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 52
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April Ist, 1898, mail carrier service was inaugurated. In 1902, a build- ing was erected by H. H. Ford, G. A. Atwood and F. P. Meserve for the especial purpose of furnishing suitable accommodations for the Redlands postoffice. This building is a handsome three-story structure of brick. Upon the first floor a space of 80 by 100 feet is given over to the postoffice and is fitted up in handsome style and with all needed conveniences and equip- ment. The second floor is occupied by offices and the third is used for lodge purposes. The postoffice was moved into its new quarters February Ist, 1903.
An idea of the growth of the city may be gained from the steady in- crease of the postoffice business. In 1889 the gross receipts of the office were between $3,000 and $3.500; in 1899 the gross receipts were $15,117.92; in 1904 the receipts were $27,537:23. In the money order department, in 1904. 14,199 orders were sold aggregating the sum of $97,026.37, and 6.312 orders were paid, amounting to $81.569.40.
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. THE SMILEY BROTHERS AND THEIR WORK FOR REDLANDS ..
In the fall of 1888, the Redlands Board of Trade arranged to send Mr. Wm. E. Sibley to Los Angeles, to work in the interest of Redlands. He was to meet tourists, supply them with information and literature concerning Red- lands, keep on exhibition fruit, maps, etc. In the pursuance of this pur- pose, Mr. Sibley met Mr. Alfred H. Smiley, who, with his family, was look- ing over Southern California, and so interested him, that he was induced to visit Redlands, and look the place over. Mr. Smiley was so pleased with his inspection that before he left the buggy, after his first drive, he went to Mr. F. E. Brown, and inquired if the land lying along the hill to the southwest of the town could be purchased. He at once brought his family to Redlands, stopping at the Windsor House, and telegraphed A. K. Smiley, who was about to start for Jerusalem, (Palestine,) to spend the winter, that "California was the promised land." Mr. A. K. Smiley at once changed his plans, and in January, 1889, joined his brother in Redlands. During that month Mr. A. H. Smiley purchased 50 acres, partly of Judson and Brown, and partly from the Gauthier estate, and during the winter, the brothers completed the pur- chase of 200 acres lying along the ridge with San Timoteo canon on one hand. and the wide sweep of the San Bernardino valley on the other. In the winter of 1889-90, improvements were begun on this property, which was named Cañon Crest park. The Messrs. Smiley had long experience in land- scape gardening, and it was a hobby of theirs. Here were conditions of cli- mate, soil and water, and scenery such as they had not hitherto dreamed of. Here might be grown not only almost every tree, shrub and flower of the tem- perate zone, but also the brilliant tropical plants, the graceful trees and shrubs which must be petted in a hot-house in the east. With abundant means, wide experience, cultured taste, and the enthusiasm of love for the work, and for the homes which these two American noble men planned as the refuge of their declining years, the Smiley Brothers in time, created the most beautiful spot in California. Mr. Wm. M.Tisdale, in the Out West Magazine, describes it thus: "Everywhere shrubs and trees have been disposed with an eye to the most striking and artistic effects of color and foliage. Everywhere the flow- ering plants have been so placed as to provide an increasing variety of bloom from one year's end to another-a limitless wealth of color, fragrance and beauty. And some of the beauty is made to serve distinctly utilitarian pur- poses as well, for there are about fifty acres of thrifty orange trees, and many lemons and olives.
All in all, this magnificent park is without serious question, the most original in conception, the most perfect in detail, the most fascinating in
ALBERT K. SMILEY
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the scenery which it commands, of all the beautiful places made possible by the marvelously fertile soil and balmy climate of Southern California."
In 1891, the Smileys erected their houses-these were large, simple, yet beautiful and substantial frame buildings-homes in every sense of the word.
The location of Alfred H. and Albert K. Smiley in Redlands, was one of the keystone events in her history. Through their business relations, as pro- prietors of some of the most popular resorts in the state of New York, and through their wide social prominence as educators, philanthropists and public men, the brothers exerted unusual influence. The simple fact that they had chosen Redlands as their winter home, attracted a class of people who would not otherwise have come here. The deep interest which they manifested in their homes here, and in the welfare of the town, their generous expenditures, not only of money, but of thought, and of personal attention, helped to build up Redlands in many directions.
