History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 47

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

USA > California > Santa Clara County > History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches > Part 47

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).

and winemakers. To aid his cause Sallie Hart came down from San Francisco, gathered a number of temperance women about her and made several speeches. One of the speakers hired by the saloonkeepers to bolster up their fight against Murgotten and his supporter was Rev. J. L. Hatch, who had succeeded Rev. Chas. G. Ames as minister of the Unity Con- gregation. Hatch was foot-loose at the time and made quite a stir while following up the redoubtable Sallie Hart. On election day there was intense excitement, for this was the first local option election ever held in San Jose. Rough measures were employed by adherents of the liquor-sellers and several attempts to mob the temperance women were made. In one, Sallie Hart had a narrow escape, and in another Mrs. L. J. Watkins and a number of her friends were subjected to harsh treatment. There were many refreshment booths about town and it was afterwards asserted that num- bers of Murgotten's supporters, instead of get- ting into the thick of the fight and doing their utmost to defeat the saloonkeepers, passed the greater part of their time about the eating places. The result was that the temperance people were beaten, the vote standing 1430 for license and 918 against license.

Forty-one years elapsed before the temper- ance advocates made another attempt through local option to close the saloons of San Jose During this time the temperance cause had everywhere strengthened, and therefore with confidence the issue was submitted for the sec- ond time to the voters on Tuesday, November 7, 1917. Now there was strong organization, newspaper support, unlimited funds and a fa- vorable public sentiment. The proposition submitted was not as drastic as that of 1874- it meant the closing of the saloons, but per- mitted private consumption in homes and the sale of wine and beer at restaurant and hotel tables. A heavy vote was polled 6,214 elec- tors voting to close the saloons and 4,667 vot- ing to keep them open as before. In January, 1919. the national prohibition law went into effect.

Community Shop

In the spring of 1921 the Community Shop was started for the purpose of giving assist- ance to the poor and needy of San Jose by the sale of articles donated by charitably disposed citizens. It is conducted in such a way that people in need of clothing and other neces- saries may buy at a small price to prevent the feeling that they are objects of charity. The annual report, made in April, 1922, showed that during the year the receipts were $14,675.46. Disbursements : Good Cheer Club, $2,541 ; Santa Clara Tuberculosis Association, $2.541 ; Day Nursery, $640.25; Home of Bene-

255

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

volence, $640.25; Sisters of the Holy Family, $423.50; Catholic Children's Aid, $847. Play- grounds. $265 ; Palo Alto Convalescent Home, $415. Mrs. F. A. Nikirk is the president of the board of directors, and the shop is lo- cated on San Fernando Street, between Sec- ond and Third.

Fraternal Orders

San Jose abounds in fraternal societies. and among the great number the following may be mentioned: Free and Accepted Masons. including York Rite and Scottish Rite; Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Red Men. Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen, Order of Camels, Order of Amaranth, Grand Army of the Republic, with women's auxil- iaries, Woman's Relief Corps, Ladies of the

G. A. R., Loyal Workers; Junior Order of American Mechanics, Fraternal Aid Union, Order of Good Fellows. Royal Neighbors, B. P. O. Elks, Order of Moose, Order of Eagles, American Yeomen, Daughters of Isabella, Re- bekah and Eastern Star, Fraternal Brother- hood. Sons of St. George. Pythian Sisters. Knights of Pythias, Pyramid of Sciots, Cheer- ful Workers, nine troops of Boy Scouts, Span- ish-American War Veterans. Knights of Co- lumbus, Young Men's Institute, Young La- dies' Institute, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West, Daughters of Veterans, Forest- ers of America. Ancient Order of Foresters. Disabled American Veterans of the World War. Veterans of Foreign Wars, National League for Women's Service.

CHAPTER XXVI.

The Sanitariums and Hospitals of San Jose-The Splendid Appointments of the O'Connor Buildings-Columbia Hospital and the Santa Clara County Medical Society-Dr. Ben Cory.

The O'Connor Sanitarium, on San Carlos Street, was erected in the year 1887 by Judge and Mrs. M. P. O'Connor, with the intention of providing an institution for the care of the aged, the sick and the afflicted. The Sis- ters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, at the invitation of the donors and suggestion of Archbishop Riordan, took possession of it on March 19, 1889. During the thirty years of its existence it has treated over 7000 patients.

