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 48
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Some figures will show the increase-the assessment for Redlands for 1886, was $110,990; for 1887, $329,055 ; assessment of Lugonia in 1886, $199,- 595; 1887, $358,500. This was an increase of 196 per cent in Redlands and 174 per cent in Lugonia. The school census shows these figures: Redlands, 1886, 26; 1887, 55: 1888, 167. Lugonia, 1886, 46; 1887. 48: 1888, 64. Craf- ton, 1886, 34; 1887, 38; 1888, 43.
The Citrograph publishes a list of buildings from Jan. Ist, 1887 to July Ist, 1888, which foots up to $456,130, beside public improvements of the Water Co., streets, railroads, street car lines, etc., which amounted to $200,00.
The discussion of the question of incorporation began in 1887. Many good reasons for this procedure were urged, although perhaps the discovery of scale in one orange orchard precipitated the question. It was proposed that Redlands, Lugonia, Brookside, and a part, at least, of Crafton should unite and form a city of the sixth class. The snag that caused most trouble was the choice of a name for the new city. Neither Redlands nor Lugonia was willing to yield the name under which it had grown from small be- ginnings to such promising development. Various compromises and sub- stitutes were suggested,-Moreno, Redonia, Lugoland, Miramonte, Citro- polis, Brookside, Glenn Rosa and Alderbrook were some of the cognomen :. offered.
January 18th, 1888, the first "Incorporation" meeting was held and a committee of nine, F. E. Brown, A. G. Hubbard, A. L. Park, H. M. Barton, R. E. Whitney, C. R. Paine, George E. Otis and Frank Hinckley, with Dr. J. D. B. Stillman, as chairman, was appointed to take the matter under ad- visement. In February. this committee reported in favor of incorporation,
REDLANDS-JUNCTION OF CITRUS AVENUE, ORANGE AND CAJON STREETS
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
as "it would give authority to do away with nuisances ; to prevent the intro- duction and spread of insect pests ; to dispose of sewage and waste water ; to carry on public improvements ; it would also be of great advantage to have but one name for the railway station and for the fruit shipped away from the place. There was much discussion pro and con and a considerable op- position developed. The Southern Californian which had been started to support the claims of Lugonia, in a sarcastic mood writes thus: "The people of Redlands love Lugonia. They say so themselves. However, they may have felt in the past they love us now. Whether Lugonia has grown more charming or Redlands more susceptible-it is our purpose to learn. A Red- lands man got us by the arm this week and overwhelmed us with mountains upon mountains of words! And he held our attention while he drew a little picture that he called 'Incorporation.' It had Crafton in it. And Lugonia and Redlands and Barton's and Brookside and Old San Bernardino. And it was fenced with boxes labeled Miramonte oranges,' and it had brick blocks without number and postoffices-N. E., S. and W. Miramonte! And it was fair to look upon! Well! When Redlands courts Lugonia, there's a colored gentleman within the wood pile. Before we marry the blushing maid we want to ask a few questions."-Southern Californian, Nov. 12th, 1887.
The matter dragged along until September. 1888, when a petition was prepared and submitted to the Board of Supervisors. This petition for per- mission to call an election and vote upon the incorporation question was at once granted and on Nov. 26th, 218 votes were cast for and 68 against in- corporation. Thus the city of Redlands came into existence.
THE CITY OF REDLANDS.
We have seen the growth of the colony and of the town of Redlands. The factors of this remarkable growth were several-the incomparable situation of the place for climate, scenery and for successful fruit culture ; the character and enterprise of the early settlers : the abundant supply of water from Bear Valley reservoir; the selection of Redlands as the location for the Chicago colony, which brought an influx of energetic business men and of capital seeking investment. As the advantages offered by Redlands became known, many of the flood of visitors who were then pouring into California decided upon Redlands as their ultimate home. Some of these settlers came as health seekers ; many older people settled here because they found it an ideal place in which to pass their declining years; here they could invest their savings in five or ten acres of land which would not only make them a home with every comfort possible, but would yield them an income as well; many younger people came because they saw an opportunity to build for them- selves a competency from a comparatively small investment.
