USA > California > Solano County > History of Solano County...and histories of its cities, towns...etc. > Part 9
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Gold. $ 248 50
Currency
25 00
And the following individual pledges :
A. D. Wood. $ 100 00
J. Bartlett. 50 00
F. A. Hornblower 50 00
J. V. B. Goodrich 20 00
J. T. Counts 20 00
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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
N. V. Wagner
15 00
R. Swarbrick.
10 00
R. G. Houston 10 00
T. H. Woodworth
10 00
And others.
20 00
Vallejo Lodge, No. 64 1,000 00
Sacramento. .
500 00
Brooklyn Lodge, No. 384. 100 00
Star of Hope Lodge, No. 32
100 00
California Lodge, No. 7
100 00
Athens Lodge, No. 286
100 00
Union (of Nevada), No. 4.
100 00
Woodland, No. 237.
100 00
Eleven other lodges, $50 each
550 00
San Francisco Dramatic Club
50 00
Thirteen lodges
340 00
Making a total of. $3,618 50
At every succeeding session of the Grand Lodge, liberal donations and pledges were made in support of this noble charity. From 1867 to 1878, inclusive, the donations and pledges thus made and paid into the Home treasury have amounted to $31,003 61, besides $12,504 75, per capita, tax raised by the Grand Lodge, for the same purpose.
While touching on the financial history of the Home, it will be proper here to repeat the closing remarks of Bro. George W. Simonton, Secretary of the Orphan Homestead Association, in his report under date September 19th, 1870 : " In conclusion, permit me to say, that at the time the associa- tion was organized, we claimed the benefits to be derived from the associa- tion, to the Grand Lodge, for the Orphans' Home, would be twenty acres of land, and $20,000. Our figures above show twenty acres of land and $23,120 76, $3,500 of which is represented by thirty-five lots remaining unsold."
The following Table will clearly explain the financial position of the Orphans' Home :
Nucleus of the Home Building Fund was. .. $23,120 76
Donations from members of the Order to 1878 .. 31,003 61
Per capita tax paid by Grand Lodge. 12,504 75
Earnings of the Home, by fees, farm, etc. 27,509 77 Aid from the State. 24,186 02
General Bidwell, Chico (donation) 1,000 00
Sundry donations 149 25
Making a grand total of. $119,474 16
raised for the erection and maintenance of the institution, up to September 30th, 1878.
86
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
At the Twelfth Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, held in 1871, G. W. Simonton, W. H. Mills, A. G. Clark, and J. B. Carrington, were elected trustees of the Home. It was at this session also that Grand Secretary W. H. Mills, in his report, advised the creation of a Board of Lady Managers, to have charge of the domestic affairs of the Home; and the Grand Lodge, acting on the suggestion, elected the following as a Board of Lady Managers : Mrs. E. J. Wilson, Mrs. N. B. Klink, Mrs. G. W. Simonton, Mrs. E. M. Ben- jamin, of Vallejo ; Mrs. E. C. Fowler, Valley Ford; Mrs. M. M. Carpenter, of San Francisco, and Mrs. C. P. Huntoon, of Sacramento.
The first Board of Trustees chosen by the Grand Lodge, at its Ninth Session (the subsequent Boards are given seriatim), were elected in:
1868-Doctor C. S. Haswell, Joseph Middlemiss, of Sacramento ; George F. Mallett, Rev. N. B. Klink, of Vallejo; J. A. Albertson, F. A. Hornblower, and M. H. Eastman.
1869-W. H. Mills, G. W. Simonton, M. J. Wright, F. A. Hornblower, C. B. Proctor, G. F. Mallett, and Joseph Middlemiss.
1870-C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, M. H. Eastman, William Carpenter' M. J. Wright, Joseph Middlemiss, and G. F. Mallett.
1871-G. W. Simonton, G. F. Mallett, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, J. B. Carrington, H. Crowell, and W. H. Mills.
1872-G. W. Simonton, President; W. H. Mills, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, I. S. Halsey, J. B. Carrington, and Rev. N. B. Klink.
1873-W. H. Mills, S. Kitto, C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, I. S. Halsey, J. B. Carrington, and A. G. Clark.
1874-W. H. Mills, President; George B. Katzenstein, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, treasurer ; S. Kitto, C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, J. B. Carring- ton, and A. G. Clark.
1875-J. B. Carrington, President ; W. Crowhurst, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, treasurer ; W. H. Mills, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, and S. Kitto.
1876-A. G. Clark, President ; W. Crowhurst, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, treasurer ; A. D. Wood, R. Thompson, W. H. Mills, and S. Kitto.