It is advantageously situated in the beauti- ful and healthful Santa Clara Valley at San Jose, and within easy access of San Francisco. Fourteen acres of beautiful grounds surround the sanitarium and forever prevent the possi- bility of any adjacent structure crowding close enough to interfere with the present ideal con- ditions. The spacious grounds are tastefully laid out in lawns and orchard, orange plot and pinery. Traversing these are numerous con- crete walks and driveways, which afford ideal opportunity for exercise and recreation.

The general plan of the building arrange- ment makes the most of the desirable location. The substantial brick buildings, grouped in architectural harmony, comprise a main build- ing, two wings, chapel, kitchen, laundry, pow- er house and stables. Isolated from these, stands the Isolation Building for contagious diseases. Numerous sheltered porches, a sol- arium, and a garden pavilion enable the con- valescent to enjoy the benefits of the outdoor

air. All the buildings are well lighted and ventilated.

The different departments are completely equipped, each to meet its own special needs. They comprise the surgical, medical, obstet- rical, X-ray and electro-therapeutic depart- ments, a clinical laboratory and pharmacy, and the isolation building for the care of con- tagious diseases.

The sanitarium is especially equipped for the care of surgical cases. The operating rooms are as complete and up-to-date in ar- rangement and equipment as it is possible to make them. The rooms are all sunny and well lighted. Owing to the favorable location of the Institution, the ideal climate, and ex- tensive grounds, its facilities for the best treat- ment are ideal. Two large wards for male and female patients are maintaned and a smaller ward for chronic cases. In addition to these there is also a children's ward. Special atten- tion has been paid to the needs of these little sufferers.

Extensive improvements have been made in the obstetrical division of the hospital. In ad- dition to the private rooms, a newly remodeled and equipped ward has been arrranged. Ad- joining this is the delivery room with interior finish, furnishings, and equipment planned to provide every convenience for the physician and safeguard for the patient. The nursery,

256

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

with its row of basket-beds, open grate fire- place and sanitary tubs, is ideally arranged.

The department of electro-therapeutics and radiography has been fully developed and equipped with costly paraphernalia and will prove of the utmost value in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and injuries. The equipment is of the very highest standard and latest design. The X- ray department has been enlarged and trans- ferred to a suite of rooms in the surgical an- nex, where its convenience will be greatly in- creased.

Special apparatus consisting of a Kelly- Koett eye localizer for foreign bodies, a bullet. or foreign body localizer, a Roentgen stereo- scope, and numerous minor accessories, all tend to enhance the value of this department. The electro-therapeutic room has a complete equipment for the use of electricty as a medi- cinal agent. An elaborate Wappler cabinet furnishes all varieties of the electric current. A pneumo massage apparatus is included. Special diagnostic instruments, electrically il- luminated, of the latest approved models, fa- cilitate the diagnoss of the diseases of all ac- cessible organs and tissues. A large Victor eye magnet for the extraction of foreign bodies has also been installed.

The chemical and pathological laboratory has proved to be of great value to the hos- pital and the attending physicians. A com- plete equipment of all the apparatus, chem- icals, and biological supplies necessary for modern analytical, bacteriological and patho- logical work is at the service of the attending physicians who desire to avail themselves of its advantages for the benefit of their patients or for original research work.

An isolation building was erected and open- ed for service during the year 1910. All highly contagious and infectious diseases- measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria, erysipelas. etc .- cannot be admitted or treated in the wards and rooms of the general hospital, and through lack of such a building many persons have been deprived of the facilities offered for the scientific conduct and efficient quaran- tine of such diseases. The isolation building was erected through the beneficence of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Blaney, and is conducted by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Surrounded by its own grounds it is entirely separated from the main hospital buildings. The interior arrangement is such that no mu- tual exposure of the patients suffering from different contagious or infectious diseases is liable.

The sanitarium is not endowed, the only in- come being from pay patients. Its ministra- tions are not reserved for any one class of

patients. It belongs to suffering humanity, irrespective of creed. The physicians of San Jose of all approved schools of medicine, pat- ronize the sanitarium, thus assisting very ma- terially toward its support. It accommodates from seventy-five to ninety patients daily.

