USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 79
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 79
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IDYLLWILD, RIVERSIDE COUNTY'S GREAT MOUNTAIN RESORT
Delight of ease and rest in mountain nest, The nourishment of beauty to the eye ---
The joy of saffron dawn, the sunset west, The star-pricked purple night and music nigh.
The pleasure-font for hearts carefree is here --- Wine-tonic of the clime, the sports, the flowers- Sweet lure of scented spring to big you come And loiter through the happy golden hours.
The brooklet, strayed from rainbowed water-fall, Will gladden soul of man or maid or child; While shining, speckled beauties lurking there Tempt you to stay-and-play at Idyllwild.
Idyllwild is Riverside County's great mountain resort and one of the most wonderful of the West. It is there that Riverside County has selected a great county playground, which will be participated in by all of the communities of Riverside County. C. L. Emerson of Idyllwild has given five acres for the purpose, adjoining a large Government tract.
Sites for house sites, where people may have their own mountain homes, is going on at Idyllwild now. There were 120 of these sold last year and there are to be seventy houses built by private parties this summer. The resort is available and open all of the year, which gives it an advantage over most of the other mountain resorts of California.
Once you go to Idyllwild you no longer have to be urged to stay ; in fact, the difficulty lies in just the opposite direction. Idyllwild is just a notch in the mountain, with a beautiful brook flowing through its center, with banks of moss, wild rose and ferns, a luxuriance of every- thing that is beautiful in nature. There are more places of interest one can go to from Idyllwild than is afforded by any other mountain resort in Southern Califronia. In addition, you are offered the pleasure and benefit of a delightful climate, amid congenial environments, and with comfort and conveniences you would not expect and, indeed, seldom find at any mountain resort.
Many facilities for the entertainment of guests are provided at Idyll- wild. Bowling, billiards, tennis court, croquet grounds, childrens' play- grounds dancing pavilion-all are freely at the disposal of those who enjoy these pleasures, with hunting and trout fishing thrown in in abun- dance. The many delightful tramps to nearby places of interest, and the easy, picturesque trails in the saddle through that wonderful forest of Tahquitz to Mount San Jacinto afford endless fascinating diversion.
Idyllwild, with its monarchs of the forest, its lofty snowcapped peaks, its picturesque canyons and waterfalls, has aptly been called the "Yosemite of the South." It lies near the center of a vast U. S. Forest Reserve park, in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County, surrounded on every side by scenery of such imposing grandeur and sublimity, that nowhere else in all Southern California may be found its equal.
There is an elevation of 5,300 feet above sea level, which insures a dry, exhilirating, ozone-laden atmosphere, cool, clear, starlit nights, a complete and delightfully refreshing change for those who dwell near sea level. The location, the environments, the appointments of Idyllwild are as near perfect as nature and man can make them.
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Idyllwild is an epic poem of majestic heights, deep canyons, water- falls, and peaceful groves, set by nature to the rhythm of the winds' among the pines. It is a privately owned park of 970 acres of land in one body situated near the center of 700,000 acres of forest.
To be able to reach a spot so widely picturesque, so charmingly civ- ilized, so delightfully secluded, so remote in appearance and setting, yet so near in reality ; to be able to climb to over a mile above sea level, so easily and quickly are features to be enjoyed in no other single auto trip in Southern California.
A scenic auto drive, one of the best in the state, is from Hemet or San Jacinto to Idyllwild. The grades are easy and the way affords a degree of safety rarely equaled in roads of this character. A pleasant and convenient journey for autoists is via San Jacinto or Hemet and Riverside, returning via Banning over the Banning-Idyllwild grade.
Here the vacationist enjoys advantages of the postoffice, daily mail in summer, general store, steam laundry, ice plant, long distance tele- phone, electric lights barber shop and a complete water system supply- ing an abundance of pure mountain spring water.
The Idyllwild Inn serves good, wholesome meals to match mountain appetites. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available in season and pure milk and cream are provided from our own dairy.
Idyllwild has a well-equipped saddle livery for summer, while for winter enthusiastic bob-sledders or skiing parties contribute to the zest of sport.
MARCH FIELD. (By Clyde F. Rex, Editor of The March Field Fly Leaf). To chronicle events of progress in Riverside County without mention of March Field, Army Air Service Pilots' School, would be to eliminate one of its greatest assets. Although military in character, if. classed as an industry, March Field is one of the largest commercial projects in the Southland. For, who will deny the future of aviation, in the development of which, whether military or commercial, March Field has played an important part?