The Smiley brothers were heartily in accord with the Young Men's Christian Association enterprise, and it was largely due to their generosity, that this organization was planted on so firm a basis in Redlands, and that they were enabled to complete the fine building which they erected in 1894. The brothers and their families assisted largely in the support and the building of the Congregational church. They gave flowers, shrubbery and trees, and aided in their proper planting, and arrangement on the grounds of the Kingsbury and the Union High schools, and also about the various churches.
In the spring of 1896 Alfred K. Smiley announced that he would give $200 in prizes to those persons, "who during the ensuing year, begining May I, should maintain their grounds with neatness, and show good taste in the se- lection and arrangement of decorative plants." The conditions required con- tinuous. not spasmodic care, throughout the year, and that care must extend to the middle of the street ; that all weeds must be kept out of the roads, gut- ters and sidewalks, and the last carefully raked and swept. The amount of labor expended upon grounds was also to be taken into consideration. The prizes were to be given only to persons of moderate means. The first prize was won by James T. Jordan. The second was divided equally between W. G. Williams and Mrs. A. S. Hargraves. The results were so highly satisfac- tory that Mr. Smiley made a similar offer for another year.
The Smiley Park and Library.
"Not content with having accomplished all this for the city of his adop- tion, in addition to the magnificent park, which he and his brother had so generously opened to the public for their use and enjoyment, Mr. A. K. Smiley, thought that a city park near the business center was desirable, even in this garden city, and in the autumn of 1895, he determined that Redlands
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should have such a tract of land set aside forever as a public park, for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Redlands, and their guests. The land about the city had been taken up so fast for residence purposes, that it was no easy task to get a tract suffiiently large for this purpose, at any reasonable price.
First was bought six acres lying north of Olive avenue, and between Eu- reka and Grant streets. Next nine acres lying just west of this, and across Grant street. Then followed purchase after purchase of lots adjacent, until was secured sufficient ground for a public park leading to the business por- tion of the city up to the site of the library building, and extending beyond it to the main park on Grant street.
In the acquiring of this property a large sum of money was expended, and many difficulties encountered. Some property owners, were not only reasonable, in making terms of sale, but also generous, when informed of the purpose for which the property was to be used. A few only were unreason- able and exorbitant in their demands. At times, the difficulties seemed insurmountable. Houses had to be purchased and removed, streets re-graded, gutters and culverts put in ; watermains laid, and as neither the city nor water company felt able to make these improvements just then, all these things were done by the same lavish hand that has built this building. Then followed the grading of the grounds, the setting of trees and shrubs, the building of stone walls, and the laying out of driveways and walks, and finally the erection and furnishing of the building in which we meet today.
Mr. Smiley presented to the city of Redlands, not only a Public Library building, but the beautiful park leading up to this building, from our main street, and extending beyond the building for another block, with its labyrinth of walks and drives, beautifully decorated with the choicest trees, shrubs and flowers.
The library building as it now stands, is the result of much study on the part of Mr. Smiley. The original plans were drawn under his direction by a well known Redlands architect, Mr. T. R. Griffith, to whose artistic ability much of the beauty of the building is due. The details of the construction, from the laying of the solid stone foundations in September, 1897, to the most careful finishing of the interior, have been under the direct supervision of a Redlands builder, Mr. D. M. Donald. one of the most competent contractors in Southern California. The style of architecture is Moorish, popularly called "Mission." The walls are of solid brick, relieved by stone trimmings. The roof is of the best quality of heavy tiling,brought from Chicago. The large basement beneath is as solid as stone and cement can make it, and con- tains two large furnaces of the best make, which together with the six huge fire places which you see insure comfortable rooms during the winter sea- son. In the basement is also provided a room for the disinfecting of books,
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
which was constructed under the direction of our city health officer. The basement being perfectly dry is admirably adapted for the storage of such pamphlets and books as may not be desired in the rooms upstairs.
The main building is in the shape of a cross, one hundred feet each way, and is constructed from basement to tower of the best materials. The plas- tering is upon steel lath, the floors are double, the upper floor of solid oak, highly polished, all the inside finish is of the best quality of well seasoned quartered oak. All the inside wood work, except the mantels, was done in Redlands, including the making of all doors and all the paneling, and by in- specting this work you will see that we need not be ashamed of it. The stone carving on the frieze over the main entrance is one of the best pieces of carving in Southern California.
The rooms are admirably arranged for light and ventilation, the broad fire places, together with overhead ventilators and many high windows, making pure air in the rooms easily obtainable. The clear glass is all of the best quality of polished plate, and the stained glass is of extra quality and, as you will see, very beautiful.
