USA > California > Sonoma County > History of Sonoma County : including its geology, topography, mountains, valleys, and streams > Part 38
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School Buildings .- These have been alluded to in this article in brief. The High School building is situated on D street. It is of Gothic architecture, containing two class-rooms on the first floor, two on the second, and a com- modious though unfinished hall on the third.
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The one on the corner of B and Fifth streets, and occupied by the Gram- mar School, is of brick, two stories in height, and contains eight class-rooms, with accommodation for fifty in each room.
The Primary school-houses already mentioned are one-class houses, with accommodation for sixty pupils each, and are three in number.
All the rooms, except the three last mentioned, are provided with patent single seats and desks. The school grounds of the Grammar and High Schools are divided into separate grounds for boys and girls, and each of these into a front and back yard, the front yard being handsomely orna- mented with trees, flowers, shrubbery, and grass plots, the pride of citizens teachers and pupils.
The value of school property, according to an approximate estimate, is as follows: High School property, fifteen thousand dollars; Grammar School property, forty thousand dollars; outside property, eight thousand dollars ; total valuation, sixty-three thousand dollars. The cost of maintaining the schools is about thirteen thousand dollars per annum, assuming ten thousand and five hundred dollars for teachers' salaries, three hundred and sixty dollars for janitors, and the balance for incidentals, improvements, etc. The revenue for their support is derived from the State and county apportion- ments, and from a special city tax of from three thousand dollars to four thousand dollars annually.
Up to 1870, the management of property, election of teachers, etc., were in the hands of a Board of Trustees, in accordance with the present plan of country school management. In 1870 a special act was passed, restricting the district limits within the city limits, and providing for the election of a Board of Education of five members, who hold office for two years, two of them being elected one year and three the next.
The present Board is Messrs. James Singley, G. W. Edelman, W. H, Dalton, N. M. Hedges, and F. T. Maynard The Secretary and ex-officio City Super- intendent of Schools, being Mr. Maynard. Messrs. Maynard, Singley and Hedges have been re-elected for so many successive terms that they have become regarded as fixtures.
Messrs. Edelman and Dalton have been members for two successive terms. These gentlemen having been selected in the first place for their educational interest, their successive re-election has contributed probably more than any other one cause to the present unexcelled condition of the schools. The schools rank among the best in the State. They constitute one of Petalu- ma's highest recommendations as a place of residence, and are always pointed out to strangers as the pride of the city by its citizens.
The progress in education throughout the State, whereby the public school system has been raised, step by step, from the old "deestrict skewl" system of earlier days, to keep pace with a progressive State, has been the history of progress in the schools of this city.
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Unfortunately, we believe, an experiment, which has been tried before in other States and found wanting, is to take the place of our harmonious and complete system. Whether the schools of this city are to suffer or not depends much upon the people of the city, and judging from the support which they have always accorded so cheerfully to their schools, we are led to believe that they may survive the shock.
Besides the public schools, mention has been made of the private institu- tions conducted by the Sisters of Mercy and Miss Martin. Miss Martin's school is conducted much upon the same plan as that of the public schools. She has about twenty pupils, with three or four boarders. Her instruction is very thorough and systematic.
The Convent school was founded several years ago. It has about sixty pupils of every grade, and is well conducted in every department. The edu- cation is not sectarian, unless such is the choice of its patrons. It also accom- modates boarders in addition to the regular day scholars, and is supported by tuition. The grounds are well improved, and are an ornament to the city.
St. Vincent's Academy, Petaluma .- This institution was established in July, 1867, by two members of the Order of Charity, founded in France by Vincent de Paul, in the early part of the seventeenth century. The begin- ning was a small day-school, consisting of some twenty or thirty pupils occupying two small class-rooms in what had been the private residence of Judge Southard. Application to admit boarders soon became so urgent as to necessitate the building of extra accommodation, which was accomplished in 1869. From time to time improvements were made which enabled the Sisters, in the present flourishing condition of the Academy, to accommodate about one hundred boarders. The plan of the interior building exhibits much economy and good taste, embodied with excellent judgment. The middle story, on which is the front entrance, comprises halls, parlor, chapel, music-rooms, four class-rooms, library and clothes-rooms. The upper story contains three large dormitories, infirmary, community-room, the latter used by the Sisters, whose present number is seven. The entire lower story is devoted to the use of the children, containing study-hall, refectories, bath- rooms, wash-room and kitchen. Last to mention, but not least, are the spacious play grounds, which command a beautiful view of the surrounding country. Different games are furnished in order that the time of recreation may be occupied in relaxing the minds and giving proper exercise to the physical constitutions of the pupils.