From the beginning the people of this community were above the aver-
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age in intelligence and culture. They demanded the best of church and school facilities, and they objected to saloons and license of every kind. They were progressive and public-spirited. An "Improvement Association" was organized in 1888, to work for the public welfare, and this a little later be- came the first Board of Trade, which did yoeman service in the upbuilding of the new city. The women, first of the Chicago colony, and later of the new city, formed a society known as the "United Workers for Public Improve- ment." which took an active part in the betterment of things generally. The Horticultural Society was organized in 1889. for the discussion of all mat- ters connected with the fruit growing interests, and was most valuable to the many amateur orchardists of that time. The Y. M. C. A., which was formed in 1887, provided a reading room, and gave attention and assistance to the many young men, often without friends or homes, who were coming in. All of these organizations, though meeting with discouragements and lack of interest, at times, bore an important part in the creation of the present city of Redlands.
The growth of Redlands, the town, as we have seen, was marvelous, even in a day of marvels. Although the increase of the city in wealth and population was not as rapid, proportionately, as during the boom years of 1887-8, the next few years saw a sure and steady advancement in every di- rection. The superiority of Redlands as a citrus-raising section was now fully established. It had been proved that an orange grove in the city was a paying investment. It was plainly evident that here could be found es- pecial advantages for families with children to bring up and educate. It was known that the place offered many inducements of climate, surroundings and diversions, for the health seeker and pleasure lover. The fact that such men as Smiley Brothers adopted this place as their winter refuge, and spent their money freely and wisely as well-for the improvement and adornment of their own homes, and of the city, attracted many other people of wealth and culture. The people who came once, came again and again, and many of them ultimately made Redlands their permanent home. Although this city has been widely and continuously advertised, in many ways, her best adver- tisement has always been her delighted visitors.
Some figures will best show the progress made by this city: In 1889 the amount expended in building and improvements reached $224,000; in 1891, buildings and improvements footed up to $503,650 ;- according to the esti- mate of the Citrograph; in 1893, the total reached $613,687, which included $70,058 spent for public improvements. For several years after this there was a lull in building. The city continued to grow, but there were no large investments, or public improvements. In 1898, $370,700 was expended, and in 1902, the cost of buildings and improvements, including the Mill Creek power house, exceeded one million dollars, according to a careful estimate,
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made by the Redlands Review. The advance has continued since that date, at a most remarkable gait, and it is claimed, that the million dollar mark has been reached in expenditures for buildings and other improvements for the past two years.
The shipments of oranges show the increase in citrus production. In 1889, 41 carloads were sent out from Redlands and vicinity ; in 1894-5, 425 cars were sent out from Redlands district; in 1900-01, 2,437 cars were shipped, and in 1902-3 the shipments reached 2,800 cars, and in 1903-04, 3076 cars.
The increase in wealth is best shown by the assessment rolls. In 1889. the city was assessed at $1,964,888; in 1893, $2.786,121; in 1898, $3,198,613; in 1902, $5,000,000; in 1904, $6,148,089.
In population the city has increased from 1,904 in 1890 to 4.797 in 1900, and 9,000 estimated in 1904.
The crude town of fifteen years ago is now a model city, with 200 miles of graded streets, most of which are shaded by fine trees. It has many blocks of paved streets, and miles of cement sidewalks. Its business section is lined with handsome and substantial blocks, housing well stocked stores, and well established business enterprises of every description. Its system of trolley cars gives ready access to all portions of the city, and connects Redlands with its neighboring towns. It has a dozen beautiful modern church build- ings, and eight school houses, well arranged and fully equipped, at a cost of more than $100,000. It has the most beautiful and complete library build- ing in Southern California. No other city in the state possesses such a num- ber of beautiful parks, driveways and resorts as Redlands can offer. No city of its size in the Union can equal Redlands in the number of beautiful, tasteful and costly dwelling houses. Redlands has received many words of rapturous encomium from her admirers ; but it is as a city of comfortable, healthful and beautiful homes, that her pre-eminence must stand.
BUSINESS GROWTH OF REDLANDS.
The business growth of Redlands may be counted as beginning with January Ist, 1887, although B. S. Stephenson had opened a jewelry shop Sept. Ist, 1886, in a house on Cypress Ave. When the present town site was decided upon, he put up a small building before the survey, which was moved to the southeast corner of State and Fifth, after the streets were laid out. This was the second business structure in Redlands, the first having been the butcher shop built in 1885. A "Classified Business Catalogue" published by the San Bernardino Times, April 13, 1887 contains as Redlands advertisers: "F. L. Ball, Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Hardware, Agricultural Implements, etc., Citrus Avenue, Redlands," and Judson and Brown, who advertise Redlands, "The Pasadena of San Bernardino County."
