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 53
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and G. C. Thaxter have served as treasurer and secretary, respectively, since the organization.
The Board of Trade has been a most important factor in the unprece- dented growth made by Redlands in the past five years. To its efforts were due the choice of Redlands as the point where President Mckinley should be welcomed to the State of California by Governor Gage, and the presence of President Roosevelt in this city, where he was received as the guest of the State, by Governor Pardee, and a legislative committee. The Board of Trade look an active part in the defeating of the proposed bonding of the city to the to the amount of $400,000 with which to purchase a Yucaipe water supply ; it has been the promoter of the investigation into the status of the Bear Val- ley Water Supply, and has recommended the purchase of the same, and the building of a new storage reservoir, this vital affair being now in the hands of a special committee ; a large number of distinguished visitors and organiza- tions have been suitably received and entertained, through the efforts of the Board of Trade; it has been instrumental in the distribution of more than 250,000 copies of illustrated booklets, pamphlets, folders, etc., at a cost of more than $3,600; it has joined with other commercial bodies of the state in actively urging important legislation for the improvement and protection of our forests, our water supply, for duty on citrus fruits, enlarged powers of Interstate Commerce Commission, and other matters of vital interest to our prosperity.
The exhibition rooms are an attractive spot for visitors and tourists, and a careful estimate, based upon the names registered in the rooms, show that not less than 60,000 visitors have enjoyed the privileges offered here. Many of these have asked and obtained valuable information of the secretary, Mr. G. C. Thaxter, while more than 7,000 letters of inquiry have been answered.
No other city of equal size in the State possesses a more active and influ- ential commercial organization, than the Redlands Board of Trade, and the results attained in Redlands would do credit to any body of men in any city of the United States.
VISITORS TO REDLANDS.
Redlands has entertained within her gates a long succession of distin- guished guests ; she has tendered her hospitality to the press, to organizations and societies, and excursionists of every character, and all have departed with words of wonder and delight.
In 1881, the Pacific Coast Press Association, visited this valley, and was entertained at Crafton ; May 17, 1892, the National Editorial Association, visited Redlands, and was treated to fruit and flowers, a luncheon and a drive : in March, 1900, the same organization again visited Redlands and departed to scatter golden opinions of the beauty and hospitality of the city throughout
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the press of the country. Jan. 24th, 1902, the members of the Canadian Press Association spent a few hours in Redlands, and went away with heartfelt words of praise for the bountiful reception received.
In 1892, the city entertained the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and also the State Pomological Society. In 1897, the National Hotel Associ- ation brought four hundred hotel men to Redlands, and each one carried away pleasant memories of the day spent here. In March, 1901, the Chicago Com- mercial Club, including Marshall Field, Robert Lincoln, Edward D. Butler, Jolin T. Farwell, James F. Eckles and E. P. Ripley and Gen. Wesley Merritt, an organization said to represent more than five hundred million dollars, included Redlands in their itinerary and declared that this was the feature of their excursion. In April, 1902, the National Association of Railroad Commissioners stopped over to admire the beauties of Redlands; the same year the governor of Nebraska, Wholesale Druggists' Association and the Climateological Association were entertained, and in 1903 the city enter- tained the National Association of Bankers who were viewing the country in a palatial private car.
Many noteworthy individuals have also visited Redlands and gone away to sing its praises and in many cases to return a second time. May 7th, 1901, was the greatest day in the history of Redlands. On that day President William McKinley was welcomed by the citizens of Redlands to their city and to the state of California. The town had been lavishly and tastefully decorated for the occasion. The central feature of these decorations was the series of arches culminating in the double arch at the intersection of State and Orange streets which was most beautifully and symbolically orna- mented. The presidential party was met at the depot by the Indian band from Perris, the G. A. R. and the Y. M. C. A. cadets, who, accompanied by thousands of citizens, escorted the president to the Casa Loma where his carriage was showered with the rarest of flowers by the school children. Governor Gage welcomed the Executive to the state and President McKin- ley responded. He was driven over the city and on his return made another speech to the waiting masses, expressing his enjoyment of the drive and remarking that this was a grand day for himself as well as for Redlands.
