History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 46

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934

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Some time before his death, news of his un- fortunate habit reached the lassies of the Sal- vation Army in San Jose. Two of them re- solved to ride up to the place and use argu- ments and prayers to induce him to cut loose from John Barleycorn. Bob was shy and em- barrassed in the presence of women, and when the Salvation Army lassies arrived he was shyer than ever, for he was just recovering from one of his periodical debauches. He greeted his visitors awkwardly and listened shamefacedly while they argued and pleaded. All the time he was fingering nervously the strings of his banjo. Argument was followed by prayers. The lassies knelt with heads bowed and prayed earnestly for the redemp- tion of the man who stood above them. And while they prayed Bob, hardly knowing what he was doing, kept on with his banjo playing. He gave them as accompaniment to the prayer, "Old Dan Tucker" and "There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight," and other lively tunes. Once a lassie looked up, a smile on her face, but when she noted the rapt ex- pression on Old Bob's face the smile fled and the eyes dropped.

Juvenile Court and Probation Office

In 1908 Judge M. H. Hyland of the Superior Court became convinced from observation and experience that the law was unfair in its treat- ment of offenders under the age of twenty- one. In his opinion they should not be treated with the same severity that marked the treat- ment of adult offenders. He was therefore instrumental in the establishing of a juvenile court. To carry out his idea it was necessary

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that a probation officer should be appointed. There was no authority in law for the pay- ment of a salary to this officer and for a time he had to rely on the enterprise and good sense of the board of supervisors. This body al- lowed his claim for expenses, but could go no farther in the matter. The first probation offi- cer was Frank R. Shafter, who for some time had been actively connected with the Humane Society. He was succeeded by Geo. W. Lee. a Civil War veteran, and it was during Mr. Lee's incumbency that the State Legislature established the juvenile court and fixed a sal- ary for the probation officer. From this time on the court waxed in influence and the proba- tion officer found all the work he could do. Mr. Lee was succeeded by J. L. Montgomery, who held office until appointed as the head of the Preston Reform School at lone. After him came C. H. Waterman and Mrs. Catherine Brattan, the present officer. She has as assist- ant E. A. Raymond. At the start the object of the probation office was to look after the interests of juvenile offenders, but latterly it has taken charge of state adult criminals who have been released from prison on probation. These offenders living in Santa Clara County are obliged to report to the probation office at stated times. Employment is found for them and they are given every opportunity to be- come good citizens. Of the 117 looked after in 1919, eighty-seven per cent have made good. In respect of the juveniles the probation offi- cer, representing the juvenile court, hunts up cases of minors whose home life is not what it should be, or who have been regarded as bad boys or girls, made so by evil association and home surroundings, and as far as possible so improve the conditions as to give the subjects opportunity to lead moral lives. Many cases which might have come into court have been satisfactorily settled by the probation office. The juvenile court holds weekly sessions and offenders who are not released on probation are sent, not to prison, but to a reform school, . convent or orphanage. Mrs. Brattan has been in office for seven years and has made a fine record for efficiency. From her last annual re- port the following statistics are taken :

New cases in which court action was taken -Male, 118: female, 44 ; total, 162. Cases set- tled informally-Male, 327; female, 97; total, 424. Wards placed on probation since Janu- ary 1, 1919, to January 1, 1920-Male, 38; fe- male, 2: total, 40. Free homes found, 30 since January 1, 1919, to January 1, 1920. Positions found, 60 since January 1, 1919, to January 1, 1920. Families reconciled, 26 since January 1, 1919, to January 1, 1920. Visits to homes, 242 since January 1, 1919, to January 1, 1920.

Investigations, 571 since January 1, 1919, to January 1, 1920.

The Coffee Club

The San Jose Coffee Club Association is a semi-philanthropic, co-operative membership association, organized for the purpose of es- tablishing rest and reading rooms which are maintained by the proceeds of the lunch de- partment conducted in connection. The idea was originated about twenty years ago by Ernest Fox, now of Stockton, who received his inspiration from the old English coffee houses and tea rooms. These places were, and in some places still are, the social centers of their respective communities, operated as they are along temperance lines, but partaking of the conviviality of the ancient taverns. The club has fine rooms in a building on South Second Street near the corner of San Fernando Street. Almost any day one may see in the clubrooms the well-to-do man of affairs rub- bing elbows with the "down-and-outer," to their mutual profit. Thus the club has become the melting pot of the community, enabling all sorts and conditions of men to meet as equals, for all are treated with courtesy and respect. It was started with membership fees and do- nations amounting to about $600 and has grown to its present worth through the re- capitalization of the accumulated profits, there being no dividends or disbursements among the members or directors, all accumulations remaining in the business to be used for im- provements and extension work.