Jan. Ist of this year, the Domestic Water Co., was organized, and at
J. J. SUESS, MAYOR OF REDLANDS
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
once began preparations to supply the settlement with water, under pressure both for domestic purposes, and for yard use.
Jan. 22, E. L. Ball opened his "Pioneer Grocery." April 1, Chauncey L. Hayes opened a livery stable, in the brick building on West State street, still used as a stable. He also carried on a business in connection with the Terrace Villa Hotel. April 20th, R. C. Shepherd opened the first tin shop and plumbing establishment in Redlands. This was in a small building on Citrus Ave. In Sept. 1889, Mr. Shepherd moved into his own brick block on State St., and the business was enlarged to include hardware. April 28, James F. Drake opened his hardware store in the new block just completed by him- self on State St., near Orange. This is one of the business houses that has withstood all changes, and while growing with the town, has retained its identity. May Ist, the Pioneer Lumber Company began business in the city, with E. A. Tuttle as manager. May 16th, L. M. Johnson opened a Drug store, where he advertised not only drugs, but "Patent Medicines, Cigars, Wines, Liquors, Ale, Porter and Anheuser Busch Beer-for Medicinal Pur- poses." This store was sold to Dr. Riggs, and later became Riggs and Spoor ; it is now owned by W. L. Spoor.
In June, B. O. Johnson, opened a general store in Lugonia, having bought out the old Cook store. Later he removed his stock of goods to State and Orange streets. The same month, Pratt and Seymour began to operate their planing mill in connection with the agency for the West Coast Redwood Co. Oct. Ist, J. B. Glover, opened his grocery in the Wilson block in Lugonia. In Dec. Mrs. Jennie L. Jones, a woman of education and wide experience. opened a book store in the Otis building on West State St. In Sept. 1889, Miss L. E. Foot, took a part of the same store room with a line of wall paper, curios, etc. The Woman's Exchange was organized Oct. 31st, 1889, by the ladies of the Chicago colony, and Miss Foot was made manager, and handled their work in the same store. When Mrs. Jones' health failed, she was suc- ceeded by the firm of Foote and Pierpont, Miss Anna Pierpont taking a share in the business. January Ist, 1893, C. C. Beattie entered the firm, and the business has since been conducted under the name of Foote and Beattie. The firm handles books, and art goods, and has also established a circulating library, and their store has always been a gathering place for the literati of Redlands.
During the year 1887, the Citrograph had begun publication, July 16th, and the Southern Californian Sept. 3rd. The Citizens Stage Line, running a 'bus between Brookside station and Redlands, Lugonia and Crafton, was put into operation. In December an omnibus line was started between the busi- ness section and Residence tract. During 1887 the Terracina tract, the Bar- ton Land and Water Co. tract, the Mound City and Gladysta tracts were put upon the market.
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1888. The pace set was well kept up during the year 1888. January Ist, the first street car franchise was granted for the line out Cajon street.
Jan. 16th, the track of the California Southern, or 'Valley' road was com- pleted, and the first freight arrived. Feb. 13th, regular train service began.
There had been much discussion over post office matters, and a good deal of feeling. Jan. 26th, the matter was practically settled by the opening of the Redlands postoffice, with J. B. Campbell as postmaster, and in the follow- ing September, the Lugonia office was discontinued. Feb. Ist, the Domestic Water Co., began their service. The Sloan House was opened Feb. 20th, the first 'down town' hotel, and the Windsor, or Redlands House, built by the Redlands Hotel Association, began business March 30th. In June the motor line began regular service. July 15th, the Boston Shoe Store was opened, and has continued in business ever since. Aug. 15th, Frank P. Meserve, opened the clothing house which is now one of the oldest established business houses in Redlands. The business was begun in a small store on Orange street. In February, 1889, it was moved to East State street, and is now lo- cated in the Columbia building.
The first hose company was organized in this year, as was the Redlands orchestra. Nov. 26th the Incorporation election was held, and E. G. Judson, J. B. Glover, B. W. Cave, and C. N. Andrews, were elected trustees, with H. H. Sinclair ; L. W. Clark, clerk ; W. C. Brumagin, Marshal; F. P. Morrison, Treasurer.
