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 51

Author: Ingersoll, Luther A., 1851-
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Los Angeles : L. A. Ingersoll
Number of Pages: 940

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 51

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BRAND

ROSE

ORANGES

PACKED BY HAIGHT FRUIT CO. REDLANOS, CALIFORNIA.

Orange Shipments From Redlands.

1888-89

41 cars

1896-97

648 cars

1889-90

50 cars

1897-98

550 cars

1890-91

70 cars

1898-99

1478 cars

1891-92

186 cars

1899-00

1508 cars

1892-93

216 cars

ICOO-OI

2437 cars

1893-94

425 cars

1901-02

2242 cars

1894-95

613 cars

1902-03

2335 cars

1895-96

781 cars

1903-04

3067 cars

Orange Planting in Redlands District.

Up to 1889

.966.4 acres (Citrograph)

Up to 1894. 4093 acres (County Horticultural Commission)

Up to 1902. 7500 acres (Citrus Union)

490

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

The "Redlands System" of Irrigation.

"Of late years in California the application of water by furrows has been brought to a marvellous degree of perfection. What is known as the 'Red- lands System' is the best type of irrigation methods known to the world. Under this system a small wooden box or flume is placed at the head of the orchard. An opening is made opposite each furrow and through this the water flows in the desired quantity, being operated by a small gate or slide. The aperature regulates the flow of water accurately, and the system is so simple that after it is once adjusted, its operation is as easy as the turning of a faucet. The farmer who grows his crops on a fertile soil, under almost cloudless skies, with a system controlling the moisture as effective as this. may be said to have mastered the forces of nature. The quality of the fruit has improved immensely since the California methods were perfected. Every fruit grower realizes that the profit in the business comes mostly from his first grade of fruit. Scientific irrigation makes it possible for him largely to increase the percentage of the best fruit, and the difference which this makes in the earning capacity of his acres is surprising."-W. E. Smythe, in . "The Conquest of Arid America."

Deciduous Fruits.

It had been fully demonstrated that grapes, both wine and raisin, and deciduous fruits of almost every variety known to man could be successfully grown in the East San Bernardino valley, while citrus culture was still in an experimental stage. Consequently during the seventies and the early eighties, a large acreage was put out to grapes, peaches, apricots, pears and other fruits. In November, 1885, it was estimated that there was in or- chards in Lugonia over 200,000 deciduous trees and over 300,000 vines. In 1879 Dr. Stillman had put out 160 acres of the choicest grapes, Muscat and Sultanas, for raisins; Zinfandels, Trouseaus, Burghers, Matteros, Blue Eb- lings and Carrigans were among the varieties that were intended for wine. He had also a large deciduous orchard.

While these fruits yielded largely, there was difficulty in handling them. The fruit shipping business was hardly begun, transportation was high and the distance from markets too great to make this a possible means of dis- posing of fresh fruit. At first the growers dried and marketed the fruit for themselves-often at a loss. After the building of the Judson and Brown dryer this took care of a part of the Lugonia fruit. Canneries at Colton and Riverside were established about 1880 and fruit was hauled to these. August Ist, 1886, the first carload of deciduous fruit-peaches-was shipped from this vicinity. In 1886 W. C. Butler organized the Redlands Domestic Canning Company, which put up fruit in glass cans and sent out some very fine goods. In 1887 the Gregory and Langley & Cook dryers were built, both at Lugonia.

491

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

According to a report in the Citrograph of December 17, 1887, the fruit output of the East San Bernardino Valley for 1887 was: Apricots, 210,000 pounds : peaches, 1,900,000 pounds : raisins, 410,000 pounds ; oranges, 15,- 000 boxes. Of this product, the Lugonia Fruit Dryer handled 60 tons of apricots and 400 tons of peaches : the Colton Cannery. 357 tons of apricots and 450 tons of peaches. The growers dried and packed ten tons of apricots and 100 tons of peaches. Of the raisins. 20,000 boxese were handled by Riverside dealers ..

For the season of 1888-89 Messrs. Cook and Langley reported: "We have purchased green fruit as follows: 203,183 pounds of peaches, 315.655 pounds of apricots, 30,869 pounds of nectarines. Figuring on the basis of 20,000 pounds to a carload, this would make a shipment of about 221/2 cars of dried fruit from Redlands and vicinity. Of raisins we purchased 446.386 pounds at Redlands and immediate vicinity ; 120,818 at various points. We have shipped of our own pack, 27,559 boxes of raisins and 34.697 pounds of loose raisins, making a total of thirty carloads of raisins shipped from Redlands packing house this season."