With a growth from $600 to $15,000 in cash value, of floor space from 900 to 12,000 square feet, wages paid annually from $1,000 to $12,- 000, foodstuffs bought from $3,000 to $27,000. and from 300 to 1800 people accommodated daily, it may be seen that the Coffee Club fills a need and meets with public approval. The officers and directors of the Coffee Club Asso- ciation are: Charles F. Crothers, president ; L. P. Edwards, vice-president ; Mrs. Maud A. Jacks, secretary ; Dr. E. R. Wagner, Dr. Ed- ward Newell, Prof. C. B. Gleason, Mrs. E. H. Baker, Miss Alice Winans, A. D. Campbell and S. D. Mathews is the manager.

The Woman's Exchange

The Woman's Exchange was started in 1899 from money gathered by Mrs. A. T. Herr- mann and Mrs. Collins. The main object of the exchange was to give to needy women un- able on account of family ties to do work on the outside, the opportunity to make a living in their own homes by baking bread, cakes, pies, etc., to be sold at a very small profit by the exchange. The sale shop is in Central Market, with Miss Alice Myers as manager.

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Mrs. Herrmann has been treasurer ever since the organization. She now acts as president also. The other officers are Mrs. M. V. Nye, vice-president : Mrs. Wallace, secretary. The only salaried officer is the manager.

Humane Societies

The Santa Clara County Humane Society came into existence over twenty years ago, but for a time no business was done. In June, 1909, a reorganization was effected, with Dr. John W. Davy as president. The original ob- ject was to prevent cruelty to animals and children, but when the probation office was es- tablished the society ceased to work for the children and gave its whole attention to dumb animals. In June, 1919, Dr. Davy resigned the presidency and was succeeded by Geo. F. Wakefield. At the election in June, 1920, the following officers were elected: President, G. F. Wakefield ; vice-presidents, Dr. J. W. Davy, F. R. Shafter, Mrs. A. M. Olinder ; secretary, Mrs. E. R. Croft; treasurer, Miss F. Ury ; di- rectors, Mrs. E. R. Croft, Mrs. G. F. Wake- field, Mrs. E. H. McCarthy, Mrs. E. A. Guil- bault.

In December, 1919, the Humane Educational Committee was organized as an offshoot of the Humane Society by Mrs. G. F. Wakefield. It has twenty-one members and the object is to educate the young to being kind to animals by talks and lectures. These talks are given mainly in the public schools. On June 23, 1920, under the auspices of the committee, Mrs. Minnie Maddern Fiske, the distinguished actress, spoke at the Hotel Vendome on the conservation of food animals and the abolish- ment of the trap. She was introduced by Mrs. Wakefield. Mrs. Fiske first made fetching apology for her appearance, stating that she had hoped to arrive in time to put on "her beautiful dress," but as she looked very lovely in her satin traveling cloak with its corsage of orchid-tinged sweet peas, her appearance was delightfully satisfying and proved that a lecture may be twice as interesting when the lecturer retains her femininity.

Touching briefly on a recent moment of dis- couragement when after twenty years of in- cessant labor a small body of humanitarians found that conditions were no better but even worse, Mrs. Fiske told of the renewed cour- age that came to them with a suggestion from a man in Denver who had devoted the best year's of his life to their particular study. It is no longer necessary, she explained, to apolo- gize or offer explanation for the mental atti- tude of those who feel a very great responsi- bility toward the dumb creation, although fifty years ago anyone interested in it was laughed at, and the old criticism that such

people were insensible to human need should be extinct by this time, for it is stupid and wicked. Nor are humanitarians sentimental- ists. Booth Tarkington, the creator of Pen- rod, and James Metcalf, editor of "Life," both active humane workers, were cited as exam- ples and no one would consider them senti- mentalists.

The Jack London Society was formed in May, 1920. It is a national organization with headquarters in Boston. There are no officers and no dues. Each member, by his signature, agrees to leave any motion picture or other performance where trained animals appear, and to inform the manager of the reason for the departure. The movement was started after the publication of Jack London's two dog stories, "Michael" and "Jerry."

