USA > California > Santa Cruz County > History of Santa Cruz County, California with Biographical Sketches > Part 6
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Some years ago Santa Cruz refunded certain bonds that had been issued, but in doing so, before issuing the new bonds, neglected to have the first returned, hence were com- pelled to pay both. Somebody blundered. Since that time the question of issuing more bonds has received a set back.
PACIFIC OCEAN HOUSE.
This hotel needs more than a passing notice. For a num- ber of years it was the leading hostelry of the county. Noted persons from all parts of the state and other lands have found a resting place here. It was the practice for a long time for the guests of the house to sit on the porch in front of the hotel and gaze on the passersby and exchange ideas with some of the old settlers. This custom has been abol- ished. At this hotel during the term of the old district court
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the "bench and bar" made this their headquarters. During campaigns the leading politicians were to be found there. At a room in the Ocean house alley adjoining the hotel was the private retreat of the political rulers of the county. There slates were made and broken. All kinds of political schemes were concocted in that retreat; some of them went astray, the people did not always agree with the conclave.
George T. Bromley, recently deceased, the veteran presid- ing officer of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, was at one time "'mine host" of the Pacific Ocean house. In his memoirs, "The Long Ago," written by himself, he states that he was not a success as a landlord. Very few of the num- erous landlords appear to have been successful financially.
A disastrous fire that occurred November 3, 1907, de- stroyed the upper portion of the building, together with most of the furniture. Since that time it has ceased to be a hotel. The Sea Beach and St. George hotels are the leading hotels at the present time.
THE BEACH AND ITS ATTRACTIONS.
On June 5, 1906, the casino, plunge, swimming bath and restaurant were destroyed by fire. This unfortunately hap- pened as the summer season approached. A big canvas tent was procured and set up on the ground for temporary use until a new building could be erected. In this tent the Re- publican state convention was held that nominated Governor Gillette. The Grand Lodge of the Odd Fellows also met here the same year.
A larger and better structure has been erected on the site of the former casino, a larger and more commodious bath house and swimming tank also. A scenic railway is in full operation during the summer season, with other amusements. Santa Cruz has been a noted bathing resort for many years
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and with the increased facilities and accommodations since the building of the casino and the tent city, thousands have flocked here in the summer season for rest and recreation. The scenic views in and around Santa Cruz are numerous, among them a trip to the Big Trees, where are to be seen several giants of the forest, a remarkable group of Sequoias. This is a choice spot for picnics. Here President Harrison was entertained during his visit to California, May 13, 1901. President McKinley was invited, but could not come owing to the illness of his wife. John Hay and some other notables, part of Mckinley's cabinet, were entertained there. Presi- dent Roosevelt, during his visit here March 11, 1903, was entertained by a grand barbecue at the Big Trees and ex- pressed himself as "highly dee-lighted." In 1908 the officers of the Atlantic fleet squadron were feted in grand style, also the "Jackies." Santa Cruz has the name of being able to entertain larger crowds and in a better manner than any other place of its size in the state. Numerous other subur- ban retreats will repay a visit. Leaving the Big Trees, a trip to Felton or Ben Lomond, on to Brookdale and Boulder Creek, and from there on into the heart of the redwoods, where the scenery is of the grandest kind.
SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY.
On April 14, 1904, a new and elegant building for the li- brary was completed and furnished at a cost of $20,211.
It has become the fashion in recent years to associate mu- nicipal libraries with the name of Andrew Carnegie. Santa Cruz had a library, and a good one, a generation before Mr. Carnegie was heard of in connection with library affairs. Originally organized by a voluntary association in 1868, our local library was adopted by the city in 1881, and has been supported and encouraged, generously and ungrudgingly
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through all its history as a city institution. The year 1902 was perhaps the darkest of our municipal life, though it pre- ceded only a short time the most prosperous era in our his- tory. Early in that year the supreme court of the United States decided the Santa Cruz refunding bond case in favor of the bondholders, and almost simultaneously Mr. Carnegie donated the city first $15,000, then an additional $5,000, mak- ing $20,000, for a public library building. Notwithstanding our embarrassed financial condition, the gift and its heavy obligations were accepted with equal cheerfulness, and prep- arations for a suitable site and a new building were at once begun.