The building will be lighted at night by eighty-three electric lights, with eleven circuits. Everything has been done to make the building perfectly adapted to its purpose, and a much larger sum spent than was at first contem- plated.
As so many erroneous statements have been published as to the money expended, it may be well to say that between $50,000 and $60,000 has been expended in the purchase of grounds and in the erection and furnishing of this building.
The building, as its stands, includes five times the floor space of the old library room, not counting the corridors, which will undoubtedly be used much in summer time." -- J. P. Fisk at dedicatory exercises.
The Smiley Library was dedicated and presented to the city of Red- lands on April 29th, 1898, and thus Redlands came into possession of one of the most perfectly appointed library buildings in the state of California.
The value of the Smiley Library to Redlands is beyond estimate. It not only answers admirably the purpose of the ordinary library in the ordinary community, but is a lesson in artistic beauty and in culture to the children and young people, as well as an ever present object lesson in the generosity and public spiritedness which marks our highest type of Americanism. It is a center of attraction for tourists and visitors and forms one of the many inducements that lead people of refinement and culture to pass their winters in Redlands and to make it their permanent home.
The history of the Redlands library dates back to December 5th, 1891. At that time, Messrs. A. K. and A. H. Smiley, J. B. Breed, and others inter- ested in the establishment of a public library and reading room called a meet- ing to discuss the matter. As a result of this interest a Coffee Parlor and
ALFRED H. SMILEY
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Reading Room were opened in the old Y. M. C. A. Building in March, 1892.
In the winter of 1893, the Redlands Library Association was formed, F. P. Meserve, president ; Mrs. White, secretary, and by January Ist, 1894, had accumulated funds sufficient to purchase $1,000 worth of books. On the completion of the new Y. M. C. A. Building in the spring of 1895, the li- brary was established in rooms in this building where it remained until re- moved to the Smiley Library. The first librarian was Miss Helen A. Nevin, who resigned in 1895, and was succeeded by her assistant, Miss Antoinette Humphrey, who has been custodian of the library since June Ist. 1895.
Death of Alfred H. Smiley.
January 25th, 1903, Alfred H. Smiley passed away, at his home in Canon Crest Park. For several months he had been failing as the result of an acci- dent incurred while at his summer home, Lake Minnewaska, N. Y. As his health declined, he desired strongly to return to his Redlands home and un- dertook the journey, although his physicians advised against it. Here, when he learned that the end was inevitable, he awaited the coming of death with quiet resignation. Surrounded by his family and friends he passed peace- fully away.
Redlands lost one of its best known and best loved citizens with his death.
Alfred H. Smiley and his twin brother, Albert K. Smiley, were born at Vassalboro, Maine, on the 17th day of March, 1828. So alike in form features, facial expression and voice that few but intimate friends could distinguish the one from the other as they advanced in years ; these brothers were also singularly alike in temperaments, tastes and careers. They were of Quaker parentage and, after a course of academic and preparatory train- ing, they were both graduated, in 1849, from Haverford College, and later they received the degree of A. M. from their alma mater. Following their graduation they both engaged in teaching, and for three years, had charge of the department of English at Haverford. Later they founded an academy at Philadelphia. From 1860 to 1879 the two brothers conducted the Friends' School at Providence, Rhode Island, gaining an enviable reputation for this school under their management.
The hotel enterprises of the two. brothers, by which they have been most widely known, and which have been remarkably successful, were com- mienced upon a small scale, while they were still engaged in the educational work. The commencement was at Lake Mohonk, where a small hotel was first built which was gradually enlarged and improved until it is now a han I- some and spacions building capable of accommodating several hundred guests. In 1875, to meet the demands of the growing business, Alfred H. Smiley purchased 2500 acres of land surrounding Lake Minnewaska, seven miles distant from Lake Mohonk, and here were finally built two hotels.
SCIPIO CRAIG
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In the conduct of these hotels the brothers were very successful, bring- ing to this difficult business a combination of rare business sagacity con- jointly with most attractive personal qualities. Here they developed a taste for landscape gardening which became, with them, almost a passion. These hotels are surrounded with beautiful drives and walks, and with every ac- cessory to afford variety and wholesome entertainment. Nothing in the way of amusement that can offend the most fastidious is permitted at these re- sorts. The two brothers, always hospitable, genial, enjoying the society of men and women of culture, were ideal hosts, and attracted a clientage such as few landlords have ever known. They retained their interest in educa- tional matters. They were also, although Albert K. Smiley was more es- pecially, the friends of the American Indian and a feature of many of the seasons at Lake Mohonk has been an annual gathering, or congress, at this hotel, of public men interested in the welfare of the Indians. Being easy of access from the great centers of population of the east, New York, Philadel- phia, Boston, Chicago and other cities, these hotels have been crowded each summer for many years, entertaining more than a thousand guests at the height of the season, with people who appreciate the charms of the refined. pleasant, wholesome, largely outdoor life which centered there.
