USA > California > San Bernardino County > Ingersoll's century annals of San Bernadino County, 1769-1904 : prefaced with a brief history of the state of California : supplemented with an encyclopedia of local biography and portraits of many of its representative people > Part 42
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During the first year deposits ex- ceeded $200,000, with thirty-eight stockholders, which enabled the bank to pay stockholders 6 per cent on their subscriptions, beside carrying surplus required by law. Beside paying share- holders, depositors received 4 per cent on term deposits and 3 per cent on other deposits, compounded semi-an- nually.
California State Bank of San Ber- nardino, was organized and incorpor- ated August 2, 1901, and began busi- ness Aug. 15 thereafter. It was incor- porated with a paid-up capital of $50,- E. D. ROBERTS 000, and organized under banking laws of the state and is conducted under the Board of Bank Commissioners for the state of California. Its officers are, John L. Oakey, president; H. H. Ham, vice-president ; W. S. Boggs, cashier ; directors, Dr. J. N. Baylis, Harry Gray, Los Angeles; Dr. W. H. Stiles, L. A. Desmond, Highland.
It conducts a general commercial banking business, and safe deposit vaults, occupying the new and modern banking house, New Garner Block, corner of E and Court streets, San Bernardino.
The business of this bank has shown a steady and substantial growth, gratifying alike to its officers, directors and stock-holders. A report of its condition at the close of business, September 24th, 1904, (condensed), is as follows :
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Resources.
Loans and discounts
$162,590.74
Stocks, bonds and warrants
20.771.57
Furniture and fixtures
3,638.26
Cash on hand
32,076.30
Due from Banks and Bankers
64.400.87
Total
$283.477.74
Liabilities.
Capital paid up
$ 50,000.00
Surplus
5,000.00
Undivided profits
2,053.74
Due depositors
211,674.98
Due Banks and Bankers
12.749.02
Dividends unpaid
2,000.00
Total
$283.477.74
THE SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY TRACTION COMPANY.
In May, 1901, Mr. A. C. Denman, Jr., of Redlands, purchased from Messrs. Parazette and Beggs, of San Bernardino, the Urbita Hot Springs property, located just outside of the south city limits of San Bernardino city. In June, of the same year. Messrs. H. H. Sinclair and Henry Fisher. of Redlands, became interested in this property and these gentlemen made improvements and operated the place under the management of Mr. Den- man until its sale to the San Bernardino Valley Traction Co., June 2, 1903.
In June, 1901, Messrs. Fisher, Sinclair and Denman, with J. H. Fisher, Edward S. Graham and Henry B. Ely, of Redlands, and Seth Hartley, of Colton, formed a company for the purpose of purchasing various franchises then granted, or pending, and operating electric street car lines over these franchises. This company was incorporated June 4, 1901, with a capital stock of $500,000, under the name of San Bernardino Valley Traction Com- pany, with Henry Fisher, president ; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice-president and general manager : Edward S. Graham, treasurer, and J. H. Fisher, secretary. On August 6, 1901, the directors completed the purchase of the follow- ing franchises: Campbell franchise, Seventh and E street franchise, both in San Bernardino city : Colton Ave. franchise, San Bernardino county ; Col- ton city franchise: Mt. Vernon Ave. franchise, San Bernardino county, and Mt. Vernon Ave. franchise, San Bernardino city. Six months after the pur-
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
chase of these franchises the company began active operations, and the first car over the line, after its completion was run on Feb. 22, 1902.
In Dec., 1901, the Traction Company purchased franchises along San Bernardino Ave., Mountain View Ave. and Mill street, for the purpose of constructing and operating an electric car line between San Bernardino and Redlands. Work was begun shortly after the purchase of these franchises and the first car between the two cities was run March 10, 1903.
February, 1903, the San Bernardino and Highland Electric Railway Company was organized and incorporated with a capital stock of $150,000, for the purpose of constructing and operating an electric car line to the township of Highland from San Bernardino. The officers and directors of this company were: Henry Fisher, president ; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice-pres- ident and general manager ; George B. Ellis. secretary , and E. D. Roberts, treasurer. These officers, with George M. Cooley and H. H. Sinclair, composed the Board of Direc- tors.