As it became apparent that the conditions in Redlands and vicinity were particularly well adapted to citrus culture, many of the deciduous orchards and vineyards were replaced by oranges, consequently the produc- tion of dried fruit, and particularly of raisins and wine, has steadily de- creased. In 1893 Redlands is credited with but 14,800 boxes of raisins.

The Board of Trade, with its successor, the Chamber of Commerce, and their able assistant, the Citrograph, frequently urged the erection of a cannery in Redlands, and a considerable bonus was raised for that purpose. April 1, 1897. the Redlands Preserving Company was incorporated, with C. N. Andrews as president and C. J. Holmes, secretary. This company put up a complete plant with the best equipment, having a capacity of 30,000 cans a day, and for several years the cannery was operated; but the decrease in deciduous fruit cultivation had made the crop too small to supply the demands of the institution and the formation of a "combination" of can- neries led to the closing of the establishment.

In 1902 H. P. D. Kingsbury established a factory for the manufacture of marmalades and jams, lemon juice and fruit extracts. This has proved a valuable adjunct to the industries of Redlands. The product meets with a good demand and the purity and care used in the manufacture of the goods has given them a high reputation.

TRANSPORTATION.

The first stage connection between the East San Bernardino valley and the outer world was a line started in 1882 by George Phillips, who made trips from George A. Cook's store in Lugonia to San Bernardino. At

492

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

first two or three trips a week were sufficient, but later a daily stage ran between the two points. In 1886 the Southern Pacific put in a siding at Brookside and a road was graded from the town down to the siding. Pas- sengers arriving here, unless met by friends, must climb the hill and walk three miles over dusty roads to reach the settlement. After the town of Redlands was laid out travel increased so rapidly that the "Citizens Stage Co." was formed, September 1, 1887, and advertised in the Citrograph : "Pending the completion of the railroads now being constructed between San Bernardino, Redlands, Lugonia and Crafton and Mentone, it has be- come necessary for the better accommodation of rapidly increasing travel, to connect with all trains at the Southern Pacific siding at Brookside as well as at San Bernardino. On and after September 1, 1887, a splendidly equipped four-horse Concord coach will connect with the 7:45 a. m., 10:30 a. m., 4:13 p. m. and 6:37 p. m. trains at Brookside direct to Redlands, Lugonia, Crafton and Mentone. Fare, 50 cents."

While waiting for the completion of the street railway, a stage line from the business center to the residence districts became necessary. This was conducted by Judson & Brown. The Citrograph of December 24, 1887, says: "The omnibus line, the forerunner of the street car system, began to run regularly yesterday. One branch goes to Crescent avenue, the other to Frank Brown's house in Residence tract. Fare 5 cents. Who says Redlands doesn't do things up 'brown?'"

January 23, 1888, the Redlands Street Car Co. was granted a franchise to construct five and one-half miles of street railway. Work was begun on the Highland avenue line in April, 1888. May 18, 1889, the first street car, one of the little "bob-tail" cars which the older settlers remember with amused affection, arrived. On May 23d regular street car service began, with mules as motive power, and very soon afterward Phil Dreiser became the driver and continued to punch the mules until they were retired from service. October 28, 1891, the city granted a franchise for a street car line on Olive avenue. This line was completed and put into operation March 5, 1892. After the burning of the Terracina Hotel in 1895 this service was discontinued until May 1, 1903, when the electric company began running cars over the old route, a newly constructed line having been completed. October 3, 1894, the ordinance granting the right for the extension of the Highland avenue line was passed. In 1898 the franchise for electricizing the street railways was passed, and December 19, 1899, electric service be- gan. The Country Club extension was put into operation in 1902. The San Bernardino Valley Traction Co. began service between Redlands and San Bernardino, March 10, 1903.

Redlands has now a well equipped and regular service making every por- tion of the city easily accessible.

493

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

RAILROAD HISTORY.