SECRET SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC .- Petaluma is second to no other city in the State of California in the condition of its Lodges, save, perhaps, with the single exception of San Francisco. The Masonic Order, as well as that of the Odd Fellows, is in a most flourishing condition, while the benefits which they confer are dispensed with a due regard to the lessons inculcated by the several Orders.
HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
Petaluma Chapter. No. 22, R. A. M .- This Chapter was organized under dispensation and granted a charter, the members applying for such being Thomas L. Barnes, Philip R. Thompson, L. E. Brooks, M. R. Evans, William Burnett, P. W. Randle, S. Powell, Job Cash, William Ross, and others. The first holders of office were: High Priest, Thomas L. Barnes; King, Philip R. Thompson; Scribe, L. E. Brooks. Since its first inauguration the member- ship has considerably increased, there being now fifty-seven on the roll, while the following are the holders of office for the current term: High Priest, James Singley; King, William B. Haskell; Scribe, Alexander Lackey; Treasurer, Conrad Poehlman; Secretary, Josiah H. Crane; Captain of Host, Marcus D. Goshen; Principal Sojourner, John W. McClymonds; Royal Arch Captain, Thomas R. Jacobs; Master of Third Vail, N. W. Scudder; Master of Second Vail, Joseph A. Wiswell; Master of First Vail, William R. Veale; Guard, William S. Keays. The Chapter meets on the first and third Monday in each montlı.
Arcturus Lodge, No. 180, F. A. M .- This Lodge was organized on October 11th, 1866, and a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of California to Right Worshipful Master, C. Simmons; Senior Warden, Simon Conrad; and Junior Warden, Benjamin F. Tuttle, who held office under dispensation. The Lodge now has a roll of seventy-five members and the office-bearers for the current year are: Right Worshipful Master, M. D. Goshen; Senior Warden, J. W. MeClymonds; Junior Warden, T. R. Jacobs; Treasurer, W. B. Haskell; Secretary, J. H. Crane; Senior Deacon, W. R. Veale; Junior Deacon, A. R. Doughty ; Marshal, N. W. Scudder; Stewards, Alexander Lackey and Charles E. Polk; Tyler, William S. Keays. The Lolge meets on Thursday on or before full moon.
Relief Encampment, No. 29, I. O. O. F .- Was instituted July 11, 1868, the charter members being David Sullivan, G. Warren, B. Bowman, J. S. Cutter, L. Ellsworth, James K. Knowles, William Zartman, Moses Korn. The first officers of the Encampment were: G. Warren, C. P .; J. S. Cutter, H. P .; L. Ellsworth, S. W .; B. Bowen, Seribe; William Zartman, Treasurer; David Sullivan, J. W. There are at present fifty-four members in good standing, while the present officers are: G. W. Edelman, C. P .; J. B. Fulmer, H. P .; S. J. Hopkins, S. W .; W. H. Zartman, Scribe; L. Ellsworth, Treas- urer; Charles Young, J. W. The institution is in a prosperous condition. '
Petaluma Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F .- This Lodge was instituted on Sep- tember 30, 1854, with the following charter members: Daniel MeLaren, S. C. Hayden, S. M. Martin, Thomas M. Murray, E. S. McMurray, Stephen Payran, Charles Purvine, William Ayers. The original officers were: Dan- iel McLaren, N. G .; S. C. Hayden, V. G .; S. M. Martin, R. S .; William Ayers, Treasurer. The present membership of the lodge is one hundred and eighty-eight, while the office holders for the current year are: J. B.
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Christie, N. G ; J. B. Fulmer, V. G .; W. H. Zartman, R. S .; L. Ellsworth, Treasurer; F. E. McNear, P. S. The institution is in a flourishing condition, and has a fine hall on the principal thoroughfare of the city.