On March 4, 1903, the Directors of the San Bernardino and Highland Company pur- chased a franchise on Pacific Ave., and one on Base Line to Palm Ave., and also one on Palm Ave. to the center of Highland. Work was about to commence on these franchises when Mr. Kohl, of the San Bernardino, Arrow- head and Waterman Railway Co., began ne- gotiations with Mr. Denman for the pur- chase of the old motor line. In April the Board of Directors of the San Bernardino and A. C. DENMAN, Jr. Highland Electric Ry. Co. approved the ac- tion of the general manager, Mr. Denman, and purchased the old road. Work was at once begun in reconstructing the old line, widening the gauge and putting it in first-class condition for the operation of electric cars. On July 26, 1903, the first car was run over the line as far as Harlem Springs and August 13, the line to Patton and Highland was opened.
The San Bernardino Valley Traction Co. and the Highland Electric Co. operated separately until June 2, 1903, when they consolidated with the Redlands Street Railway Co. under the name of the San Bernardino Valley Traction Co. The officers and directors of this company elected at its first meeting are as follows: Henry Fisher, president ; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice- president and general manager ; C. W. A. Cartlidge, secretary and treasurer. These officers with J. H. Fisher, George M. Cooley, H. H. Sinclair, E. D. Roberts, George B. Ellis and F. C. Hornby, compose the Board of Directors.
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Since the incorporation of the San Bernardino Valley Traction Co., the three companies have all been operated under one management.
Shortly after the consolidation the company purchased the Urbita Springs property and the Cole Race Track. Since August, 1901, the com- pany has always paid its fixed charges and has never run behind any one month.
The Traction Co. is now operating three cars in the city of Redlands, two cars between Redlands and San Bernardino, two cars between San Bernardino and Colton, one between San Bernardino and Highland and one to Urbita Springs and within the city of San Bernardino. Since the starting of the first electric car line in San Bernardino there has been a great increase in travel, due to the education of the citizens and also to the increase in the population of the district which has taken place within the past three years. The Traction company is now carrying from 110,000 to 115,000 people a montlı.
SAN BERNARDINO GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY.
The San Bernardino Electric Co. was organized in 1892, with a capital stock of $50,000, Peter Kohl being president ; Chas. R. Lloyd, vice- president, and Wm. Gird, secre- tary. The company purchased the interests of what is known as the old Davis Mill property on Mill street and Waterman avenue, which was formerly the old Mor- mon grist mill. They thus se- cured ten acres of ground adjoin- ing the mill and 200 inches of water from Warm Creek and Mackenzie ditch. They con- structed a new flume, thus dou- bling the amount of water and se- curing a largely increased head.
In 1897 the company was re- organized with a capital stock of $100,000 and with W. S. Hooper, president : C. R. Loyd, vice- president, and B. Roos, secretary W. S. HOOPER and general manager. In 1898 they bought the stock of the San Antonio Light and Power Co. and Arthur W. Burt was made secretary and
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
manager in place of Roos. In July, 1898, the company bought out the San Bernardino Gas Works and its distributing mains.
Up to 1902 the plant was operated by the San Bernardino Electric Co .. but that year the present company was organized and absorbed the former interests. W. S. Hooper is president ; C. M. Grow, secretary and general manager ; C. R. Lloyd, vice-president. Capital stock, $200,000. In April, 1903, the plant and stock were absorbed by the Pacific Light and Power Co. of Los Angeles. It is still, how- ever, operated as an independent company with the Pacific Light and power Company as principal stockholder. A sub-station has been established here, op- perated in connection with the Power House at Highgrove, Riv- erside Co. Here 200 horse power is created by 300 inches of water in the Gage canal with a forty foot fall.
The company now supplies 125 arc lights for the city of San Bernardino. It lights the envir- onments of the city. the Santa Fe shops and provides private parties with 95 arc lights and about 6000 incandescents, cover- ing the entire field. It also oper- ates the dynamos from the cen- E. A. RASOR tral station of the Home Tele- phone Co., furnishes power for motive purposes at the Santa Fe shops and provides about 500 horse power for pumping plants within a radius of five miles.
WATER SYSTEM.
The first water supply of the town of San Bernardino was a ditch brought by the Mormon colonists from Garner's Springs and the cienega formed by their overflow, into the' stockade. When the town was incor- porated and platted in 1854, ditches were run along the streets for irriga- tion purposes. These were known as "Town Ditch No. 1," "No. 2," etc., but were later recorded as "East Upper Dam," "West Upper Dam," etc. The water for these ditches was originally brought from Town Creek. In 1854 the waters of Twin Creeks were appropriated by a special act of the legis- lature for municipal purposes. An open ditch brought the waters of both
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
creeks into the town, but this supply proved uncertain and was abandoned later on. Water was then supplied from Lytle Creek and from artesian wells, both within and without the city limits. A water company also par- tially supplied the town.