Young Men's Christian Association

The Young Men's Christian Association of San Jose was formed in 1867. For several years it had a precarious existence. In 1873 it "ceased to function" and its books and other furnishings were sold to the San Jose Library Association. A few years later it was on its feet again and in 1890 a fine two-story mod- ern wooden building was erected for its use. The location was on North Second Street near St. John. For several years the association had its ups and downs, but as debts began to accumulate it was found necessary to sell the building and lot. The Labor Temple Associa- tion was the purchaser. Up to 1912 the Y. M. C. A. occupied rented quarters. In May, 1911, with new blood in its veins, the association started a campaign for funds for a new build- ing and equipment. The first gift was that of Chas. D. Blaney for $5,000. This was followed by one from Mrs. Maria P. Schofield for $25,- 000. In all, in ten days' work. the sum of $160,000 was subscribed. A large lot on the southeast corner of Third and Santa Clara streets was purchased and ground for the new building was broken on April 18, 1912. The cornerstone was laid on August 20 of that year. The building is a credit to the city. It is of the modern renaissance design. The building is 1321/2 feet on the Third street side and 571/2 feet on the Santa Clara street side. At the rear the gymnasium, which has a width of 40 feet, forms an L extending to the east 75 feet. The building is five stories and base- ment. It is of entire concrete construction with concrete stairways.

The basement has four first-class bowling alleys. Electric and steam driven pumps sup- ply water from the artesian well and circulate the hot and cold water supply to the baths and different parts of the building. The ven- tilating and indirect heating system is in-

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stalled and there is also the Rotex vacuum system of cleaning. The reading room is a portion of the west side of lobby and provides a very convenient place for the reading of the many periodicals, books and newspapers on file. Here is a correspondence table in- viting the stranger to write the delayed let- ter. On the east side of the lobby are the billiard and pocket billiard tables. All the fur- niture here, as well as in all parts of the building, is of solid fumed oak construction. The gymnasium is 40 feet wide and 75 feet long. The floor is of white maple. It is pro- vided with a running track 6 feet wide, the track being twenty-eight laps to the mile. The swimming pool is 20 by 60 feet. The floor of the pool is laid with vitrified tile and its walls are lined with glazed white tile. The edge of the floor around the entire pool, as well as the overflow edge which continues entirely around the pool, is constructed so as to keep the pool in the most sanitary condition and also provides good hand holds. The water is crystal clear, the pool having a capacity of over fifty thousand gallons. The twenty-two shower baths are constructed of marble and tile and nickel fittings throughout. The boys' department is located on the west portion of the second floor, with separate game and read- ing rooms, equipped to delight every active boy. The assembly room has a seating capac- ity of 250. A kitchen adjoins this room, pro- viding means of serving banquets and suppers. The dormitories occupy the third, fourth and fifth floors. There are seventy-five rooms in all. Each floor is equipped with ample lava- tories, shower baths, linen closets and trunk room.

Chas. D. Blaney was chairman of the build- ing committee and his assistants were E. N. Richmond, Prof. J. E. Hancock, H. A. Blanch- ard and Geo. C. Wilson. Blanchard, then president of the board of directors. The Citi- zens Campaign Committee to raise the funds for the building had as chairman Henry C. Murgotten, who was assisted by Chas. A. Titus, special secretary, Y. M. C. A., and the following group leaders business men: J. S. Williams, C. H. Waterman, Fred MI. Stern, W. L. Prussia. V. Koch, E. K. Johnston, J. W. Chilton, G. W. Borchers, H. M. Barn- grover, L. B. Avery. Young men: W. E. Spearman, E. D. Shepherd. E. N. Richmond. F. H. Patterson, M. D., J. W. Nixon, Ed. Newell, M. D., C. W. Janes, Geo. N. Herbert, J. D. Crummey, C. D. Cavallaro.

The new building was opened on May 29, 1913. The association is conducted by the fol- lowing business men of San Jose : Board of di- rectors-A. S. Bacon, Frank H. Benson, H. A. Blanchard, Geo. B. Campbell, C. D. Cavallaro,

John D. Crummey, D. J. Denhart, Geo. D. Gilman, J. E. Hancock, J. E. Hoblit, Dale Hol- land. Stanley D. Mathews, V. T. McCurdy. Dr. Edward Newell, W. B. Reilly, H. T. Reynolds, W. H. Stray, Dr. E. R. Wagner, C. H. Water- man. Dr. A. E. Dickinson ; board of trustees- W. G. Alexander, Dr. D. A. Beattie, H. A. Blanchard, C. D. Blaney, D. C. Crummey. Chas. F. Crothers, W. S. Orvis, Dr. E. R. Wag- ner. Dr. C. M. Richards; the activities of the association are directed by these secretaries : R. C. Smedley, F. A. Saxton, G. E. Atkinson, H. V. Lucas, C. G. Mathews.