In 1902 Santa Cruz had a population of about 6,500, a li- brary of 13,204 volumes and a circulation for home reading of 45,704 volumes. The site of the new building, 100x200 feet, facing on two streets, was acquired by a special monthly payment contract with F. A. Hihn in 1903, under the adminis- tration of ex-Mayor D. C. Clark, a member of the present board of library trustees. On April 14, 1904, the new build- ing was completed and finally furnished at a cost of $20,211, the acquiring and filling of the lot, constructing and furnish- ing the building and installing the books in their new quar- ters having been carried out without any extraordinary de- mands on the city treasury.
For a number of years after removal to the new building, the circulation of books was disappointing, though after the first year a steady increase was noted. In 1906 the circula- tion had climbed to 48,890; in 1907, to 54,774; in 1908, to 64,- 595, and the year ending June 30, 1909, showed the extraor- dinary circulation of 77,096 volumes. It should be borne in mind that this does not include books consulted in the library, but only those carried out of the building for home reading. On July 11, 1907, a branch library was opened at Sea-
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bright, from which during the past year 6,900 volumes were taken by residents. During the present year a second branch was opened at Garfield Park, which promises to be another successful extension of the work. At the present time the number of volumes contained in the library, excluding gov- ernment reports, is 17,000, the wear and tear due to the very large circulation, preventing a rapid increase in the collec- tion.
The Santa Cruz Public Library is, and always has been a popular institution. Students find it a well equipped work- shop and frequently testify to the value of its contents and the high character of the service it renders. But professional students form only a small proportion of those who use the library. All sorts and conditions of men, women and chil- dren find within its walls refreshment, instruction and in- spiration. No institution was ever more thoroughly demo- cratic, and no effort is spared to make the humblest citizen feel that his or her co-partnership in the ownership of the building and its precious contents is a genuine fact, resulting in real, tangible privileges and benefits.
SOCIETY OF SANTA CRUZ PIONEERS.
For several years the pioneers have kept up an organiza- tion, keeping anniversaries of Admission Day in September of each year. F. A. Hihn is the president and has taken great interest in the welfare of his pioneer brethren. The membership at the present time is rather small and growing less every year. Soon the last of the pioneers will be sum- moned by the grim reaper, and the society of the pioneers will cease to be. To the Native Sons and Daughters is be- queathed the work that their fathers inaugurated, and by them must their memories be kept green.
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MISCELLANEOUS.
Some amusing incidents occurred in the early days, at a time when persons called themselves by any name that suited ; no questions were asked of Tom, Jim or Jack, and the sur- name was not often used. A Mr. Williams who had been ap- pointed a justice of the peace while taking a stroll encoun- tered an old man who looked very anxiously at him and fin- ally addressed him. It turned out that Williams had met his own father unexpectedly; explanations ensued and Williams was thereafter known as Winfield Scott Pearson. Why he had adopted the name of Williams was not explained or in- quired into, it was not essential.
ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING AND ROMANTIC INCIDENTS IN THE HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ.
The Indians at the Santa Cruz Mission in the early days were not all of the same tribe, but perfect harmony prevailed, and when the season of work was over, many paid visits to their countrymen and seldom returned alone, for the good friars had the art of making labor attractive. The regula- tions of the mission were uniform. At daybreak the bell sum- moned all to the church for prayers and mass, from which they returned to breakfast. Then all joined their respective bands and proceeded to their regular labor. At eleven they returned to dine and rested till two, when labor recom- menced and lasted till the angelus, which was rung an hour before sunset. After prayers and beads, they supped and spent the evening in innocent amusements. Their food was the fresh beef and mutton plentifully supplied by their folks, cakes of wheat and maize, peas, beans and other vegetables. Four soldiers and a corporal stationed near the mission were enough to keep hundreds of Indians under subjection, or, with
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more truth, it was the kindness and religious influence of the good friars that had gained a hold on the hearts of the poor Indians. However, for proper precaution, the Fathers were not allowed to travel far from the mission, or go out at night without the escort of a soldier of two.