After the town became a city, bonds for a water system were voted and in 1890 a reservoir with a capacity of one million gallons was constructed four miles northeast of the city and 250 feet above its level. This gave suf- ficient pressure to deliver water at any point. The reservoir was supplied by water from Lytle Creek and from artesian wells located on land pur- chased by the city. A complete system of water mains was put in during 1890-91. The city owned its own water system and it was so well managed that for a time the water rents afforded the city an income. But the rapid growth of the town rendered the old supply inadequate to the needs and in Dec., 1902, bonds to the amount of $231,000 were voted by an over- whelming majority, for the acquirement of a new, adequate and up-to-date water system. In consequence steps were taken for the acquisition of a 100-inch water right, commonly known as the Hubbard water right, apply- ing to Lytle Creek waters; a 22 acre tract of land about one mile east of the city and in the center of the artesian belt, was secured ; a pumping plant was constructed on this tract; the capacity of the old storage reservoir was doubled by an addition ; and a complete system of water mains and distribut- ing pipes was put in. The entire work was planned and constructed under the supervision of the city engineer, E. A. Rasor. The work was completed in December, 1904. and the city now has a service of 300 inches of pure water for domestic purposes and it is estimated that this amount can be doubled, or tripled-when necessary-from the water rights now owned by the municipality.
SAN BERNARDINO FIRE DEPARTMENT.
"Old Fire Company." On June 22, 1865, a meeting of the citizens of San Bernardino was called at Pine's Hotel, for the purpose of organizing a "Fire Protective Association." As a result the San Bernardino Fire Com- pany was formally organized on June 26th, with Wm. McDonald, foreman : Nathan Kinman, ist assistant : Aubry Wolff, 2nd assistant, and I. H. Levy, secretary and treasurer.
During the summer the Company equipped itself "with four ladders, four axes, four hooks, 24 buckets, a fire bell and a speaking trumpet." A concert was given for the benefit of the Company which netted $103 and early in 1866 a fire hall was put up on Third at the foot of C street. In 1869 this building was sold to Dr. Peacock and was by him donated to the Methodist church.
The Fire Company took an active part in the social life of the commun-
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ity. Frequent mention is made of balls for the "benefit" of the "fire boys," of picnics and Fourth of July celebrations-some of which originated with the "boys." This Company continued in active service until 1871, when it sold its property and effects and placed the amount realized in the hands of M. H. Suverkrup to be invested for the benefit of the Company. On the rolls of this pioneer Fire Company we find the names of some of San Ber- nardino's best citizens. The list of active members in 1867 included William McDonald, to whose energy and disinterestedness much of the success of the Company was due, A. Wolff. A. D. Rowell, Louis Caro, Wm. A. Frank- lin, H. Goldsberg, N. Kinman, I. H. Levy, J. G. Wixom, H. Suverkrup, John Byas, W. R. and O. M. Wozencraft, R. Woodward, F. A. Kelting, Chas. Roe, W. Godfrey, Dr. Peacock, M. Katz and Geo. E. Moore.
Volunteer Engine Company No. I. In October, 1878, a meeting of the members of the old Fire Company was called and after deliberation the organization of Engine Company No. I was completed. The funds of the
OLD FIRE ENGINE
old company were turned over to this organization and Wm. McDonald was chosen as foreman. ist assistant was Raymond Woodward; 2nd assistant, J. W. Morgan ; secretary, A. D. Rowell ; financial secretary, C. F. Roe : trus- tees, W. A. Conn, John Byas, N. Kinman ; stewards, L. Caro, M. G. Wixom. With the assistance of the town trustees and the citizens, a fire engine. No. 246, Piano Engine, throwing two streams, and a hose cart were pur- chased. A Hose Company with M. Hayden as foreman was formed and uniforms were adopted. The first trial of the new fire apparatus is des- cribed as follows: "At 15 minutes to one o'clock, on Jan. 17, 1879, the alarm sounded for the gathering of members. At 1 o'clock sharp, the men fell into line and headed by the San Bernardino Cornet Band, proceeded down D to 3rd street, and down 3rd to Mathews Mill. There the engine took water from the mill flume, throwing two splendid streams both horizontally and perpendicularly. The order to 'take up' was then given and the Company fell into line and proceeded to the tank of Van Doren and Lehman where
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the 'little' institution got on her muscle, throwing a solid stream fully 20 feet above the front of the Odd Fellows Hall. 'Take up,' again was the order and headed by the band, under the instruction of John Andreson, the Com- pany was conducted to his place of business where the 'baptismal ceremony' took place."