Petaluma Lodge No. 161, I. O. G. T .- This Lodge is the result of the con- solidations of the Lodges Star of the West, No. 380, and Starlight, No. 161, which was effected February 3, 1879. The number of charter members, was thirty-five, and the officers under that grant: William C. Ordway, W. C. T .; Clara Wright, W. V. T .; J. S. Fillmore, Chaplain; Ella Gale, W. S .; A. G. Twist, W. A. S .; L. D. Gale, W. F. S .; Mrs. C. A. Ten Eyck, W. T .; Gordon Cameron, W. M .; Jennie Cameron, W. D. M .; Dollie Schlosser, W. I. G .; Aleck Connolly, W. O. G .; Sadie Wright, W. R. S .; Ella Benjamin, W. L. S .; J. B. Schlosser, P. W. C. T .; H. H. Jessup, L. D. The Lodge is in a flourishing condition, and has a membership of sixty. The office- holders for the current term are: A. G. Twist, W. C. T .; Ella Gale, W. V. T,; W. C. Ordway, W. S .; Dollie Schlosser, W. A. S .; L. D. Gale, W. F. S .; F. S. Johnson, W. T .; Annie Eustice, W. M., J. W. Congdon, W. D. M .; Jennie Hughes, W. I. G .; John Offutt, W. O. G .; Mary Frazier, W. C .; Minnie Aiken, W. R. S .; Alice Gale, W. L. S .; M. E. Congdon, P. M. C. T .; H. H. Jessup, L. D. The order meets in the building of the I. O. O. F. on every Monday evening.
BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS .- The importance of beneficial assurance tosociety everywhere; the solidity it imparts to all domestic institutions; the protec- tion it affords to the labors and recreations of existence; the comforts it brings to the sacred fireside of home; the relief it pours out so abundantly upon the bereaved and suffering; the countless benefits it scatters along the pathway of life; the blessings it reserves for a future of sorrow-all these are now more truly perceived and more warmly appreciated than ever they were before. People are beginning to understand, and understand in earnest, that their best endeavors are conserved in these wise and benevolent institu- tions. Great confidence is reposed in, in all these directions. The hopes of parent and child, lover and sweetheart, husband and wife, brother and sister, old and young, the widowed and orphaned-all are gathered up in their keeping. As population, intelligence and refinement advance, beneficial associations must become a more essential part of the social fabrie. Beneficial - associations are more efficacious in their operations-as regards the moral and domestic comfort of the people, and in their tendency to diminish taxation by reducing pauperism and the possibility of crime-than the legislation of our wisest statesmen, and if universally adopted would be a national blessing.
Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma .- The Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma is incorporated under an Aet passed April 22, 1850, entitled " An Act for Incorporating Religious, Social, Beneficial and Literary Associa-
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tions," and reincorporated under the Act passed March 23, 1874, entitled "An Act Relating to Mutual, Beneficial and Relief Associations."
The latter Act was passed especially for the protection of this and similar societies, and to guard them against the encroachment of the life insurance companies and the life insurance laws. These statutes are very strict in their requirements, especially in regard to the funds. They cannot be applied in any other manner than that set forth in the Act of incorporation. If they should wrongfully be diverted from their proper use, they can be reclaimed at any time within six years, upon the complaint of any member of the association filed in the District Court.
The original officers were: Col. J. A. Harding, W. K. Davis, E. Newburgh C. Railsback, F. W. Shattuck, Simon Conrad, Capt. J. Snow, James Harvey, Thomas Rochford, J. Cavanagh, L. F. Carpenter, G. R. Codding.