The neglecting of this system proved fatal to Father Quintana in the year 1812. Late at night he was called down to the orchard, where an Indian was said to be sick. The friar, in order not to disturb the soldiers from their sleep, went alone with the Indian. While he was returning from the sick Indian, those who were lying in ambush got hold of the priest, and ordered him to prepare for death, since he would not see his native place any more. All his entreaties were of no avail. He was hung from a tree, just where the track of the Felton railroad now passes, not many yards from the tunnel. When he was dead, they brought his body in and put it in his bed, and covered it as if he were asleep. They could do this, because his associate priest was that night away to Monterey, and Quintana was here alone. His attendant called him at the usual hour in the morning, but found him dead. He was buried as if he had died a natural death. Nevertheless, his friends had suspicions, and they. took prompt measures to ascertain the truth. From an old paper we see that a surgeon came from Monterey to examine the body of the murdered man, having in his hand an order from the commanding officers in Monterey to the surviving missionary to allow the disinterment of his remains. The truth was then discovered. But who had done the deed ? That was the dark and terrible secret. And long was it kept a secret; for years was it kept. In a singular enough manner it was discovered.
An Indian major domo went from the mission on business to New Year's Point. He knew the language of the Indians
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living there, but those Indians did not know that he knew it. While his dinner was being prepared by them, he overheard some of them saying between themselves: "This fellow is from the Mission Santa Cruz. Don't you remember how we killed Father Quintana there so many years ago?"
"Yes, we remember it well, but it was never found out."
"Well, let us kill this fellow, too, before he gets away."
The listening major domo pretended to be asleep while this talk was going on, but he heard and understood it all. Leisurely arousing himself pretty soon, he said to the In- dians : "Don't hurry about the dinner till I come back; I don't feel very well; I want to go down to the beach and take a bath."
He went down to the beach, but among the rocks he quickly got out of sight, and soon found a horse that he could mount, and so escaped their designs. He made his way over the mountains to Mission Santa Clara, and there told his story and revealed the long-kept secret of the authors of the murder of Father Quintana.
Information was at once sent to headquarters at Monterey, and the guilty parties were taken into custody. But, through the exertions of the missionaries their lives were spared; however, it is said they all died a filthy death, eaten up by leprosy.
Father Quintana was buried at the side of the old church, and it has been the intention of the present priest to find his grave and have him decently buried, and convert that place into a kind of mortuary chapel, where the old mementoes of the mission will be preserved .- Harrison's History of Santa Cruz.
The above sketch has been recently published by the Santa Cruz Sentinel. It is too late at attempt to cannonize Father Quintana, further more he does not deserve it. "In the Foot-
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steps of the Padres," by Charles W. Stoddard, makes very pleasant reading, but hardly conforms to the facts. Without any desire to belittle the works of the friars and speak disparagingly of their labors, yet the facts of history when examined closely will show that Father Quintana de- served the fate meted out to him. Anyone desirous of further information has only to examine Bancroft's History of Cal- ifornia, to be found in the Public Library of Santa Cruz, and it will be ascertained that it is better to let Father Quintana rest in peace.
INTERVIEW WITH THE OLDEST RESIDENT OF SANTA CRUZ.
It may be interesting to the reader to learn of an interview which the scribe's assistant had with the oldest resident (so far as is known) of Santa Cruz. One would hardly ex- pect to find a woman of eighty years of age so engrossed with household and week-end duties that a call on Saturday after- noon was almost an intrusion. Nevertheless, with the per- sistence of a reporter, the scribe's assistant accepted the in- vitation to go in, even though Señora Alzina said she was very busy. A dear little old lady she is, appearing to be not more than sixty, active physically and alert mentally. "What were the questions to be asked?" "About the Mission." Did she remember the old Mission? "Why, she and her husband were married in the old Mission."
Señora Alzina has lived in Santa Cruz for eighty years, and an account of her eightieth birthday and the party given to her by her children and grandchildren was in a local paper of the day before. Eighty years lived in one place and that place of the Holy Cross !