The railroad history of Redlands began with the efforts of her citizens to secure a branch of the California Central road from San Bernardino. The company announced its willingness to build the extension, provided right of way, depot grounds etc., were granted them. To secure the road a commit- tee, of which R. J. Waters and E. G. Judson, were members was appointed, and these gentlemen, by their strenuous efforts, secured a subscription of $42,000 for the purpose. As a result, in the spring of 1887, the work was begun on the Valley branch of the California Central.

The Citrograph of July 23rd, 1887, was. a "railroad" number, containing under the heading "Our Projected Railroads," articles concerning the rapid building and the route of the "Valley road," an announcement that "Messrs IV. N. Crandall, W. J. Curtis, Oscar Newburg and M. B. Garner, who have applied for a charter for the building of a motor road between here and San Bernardino, came up Thursday to look over the ground, and confer with our citizens. The stock for the company is, we are given to understand, all sub- scribed for, and no money subsidy is asked from our people." Regarding the "Lugonia, Redlands and Crafton Railway," the report is also made, "Civil Engineer Griffith of the Southern Pacific was in Colton Saturday, and made the following statement: "I have received orders to survey a line from a point near Mound City, through Lugonia, Crafton etc."

January 16th, 1888, the track layers of the Valley road reached Orange street. The company fitted up an office in a box car, and Feb. 13th, the reg- ular train service began, with C. H. Hobart as station agent. March 15th, the Wells Fargo office was opened in the depot, with Mr. Hobart as agent. July 14th, the first depot was completed.

May 17th, 1888, the Redlands Motor line brought its first train into Redlands, and regular service began on this road June 4th. This gave a two hour service to San Bernardino, and was a most important factor in the early growth of the community.

In January, 1889, the Santa Fe dropped the price of round trip tickets between Redlands and San Bernardino to twenty-five cents. This was a severe blow to the motor road, but it pluckily met the cut, and for some time a lively railway war followed. The motor line held its own however, and the old rates were restored- in March-30 cents single trip, and 50 cents round trip.

The contract for grading the belt line of the Santa Fe from Mentone, to San Bernardino, via Highlands, was let in Sept. 1891, and Jan. 17th. 1892. this line was ready for use. This formed the loop of the famous kite-shaped track.

C. T. GIFFORD

495

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

June 17th, 1891, the Southern Pacific Company completed the purchase of the Redlands and San Bernardino motor line, as well as of the motor lines to Colton and to Riverside, thus giving the company entrance into San Ber- nardino and Redlands. In the spring of 1892 this company built a $6,000 depot at Redlands Junction, and began a long fight with the Santa Fe over right of way on Park avenue. 100 feet of which had been deeded to the Santa Fe company, who made no use of it, but refused to allow the Southern Pacific to utilize it. After various injunctions and legal squabbles, the court granted the Southern Pacific right of way over the disputed ground, and the broad gauge track from Redlands Junction to Mentone was completed. Nov. 14th, 1892, the first train service direct from Redlands to Los Angeles began. The Southern Pacific fitted up the old motor depot for use and occupied it until 1898, when a substantial brick depot was built, at a cost of $15,000.

THE SCHOOLS.

The city of Redlands, as incorporated included Lugonia and Redlands school districts, and a part of Railroad and Crafton districts. One of the con- ditions agreed upon previous to thé vote on incorporation was that Lugonia and Redlands school districts should remain distinct. Hence the city today, is in the anomalous position of possessing four different school districts, with four sets of school trustees; while the High School is a union district school, instead of a city institution, and is entirely independent of the districts which supply it with pupils.

Lugonia.

We have noted the formation of these districts in the earlier history of the settlements. Lugonia replaced the little board school house of her earlier days by erecting, in 1885, the four lower rooms of the present Lugonia school building. This met her needs until 1894, when the four upper rooms of the building were added. A very complete manual training room has also been erected on the grounds of this building, and in 1899, a kindergarten was opened in this room, which has done most effective work.

In 1902, more room became necessary, and the Stillman avenue building containing four rooms, with all modern conveniences and equipments, was put up. But so rapid has been the increase in attendance, that still more room was needed, and an eight room building. the Longfellow, has been erected, and is now in use.

In June, 1889, Lugonia employed two teachers, with an attendance of fifty-nine pupils. In 1892, Chas E. Taylor, was made supervising principal of the school. He was succeeded by Allan B. Morton, who served during 1895-6. D. C. Reed then took charge of the Lugonia schools, and has con- tinued as principal since that date. In 1903, 12 teachers were employed, and

496

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

the attendance reached 600. The Lugonia schools have attained a very high reputation for efficiency and method.