In connection with the sanitarium there is a training school for nurses. This school is in- corporated and is conducted according to the best methods of the day. The usual curri- culum of the general hospital training school has been adopted. Lectures are delivered semi-weekly by the training school staff and there are semi-weekly classes conducted by the superintendent.

Columbia Hospital and Branch

There are two large private hospitals in San Jose, both conducted by the incorporated Columbia Hospital Company, of which Ellen Kaiser is president, Dr. F. H. Paterson, vice- president, and Mrs. F. H. Paterson, secretary. One hospital is located at the corner of Mar- ket and San Carlos Streets, the other in East San Jose. Both establishments represent an outlay of $150,000. The Market Street hos- pital is a large, modern building on a fifty-vara lot. The East San Jose hospital was purchas- ed in 1920 from Dr. L. J. Belknap, who had conducted it for twenty-three years. The buildings are of wood and the tract contains eight acres. Both hospitals are provided with laboratories and all the up-to-date appliances. Fifteen nurses are employed and an average of eighty-five patients are treated daily.

The Columbia and East Columbia hospitals were combined in 1921, the Columbia located in San Jose going out of existence. In April, 1921, the combined hospital went out of the hands of Dr. Paterson and hereafter will be conducted by a group of individuals. The trustees will control the business interests of the hospital, formulating plans for extensions and enlarging the facilities of the institution so that the staff will have every possible facil- ity for professional conduct of their work. A clinic has been opened to be conducted along the lines pursued by the larger cities.

The San Jose Hospital, the property of a corporation of local business men, is now in course of construction on Santa Clara Street. beteween Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets. It will be a strictly modern, fire-proof struc- ture throughout and will be equipped to pro- vide the greatest possible comfort for patients, nurses and physicians and surgeons. The project is sponsored by sixty-six leading phy- sicians of the county and the management will be in the hands of a board of directors of which S. G. Tompkins is president and J. L. Haskins, secretary. The total cost of the

257

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

building will be $185,000. All the money for the site and building has already been secured.

County Medical Society

The Santa Clara County Medical Society was organized in 1870, reorganized in 1906, and is still in existence. Its objects are to create fraternal feelings among members, to advocate a high standard of ethics, to frown upon illegal practices, to safeguard the public health. to receive and discuss reports of inter- esting cases and to keep abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to the practice of medicine and surgery. The officers are : T. L. Blanchard, president; E. F. Holbrook, first vice-president ; G. P. Hall, second vice-presi- dent ; R. L. Hogg, third vice-presdent ; H. J. B. Wright, treasurer; J. L. Pritchard, secre- tary ; councillors at large, A. E. Osborne, P. A. Jordan, J. J. Miller ; admission, M. D. Baker, J. J. Miller, L. V. Saph ; ethics, A. E. Osborne, J. W. Thayer, R. G. Reynolds, E. A. Flipello, H. C. Brown ; executive, Chas. M. Richards, J. C. Blair, Frank Paterson, L. S. Moore, F. S. Ryan ; publication and library, C. E. Saunders, A. E. Dickenson, L. M. Rose; finance, P. A. Jordane, N. H. Bullock, J. I. Beattie ; public health, D. A. Beattie, Jonas Clark, S. B. Van Dalsem, C. C. Ledyard, Bert Loehr.

It was through the instrumentality of this society that the city board of health came into existence. The society, however, has never left the full burden of the work to the health office, but by means of special committees has aided the board in exposing unsanitary condi- tions which have menaced the public health and demanded attentions and abatement.

Dr. Ben Cory was the pioneer physician of the city. He came to San Jose in 1847. He saw a few adobes scattered about the Plaza and believing that time would witness a ma- terial growth in population and business at once established himself in his profession. He witnessed a transformation of the valley and state, and his most extravagant dreams of its future growth in wealth, in adornment, and all that accompanies an advanced civilization were more than realized. Dr. Cory was a na- tive of Ohio, and was born in 1822. He was a graduate of Miami University and com- menced the study of medicine wth his father, who was a prominent physician. Later he at- tended the Medical College of Ohio and re- ceived his degree in 1845. For two years he practised medicine with his father, and then started across the plains to the Pacific Coast. He arrived at Portland, Oregon, and from there came to San Jose. He performed much public service. He was a member of the first Legislature of the state, and was also a councilman and member of the board of edu- cation. He died in 1895. 17

