to stage another road-race to compete for world's records.
During 1916 the Temesecal Rock Company installed a rock crushing plant in the Temescal Canyon, with a capacity for crushing 600 tons of rick per hour. The rock which is crushed is rhvolitic porphyry and is used extensively throughout Southern California where building and road
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work are carried on. The plant is now operated by the Blue Diamond Plaster Co.
April 6, 1917, war was declared with Germany and many of the young men of Corona volunteered to do their share in the defense of our Country. About two hundred in all were on the honor roll and when the war was over, a number of gold stars appeared on our service flag. The supreme sacrifice had been made. During this trying period, Corona went over the top in every call for bonds, Red Cross or any other work pertain- ing to the war. Our citizens feel justly proud of the record we made.
In July, 1918, occurred the death of Mrs. Katherine McGuire at the ripe old age of 108 years. Mrs. McGuire never attended school. In her early days she spun her own yarn, wove cloth and made her own clothing. She pieced and made several quilts after her one hundredth birthday.
Considerable money was spent in 1918 around the old tin mines and it was hoped that we would see this industry again spring into operation but nothing of material consequence came of it.
Corona celebrated the Fourth of July, 1919, in old time style in honor of the home coming of our boys and three young women, Miss Ada Corkhill, Miss Joyce Birdsall and Miss Elizabeth Andrews, who took part in the World war. The celebration took place in the City Park and will long be looked upon as one of the most memorable events in the life of the community.
In July, 1919, the Pacific Sewer Pipe Company's large plant, north- west of town, was totally destroyed by fire. Thus one of Corona's most important industries was removed.
During the year 1920, much activity in the development of oil was manifest. Six or seven companies were incorporated and started opera- tions at distances varying from one to six miles from the city limits. Two of these wells have struck oil and others feel encouraged in their pros- pects. Just how much the oil industry may mean to our town is not known at the present time, January, 1922.
In February, 1920, the stockholders of the First National Bank voted to increase the capital stock to $75,000, making an institution having a capital and surplus of $100,000. The same year the First National Bank Building was entirely rebuilt. The bank. now occupies one of the most up-to-date banking rooms to be found in Southern California.
Grandma Lathrop, who is 98 years old and mother of Mrs. B. M. Lillibridge of this city, voted at the November election for Warren G. Harding, for President of the United States. This remarkable lady has lived while twenty-three of our Presidents have held office.
One of the enjoyable social events of the year was the celebration of the twenty-first birthday anniversary of the Woman's Improvement Club.
Through the efforts of Mr. W. E. Hill, president, and Mr. W. J. Pentelow, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Corona was able to get a cannon as a monument to our efforts in filling all of the requirements of the World war. This trophy is now mounted on a concrete pedestal in our City Park and stands as a memorial to our noble boys and to the work done in helping to make this world safe for democracy.
The bees around Corona were exceptionally busy during the year 1920 and there was shipped from our town over 200 tons of honey. While this is an extra large crop, nevertheless Corona always gives a good accounting of herself when it comes to producing nature's own sweet.
We often hear of uniting two offices to make one, but the uniting of two officers to make one, is quite unusual. Such was the case, however,
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when Mr. E. A. Stobbs, chairman of the city council and Miss May Grow, the efficient City Treasurer, were united in marriage January, 1921.
In February, 1921, Mr. F. L. Kinney secured a five years' lease on the Corona Securities Corporation Hotel Building and fitted it up with fine furnishings. We now enjoy a first-class hotel.
The opening of the Corona Hospital, on the corner of Main and Tenth streets, in April, 1921, by Miss Ada Corkhill, gave to the city a much needed institution for the public benefit.
An unusual amount of rain fell during December, 1921, causing con- siderable damage. The Prado bridge over the Santa Ana River was the only crossing for autos between Colton and Olive for a time. The other bridges were damaged to such an extent that they were rendered impas- sable. The large reservoir on the W. J. Hole ranch gave way and it was reported that some twenty tons of Black Bass were scattered over the surrounding country.