Mr. A. K. Smiley, since the death of his brother, has purchased the en- tire Cañon Crest Park and continues to make his home here.
NEWSPAPERS IN REDLANDS.
The Citrograph.
The men who founded the city of Redlands knew that no better adver- tisement was possible for the new town than a newspaper of the right sort. One of the first steps in putting the projected town into actual existence, was the formation of the Redlands News Company, which at once selected Scipio Craig, who was already well and widely known for his ability to write straight-forward and "worth while" English, and to put out a clean, well printed and well edited paper, as the editor and manager of the new enter- prise. Mr. Craig christened the new paper "The Citrograph"; a name so distinctive, and which has become so closely associated with Redlands, and with Scipio Craig, that the mention of one immediately calls to mind the other two.
The first number was issued Saturday, July 16th, 1887, from the office then located in the building at the southwest corner of State and Fifth streets. There it continued to be published until its own building was com- pleted, August Ist, 1889. The paper was at once a success. Its make up, its devotion to and its faith in Redlands, and its original and energetic editorials attracted wide attention. It was enlarged three times within the first six
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months, and at the end of that time had a subscription list of about 1200 names,-and this in a town of six months age. Its circulation has, however, never been confined to Redlands alone.
While amply fulfilling the duties of a weekly local newspaper, the Cit- rograph has always been more than a mere news sheet. It has taken an active part, and has stood with honest and disinterested vigor, for the best interests of Redlands, in the many questions that have arisen affecting local welfare. It has made itself an authority upon all horticultural matters, as well as upon good roads, irrigation, and many other topics that are of vital importance to this section. It is known far and wide, as a model of typographic excellence. In appearance and make-up it is the most attractive newspaper published in this state.
In 1903, the Citrograph again moved to a building which is complete as a country newspaper shop,-convenient, roomy and up-to-date.
The Facts.
The Facts, was founded as a weekly by S. F. Howe, Oct. 23, 1890, and was a ten page paper, size of type-page 9x121/2inches. It was Prohibition in policy, as was the Daily Facts, also issued by Howe, and started October 31, 1892. The daily commenced as a four-column folio, type page 111/4- 1614 inches. On Feb. 17, 1893, the weekly was discontinued. A. S. Shea- han, became proprietor on April 8th, of the same year, but owing to increas- ing illness, sold his interest to E. F. Howe and J. P. Durbin, in October 1894. April 1, 1895 the size of the paper was increased to six columns of 20 inches length, and the name was changed to Redlands Facts. August 1, 1895, Captain Wm. S. Moore, a health-seeker from Pennsylvania, purchased the Facts from Messrs. Howe and Durbin, with the entire plant, and changed the policy of the paper to that of Independent Republican. The new pro- prietor enlarged it to a seven-column folio, 1534x2134 inches type page, on November 13, 1896. On August 2, 1897, the present heading "Redlands Daily Facts" appeared. Consumption, the dread destroyer, ended the prac- tical and efficient career of Captain Moore, on May, 7, 1899. He was suc- ceeded by his heirs, under the firm title of The Moore Company. On Nov. I, of the same year, the Facts was changed to eight pages of six columns each, type page 18x131/2 inches. Another enlargement took place on Nov. II, 1901, to a seven-column paper, type page 2134x151/2 inches, its present size. On that date also the Facts began the Associated Press service, re- ceiving daily dispatches from this and foreign countries. From the date of its foundation to the date of writing this brief history, no liquor advertise- ment has appeared in its columns. It also refuses publication to some classes of advertising usually found in other dailies. It is now unqualifiedly Re- publican in policy. W. M. Newton, is now, and has been for a number of years, the manager and editor of the paper.
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Redlands Review.