As mementoes of this visit, the chair occupied by President Mckinley during his visit is preserved in the Board of Trade rooms and the route driven over that day is now known as the Mckinley Drive and is followed generally by visiting tourists.
The visit of President Roosevelt, May 7, 1903, was another memorable day. Again Redlands lavished her abundance of flowers in decorations, even carpeting the roadway over which the president was to drive with roses. The party arrived at noon and a procession was formed to escort the Presi- dent to the Casa Loma, where he was received by 1400 school children who sang the Star Spangled Banner, while they waved tiny flags. Governor
VIEWS IN PROSPECT PARK, REDLANDS. Property of T. Y. England.
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Pardee and a Legislative Committee had arrived the day before to welcome the Chief Executive, and after speechmaking and a luncheon, the entire party were driven over Mckinley Drive and left the city with warmest words of delight for all that they had seen. On this day the beautiful memorial bust of President McKinley, which had been erected in Smiley Library grounds by the citizens of Redlands, was informally unveiled.
PARKS, DRIVES AND RESORTS.
Redlands has many and varied attractions which delight her visitors and give pleasure to her own dwellers. Her parks afford exquisite views to those who love scenery, wonderful beauty of blossom and foliage to the flower lover, and an unusual opportunity for the study of rare and varied plant life to the botanist ; while the weary, or weak, may simply rest in their balmy, life-giving atmosphere with every sense satisfied by the beauty of the surroundings.
The many fine drives in and about the city present to the eye an ever changing panorama of mountains and valley,-of the perfection of culture and of untouched wildness. Within easy driving distance of the city the very heart of the mountains may be penetrated and one may pass from the tropical air and verdure of the valley to the bracing breath and the growth of the north temperate zone, and a little further he may reach a region of icy chill and hidden snowbanks.
Redlands has been peculiarly fortunate in possessing citizens of large liberality who have not only given land for public parks, but who have created and maintained at their own expense, beautiful private parks which are generously shared with the public. Canon Crest Park is known through- out the world as one of the fairest spots on which the sun looks down. In April, 1890, the Smiley Brothers who had the year previous begun the pur- chase of the bare hill sides now included in the park, began the setting of trees and shrubbery. More than 200 acres of land, lying along the crest of the "Heights," usually referred to as Smiley Heights, are now laid out in what is generally acknowledged as the finest private park in the country. More than a thousand varieties of trees and shrubs are growing here. Masses of flowers, of eevry hue and form; rose bordered driveways; sheltered ave- mues, winding, climbing, footpaths; picturesque retreats and summer houses ; a lily pond ; a pinery ; orange, lemon and olive groves,-all add to the beauty. From the highest point at the summit, one sees on one hand the fair city and beyond it the San Bernardino Valley, with its towns and fields, its orchards and groves-all the beauty and culture that man can devise lies before him. Turning. 350 feet beneath him the San Timoteo canyon straggles upward toward rugged and forbidding mountains, the
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only sign of man, the steel rails of the Southern Pacific road-bed gleaming in the sun, or the smoke of some far distant train.
In April, 1896, Mr. Albert K. Smiley purchased six acres of land adjoining the business section of the city. Later he added to this purchase until he had obtained more than ten acres in the heart of the city, bought from fifteen different parties and at great trouble and expense. Mr. Smiley at once began improving this land by setting the choicest shrubs and trees and laying out walks and driveways. In 1897 he began the erection of Smiley Library and in 1898, he presented the library and the park to the city. Thus Redlands has a beautiful public park in the center of the city in what would otherwise be a thickly settled district.
In 1896, T. Y. England, who had recently become interested in Red- lands. bought the property that had long been known as Prospect Hill. Hc has added to his holdings until now some twenty-five acres is included in these grounds. Much of the land was occupied by orange groves; but in the midst of the orange groves Mr. England has created a beautiful park. Masses of trees and shrubs have been so placed that the beauty of the outlook over the city and the valley is enhanced. Hedges of roses, great beds of Eschscholtzia, of giant pansies, of cacti, and of many other flowers and shrubs and vines, brighten and drape the hillsides. Winding driveways give access to every part of the park. And all this beauty is freely opened to the visitor.