1889-January 2nd, the Redlands fruit Growers Association was formed. Jan. 9th, the Western Union service was begun, but at first it was decidedly unsatisfactory, as messages between Redlands and the county seat, had to be sent around via Los Angeles.
In February, the first street signs, provided by the ladies of the Willing Workers' Improvement League, were put in place. In January, the Smiley Brothers arrived at the Windsor Hotel, and began making purchases of land on the hills. In April, the Redlands Orange Grove and Water Co., was in- corporated to plant some 200 acres of land to oranges. Orange shipments first became a feature this year, the record being 41 cars. In December, the Chamblin ware house, a large brick structure, which was to be used as a packing house, and for storage purposes, was completed, and the same month, the Haight Fruit Co., the first Redlands fruit company, in the field began shipping.
1890-In February, Redlands made a most creditable showing of citrus fruits at the county Citrus Fair, held this year, in San Bernardino.
Feb. 15th, the recorder's office was opened with J. P. Squires, judge ; March 5th, an ordinance was passed fixing the liquor license at $50.00 per quarter. This opened up a lively campaign on the license question, and March 19, the first Temperance League was organized, and began to take an active hand in municipal affairs. May 29th, the Eagle Dry Goods house, the
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first distinctive dry-goods establishment, was opened, with S. Lelean, pro- prietor. This store is still one of the leading business houses of Redlands. In June, the Bear Valley high-service line was first used, and in August the Alessandro Irrigation District was formed, and work begun on the Ales- sandro pipe-line. August ist, the Russ Lumber Co., opened its office. Oct. 23rd, the Facts began publication as a weekly paper. Nov. 20th, Haight's packing house was completed, the second in the town. Dec. 13th, the Bear Valley Irrigation Co., was incorporated and took over all the property of the Bear Valley Land and Water Co.
1891-April 27th, the first water was turned into the Alessandro pipe- line ; May 9th, the Redlands Heights Water Co., was organized.
June 15th, the Savings Bank of Redlands, a branch of the First National Bank, began business. The city with a population of 1904, according to the
STATE STREET-1890
census of 1890, now had three banking institutions. The "Bank of East San Bernardino Valley" which had been organized in 1887, and had first done busi- ness in Lugonia, was moved to the corner of State and Orange streets in June, 1888, and changed its title to "First National Bank." Later it re- modeled the rooms in the Sloan building, which it has since occupied. F. P. Morrison was president at the date of its organization, and still occupies that office. J. W. Wilson, was for thirteen years cashier of the institution, a place now filled by S. R. Hemingway.
The Union Bank of Redlands was formed May Ist, 1887, with Curtis
J. W. WILSON
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Wells as president, and R. B. Lane, cashier. It occupied its own brick build- ing, on the corner of Orange and State streets. As business grew the building was enlarged, and about 1898, more ground was secured, and a three story structure was built, and the bank was located in fully equipped and beautiful quarters. In 1904 this bank was converted into a National Bank and is now known as the Redlands National Bank. In the same year the Union Bank of Savings was organized, as an adjunct to this bank. In January, 1905, K. C. Wells, who had been identified with the Union Bank, and its successor, the Redlands National Bank, for about twelve years, and for several years as president, resigned, and was succeeded by H. H. Ford, who had been cashier for several years. Mr. C. C. Ames, succeeded to Mr. Ford's position as cashier.
Nov. Ist, the Star Grocery was purchased by J. J. Suess, and in Decem- ber the Enterprise Grocery Co., was organized. Dec. Ist, the Steel-pipe works began operations.
Among buildings erected this year, were the Smiley residences, the Academy of Music Block, erected by G. W. Meade, at a cost of $17,000 and still, after re-building, one of the city's substantial business buildings .. The Otis and Edwards blocks, and the Chamblin Block were also erected this year. The Mentone Hotel was completed and opened also.
The weather of 1891 was exceptional, even for this country, of 'unusual' weather. February 22nd, was marked by a very severe storm, accompanied by vivid lightning ; August 15th, occurred a cloud burst which for a short time Aooded the town. A large volume of water came down Cajon street, and at Brookside avenue was ten feet deep. Water rushed into the stores, and two buildings were wrecked. It was estimated that the damage reached $10,000. Dec. 26th, the themometer went down to 23 degrees, the lowest record.