A ten to one vote on January 24, 1922, in favor of the Corona High School Bonds ($150,000) is a record to be proud of.
With the abundant rain fall and our escape from any serious damage by the late freeze, with our business buildings and residences all occupied, and building operations of all kinds going on, together with a new $150,- 000 High School to be built, Corona's outlook for 1922 is certainly very encouraging.
Verily those pioneers builded better than they knew. When they planned the Temescal Hotel and beautified the grounds on which it stood, little did they think that in the present year, 1922, there would stand in its place stately brick blocks. Or, when they hauled a few loads of gravel to fill the ruts on Main Street, their greatest ambitions would hardly have led them to believe, that today, concrete highways would lead through our town, connecting with state highways in all directions; that the half-mile race track just north of the depot would be turned into an alfalfa field, the Grand Boulevard made into a paved highway, on which the gasoline speed demon would replace the fleet-footed trotter.
But such is California. The lands that then sold for a few dollars per acre, along the wash north of the railroad tracks, and that were con- sidered of little value as agricultural lands, are now beautiful alfalfa fields and are worth several hundred dollars per acre. Instead of the better land lying neear the townsite, those lands nearer the foothills have proven to be the better adapted to citrus trees. From a few lines on paper, as Mr. R. B. Taylor expressed it, the town has grown to a thrifty city of 5,000 inhabitants. From that first orange grown in Mr. O. A. Smith's yard, has gradually developed an industry that ships about two thousand carloads of fruit annually. Of those who laid out the town and put into the early development of Corona their very best efforts in energy, time and money that the little colony might prosper, Mr. R. B. Taylor alone survives. He lives in Los Angeles and makes his home with his daughter.
But they laid the foundation well and the good work, that they did so much to start will go steadily on as long as the orange and lemon continue to grow and thrive in Sunny Southern California.
CORONA'S FIVE GENERATIONS. As a testimony of the healthfulness of California, Corona's five generations bear striking evidence. Four genera- tions voted for Harding at the last election, it having been Grandma Lathrop's request that she be carried to the polls that she might cast her ballot. The picture was taken on Grandma's ninty-ninth birthday. In the picture are Susan Hutchinson Lathrop, 99; Anna Lathrop Lillibridge, 75;
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Charles E. Lillibridge, 51; Clyde W. Lillibridge, 23, and Judith June Lillibridge, age five months.
BANKS. The first bank to be organized in our city was the Citizens Bank, which was organized in 1887, with a capital stock of $25,000. This bank is still in existence but is conducted principally as a savings bank and is owned by the stockholders of the First National Bank. It has deposits of about a quarter of a million dollars. Mr. T. C. Jameson is president and Mr. Geo. E. Snidecor, cashier of this bank. The second bank organized was the First National Bank with a capital stock of $25,000. The capital stock has since been increased to $75,000. The president is Mr. Geo. E. Snidecor and the cashier, Mr. Fred. E. Snidecor. The Corona National Bank was organized with a capital stock of $25.000. The president is Mr. Fred Richardson, and the cashier, Mr. Calvin G. Tilton. The First National Bank owns its building at the corner of Main and 6th streets, and the Citizens Bank is housed in the same room. The Corona National Bank is in a fine building of its own on another corner of Main and 6th streets.
BUILDING AND LOAN. In November, 1887, the first meeting to organ- ize a Building and Loan Association was called. Colonel Fawcett was elected chairman and Frank Dyer, secretary. After some discussion it was decided to organize with a capital stock of $200,000. That company long passed into history but later another Building and Loan Association was organized. John P. Key is secretary of this organization and a thriving business is now carried on by the local company.
CHURCHES. Sunday, July 8, 1887, occurred the first church dedica- tion in the new town. The Reverend Houlding preached the dedication sermon of the new Congregational Church and prophesied a bright future for the little congregation. This church was used by all denomina- tions for a time and is still used as a Congregational Sunday School room. From time to time other churches were built, until at present the fol- lowing places of worship are to be found in our city, each doing much good work: Methodist, Baptist, Congregational. Christian, Episcopalian, Christian Scientist, Free Methodist and Catholic. Each denomination owns its building and among them are to be found several fine structures.