It is the business of the association to keep men on their feet ; to help them to be physical- ly strong, well and efficient. The total attend- ance at the gymnasium for the last year was 24,793. Shower baths to the number of 29,000 were taken and 21.600 swims were enjoyed in the big, crystal pond : 3,136 different men oc- cupied rooms in the dormitory, some for one night, some for months, finding a clean, safe place away from home. Over 1,400 service men were helped since June 1, 1919. Ex-serv- ice men, numbering 427, were helped to find positions and 582 were given temporary help when they were without money. Hundreds were given counsel and advice on personal and business matters. Through lectures, entertain- ments, socials and personal service hundreds have found help at point of need. The as- sociation is distinctly a Christian Associa- tion. It does not force religion on anyone. but conducts a work intended to present Christian principles in a practical way. Geo. D. Gilman is president of the association, John D. Crummey is vice-president, R. C. Smedley is secretary, and Fred Saxton is physical dir- ector.

Boys' Outing Farm

After the earthquake of April 18, 1906, Mrs. Bertha M. Rice, a philanthropic woman of San Jose, visited San Francisco and what she saw enlisted her sympathies in behalf of the boys who roamed the streets in the Potrero district. Her sympathy soon found practical form and a few months after her visit she se- cured control of a large tract of rolling land in the foothills above Saratoga. The tract commands a fine view of the Santa Clara Val- ley and is in every respect admirably suited to the purpose she had in mind-to provide a place for boys' outing in vacation or other times. Her plans met the approval of many charitable and well-to-do women of San Fran- cisco and funds were secured for the launch- ing of the laudable undertaking. Every year since 1906 the boys of San Francisco and oth- er cities of Central California have flocked to the place, finding there not only a healthful climate and beautiful surroundings, but all the

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appliances for outdoor sports and recreation. The farm is supplied with a large cement swimming pool, a Greek Theater and many tents. The Boy Scouts have found the farm an ideal camping place and they come in num- bers to the place every summer. Last year (1921) was the fourteenth annual encampment of the Scouts. Sunday evening services were held around a huge camp fire and many noted speakers came down to address the children. A number of San Francisco school teachers and scientists from the universities are as- sisting Mrs. Rice and her son, Roland, who is her right-hand man, in a course of nature study trips and lectures which have been in- augurated for the benefit of the children. Vis- its are made to the Lick Observatory at Mt. Hamilton, the State Redwood Park and other points of interest.

Red Cross Society

The San Jose Chapter of the Red Cross So- ciety was organized in 1898 and the work it has done. forms one of the brightest pages of history. The first thought of this mighty philanthropy that set the pulse of the whole world throbbing in sympathy, originated with Henry Dunant, an humble but noble-hearted Swiss, who while wandering over the battle- field of Solferino, in the capacity of a reporter. was so forcibly impressed with the necessity of immediate help for the multitude of man- gled soldiers he saw lying there with their livid faces turned to the sky, crying out with their dying breath for a drop of water, that he determined to make an appeal to the world at large to relieve, if possible, the misery of those who risk their lives on the battlefield for their country. He wrote not of the glory of war, or in praise of its heroes, but on the horror of the sacrifice and suffering it involved, stirring the very heartstrings of the people and creating such enthusiasm for the cause that he was requested to appear before the public and explain his views. The meeting was held and Dunant set forth his plan of or- ganized and systematized relief, in time of war, irrespective of friend or foe. At this meeting a call was issued for an international convention to be composed of those in sym- pathy with the noble design of its founder. The convention met in Geneva in 1863, held a four days' session and issued a call for a gen- eral convention in 1864. This second conven- tion lasted two weeks and resulted in the adop- tion of a code of nine articles which after- wards became the basis of what is known as the Geneva Treaty. This code, which has been accepted and adopted by every civilized nation of the world, is the basis of the Red Cross Society.