Redlands.

In 1887, it became evident that the one room school house put up two years before, was quite inadequate to the needs of this rapidly growing settle- ment. Accordingly, an election was called, and bonds to the amount of $15,- 000 were voted-without a dissenting vote, for a new school building. In Dec. 1887, the trustees, E. S. Foote, Isaac Jones and M. B. Greer, adopted plans for a two story brick building, with four rooms, to be erected on the same lot as the old school house, this being centrally and eligibly placed. In the fall of 1888, the school was opened in the new building, now the front part of the Kingsbury building, with three teachers and an attendance of 140 pupils. H. Patten was principal, and head of the grammar department ; M. B. Shuttleworth, had charge of the intermediate room, and Miss Mary Fack- ler, of the primary grades. The population of the town increased so fast that in 1891, it was found necessary to add the southern extension of the building. and $15,000 more was voted to add four more rooms. The school was named the "Kingsbury," in honor of the Rev. C. A. Kingsbury, who was one of the early trustees of the district, and who took a very active interest in educa- tional matters. The grounds about the buildings are large, and have been highly improved. In 1890, E. J. Waite, presented the school with more than 100 trees to be planted on Arbor day. Mr. Albert Smiley also presented the district with many choice plants, and shade trees, and aided in planning the arrangement of the trees and shrubbery.

In 1896, more room was required, and $4,000 was voted for the two-room building at the corner of Citrus avenue and Church street. In 1898, the first four rooms of the Lowell school building were put up at a cost of $6,000 and in 1900, the building was completed by the addition of four more rooms, which were at once filled.

Prof. Collins, in a report concerning the schools, published in 1902, says: "During the summer of 1902, the Manual Training building of two rooms was erected on the Kingsbury grounds ; but when the schools opened in the fall, it was found necessary to house two departments in this building, and still confine the bench work to the old and limited quarters of the 'old school house.'

March 20th, 1903, the people of Redlands voted $25,000 for another school building, to be known as the Mckinley and to be located on the corner of Olive avenue and Center street.

From a one room school house in the spring of 1888, 1904 finds the schools of Redlands provided with two manual training buildings, well equipped for bench work, and each containing a room where the trustees hope to install a department of domestic science and three eight room build-

497

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

ings in which there are twenty-one departments open for school work. Four special teachers are employed, making, with the supervising principal, a corps of twenty-one.

The principals who have had charge of the schools are: 1888-94, Mr. H. Patten ; 1894-5, Mr. H. Corleton ; 1895-02; Mr. F .A. Wagner; 1902-05, Mr. A. Harvey Collins.

The report of the schools for 1903, shows 1877 census children ; 36 teach- ers employed ; annual expenditure, $55,890.95; value of school property, $106,300.

The Union High School.

As early as 1886, the residents of the East San Bernardino valley felt that some provision should be made for the higher education of their chil- dren at home. Accordingly an agreement was entered into by a number of the leading citizens with the Rev. J. G. Hale, whereby Mr. Hale was to erect buildings suitable for a school and to maintain a school at least four years, in consideration of the payment of the interest, at the rate of 9 per cent, on the sum of $4,000 by the subscribers. The house now occupied by Mrs. Hale was erected on Lugonia Terrace, in consequence of this agree- ment and in the fall of 1886, a "School for the higher education of both sexes" was opened. "A limited number of ladies, only, are received as board- ing pupils. Preparation for college is given, or select studies may be pur- sued." In 1888, Miss Agnes Park and Miss Susie La Rue graduated from this school,-the first commencement exercises in the valley. The school was removed to the Wilson Block later and was under the tuition of Prof. Horace Brown.

May 26th, 1891, a meeting of the trustees of Crafton, Lugonia and Red- lands school districts was held to organize a Union High School district. As a result of this action an election was held July 28th, and the district was authorized by a vote of the people interested, with C. R. Paine, of Craf- ton ; C. A. Kingsbury, of Redlands, and F. A. Shorey, of Lugonia, as the trustees. October Ist, 1891, the High School was opened in the Wilson and Berry Block, corner of Colton avenue and Orange street, with Prof. W. F. Wegener, principal, and Chas. F. Gleason, assistant, and an attendance of forty-five pupils.