Established here through the earnest endeavor of the Riverside Cham- ber of Commerce as a war-time training field, March Field has proved its worth, not alone to the Government, but to the community. Because of its remarkable record, geographical location and climatic conditions. it was selected as one of two permanent preliminary training fields in the country. Perusal of its flying record is sufficient to warrant its per- manent establishment. Yet advices from Washington indicate that when the money becomes available hundreds of thousands of dollars will be expended in the erection of permanent buildings, indicative of its future value to the community.
That there is an annual expenditure of more than $800,000, the greater part of which is spent in Riverside because of March Field, was the statement of fact recently presented to Riverside civic organizations by one of its well known laymen. This was estimated on the basis that men of the command do not spend more than 25 per cent of their income away from the community, although it is quite possible that the per- centage will average much higher. In all events it is conservative to state that at least $50,000 is expended monthly in Riverside because of March Field.
Despite alarming reports as to personnel and army appropriation bills for the coming fiscal year, work at March Field will progress as in the past. Already plans are being made for the next class of flying cadets. Furthermore aerial forest patrol operations will continue from
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this base during the coming summer months as in the past. Whatever measures of economy may be adopted by the war department, they cannot to a great extent hinder continued activities in the preliminary training program for Uncle Sam's aviators.
By way of review of aerial activities at March Feld during 1920 it is interesting to note, figuratively speaking, that pilots from this train- ing field covered an aerial distance equal to 46 times around the world. Statistics obtained from the flying records show that at least 14,522 hours were consumed in flight. The average air speed of an airplane is 80 miles an hour. Therefore, as the school teacher says, approximately 1,161,840 miles were covered in aerial flight. Divide it by 25,000, the approximate mileage around old Mother Earth, and you get the figure 46, plus or minus, anyway you care to look at it.
Jules Verne performed the stunt "once in eighty days" in fiction. March Field pilots "did the trick" once in every seven and a half days, should you care to carry your figures that far. And, further, the average airplane motor will consume eight gallons of gasoline an hour. Figure out the cost of gasoline, then tell us how many Fords it will take to consume the same amount of "gas" and the approximate mileage of each.
But we will linger no longer with figures of that sort. During the past year two cadet classes, each containing about sixty men, have been graduated. The third class of about fifty men is nearing completion of the course. In addition more than thirty naval men have received flying instruction at this school and some sixty commissioned officers in various branches of the army are being taught to fly. Couple all this with the still greater records established during the war and since estab- lishment of the field in June of 1918, when actual flying began, and we have without doubt one of the most remarkable flying records of any aviation school in the country.
Conservative estimates give this school 55,000 flying hours during the past three years. This is representative of about 4,400,000 miles or 160 times around the world, and so on. Close to 1,500 men have been "soloed" or, in other words, "converted into airplane pilots." Many of them remain in the service. Others have taken up commercial avia- tion. Still others have returned to civilian life but are still interested in aviation. At least 60 per cent of the graduated pilots retain reserve commissions.
During the training of these men but ten deaths have occurred on the flying field. But nine of these were the result of actual flight. Thus it is shown that the death rate is very small in point of accomplishments. This is none the less true of aviation in general, for, after all, as the result of these sacrifices and continued aerial activities aviation will give to the world, from a military viewpoint, its most reliable means of pro- tection, and from a commercial viewpoint its most valuable means of transportation.
In relating aerial accomplishments for the past year a brief resume of forest patrol activities, as carried out from this field, is of major importance. It is also worthy of note that throughout a period of a little over six months, during which the patrol was in order, there were no casualties and but one minor accident. This, despite the fact that cadet pilots performed most of the work. The following statistical table, compiled from records in the flying office, tells the story.
Total number of flights, 314.
Total flying time, 1,143 hrs. 38 min.
Total gallons gas consumed, 19,990.
Total gallons oil consumed, 1,2221/4.
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Area square miles covered, 131,479,493.
Total miles flown, 108,920.
Total fires discovered, 131.
Total ships flown, 6.
Total minor accidents, 1.
Total major accidents, none.
The above report covers activities of the forest patrol flight from May 19 to October 31. Because of its record of accomplishments let- ters of commendation were received by the commanding officer from both Major H. H. Arnold, Corps Area Air Service Officer, and from District Forester Paul G. Redington. Needless to say, this aerial patrol saved mountain timber valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars from total destruction by fire.
Few people of the community, apparently, appreciate March Field. Since the World war it has been difficult for Uncle Sam to convince the public that the army is "their own institution," an institution, in fact, which they should feel proud of and take an interest in. You will find courteous treatment at this aviation school and a willingness to conduct visitors about the field. There is nothing to tire you about aviation. On the contrary you will be amazed at the scope of it- what it has to offer the young American.