1877-A. G. Clark, President; C. H. Haile, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, Treasurer ; W. H. Mills, Robert Thompson, J. B. Carrington, and S. Kitto.
1878-George B. Katzenstein, President ; C. H. Haile, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, Treasurer ; W. H. Mills, S. Kitto, A. G. Clark, - Bagley, of Stockton, and T. T. Heald.
The G. W. C. Templar and G. W. Secretary are ex officio members of all meetings of the Board of Trustees.
87
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
The first Board of Lady Managers chosen by the Grand Lodge (the sub- sequent Boards are given seriatim) was composed of the following ladies, who were elected in the year
1871-Mesdames N. B. Klink, President ; G. W. Simonton, Secretary ; E. J. Wilson, E. M. Benjamin, of Vallejo; C. E. Fowler, Valley Ford; and C. P. Huntoon, of Sacramento.
1872-Mesdames Klink, President ; Benjamin, Secretary ; Wilson, Fowler, F. L. Carlton, Huntoon, and Alsip.
1873-Mesdames Wilson, President ; Robbins, Secretary; Huntoon, Alsip, Carlton, C. B. Thompson, and Benjamin.
1874-Mesdames Carlton, President; Robbins, Secretary ; Wilson, Ben- jamin, Thompson, A. G. Clark, of Napa, and M. M. Carpenter, of. San Francisco.
1875-Mesdames Carlton, President; J. Macarty, Secretary; Wilson, Alsip, Benjamin, Carpenter, and M. E. Partridge, of Oakland.
1876-Mesdames Carlton, President; Klink, Secretary; Wilson, Car- penter, Alsip, Partridge, and Clark.
1877-Mesdames Klink, President ; Carpenter and Partridge, Secretaries; Clark, Thompson, Alsip; V. A. Rix, of Washington Corner ; and M. G. Morris, of Vallejo.
1878-Mesdames Klink, President ; Carpenter and Thompson, Secretaries ; Aslip, Clark, Rix, and Partridge.
The first matron was Mrs. R. C. Armitage ; the second matron was Mrs. M. L. Pexton ; the third matron was Mrs. H. M. Chandler; the fourth ma- tron was Mrs. Geo. Morris, (nee Mattie Parker) ; the fifth matron was Mrs. B. Derby ; the sixth and present one, Mrs. L. Stewart.
The teachers are Mr. and Mrs. N. Smith. The average number of child- ren who have been admitted to the Home for Orphans since its foundation, is about four hundred ; while the approximate yearly attendance has been in the vicinity of fifty and sixty. Present number one hundred and three.
The school is managed under the direction of the Board of Lady Man- agers, and the Vallejo Board of Education, with a daily attendance of about eighty pupils, twenty of whom are admitted from the outside. The school- rooms have been newly furnished with the best double desks, at a cost of about three hundred and fifty dollars, and paid for by voluntary subscrip- tions of members of the Grand Lodge, while visiting the Home in October last. We next draw attention to the
88
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
NAPA AND SOLANO AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL ARTS SOCIETY.
Was incorporated on June 24, 1872, under the Presidentship of M. R. Miller, with Messrs. J. B. Frisbie, and John M. Gregory, Jr., as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively ; and has for its object the holding of a District Fair, embracing the counties of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Lake, Mendocino, So- noma, and Marin, when premiums are offered in the following departments : Live Stock, Cereals, Fruits, Wines, and Dairy Products, as well as for all manner of Agricultural Implements made in the district; Domestic Manu- factures ; Carriages, Buggies, etc .; Saddlery, Harness, etc .: Painting, Orna- mental Work, etc .; Embroidery, Needlework, etc .; Bread, Crackers, etc .; Plants, Bouquets, etc .; with a special class where prizes are offered to child- ren. Special premiums are open to competitors; while there is a speed programme which is carried out on each of the days during which the fair is held. The exhibition grounds and park are situated on the Napa road, about three miles from Vallejo, and cover an area of sixty acres, having buildings for the benefit of exhibitors ; while there is accommodation for from two to three hundred animals. The hotel is a two-storied erection of handsome appearance ; the sheds are all in the very best condition ; while nothing is wanting that may ensure the comfort of the visitor. The race track is declared to be, by men of experience, one of the very best in the country for speed, while it possesses many other advantages. Up, until last year, the Society was more or less a private one; but by operation of the Legis- lature last session, a sum of fifteen hundred dollars was granted to them, which now officializes their position, and calls for a yearly report from them to the State Board of Agriculture. The officers for the present year are : President, John B. Carrington ; Vice-President, John T. Dare; Secretary, A. J. McPike; Treasurer, J. K. Duncan ; Directors, John E. Williston, L. B. Abernethie, Robert Brownlee. W. P. Durbin, John Neate, John Callender, J. B. Hoyt, Stephen Eaton, John Wilson, William Carter, H. Connolly, John Brownlie, D. W. Harrier, C. Hartson, Luke Kelly, A. Goodyear, W. A. Fisher, J. C. Wolfskill, John Farnham, J. M. Thompson, S. S. Drake.