After a lively discussion which aroused considerable feeling, a lot on Stillman avenue, near Church street, was decided upon as the site for the High School building and the citizens were called upon to vote $12,000 bonds to purchase the lot and build. The election was held June 3rd, 1892, and the bonds were defeated because of the dissatisfaction with the lot se- lected in Lugonia. The present site of the High School was then secured, another election called, and July 16th, 1892, $17,000 in bonds was voted for High School purposes.

WILLIAM M. TISDALE

499

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.

The trustees adopted plans intended for a main building and two wings and work was begun on the one wing of the building which was then to be erected. This contained an assembly room, three recitation rooms and a laboratory. The building was ready for occupancy in April, 1893. The High School increased so rapidly in attendance that the middle section of the original plan was constructed in 1896 at a cost of about $12,000, thus giving large additional facilities.

1903 again found the school pressed for room and on April 11th, the citizens of the High School district voted $60,000 to remodel and complete the building. This building is two stories above the basement and 220 feet in length by 110 feet in extreme width. The assembly and study rooms, with most of the recitation rooms, are on the first floor. On the second floor is the commercial department, with rooms devoted to book-keeping. stenog- raphy, typewriting, freehand and mechanical drawing. The laboratories and lecture rooms on this floor are complete. In the basement are separate lunch rooms for boys and girls, with a kitchen. A circular gymnasium, 60 feet in diameter, with dressing rooms provided with showers, are arranged for outside exit, thus allowing for use out of school hours. Heating and venti- lating will be as nearly perfect as possible. The corner-stone of the new building was laid with most impressive ceremonies on November, 3rd, 1903, and the building, complete in every detail was finished and ready for oc- cupancy in the fall of 1904.

Prof. Lewis B. Avery took charge of the High School in 1895 and has been one of the factors in making it one of the strongest High Schools in the state. It is accredited by the state University and Stanford and by several eastern colleges. The grounds about the building are large and have been handsomely improved by the public spirit of the Smiley brothers and of other citizens. In 1903. the school had an enrollment of 280 pupils with ten teachers.

THE POSTOFFICE.

September 5th, 1882, a postoffice was established at Lugonia with George A. Cook as postmaster. It was located in Mr. Cook's store then just com- pleted and the mail was brought from San Bernardino by stage. Mr. Cook continued as postmaster for five years when he was succeeded by C. H. Lathrop, who held the place until the office was abolished, September 27th. 1888.

After the settlement of Redlands was fairly under way, the people in the Residence Tract and on the Heights found themselves inconveniently distant from the postoffice. The postoffice department was petitioned to establish a new office at Redlands. While awaiting a final decision the peo- ple took matters in their own hands and arranged for a mail carrier who was

500

HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

paid by subscription and established an office in a small frame building on the corner of Chestnut avenne and Central street. Here Miss Dora Kiefer taught a little private school and distributed the mail which was brought from San Bernardino by Mr. Rockwell. In January, 1888, the department took action and appointed J. B. Campbell as postmaster with the office in the same building, which was just outside of the two mile limit required by the postoffice department. Not long afterward the new postmaster received peremptory notice from the owner of the building, H. C. Malone, to vacate the premises at once. The office was removed-at night-to a small frame building just back of the present site of the Academy of Music,-no other building being "available." This building was later removed to State street and the office remained here until September, when it was located in the Union Bank Building.

April Ist, 1888, mail service by tråin was begun over the newly com- pleted "Valley" road and the stage service was discontinued. In January, 1889, the business of the new office had so increased that it was raised to the rank of a presidential office with a salary of about $1,400. April Ist, 1891. I. C. Haight was appointed postmaster by President Harrison. During his term the office was enlarged and removed to the building on the corner of Orange street, opposite the Baker House. November 7th, 1894, W. C. Phil- lips was appointed to the office by President Cleveland. I. N. Hoag was the next incumbent, being appointed in March, 1898, but he lived only about one month after entering upon his duties. Halsey W. Allen succeeded him temporarily until about the 23rd of June, when he was confirmed as post- master and filled the office until July 19th, 1902, when William M. Tisdale, the present efficient postmaster, took possession.

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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 51

Author: Ingersoll, Luther A., 1851- Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Los Angeles : L. A. Ingersoll Number of Pages: 940

Author: Ingersoll, Luther A., 1851-
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Los Angeles : L. A. Ingersoll
Number of Pages: 940