When a young man leaves the Air Service he is equipped with a trade which should be his most valuable asset. Educational and voca- tional training of the enlisted men is now a requirement at all army camps. Investigation of this work as carried out at March Field will be a revelation to the casual outsider who has no good word for the army and never takes the time to investigate its true worth. Visit March Field and be convinced.
In return, men of March Field love California. Many of them come from distant parts of the United States. They appreciate the Com- munity Service Club in Riverside, likewise the attentions of the home folk who make life worth while for a soldier when off duty. How many of these men who came to California in military service have returned? The number is quite unbelievable. Most of them have estab- lished homes in the community. All of which, we pause to remark, is an asset for Riverside, for a goodly number of them who have served in the past or are still stationed at the nearby aviation school are now legal voters in your respective precincts. -
In this little narrative personalities have been avoided purposely. On this same page, however, you will find illustrations with appropriate cut lines, which to some extent will give details about certain individ- uals, from among the commissioned personnel, who are in charge of various departments at March Field. To their efforts belong credit for the school's reputation.
And in closing we will list a few incidents of note, during 1920, in which March Field, either as a school, or its individuals, played a prominent part, in local activities :
Conversion of the Camp "Y" into the enlisted men's Service Club and its equipment at considerable expense by Anita Baldwin.
Ninth Aero Squadron quartered at this field.
March Field's footbal team defeats Santa Fe eleven at San Ber- nardino.
School for forest rangers opened at March Field.
Major Albert D. Smith establishes new coast record from Camp Lewis to San Diego in one day.
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Flag Day Air Show big success.
Three planes equipped with reversible pitch propellers.
SHERMAN INSTITUTE. Sherman Institute, U. S. Indian, non-reserva- tion boarding school, is located on Magnolia Avenue, about six miles southwest from the business section of Riverside, California. The city itself lies about sixty-five miles east of Los Angeles, in the midst of Southern California's famous orange groves, and is the home of 25,000 inhabitants. It is reached by three steam railroads, thus it is accessible from practically all part of the country. In addition to the steam roads, the country is laced with electric railways and paved highways.
Sherman was named in honor of James Schoolcraft Sherman, who at the time of the removal of the school to its present site, was chair- man of the Committee on Indian Affairs in the House of Representa- tives, and later became Vice-President of the United States. Previous to the year 1901, the school was located near Perris, California, and was known as the Perris School. The plant was moved to its present site during the years 1901 and 1902. And the original plant, consisting of nine buildings was completed in the spring of 1902.
The first appropriation for Sherman, amounting to $75,000 was authorized by Congress May 31, 1900. The site for the main plant con- sists of forty acres. Building operations were begun in the spring of 1901, and the first party of pupils arrived in the summer of 1902. From this modest beginning twenty years ago, the school has grown to its pres- ent size.
The plant today consists of about sixty buildings with modern con- veniences. Appropriation is made for seven hundred and fifty students. About sixty-five men and women are employed. The buildings in which are centered the activities of life of Sherman students are the school building, library, three dormitories for boys, three dormitories for girls, hospital, gymnasium, laundry, boiler house, bakery, dining hall, three industrial buildings for boys and a domestic science building for the girls.
The course of study is based largely upon the actual needs of Indian boys and girls. The course was worked out in the Office of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C., for all Indian schools, and by a committee' of the strongest schoolmen in the service. It correlates the academic and industrial work, giving the latter a large place in the course. Upon com- pleting the work at Sherman, boys and girls may enter high school at Riverside, with credits sufficient to carry them into regular high school work for their junior and senior years.
The student body is divided into two divisions which alternate in academic and industrial work, changing each day at noon. The academic course provides for instruction in all grades from the first to tenth, inclusive. Industrial work includes practical training in carpentry, mechanical drawing, masonry, blacksmithing, shoe and harness making, agriculture, tailoring, printing, engineering and baking for the boys; and cooking, sewing, nursing, laundering and general housekeeping for the girls.
The religious work at Sherman is under the supervision of capable workers. Two regular workers are supported by the General Missionary Board, and the Federated Churches of Riverside, for the Protestant work; and the Catholic Church provides a resident worker for Catholic students. The Catholics have a church and parish house adjacent to the school.
In connection with the academic work, and under the direct super- vision of academic teachers, are three literary societies for girls and three
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for boys. Two boys' societies and two girls' societies are composed of students of the four upper grades. Regular meetings are held every two weeks which are open to visitors. Nearing the close of the school year, the girls' societies hold a contest in the auditorium which is open to the general public. The boys' societies hold a similar contest. Students below the classes of the seventh grade compose the two junior societies. These likewise hold regular meetings during the year. Society work provides training in declamation, debating, music, the scope of which is adapted to the ability of the students in their respective grades.