What is now the Redlands Daily Review, published every morning ex- cept Monday, and the weekly Review, published on Fridays, is the out- growth of a weekly paper called the Hour, started in 1895, by A. H. Corman. The Hour, was originally a Prohibition paper, and it was published con- tinuously by Mr. Corman, for several years. It passed finally into the hands of W. E. Willis, who changed the paper into a general local weekly newspaper, and gave it the name of the Redlands Review. In Nov. 1901, the daily edition was started, Mr. Willis having in the meantime associated with himself A. E. Brock. The paper was a six-column, eight- page issue, with a column length of eighteen inches. February 1, 1902, the paper was pur- chased by an incorporation known as the Review Publishing Company, with Lyman M. King as the managing editor, and was made Republican in politics. Shortly thereafter the columns were lengthened two inches, thus add- LYMAN M. KING ing considerable to its size. November 1, 1903, an Associated Press service was begun, and the paper was enlarged to seven columns and eight pages. Its destinies are now guided by Lyman M. King, editor, and W. E. Grigsby, business manager.
THE BOARD OF TRADE.
The first Board of Trade in Redlands was organized in February, 1888, with L. W. Clark, as secretary. The organization at once began a vigorous campaign for the improvement of the new town. One of their first achieve- ments was the issuance of a folder setting forth the advantages of Redlands. They engaged Mr. W. E. Sibley, at a salary of $150 per month, to represent them in Los Angeles, where he was to meet tourists and interest them in Redlands. It was through this agency that the Smiley brothers first heard of the place. An exhibit of fruit and Redland's products was maintained in Los Angeles and another was kept up in San Bernardino. During the win- ter of 1889 several boxes of fruit were sent to Chicago to be placed on exhibi- tion there. But a couple of years of such energetic "hustling" seems to have ' exhausted the enthusiasm of the members, and the organization lapsed. The city continued to grow without the fostering care of such an institution until Dec. 12, 1893, when the business men of the place again determined that con- certed effort for the betterment of conditions was necessary, and Dec. 12, 1893.
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organized a Chamber of Commerce, with A. B. Ruggles as president, J. Lee Burton, vice-president and E. G. Judson, secretary. Through the efforts of this body. the Casa Loma was built, the cannery established, and various pamphlets and advertising matter distributed. This Chamber of Commerce did efficient service for several years, then it also grew weary of well doing, and dropped out of existence. After a rest of two years, the necessity of some kind of commercial organization which should promote and protect the interests of the city, led the citizens to again call for a meeting of representative business men. In response, thirty-six men met in Woodman's Hall, on Dec. 28, 1898, and decided to perfect an organization to be known as the Redlands Board of Trade; dues were fixed at $5.00 per year, and a committee of eleven were appointed to recommend a board of directors. On Jan. 7, 1899, a second meeting was held, and E. S. Graham, F. P. Morrison, M. M. Phinney, Le- land Lyon, H. H. Sinclair, Henry Fisher, F. P. Meserve, F. C. Hornby, A. G. Hubbard, E. G. Judson, J. J. Suess, H. L. Graham, Henry B. Ely, F. A. Bradley, W. T. Gillis, K. C. Wells H. L. GRAHAM and J. H. Bohan, were named as directors. These gentlemen at once elected E. S. Graham, president ; K. C. Wells, vice- president ; G. C. Thaxter, secretary, and F. P. Morrison, treasurer. By-laws were adopted and fourteen committees appointed by the president. The Phin- ney building was rented for an exhibition room and office, and a membership of 260 names have been enrolled as members of the Board of Trade, and there are at present 280 names on the roll. During the second year, the by-laws were amended so as to increase the number of directors to twenty-five. The present board is made up of H. L. Graham, J. E. Payton, M. D .; F. P. Morri- son, S. C. Haver, K. C. Wells, E. S. Graham, A. G. Hubbard, F. C. Hornby, M. M. Phinney, Henry Fisher, H. D. Moore, K. H. Field, C. J. Curtis, A. K. Smiley, E. M. Lyon, W. C. Hargraves, H. P. D. Kingsbury, J. H. Logie, Chas. R. Paine, B. W. Cave, J. J. Prendergast, C. L. Hayes, John P. Fisk, F. W. Hammett and Walter H. Campbell. Others who have served on the board of directors are, H. H. Garstin, J. W. Edwards, G. G. Mosley, M. D .; Chas. M. Brown, A. N. Dike, M. H. Fitzsimmons, C. L. Clock, J. B. Glover, and G. C. Thaxter. The officers elected in 1901 were re-elected in 1902. In 1903, K. C. Wells served as president, and J. W. Edwards as vice-president ; in 1904, S. C. Haver was president, and H. L. Graham, vice-president ; and in 1905, H. L. Graham is president, and J. E. Payton, M. D., vice-president. F. P. Morrison
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