Dr. Cory was very popular, both as a citizen and as a physician and surgeon. He was kind-hearted, and generous to a fault. While his profession was lucrative, he was many times low in pocket on account of his inabil- ity to say no to the demands upon his purse. He lost many thousands of dollars endorsing notes for friends and it was while he was al- most financially embarrassed on account of these losses that an old friend living in Sac- ramento wrote to him that he was in dire need of $700. If Dr. Cory would endorse a note to that amount for him he would be eternally ob- liged. Dr. Cory hated to refuse the request, but he felt that he must, so he answered his letter giving his reasons for the refusal. The Sacramentan wrote another letter, a plea so forcible that the good doctor could not muster up courage to say that he, too, was hard press- ed and could not oblige his friend. Instead, he endorsed the note and the Sacramentan was profuse in his expressions of thankfulness. He appreciated the favor and would see to it that the note was paid before maturity. Time passed and Dr. Cory had forgotten about the affair when one day he received a note from the bank which had paid over the money, stating that the note was due, that the Sacra- mentan had failed to pay even the interest, and that it was now up to the doctor to step in and pay the $700 and interest. Dr. Cory was a very mild-mannered man, but it is pos- sible that he used rather strong language when he realized that he had again been taken in. In his wrath over the duplicity of his former friend he sat down and wrote the Sac- ramentan a letter, winding up with the expres- sive phrase, "You are no gentleman."

A week passed and then a well dressed man walked into Dr. Cory's office and stated that he represented the Sacramentan and was the bearer of a challenge to fight a duel. Dr. Cory laughed and said he would accept the chal- lenge. He was then informed that as the chal- lenged party he had the right to name the weapons that should be used. "Shot guns at ten paces," was the reply. The Sacrament- an's representative demurred at the choice. but Dr. Cory was not to be moved from the position he had taken. "Shot guns at ten paces-take it or leave it," he said, and the representative went out with a frown on his face. That night the Sacramentan left San Jose and no mention of duel or money was ever afterwards made by him.

Dr. Cory had a large professional practice, both in the city and the country. One night, in the late '50s, an urgent case called him to Alviso. While at the house of his patient he was presented with a large sweet potato as a sample of what was grown on the marsh lands

258

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

near the bay. On the road home he kept the potato in his hand and when about half way to San Jose was stopped by a highwayman with the customary demand to throw out his money and other valuables. The doctor reined up and then, unconsciously, lifted the potato and began to twiddle it in his hand. The high- wayman saw the tuber and did not identify

it. To him it looked like a pistol in the hand of a man who meant business. With a yell, "don't shoot." he left the road, jumped over the ditch, and was soon out of sight. For the moment Dr. Cory was amazed at the robber's action, but a glance at the potato furnished the explanation needed.

CHAPTER XXVII.

The History of San Jose's Fire Department-Primitive Appurtenances off the Early Days-Volunteer Department for Twenty-six Years-The Police Department's Growth and Work.

It was on the eleventh of July, 1850, that the mayor and common council took the first official action toward the protection of proper- ty from fire, when it established the first fire limits as follows: Commencing at the center of Second and St. James Streets ; thence along Second to San Carlos ; then along San Carlos to the Acequia; then along the Acequia to a point that would intersect the prolongation of St. James Street; thence along St. James Street to the place of beginning. At the same time it was ordered that within these limits there should be erected no edifice composed of canvas, willows. cotton, cloth, tules, mus- tard, reeds or other grasses under a penalty of not less than twenty-five nor more than two hundred dollars. It was also ordered that hay stacks should not be maintained, unless suitably guarded, under a like penalty.