Señora Alzina was born in Santa Cruz in 1828. Her father, Señor Gonzales, a native of Spain, came to Santa Cruz from the Santa Clara valley. Their home was the property now
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occupied by the homes of Charles Cassir, Señora Alzina and Henry Willey. She was married to Francisco Alzina, also a native of Spain. They reared a large family and many are the kind acts told of Señora Alzina, of her knowledge of the medicinal value of native herbs and the use she had made of it in ministering to the sick. The scribe's assistant wished for some magic means to open up the pages of history stored in the Señora's memory, but she was rather reluctant to talk about old days with a stranger.
In answer to the question "Why was the Mission not kept in repair?" She replied "Because there was no priest here for a long time to take charge of things." "Do you remem- ber much about the Indians?" "Yes, there were lots of Indians who had huts over back of the church on the Potrero." She remembered, too, of Indians who lived on the hill where the high school building now stands, who had charge of the wool and wove blankets. "Do you know who bought them?" "May be Father Junipera Serra." "Was the Plaza always there?" "Yes, always, and Sylvar street and the street leading down to the Potrero." (What a misnomer that Sylvar street should be named for a resident who ac- quired property of her father, rather than to be named for an old Spanish family !) "Were there many houses about the Plaza ?" "Yes, and all of adobe," the house now occupied and owned by Miss Neary being one, and the house just under the Mission school another. She remembered well the time when California passed from Mexican to the American government. "Did any of the Mexican governors ever visit Santa Cruz?" "No, Monterey was the scene of all social activity, being the capital, and I often went there to visit my sister, making the trip on horseback." "Do you think often of old Mission days?" A shake of the head was the answer. It was evident to the interviewer that the duties of each day
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occupied her mind to the exclusion of past days, and the knowledge of the Saturday's work still undone moved the interviewer to take leave. As we stood on the porch looking towards the Catholic church, I asked "Can you see it all as of old?" "Oh, yes, just the same." And pointing to the lot east of the church, she said that the old Mission stood there and occupied the entire frontage of the present prop- erty.
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CHAPTER VIII.
BIG BASIN REGION.
This tract of land situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz county has an area of about two thousand acres. It is easily reached from Boulder Creek by stage or automobile. In this tract are some of the very best redwood trees in the state. Attention was called to this magnificent tract by F. L. Clarke, a gentleman of literary tastes, and a suggestion was made several years ago that it should be acquired by the state for a state park. One of the San Mateo newspapers advocated the acquisition of this natural park by the state. The Santa Cruz Surf and other papers then took up the mat- ter and it was advocated that the state purchase it for a park for the people. The society of San Jose pioneers and other societies joined in the demand for a state park. Sev- eral well known writers contributed their quota to the news- papers of the entire state in advocacy of acquiring this superb redwood forest. After considerable agitation had been kept up, the legislature of the state passed a law by which about 3,800 acres of this basin was purchased and placed under the management of the state board of forestry. To enumerate all the persons that were active and used their influence towards acquiring this redwood park would be im- possible at this time. Among those more prominent in the case were Hon. George Radcliff, member of the assembly from this county ; David Starr Jordan; United States Senator George C. Perkins, and H. S. Middleton, an extensive land holder, assisted materially in completing the purchase. W. S. Rodgers, editor of the Mountain Echo of Boulder Creek,
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devoted a great deal of his time and energy towards con- summating the purchase for the state.
In years to come, when electric roads are built to this sylvan retreat, it will be a source of attraction for visitors from all parts of the United States. Senator Perkins has said, "I have traveled through the forests of Mariposa, and I have driven through the wonderful forests of southern Germany, yet I have never seen the equal of California Red- wood Park." There are numerous streams running through the park which afford abundance of fishing for the disciples of Isaac Walton, game is also very plentiful.
"Who saved the Big Basin?" "I," said Duncan Mc- Pherson, "for I went there in person." "Not much," said J. F. Coop, "it was my gentle whoop that saved the Big Basin."
"I'm not giving you a fill," said A. P. Hill, "What else could be truer with my camera obscura? I saved the Big Basin."
"Nay," said Professor Dudley, fresh from the campus, "I was once pinched for a trampus, by a wicked constabulus of the town of Soquelibus. With my dissertation I saved the Big Basin."