The Geneva Treaty provided for the neu- tralization in time of war of the wounded, of persons and material for their care, of hos- pital nurses and hospital supplies. A flag as a common sign for hospitals, and an arm badge for convoys and attaches, was agreed upon. The flag adopted was a red cross on a white ground in honor of the country in which the charity originated. Wherever this little flag. blazoned with its red cross, is unfurled, it an- nounces no idle dream of material glory, but regardless of country or creed, touches the heart of every soldier with the spirit of broth- erly love. It is even on the battlefield "the touch of nature which makes the world akin." It gives place, too, for woman, with her tender and humanizing influences, even on the "bat- tle's bloody marge." She need no longer sit with tearful eyes and folded hands, awaiting the dread issue of the conflict-she can serve under the flag of the Red Cross as an angel of mercy.

The organization of the Red Cross in Amer- ica is mainly due to that noble woman, Clara Barton. The formation of the International Society came too late for its utilization in the American Civil War of 1861-65, in which Miss Barton took an honorable and active part. During the Franco-German war of 1870 she went to Europe, carrying on her deeds of mercy under the sheltering folds of the Red Cross. On her return to the United States she tried to have the American Government adopt the Geneva Treaty and persisted in her efforts during the administrations of Presi- dents Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. It was finally adopted by Congress on March 2. 1882. Miss Barton, who had previously or- ganized a Red Cross Association, was made its first president, and the exceeding glory of having first planted this beneficent society on American soil belongs to her. After the ac- ceptance of the Geneva Treaty, the National Association at Washington was formed, and that was quickly followed by state associa- tions. No society, however, was formed in California until the breaking out of the Amer- ican-Spanish War in 1898. During that war and through the strenuous days that followed the earthquake of 1906, the San Jose Chapter performed noble service. But its crowning efforts were exhibited during the European war of 1914-1918, particularly during the two years that witnessed America's participation in the struggle. The story of the self-sacrific- ing work of the chapter, which was organized in 1917, is told in another chapter of this his- tory. It was the first chapter on the Coast to mannfacture and ship garments to the refugees of France and Belgium. It has never been without funds. Overhead expenses were never

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more than two per cent of the money handled. The society affords relief in times of peace as well as of war. The National Society was the great reliever of suffering during the floods at Galveston and Dayton, the fires at Boston and San Francisco, and the earthquake on the Pacific Coast. The organization is semi-mili- tary and always ready for work. The officers of the San Jose Chapter are Dr. J. B. Bullitt, chairman, and W. T. Rambo, secretary.

The W. C. T. U.

The National Woman's Christian Temper- ance Union, which has several branches in Santa Clara County, the most important one being in San Jose, was organized in Cleveland, Ohio, in November, 1874, with Mrs. Witte- myer president and Frances Willard secre- tary. In 1879 California locals were formed in Grass Valley, Sacramento and Petaluma. A convention was held in Petaluma in that year and the California State W. C. T. U. was then organized. Mrs. G. S. Abbott of Oakland was the first president and Mrs. M. E. Congdon of Petaluma was the first secretary. The next year she was instrumental in organizing the San Jose branch, which had Mrs. Nellie Eyster as its first president. After the outside branches in the county were formed, Mrs. Fannie Woods was elected county president. Ever since its organization in Santa Clara County it has fought for good laws. It se- cured the passage of a bill forbidding the sale of liquor or tobacco to anyone under sixteen years of age. In 1893 a school suffrage bill championed by the W. C. T. U. was vetoed by Governor Markham. The present officers of the local branch are: Mrs. Laura Beal, presi- dent : Mrs. John G. Jury, vice-president ; Miss Mary Burkett, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. George Worley, recording secretary; Mrs. Addie L. Johns, treasurer.

There was a strong temperance movement in San Jose in 1874, and many women, after- wards members of the W. C. T. U., partici- pated. The movement was started by Alex P. Murgotten, who obtained the requisite num- ber of signatures to a petition asking the state legislature to pass a bill permitting a local option election in California. Other counties having filed petitions, the necessary act was passed March 18, 1874, which permitted every township or incorporated city in the state to vote on the question of granting or not grant- ing licenses to sell intoxicating liquors. The supervisors of Santa Clara County issued the call on the third of June of that year and the election took place on June 27. Murgotten made a valiant fight to close the saloons, but he was without a strong organization, while opposed to him were the organized, deter- mined and desperate band of saloonkeepers

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 46

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1934

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934