Meetings are usually held in September of each year.
We have, in the commencement of this chapter, entered upon the appear- ance of the county in the days when but few white men had penetrated into its wilds. A faint attempt was made to picture the beauties of the wild waste, as described by the first settlers in Solano ; we now select a spot whither to allure the reader, namely, the
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS.
Of all the spots worthy of a visit in the vicinity of Vallejo, none can, probably, compare with the White Sulphur Springs in regard to the beauty
89
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
of its surroundings. Originally being included in the grant to General Vallejo, he disposed of them to Milton Brockman, who, in turn, sold them to Henry Connolly, from him they were purchased by General J. B. Frisbie, and latterly, falling into the hands of the Vallejo Land and Improvement Association, the property was bought by James Kelly, the present proprie- tor, for the trifling sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. When the Springs became the property of General Frisbie he, with a taste which it would be next to impossible to excel, ornamented the grounds in the most lavish manner, expending no less a sum than one hundred and thirty thousand dollars in beautifying the property which consists of about one hundred and sixty acres. The management of the White Sulphur Springs is now vested in Mr. James Condon, than whom no more hospitable a host exists.
These Springs lie in a north-easterly direction from Vallejo, with which city they are connected by coach, which runs the distance of four miles, direct from the railroad depot, and are situated in a hollow of the hills, which rise in easy slopes, surrounding them on all sides and protecting the grounds from the rough breezes of the bay. The road passes through a country of rare cultivation, cattle may be seen browsing on a thousand hills; while the residences of the thriving farmers, with the bright sun glittering on their whitened walls, add an appearance of life to the scene, which goes a great way towards enlivening the prospect. For rare beauty the environs cannot be surpassed. In spring and summer the flowers and foliage attain their truest perfection ; the former in their brilliant colors, forming a charming contrast against the darker leaves of the trees. A small lake has been excavated, around which are secluded walks and cosy seats, placed within the shadow of the spreading weeping willow. An island in the centre, which is gained by a bridge or boats, is laid out with marvelous skill, revealing many a gorgeous vista of color; here, again, the weary may find rest, the social enjoy their tete-a-tete, or the book-worm be free from intrusion. Summer houses and kiosks are built along the margin of the water, arranged with tables and rustic chairs, where the merry tea or enchant- ing kettle-drum may be partaken; while labyrinthine walks traverse the grounds in all directions, amply shaded by umbrageous trees, offering seclu- sion to those who may wish to converse with "ling'ring sweetness long- drawn out." Canopied bowers and bosky dells, evergreen shrubbries, flower gardens and vineyard, diversify the sloping surface and give a fairy-like effect to the landscape that cannot well prove otherwise than enchanting to the visitor. Nature has given the White Sulphur Spring a magnificence of position which recalls the most perfect spots of Swiss scenery, and forms a watering place where the votary of pleasure may find delight, and the hard- worked city merchant obtain relaxation from the cares of business.
.
90
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
THE SPRINGS
Are cosily placed in a recess in the mountain side forming a small pond of about forty feet in circumferrence and built around with a rockery over which creepers and lichens cling in tangled confusion. The water presents a pale bluish color, imparting at first a slightly unpleasant odor, and is protected from the rays of the sun by a large weeping willow, while con- tiguous to it is a circular seat and table whereat the invalid or the curious may take the waters, which is not by any means unpleasant to the palate. The liquid it is believed has never been properly analyzed but it is princi- pally composed of sulphur with a very slight proportion of iron. To prove that there is nothing obnoxious in its flavor, this water is generally used on the premises, while the stock on the ground drink it with great relish. Adjacent to those already described there is a sweet water spring bubbling forth the clearest and most delicious beverage for those who may not appre- ciate the medicinal properties of the former.