THE CITRUS INDUSTRY. While Corona has her quota of business houses, homes and those things that go to make up a modern town of 5,000 inhabitants, yet the great support or prop, yes, backbone of it all, is our citrus industry. Favored as we are with one of the most advan- tageous locations of any in our state, so far as frost and wind are con- cerned, it makes an ideal place to grow all kinds of citrus fruits.
From the early days of the colony, the lemon has proven a leader here. Some eight or ten varieties have been tried out but of all of them only three have proven profitable commercially-the Lisbon, the Eureka and the Villa Franka. They produce in the order named, the Lisbon fur- nishing about 65 per cent of the fruit shipped, followed next by the Eureka, while only a small per cent are Villa Francas. About 3,500 acres of lemons are now in bearing, with new holdings being added annually. The Eureka bears constantly and fruit is picked practically every day in the year. The picking is governed only by the market con- ditions, as the fruit can be picked and then properly cured in the mod- ern packing house or can often remain on the trees for a longer time if so desired. The Lisbon is more of a seasonable bearer, furnishing
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fruit principally in two or three pickings throughout the year. About 62 per cent of the trees of Riverside County are in Corona.
About 2,500 acres are planted to oranges in the colony or 16 per cent of the trees within the county. There are so many different vari- eties of oranges that we will not attempt to name them all here and will speak of a few of the best commercial varieties. Of course the Navel is the leader and furnishes the great bulk of the fruit for shipping. They begin to ripen in the fall and by the first of the year are usually moving eastward at the rate of several carloads per day. By the last of May or early June, most growers like to have them off the trees as they drop very heavy when the hot summer days come.
The Valencia is second in acreage and is a summer or fall orange. The fruit will stay on the trees practically the year round and this is a good variety for bearing. Mediterranean Sweets were planted quite extensively in the early days but many of the growers of these have budded their groves over to Navels or Valencias. Other varieties planted to a limited extent were St. Michaels, Ruby and Malta Bloods, Seedlings and Tangerines. The last named varieties are seldom shipped in car lots as the growers usually have only a few rows of trees on their ranches. Several cars of grape fruit are shipped each season, as many as thirty acres of this variety of fruit being in one grove.
Other citrus trees do well, among them being the Avocado or Alligator Pear, the Loquat and the Guava. However, none of these are grown as yet for commercial purposes.
CITY GOVERNMENT. Corona was incorporated as a city of the sixth class in 1896. It is governed by a City Council, consisting of five mem- bers, who, together with a city clerk and city treasurer, are elected to serve for a term of four years. The City Council appoints a chief of police, health office, city nurse, city recorder, building inspector, library board, park board, and has general supervision over the affairs of the city. The Council at present is composed of E. A. Stobbs, A. H. Cross, J. C. Emerson, H. M. Key and L. L. Andrews. The city has an assessed valuation of over $5.000,000 and spends annually over $50,000 on the maintenance of municipal affairs.
THE CORONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. From time to time, ever since the town started, we have had organizations calling themselves Boards of Trade, Chambers of Commerce, etc. They were usually of but a few years' duration. At the present time Corona boasts of a good live Chamber of Commerce, with several hundred members. A board of directors of twenty-one members meets weekly and transacts business. Mr. Walter S. Clayson is president and Mr. E. F. Clarke secretary. An office is maintained on the main thoroughfare, where a paid secretary freely gives out information of all kinds.
THE CORONA COUNTRY CLUB. The Corona Country Club was orig- inally organized as the Corona Tennis Club. The need of grounds and quarters of their own was keenly felt and in 1911 a company was formed to handle the matter. After due consideration the fine property at the corner of West Olive and Vicentia streets was purchased. The residence on the property was remodeled and a large room added thereto, which serves as a hall for all kinds of parties. Three cement tennis courts, billiard table, piano and phonograph, together with plenty of room for dancing and dinners, provide amusement and recreation for the members. Since the purchase of the property the club has incorporated as the
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