"What are you giving us," said Assemblyman Walker; "my work in committee saved the Big Basin."
"Listen to me," said George Radcliff, "Me and Senator Tom Flint gave the governor a hint that saved the Big Basin."
"Come off," said Governor Gage, "'Twas my pen on the page that saved the Big Basin."
The above argument occurred during the discussion over the cutting of timber in the Big Basin a few years ago. The cir- cumstance created considerable excitement among the friends who labored for the purchase of this site by the state. Every
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one that had ever heard of the Big Basin seemed to come forward and insist that he was the saviour of this forest park.
Professor Dudley, dressed as a hobo, was near Soquel hunting bugs when the constable arrested him and brought him to Santa Cruz, where some of the pedagogues recognized him and secured his release.
REMINISCENCES OF STAGE TRAVELING DAYS.
The knights of the whip have received due notice of their achievements in driving stage over mountain roads in the good old days of stage travel. These old drivers have been historically considered from the time of Hank Monk, the driver who brought Horace Greeley over the Sierra Nevada mountains in time for his lecture. "Keep your feet, Horace, we will bring you in all right," was Monk's salute to the noted editor when the stage threatened to dispossess him of his seat. Santa Cruz county can boast of a stage driver that savors somewhat of a romance. Charley Parkhurst, also known as "Cock Eyed Charley," as much by the latter title as by his original name, drove stage several years in Nevada, also between Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista. This in- dividual masqueraded under a disguise that was not dis- covered until death unraveled the mystery. Charley was a typical stage driver, swore at his horses and when necessary took his "nip" at the various stopping places on the road, carried the United States mail, performed his duties faithfully and was a general favorite on the road. Being tired of handling the reins, he started a half-way house, furnishing refreshments for man and beast, took care of the relay teams, bought twenty-five acres of land and settled down. In 1879 Charley sold his ranch and went to live in a cabin on a ranch owned by one of his friends, lived alone and avoided people
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as much as possible; he took sick and died in 1879. While the necessary offices of the dead were being performed it was discovered that Charley was of the gentler sex, in other words Charley was a woman. This event was very extensive- ly circulated. It was first written for the San Francisco Call by the writer, copied by all the eastern papers and very much embellished by a story of a fair maiden in New Hamp- shire becoming disappointed in love and leaving her native state disguised in the habiliments of the sterner sex. A poem on the subject was written by a local poet. Charley succeeded in preserving her secrets very effectively and was buried with them. Letters of administration were issued on the estate of Charles D. Parkhurst, deceased, for the pur- pose of quieting title to a certain piece of property. No heirs ever made any inquiries or endeavored to assert any claim to any property that may have belonged to the estate. Some persons were found digging about the cabin where Parkhurst resided, under the impression that some wealth was there buried, but none was ever found. On the great register of the county is found the name of Charley Darkey Parkhurst, nativity New Hampshire, occupation, farmer, age fifty-five. Date of registration 1867. Charley exercised the right of suffrage in spite of the law against women voting.
BANKING FACILITIES.
There are five banks in the county, three at Santa Cruz and two at Watsonville. Each bank has also a savings de- posit bank carried on under the same management; they are all in a flourishing condition, using their own buildings, fitted in modern style with every convenience and are all in a very prosperous condition. Before the banks were established money was deposited in the safes of the merchants for safe keeping or in some instances deposited by the owners in
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some safe place known only to themselves. If a party wanted to borrow money he would apply to some one supposed to have money to loan and after arrangements were made by the execution of a mortgage or other security, the deal was closed, the documents put on record and the transaction was generally closed thus: "Well, whose treat is it? Guess it's mine." "Cum less take a drink." Written application for a loan and abstracts of title were seldom asked for in the days of old; interest was from ten per cent a month in the '50s and stood at three per cent a month for many years; it ranges now from eight per cent per annum on ranch property to ten and twelve per cent per annum on city property. Some years ago there was a demand that mortgages should be taxed; the borrowers thought this would be an advantage; experience has proved that the borrower gained little or nothing by this method; he was left at the mercy of the lender. "The borrower is a servant to the lender," was written centuries ago and the same law has prevailed to the present time.
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