About this time a volunteer fire company called Fire Engine No. 1, was formed. This was a misnomer, as there was no engine or other apparatus in the county. The company seems to have realized its mistake as in the same year it changed its name to Eureka Fire Company. No. 1. The members made appli- cation to the mayor and council for an engine. But as there was no fire machinery to be had on the coast and as the city had no money to make the purchase even if the machinery could be procured, the company was forced to work with buckets and such rude appliances as they could find. But what it lacked in ap- paratus it made up in enthusiasm and there- fore much good was accomplished. The in- flammable nature of the materials with which the buildings were constructed rendered it al- most an impossibility to extinguish a fire, though this same frailty of construction en- abled the firemen to destroy connections and prevent the spread of the fire. The most not-

able fires during the existence of this com- pany were the burning of the house of Samuel C. Young. on Third Street, and the destruc- tion of the old State House. The latter event occurred in March, 1853, and demonstrated the imperative necessity of more adequate protection. Prior to this time the city gov- ernment seemed to think that private enter- prise would take this responsibility from the council. This opinion is based on a clause of Mayor White's message of 1851, in which he says: "I would respectfully urge that a fire de- partment be immediately organized, and, if necessary, that an engine and other apparatus be procured, but there is reason to believe that the public spirit of our citizens will render any outlay by the city in this matter unnecessary."

Having thus relegated the matter to the "public spirit of the citizens," the matter rest- ed until 1853, when the council passed an or- dinance dividing the city into four fire wards and appointing the following persons as fire wardens: For District No. 1. M. W. Packard ; No. 2, Alvin C. Campbell ; No. 3. A. S. Wood- ford: No. 4. Peter Davidson. At the same time an appropriation of $2000 was made for the purchase of a fire engine, with hooks and ladders, the president of the council being authorized to draw warrants and orders in such sums as he should deem advisable and pay the same over to the committee of citi- zens that should be selected by the people.

As a result of this action Hook and Ladder Company No. I was organized in the latter part of 1853, and on January 6, 1854, it noti- fied the council of its organization and asked for an appropriation for the purchase of appa- ratus. The matter was referred to a commit- tee, which was instructed to confer with the foreman and draw up an ordinance covering the matter proposed. The committee was al-

259

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

so authorized to secure the lease of a suitable lot on which to erect a building for the ac- commodation of the company. The commit- tee reported that Frank Lightston had agreed to lease a lot for the nominal rent of twenty- five cents per annum, if the company would erect suitable buildings within twelve months. The lease was effected and the old engine house on Lightston Street, for many years a prominent landmark, was erected.

At the meeting of the council held June 26. 1854, new fire wardens were elected, and a committee was appointed to see if a fire en- gine could be purchased in San Francisco. At the next meeting the committee reported that an engine could be procured for $1800, and that hose would cost $1.50 per foot. The committee also reported that four cisterns would be required and recommended that one be located at the intersection of Market and Santa Clara Streets and one in front of Jones' store on First Street, about opposite Fountain Alley. All the recommendations of the com- mittee were adopted and the apparatus was purchased at a cost of $2,546.25. Of this amount the citizens contributed $1355 and the remainder was paid out of the city treasury. The cisterns were located as recommended and for more than twenty years were main- tained and used for fire purposes.

The engine purchased at this time had an in- teresting history. It had been used by the Volunteer Fire Department of New York as early as 1820 and was known as "Old 41," its quarters being at the corner of Delaney and Livingston Streets. Levi Goodrich, the archi- tect, and Abe Beaty, the first landlord of the Mansion House, had run with the old machine in New York. In 1850 it was sent to San Francisco and sold to the engine company of which Senator David C. Broderick was fore- man. The city of San Jose purchased it from the Broderick Company. When brought to San Jose it was given into the hands of the Empire Company and became "Empire No. 1." After it had outlived its usefulness it was sent to the county almshouse.

The city had now a very effective fire de- partment of two companies, manned by prom- inent citizens full of that heroic enthusiasm for which the volunteer fire companies of Am- erica were noted. Hook and Ladder Company had a fine truck manufactured by D. J. Porter and H. J. Haskell, the wood work being done by C. S. Crydenwise.

A grand parade of the department took place on New Year's day of 1855. Both com- panies assembled at the new engine house on Lightston Street, which has just received its finishing coat of paint from the brush of James Gourlay, a veteran fireman. A proces-

sion was formed, the principal streets were taken in, a halt being made at the brick church on the corner of Second and San Fernando Streets. Here Rev. Eli Corwin, in behalf of the ladies of San Jose, presented Empire Com- pany with a beautiful silk banner. The de- partment then repaired to the city hall where a bountiful collation was spread, and passed several hours in speech-making and social in- tercourse. This was the first parade of the first deparment. Afterwards the firemen par- aded annually on the Fourth of July.

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.

History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 47

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