THE BUILDINGS
On the grounds are all of framework and of elegant design approached by a well kept carriage drive. The first erection which is passed on arrival is a kind of bachelors' home, for on the first floor is the saloon, containing bar and billiard room which connects by an archway ; the appointments in these appartments are of the first order and in themselves should be an inducement to visitors. Off these there are lesser rooms, one being fitted up with a telegraphic apparatus, the wires of which connect with Vallejo and thence to San Francisco, while the other is used as a barber's shop and office. The second story is divided into one parlor or club-room, seven bed- rooms and a large and convenient bath-room with all the necessary improve- ments. Some fifty yards from this building stands the main structure, of two stories in height and protected on three sides by a spacious verandah. A wide flight of steps flanked on either side by well laid out parterres of flowers leads to the piazza from which entry is made into a dining room of grand proportions capable of accommodating one hundred and fifty guests, while adjoining it are spacious and well furnished sitting parlors. The upper floor is entirely devoted to bed chambers of which there are sixteen of various sizes and all furnished with a view to the comfort of the occu- pants. Near the lake there is a neat detached building called Knoll Cottage, while in close proximity to the sulphur spring there are two others named respectively Spring and Linda Vista Cottages. These detached residences each contain one large room with alcove for bed, and three small single rooms, with lavatory, all furnished and carpetted with every regard to com- fort. These tenements are also provided with verandahs, those of the two
91
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
latter commanding a prospect of the most ravishing order, situated as they are, half-way up the mountain, a panorama of the country is had, with all its variations of hill and dale, light and shadow ; while in the distance a glimpse is caught of the church towers and higher situated houses of Vallejo, backed in the distance by the expanse of water of the San Pablo bay and the coast range of mountains. The cottages are all that could be desired for families, or a party of friends.
THE BATHS are eight in number, and are connected with the Springs by means of pipes, and thence distributed into the different rooms, where the receptacles are tin-lined. In a large room attached, is a monster boiler from which hot water is conveyed, which may, with a shower in each, be used at will.
THE STABLES, too, are a feature on the premises, there being stalls for twenty-five horses; sheds for buggies, and the necessary harness-rooms, with water laid on throughout.
GAS is the means by which the different buildings are illuminated, which is manufactured in a gasometer, some distance off, and which answers ad- mirably.
No description of the White Sulphur Springs can be considered complete without reference to the high mountain at the foot of which it stands. Capped, as it is, by large, unwieldy boulders, heaped upon cach other in utter chaos, the ascent to which is gradual and smooth, and will well repay the adventurer to its summit; for from thence a grand and magnificent view, which brings, on a clear day, the city of San Francisco within its ken, is to be obtained. Nowhere within such casy distance of the coast metropolis does there exist so pleasant a locality for recreation ; and with the many advantages of comfort and accessibility, which the Springs now possess, their is no reason why it should not be the mnost fashionable resort in Cali- fornia.
TOLENAS SPRINGS.
Among the various wonders that nature has so lavishly bestowed upon California, but few are more deserving of notice than her Mineral Springs. As though intending that every physical ill should be provided with an antidote, healing waters are made to rush forth from the bowels of the earth, and bubble up on the tops and sides of mountain chains. In these, the counties of Solano and Napa seem to be the most favored.
The Solano, or Tolenas Springs-to the description of which the attention
92
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
of our readers will now be confined-are situated about five miles north of Suisun City, at an elevation of eleven hundred feet above the level of the sea, and in the midst of the most beautiful climate and romantic scenery. For more than half the distance the road from Suisun runs across the level valley, that, in the spring, is carpetted with green turf and variegated with flowers of every hue. Groves of dark green oaks, with an occasional farm- house peeping from among the foliage, and here and there live stock quietly reposing, or eagerly feeding, display a scene of beauty which can be rarely surpassed.
Ascending the steep but smoothly sloped and gently rounded hills, dotted with trees, a panorama of vast extent and great beauty is rolled out before you. To the south-east a broad plain extends as far as the eye can reach; to the south Mount Diablo is the crowning point of a long chain of hills ; to the east, and north-east, the shimmering tops of the snow- covered Sierra Nevadas shine through the deepening haze, with a richer glow than the glittering gold that is hidden deep beneath their icy crest.
Arriving at "Empire Spring," and looking down the canon, is the " White Sulphur Spring." Before going further perhaps it ought to be mentioned that there are several mineral springs in this chain of hills, the principal of which seem to be the Empire, White Sulphur, Seltzer, and Congress. The former is located near the head of a ravine, on the south side of Soda Spring Canon. This spring furnishes a considerable volume of water, that issues in a jet, with a gurgling noise at intervals of from one to two seconds. The numerous bubbles that rise to the surface would indicate the pressure of a larger amount of carbonic acid gas in this than in any of the other springs ; but a careful analysis has failed to confirm it.