General health conditions at Sherman are under the direct supervision of one of Riverside's leading physicians, and a trained nurse. The hos- pital, a large modern structure, is equipped to care for all emergencies.
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FRONT VIEW SHERMAN INSTITUTE
Four miles from the main plant is located the farm, a tract of one hundred acres, all under irrigation. About fifty boys and girls are accommodated here, who receive practical training in general farm work. The academic and industrial work is carried on there with the same routine as the main plant. There are five employees, farmer, who is in charge, teacher, who acts also as disciplinarian for the boys ; cook, who supervises the work of the girls : and two assistants.
During the vacation periods Sherman students go out to work under what is known as the Outing System. The boys work on ranches or in other lines of work. A large number are able to secure employment where they can make use of the training received in the trades at the school. An outing agent has charge of placing the boys and collecting the money that they earn. Likewise, the girls are under the supervision of an outing matron and are placed only in homes that are known to be respectable, and with the understanding that their general welfare is to
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be closely safeguarded at all times. It is considered. a privilege for the boys and girls to go out to work, and in case they abuse their privileges they are brought in and others who are worthy of trust are permitted to take their places. Under the system something over $30,000 is earned by our boys and girls each year. A certain per cent of the money is paid directly to the students, the balance is sent to the school, where it is kept in trust for the pupils until it is needed for their use. In this way Sherman's young people are encouraged to save their money and to spend it wisely.
Sherman has a number of fine opportunities for her students who are musically inclined. The band and orchestra are highly developed, and the boys who "make good" in these organizations are able to go and work with similar organizations throughout the country. The school choir provides valuable training for a large number of boys and girls. The societies have their glee clubs as do several of the upper classes. A large number of boys and girls receive private lessons from the band director, and music teacher.
Athletics fill a large place in the life of every boy and girl at Sherman Institute. The boys have their football baseball, basketball and track teams. The girls enjoy baseball, basketball and other outdoor amuse- ments. In addition, the boys have their gun drills, and the girls their Indian clubs and wand drills. These drills are featured each year at Commencement time and at the Riverside Fair in the fall. Sherman's new gymnasium provides for indoor games and other physical activities.
The social life at Sherman is varied and full of interest for every Indian boy and girl. Regular socials are given for older students every two weeks, and for younger pupils once each month. In addition there are many parties given during the year by the officers, departments, musi- cal organizations, and classes. Special holiday programs are also given during the year. These events have their regular places on the school calendar and are properly chaperoned by employees.
In closing this rather brief sketch of Sherman Institute it is not intended that the above should be a complete analysis of the activities of the school, but to answer briefly a number of the questions that are continually asked by hundreds of visitors who come to Sherman, and who are interested in the welfare of Indian boys and girls.
In addition to the foregoing taken from the Senior Class Annual for 1921, the class that graduated was the largest to graduate from Sherman Institute and consisted of 35 members representing fifteen tribes and seven states. In the Institute tribal affinities are not encouraged, but all mingle together. Some of them went to the great war and acquitted themselves with credit. In regard to citizenship, tribal relationships may be abandoned at any time, and American citizenship attained, according to Frank M. Conser, Superntendent. As far as possible co-education is the rule, but each sex have their own recreation grounds and exercises proper to each. Military drill is gone through with all the boys and the girls have training proper to their sex.
The education given corresponds to the tenth grade which corresponds to two years of high school, and where desired the high school course can be completed in Riverside. All ordinary printing is done by the scholars themselves, and whatever is done is equal in every respect to that done elsewhere. There are improvements and additions going on all the time to the buildings and grounds which are all done by the students themselves, thereby making a large saving to the government. There are now sixty buildings on the forty acres which have an estimated value
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of $250,000. There are some additions to the forty acres which are used to grow vegetables for the use of the school.
About four miles further down the valley is a farm of 100 acres, which is cultivated for the use of the Institute and on it there are fifty students who perform all the labor under the supervision of a superin- tendent. There is also a school at the farm where the students continue their studies while performing farm labors.
There are about seventy-five employees in connection with the Insti- tute, and 780 students that are constantly on the increase. Everything is conducted in English and by the time they graduate they are quite pro- ficient in that language. Mr. Consor, the superintendent, says that in their studies the Indians are about as proficient as the white man, and it appears that environment has about as much influence as heredity. The bulk of those who pass through the Institute are permanently benefitted, and only in isolated cases do they revert to primitive conditions.
The semi-civilized tribes of New Mexico, such as the Zunis do not come to Sherman Institute, but have schools of their own under the super- vision and support of the Federal Government, where they are educated in the acquirements of our modern civilization.
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