1892-January 15th, the Terracina Hotel was opened to the public, after having been closed for some time, and on March 5th, service began on the Terracina street car line which ran out Olive street. Jan. 17th, the first train service was put on the "belt line" of the Santa Fe system, since made a part of the famous "Kite-shape" track." Jan. 30th, the Baker House was opened with M. S. Lane as host. March 14th regular service on the Southern Pacific over a broad gauge track into Redlands began. July 27th, the fran- chise was granted to the Electric Light and Power Co., which was in cor- porated on Oct. 6th. Work was at once begun on the Power House in Mill Creek cañon and on the plant for the Union Ice Co. The factory of the Union Ice Co., located at Mentone, between the tracks of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe, is the second largest ice plant in the state, and something like $100,000 was expended upon it during 1892-3. An even larger amount was put into circulation by the Electric Light and Power Co.
Oct. 21st the Daily Facts made its first appearance. Work was begun this year on the storm drains for which bonds to the amount of $100,000
JOHN P. FISK
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had been voted. The street paving ordinance was passed and work under its provisions put under way. The Y. M. C. A. and Union High School build- ings were among the additions to the city's improvements this year.
1893-Feb. 3d the Fraternal Aid Association was formed; April 20th, the Leader, with Doyle and Kasson as proprietors, made its first publication ; May 12th the Orange Growers Association, which has been a most important factor in the handling and marketing of fruit, was organized. August Ist, Gregory's Packing House was completed, and Dec. Ist, the Earl Fruit Co., fin- ished their packing house. The orange shipments were now becoming an important factor in the wealth of the city.
August 5th, the city was first lighted by electricity, and Sept. 13th, the first power was furnished to the Union Ice Co. November 23d the Public . Library Association was formed. December 12th, a Chamber of Commerce to take the place of the Board of Trade which had lapsed, was organized.
During this year occurred the Chinese exclusion excitement. After the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, there was much uneasiness among the Chinese and their opponents. Threats were made against all Chinese who did not leave the country at once, and the greater part of the Orientals left. A few, mostly house servants, remained, and on August 30th, there was a threat- ened anti-Chinese riot in Redlands. The newly organized National Guard was called out, and the streets were patrolled all night. Later several China- men were arrestd.
1894 -- The Library Association had purchased $1,000 worth of books, and on Feb. 22nd, a public reception and presentation was held, and on March Ist, the Public Library was first opened for the issuance of books. During March it was found that other localities, which had suffered from the "freeze" were labelling their product as "Redlands" oranges. A bitter controversy followed, in which the subject of branding fruit was thoroughly discussed.
April 21st, the first meeting to discuss the need for a new "tourist" hotel was held. The Terrace Villa had been closed, and was then in course of re- building for the residence of A. G. Hubbard, and the Terracina had been burned. June 8th, the first class graduated from the High School. In July the Cycle Club was organized, and in the fall a Merchant's Carnival, which at- tracted a good deal of attention, was held in the Academy of Music, for the benefit of the club. July 7th, the Leader became a daily paper, the second one to be establishd, and Sept. 19th, the Cricket made its appearance. Both of these papers were short-lived.
1895-The final arrangements for building the Casa Loma were com- pleted, and the building was practically finished during the year. The Y. M. C. A. building was completed, and the first service held in it March 4th. The Public Library moved into rooms in this building in April. August 11th, the Redlands Band won the first prize in the contest of the bands of Southern California, held at Redondo. Sept. 2nd a liberty pole 140 feet high, was
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erected in the triangle by the Junior order of United American Mechanics. Sept. 4th, a flag presented by the society was raised with appropriate and elaborate ceremonies.
1896-Jan. 7th. J. F. Dostal opened his hardware store on Orange street ; Feb. 23d, the Casa Loma was opened to guests, with an elaborate banquet. In April Albert K. Smiley purchased sixteen acres in the heart of the city to be used as a public park-now Smiley Park. The same month, this friend of the city, offered a prize to those persons who, during the coming year, should maintain their grounds with "neatness and show good taste in the selection of decorative plants." About the same time, A. H. Smiley laid out Fredalba Park, and began improvements there.
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