This class of mutual associations originated with the Episcopal clergy, for the protection of their families. Other denominations, as also the Masons and Odd Fellows, soon adopted the same plan. It gave such general satis- faction, accomplishing its designs with such a certainty and at such a trifling expense, that it was not long before it was adopted by the large manufac- turers and their thousands of operatives, as the cheapest and best plan for protection against the frequent demands of the needy, whose legal protectors had died in their service, and to place their widows and orphans above want. In this manner it has steadily and rapidly grown in favor throughout the East- ern States for more than a quarter of a century. Realizing these facts, the citizens of San Francisco formed an association confining its membership to that city. Some citizens of Petaluma applied to become members, and having been denied, by reason of its restrictions, they determined to organize an asso- ciation in Petaluma. A meeting was accordingly called by a number of its leading citizens. The result was the incorporating of a society in the spirit of the above, and, notwithstanding it has brought out the strongest opposition of the several life insurance companies, misrepresenting the asso- ciation in the most subtle manner, through thousands of publications, and with the aid of hundreds of their paid agents, still the Mutual Relief Asso- ciation has steadily increased in numbers and influence until it is known throughout the land; and it has the satisfaction of having relieved widows and orphans to the amount of over sixty thousand dollars. This it has done with an expense so slight to each member that it was not heeded, as they frequently remark that they are glad of an opportunity to contribute occa- sionally to the needy and afflicted, especially when they know that the money goes direct into their hands. The association stands a guardian, ever ready to respond in like manner to the future call of its members, which now number over fifteen hundred.
The object of the association is to secure pecuniary aid of two thousand dollars to the families or dependents of deceased members. This is accom-
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plished in the most perfect and substantial manner, as has been substantiated within the last few years by this and kindred societies ; and that, too, with an expense so light that it has proved not to be a burden upon its members, which not only increases its popularity, but brings it within reach of those most needing its protection and aid. Any person, male or female, may become a member of this association if in good health, and over eighteen and under fifty years of age. Each member pays, according to age, four to ten dollars annually, and one dollar on the death of any member. On proof of the death of a member of the association, his family or the person he has appointed, receives immediately from the association, two thousand dollars, or a like proportion to the number of members, if not filled All surplus shall be loaned on good and sufficient security (on real estate) to form a "permanent reserve fund," the interest on which annually reverts to members in the form of an abatement of assessments. In case of death, they send a notice to each member. They have agents in each town to receive the assessments, and save members the trouble of sending direct to the Secretary. The association, as well as its funds, is under the control of a Board of twelve Directors, who are elected annually by the members of the association, and is also incorporated under the Beneficiary Act of the State, which Act does not allow any funds to be used for purposes other than set forth in the rules and regulations, while the Secretary and Treasurer are required to give heavy bonds for the faithful performance of their duties. The officers and directors of the association receive no compensation what- ever for their services, except the Secretary, who is simply paid for keeping the books of the association. All members will be allowed the same interest on money standing to their credit that the funds of the association draw, and can deposit such amounts as they may desire as advance payments. The association is designed to save money, not to spend it. None will feel poorer for belonging to it, while many will bless the day that their father, mother, husband or brother joined it. The annual payments are : For those under thirty years, when they join the association, four dollars; over thirty and under thirty-five, five dollars; over thirty-five and under forty, six dollars; over forty and under forty-five, cight dollars; over forty-five and under fifty, ten dollars. These payments are not raised above the first payment made when joining. If a member prefers, he may make the following full payments in advance, and not be required to make any further annual pay- ments : For those under thirty years at time of joining, thirty dollars; over thirty and under thirty-five, thirty-five dollars; over thirty-five and under forty, forty dollars; over forty and under forty-five, forty-five dollars; over forty-five and under fifty, fifty dollars.
The ninth annual meeting of the Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma was held at the office of the association on the evening of the 8th of July, 1879, at 8 o'clock, pursuant to a notice published in the Standard. After
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receiving the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, the meeting took action upon proposed changes in the by-laws presented to them by the Directors. Each section proposed to be amended was acted upon separately, and was passed as amended by the Board, with nearly a unanimous vote.
The meeting, after disposing of the by-laws proceeded to the election of Directors to serve for the ensuing year, which resulted in the choice of L. F. Carpenter, Ed. Newburgh, E. S. Lippitt, F. W. Shattuck, John Cavanagh, Isaac Bernhard, D. W. C. Putnam and F. E. McNear, of the old Board, and A. H. Drees, Kelly Tighe, W. L. Van Doren and Wm. Camm, new members. G. R. Codding, Secretary. After which the meeting adjourned, with a unanimous feeling among themselves that the association is not only the largest as to the members, but the strongest financially of any one in the State.
Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association .- The subject of life insurance is one of the great problems that the nineteenth century has attempted to solve. It is a pleasing idea this preparing in life for the wel- fare of the loved ones who must be left behind after our death, and it is for this avowed purpose that men have joined themselves to associations, formed in different ways and under different laws, each agreeing to pay certain sums in life so that after death certain sums may be paid to surviving heirs. But one great fault with old style life insurance companies was, that the expenses ate up the income derived from the insured. High-priced officials must be employed, palatial offices must be furnished, all at the expense of the insured. At last the crash came. In the last few years it is safe to say that hundreds of the so-called life insurance companies have been obliged to close their doors, and the country been filled with thousands who have been swindled out of money they could ill afford to lose. It was at this juncture that mutual protective and beneficial associations came into notice, and the different secret societies, express and railroad employees, and even members of churches, formed themselves into associations, agreeing to pay a certain sum upon the death of each and every member. These associations gave such general satisfaction, accomplishing its designs with such a cer- tainty and at such trifling expense, that it was not long before it was adopted by the large manufacturers and their operatives, as the cheapest and best plan for protection against the frequent demands of the needy, and to place their widows and orphans above want. Realizing these facts, the citizens of San Francisco formed an association, confining its membership to this city. Some citizens of Petaluma applied to become members, and having been denied, by reason of its restrictions, they determined to organize an associa- tion in Petaluma. The result was the incorporation of a society in the spirit of the above, on October 1, 1868, under the name of the Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association, and it has steadily increased in numbers and influence until it is known throughout the land, and it has the satisfaction
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of knowing that it has relieved widows and orphans to the amount of over two hundred and sixty thousand dollars. This it has done with an expense so slight to each member that it was not heeded. The association stands as guardian, ever ready to respond in like manner to the future call of its mem- bers, which now number nearly two thousand. The assets of the Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association were on the 1st of October, 1878, fifty-eight thousand, five hundred and fifty-one dollars and forty-six cents. The dividends paid up to that time amounted to twenty-eight thousand, six hundred and ninety-one dollars and ninety-seven cents, and the benefits paid, to two hundred and ninety-four thousand eight hundred and seventy- one dollars. This is a remarkably good showing, and reveals the fact that the affairs of the company have been most excellently managed, and the interests of the members most carefully guarded. The Directors of the asso- ciation are H. T. Fairbanks, Dr. J. S. Shepherd, Wm. H. Dalton, Conrad Poehlman, L. G. Nay, N. M. Hedges, C. P. Hatch, J. A. Wiswell, Dr. J. H. Crane, William Zartman, Daniel Brown, C. Blackburn. The office of this company is located in the building, and any information regarding the Asso- ciation may be obtained by addressing the Secretary, M. H. Falkner, Petaluma.
Library Association .- The public library in Petaluma, containing about two thousand well-selected volumes, was organized under the auspices of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Petaluma, in January, 1867, the first officers being : T. F. Baylis, President; L. Ellsworth, Vice President; Dr. J. H. Crane, Secretary ; William Zartman, Treasurer. In October, 1878, the insti- tution was turned over to the city and organized as a public library. The rooms of the association are well managed and furnished, and are conveni- ently situated on Main street, near the corner of English street. The present officers are : Lee Ellsworth, President; M. E. C. Munday, Vice-President; John P. Rodgers, Secretary; Mrs. Lackie, Librarian.
Petaluma Temperance Reform Club .- On Wednesday evening, February 19, 1879, Doctor D. Banks Mckenzie of Boston, Massachusetts, addressed the citizens of Petaluma and vicinity on the subject of temperance. At the close of his address the audience extended him an invitation to remain a week, at least, and speak every evening in the theater. Dr. MeKenzie having accept- ted, the meetings were so held; total abstinence pledges were prepared, and there were received during the week over four hundred signatures of men, besides about three hundred ladies and children. Many of the ladies had already become members of the Woman's Temperance Union.
During the meetings the interest strongly and steadily increased, while at those held later the audiences filled the theater to its utmost capacity, even to standing room.
A collection was taken up on each evening, and after paying expenses of the meetings, a balance of twenty-three dollars and seventy cents remaining
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