The White Sulphur Spring, as I have said, is near the foot of the canon, some 200 feet above the bed of the small stream that runs through the latter. The flow of water from this spring is small, probably not more than from three to four gallons daily, but it is highly impregnated with sulphur, the smell of which is perceptible for some- distance. From this spring can be seen the famous Suisun marble quary.
The Congress Spring is but a short distance from the Empire, and very much resembles the latter, except that the escapement of gas is less.
The Seltzer Spring is on the west side of the divide, overlooking the upper portion of Suisun valley. Its pellucid and sparkling waters are equal in taste to the best soda water ever drank, eclipsing in flavor at least, the more celebrated Congress and Empire. Each of the springs, with the exception of the White Sulphur, issues from the fissues of a light, porous calcareous rock, of singular formation.
These mineral waters have been known to, and even the resort of native Californians, for many years; but they have received but little attention until recently, when the following careful analysis of two of the springs by
93
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
Dr. Hewston of San Francisco, discovered the valuable medicinal properties they contain.
Component Parts.
Congress.
Specific gravity.
1.0056
Empire. 1.0132
Iodide of Potassium.
0.24
1.64
Chloride of Potassium.
0.71
1.66
Chloride of Sodium
26.90
90.83
Carbonate of Soda.
6.67
14.38
Biborate of Soda
2.57
6.44
Carbonate of Lime.
6.04
4.46
Carbonate of Magnesia.
1.36
4.57
Carbonate of Iron.
0.08
0.09
Alumina
0.12
trace.
Selica ..
0.20
0.40
Dry solid matter in 1 pint
45.00
124.47
Free Carb. Acid gas, cub. in.
33.735
26.297
Their value will be better appreciated by the persual of the following note from Drs. I. Rowell and B. A. Sheldon, and with which we shall close this description.
" We have carefully examined the results of Doctor Hewston's analysis of the waters of the Congress and Empire Springs, and believe them possessed of remedial virtues superior to any other of the vaunted waters of California, and equal to any in the world. Their tonic, alterative, antacid and aperient qualities render them invaluable, when judiciously administered, in the treatment of various chronic affections."
The consumption of these waters is becoming general throughout the State, superseding in a great measure that from Napa county.
Mention has elsewhere been made of the
MARBLE QUARRY
Near Suisun, the property of Judge Swan. We append verbatim the report to that gentleman of a Geological Survey of the locality, made by Mr. Charles Rueger in 1876.
"From the examination of your property above specified, as made in your company, I have come to the following conclusions ; of course such a local examination of the grounds specified, does not enable me to give a correct picture of the geology of the entire vicinity, or an idea of the mineralogical value of lands adjoining near and far. My problem has been,
94
THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
as I conceived, merely to determine what of useful mineral is to be found on your property, above specified. That is to say, what I have not examined I cannot judge of.
The rock formation on the above lands consist of alternating strata or layers of sandstone, limestone and argillaceous shale with an abundant variety of transition rocks ; particularly of marls.
The strata have the strike, or course, of the Coast Range, the eruption of which was evidently the cause of their upheaval in ages past. Their dip is therefore naturally to the north-east, the strike being N.W .- S.E. This agrees with the general position of the stratified rocks of the slate, and therefore serve as to guide the identification of strata in their continuation at a distance.
There are many peculiarities in these strata that point to the coal forma- tion as the one to which they are probably to be ranked, even if they did not stand in line with the Mount Diablo coal deposits. Nothing of a fossil nature was found, however, to support or confirm such an opinion. Of course even the presence of strata, incident to the coal formation, would not necessitate the presence of coal strata, but merely makes it possible. The experience and geology of many regions shows this, and more. In Switzer- land, for instance, the coal formation is largely represented, and coal found in many places, but a number of companies have failed in the vain effort to find a paying deposit. They have been found invariably to be of limited extent, though often of good quality.
In order to make my remarks better understood, I subjoin an outline of the topography of the locality from the county map, and have sketched in the approximate position of the various strata, as observed .* The figures give the source of the specimens of corresponding number, as accompanying this report. The dotted lines show the courses taken in three days' exami- nation of the ground.
The course over the Marble Quarry Hill, gave the following observations of importance :
The hill consists mainly of sandstone strata forming the north-east side , and a limestone strata on the south-west side, inter-stratified with sand- stone. The hill in which the old quarry and the lime-kilns are situated, seems to be, partially, at least, a pile of debris, agglomerated by a calcareous deposit of speml.
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