The San Bernardino Fire Department was organized October 3rd, 1878. It was then a volunteer department and continued as such until December 3rd, 1889, when it was re-organized by Chief D. H. Wixom, and became a part paid department. This was a shrewd and suc- cessful move. In February, 1889, the City Trustees purchased a span of horses for the department ; these horses became well known as Frank and Sam. They drew the steamer which had previously been drawn by hand. The team worked on the street dur- ing the day, and at night they were kept har- nessed in readiness should an alarm be given.
On May Ist, 1889, Mr. Albert Glatz took charge of the Fire Department horses and was chosen driver. This position he has held to the present time, discharging his duties with great credit and to the entire satisfaction of four different fire chiefs as well as all the differ- ent Boards of City Trustees. In July, 1889, the Trustees purchased swinging harness for the department, after which the horses were con- stantly kept in comfortable stalls at the hose O. M. STEVENSON house and trained exclusively for Fire Depart- ment work. In September, 1889, a Hook and Ladder was added to the depart- ment's apparatus. The Trustees, in 1890, put in a water system with high gravity pressure, thus doing away with the steamer and replacing it with a substantial hosewagon, which was built in San Bernardino. The Fire Department now seemed in good condition, and was fast imparting a feeling of security to the inhabitants. It was evident, however, that other improve- ments should be made before the proper end could be reached. So, in April, 1891, an electric system with a tower bell, house gong, indicator and six alarm boxes were added. This number of alarm boxes has been increased until now there are fifteen fire alarm boxes located in various parts of the city.
On the 31st day of August, 1894, Chief Wixom resigned his position and Mr. J. H. Tittle, assistant under Wixom, was appointed chief. During Chief Tittle's administration, in April, 1896, the hose wagon underwent a radical change ; it was made better and stronger, and ball bearing axles were put in making it the only ball bearing fire apparatus on the Pacific Coast.
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The first prize won by the San Bernardino Fire Department, was on May Day, 1896, when they were awarded a handsome silver cup, for the best decorated team. Upon this cup the name of each member of the de- partment was beautifully engraved. An incident which grieved the entire community occurred in May, 1896, when Sam, one of the pioneer horses, died.
In April, 1897, after serving in the capacity of chief for upwards of three years, Mr. Tittle resigned, and Mr. O. M. Stevenson, then assistant, was ap- pointed chief, and is still filling the position with marked distinction. Dur- ing the first year of Chief Stevenson's term of office, in August, 1897, the Trustees purchased a splendid team of thor- ough-bred roadsters, Dick and Prince, and many a home has been saved from devastation and ruin by these fleet-footed, noble steeds.
In April, 1900, a Street Fair was held at Riverside, Cal., and several fire departments from different town contested for prizes. At this contest the San Barnardino Fire Department won two handsome trophies, the first prize in ladder contest and second prize in hose contest. Again in May, 1901, at a Street Fair held in San Bernardino, the home Department won two more handsome cups, first prize in ladder contest and second prize in hose contest. These prizes are all on exhibition at the hall of the Fire De- partment. On July 4th, 1901, at a contest held ALBERT GLATZ in Santa Ana, the second prize was divided between San Bernardino and Santa Ana.
The most serious and disastrous conflagration since the reorganization of the department, occurred on Nov. 5th, 1892, when the Stewart Hotel, a large and imposing four-story structure on the corner of Third and E streets. was entirely consumed by vicious and uncontrollable flames. On this event- ful and well remembered occasion, every member of the Fire Department re- sponded to the sound of the fire bell, as if by magic, and each one it seemed tried to outstrip the other in deeds of daring and heroism. But though their number had been multiplied by ten, and their apparatus increased at the same ratio, the mighty odds would have been against them, and in a few short hours the beautiful and majestic Hotel Stewart, with the majority of its rich and expensive contents, lay a mass of smoldering ruins. Weak, weary, maimed and heartbroken, the firemen withdrew from this pitiful scene. This had been their first and ever to be lamented defeat. Many were injured and one brave fellow was carried to his home with a broken leg, from which he has never fully recovered. Nothing could demonstrate
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
more clearly than this the absolute necessity of a relief fund for disabled and sick firemen.
With regret we are forced to chronicle another destructive fire, which took place December 29th, 1897, when the planing mill and a number of cottages on Fourth street were totally destroyed. The destruction to this property can in no sense be credited as a defeat for the Fire Department. but wholly to the fact that the fire broke out during a fierce north gale and gained such tremendous headway, in such a surprisingly short space of time, that it was simply impossible for the Fire Department, with their limited number and means, to check the flames before great damage had been done.
THE POSTOFFICE.
The first United States postoffice in San Bernardino was established in 1853, in the old Council House at the northeast corner of C and Third streets. D. M. Thomas, the first county judge was, at the same time, post- master and held the office until 1857 when he returned with the other Mormon colonists to Utah. The business of the postoffice at this time was very light and the postmaster drew no salary. Judge Thomas owned a house at the southwest corner of C. and Fifth streets which, on leaving, he sold to A. D. Boren and which. since that time has been known as the Boren Homestead. Mr. Boren succeeded to the county judgeship and seems to have assumed the post- office duties also, and to have removed the office to his own residence for a time. The second regularly appointed postmaster was Dr. Ben Barton who located the office in his drug store at the corner of C. and Fourth streets in a small adobe building on the southwest corner. Dr. Bar- STEPHEN J. KELLEY ton was a very busy man and the duties of postmaster, which were still a sinecure, were performed by his brother. John P. Barton, for the most part. When the mail arrived, which was about once a week, the larger portion of the community was present to see the stage come in. The mail was opened and the names on letters and pack- ages "called off" and they were delivered to claimants. Such mail matter as was left on hand was dumped into a box on the counter and people looked it over for themselves and took whatever they thought belonged to them.
It 1853 a contract was let by the government for carrying the mail be- tween San Bernardino and Salt Lake City. Dr. Copeland was the con- tractor and he sub-let the route to Captain Jefferson Hunt, Daniel Taft and
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Daniel Rathburn. The first mail was carried from San Bernardino by James Williams on horseback. Ed Hope was the next to go out. Sheldon Stoddard carried the mails during 1854 and took the last mail through in 1858. The mail was sent once a month, two men starting from each end of the route and meeting in the vicinity of the Muddy. The trip usually occupied about twenty days, although Mr. Hunt and a companion once made the journey in sixteen days-under the stress of an attack by the Indians and a flight from danger. Often pack horses and passengers accompanied the mail carriers.
Dr. Barton was succeeded by Thomas Dickey, who removed the office to the corner of D and Third streets.
He was followed by Dr. J. C. Peacock, who filled the office of postmas- ter from early in the sixties until about 1880. He removed the postoffice to his drug store on the south side of Third between C and D in what is now the east half of the store of the G. M. Cooley Hardware Co. The business had grown to some extent and Dr. Peacock improvised a somewhat novel device for distributing the mail. He mounted a barrel upon a stand in such a manner as to be easily turned. He cut holes in the side and put in shelves to form compartments which were lettered. The mail was distributed into these pigeon holes and the public could revolve the barrel and secure its own mail. The first regular postoffice facilities were introduced during Dr. Peacock's term; both boxes and lock boxes were put in and the business was conducted more systematically.
W. R. Porter succeeded Dr. Peacock, being appointed by President Hayes and holding office until 1887. He conducted the office in the old Masonic Temple Building. He was followed by John T. Knox, who retained the office until JOHN T. KNOX 1889, when he resigned. Under Judge Knox the office was removed to new and elegantly equipped quarters in the Drew- Andreson Block at the corner of E and Court streets-a building which was especially constructed to accommodate the postoffice. The rapid growth of the boom years rendered a new location necessary. The government sent out an inspector who called for proposals for a site. Messrs. Drew and An- dreson offered to finish a room and equip it in the most complete manner and lease to the government for five years at a nominal rent of $1.00 per year, light and heat furnished. This very generous offer was accepted and on occupying its new quarters San Bernardino boasted that her office was the most complete and modern in its equipment in the southern end of the
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
state. Nelson G. Gill succeeded Judge Knox, filling his unexpired term and being appointed for the succeeding four years. In 1890, Oct. Ist, the free delivery system went into effect with two carriers who covered the old city plat.
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