The Italian gardens of Mr. E. C. Sterling, are the most elaborate attempts at gardening in Southern California. The pillared entrance to "La Casada" admits to a driveway and paths bordered by stately ever- greens and great mosaic beds of many-hued flowers and foliage plants. Six terraces rise one above the other to the crest of the hill which is crownd by the great white house. Each terrace is sustained by a granite retaining wall and is veiled in graceful vines and flowers. Steps ascend them; summer houses, a beautiful pergola, a fish pond, statuary and a dial add to the per- fection of the detail. And these grounds too are open to the public.
Driveways.
When President Mckinley visited Redlands in ICOI, he was taken for a drive, the route being from the Casa Loma to the Library, thence through the park to Brookside avenue, over Railroad avenue to Terracina, with a detour to take in the Lawton residence, at the special request of the Presi- dent, then through Canon Crest Park, Prospect Park and down Cajon and Olive streets to the Library. Since that time this drive has been known as Mckinley Drive, and the city and the property owners along the route have done much to improvee the roadway and the surroundings and make this ride, which includes the business portion of the city, the most beautiful residence section, the three parks, with glimpses of magnificent scenery, of
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mountains and valley, of citrus groves and of ideal homes, an unalloyed pleasure.
Another drive which reveals the magnificence of the scenery about Redlands is known as Edgemont Drive. This was first projected by Messrs. A. H. Smiley and E. C. Sterling, and has been perfected by the public spirited citizens who have subscribed for the carrying out of the plan. After driving out Sunset avenue the road winds for ten miles along the crest of ridges, every turn revealing new vistas of beauty. The drive up Mill Creek cañon is one of the most beautiful imaginable and many other drives into the mountains are picturesque and inspiring.
Resorts.
One of the most charming mountain resorts attainablee from Redlands is that of Bluff Lake, situated near the top of a long ridge, two miles south of Bear Valley dam, 26 miles from Redlands by wagon road. It is 7,575 feet above sea level, and stands in a green mountain pasture, surrounded by pine forest. The place derived its name from the fact that some fifteen years ago two men located on the same claim and each tried to "bluff" the other out. As neither man was of the stuff that bluffers are made of, their squabbling created a good deal of amusement and the place gained the name of "Bluff Lake." The man who was left in possession started to build a dam at the outlet of the lake and thus make a reservoir. The Bear Valley Company attempted to drain the lake and litigation followed which resulted in favor of the homesteader, but in time he abandoned the land. In 1886 Heber Huntington took possession of the claim which had been left vacant and began to entertain summer visitors. About 1890 Mr. Sylvanus Thurman purchased such rights as Mr. Huntington had in the property and since that date has carried on a summer resort at this beautiful spot. There are cottages and accommodations for camping and boarding. The reservoir and the mountain streams afford fishing and the forest hunting. In the · fifteen years of occupation the temperature at this point has never risen above 85 degrees.
Oak Glen.
In 1899, O. W. Harris, Isaac Ford, Christian Jessen, W. C. Lukens, R. B. Sheldon, all of Redlands, purchased a tract of some 400 acres of land in what was formerly known as "Potato Canon," because of the fine quality of potatoes raised here by the pioneer settlers. This tract is beautifully sit- uated, 5,000 feet above sea level. Water has been piped over the tract and a large number of apple trees have been set out by the owners. A number of cottages have been built and the place is now occupied as a summer home by a number of Redlands people.
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Fredalba Park.
In 1896 Mr. A. H. Smiley purchased a 260 acre tract of land at the head of City Creek toll road, sixteen miles from Redlands and 5,600 feet above sea level. This land was cleared, roads and paths were made through the forests, cottages were erected, with a dining hall and accommodations for light house-keeping ; a postoffice has been located here and a stage line makes regular trips to connect with trains at Highland. The Brookings Lumber Mill is located here also.
Seven Oaks.
Somewhere about 1870, Mr. C. M. Lewis, an Englishman, was exploring the San Bernardino range and came upon this beautiful forest park, located on the Santa Ana river and surrounded by the wildest and most beautiful scenery. It reminded him so much of a similar spot in England, known as Seven Oaks, that he bestowed the name and built for himself a log cabin and secured title to the land. He still lives here. The name and the natural attractions of the spot drew a number of people to make it their summer home or camping place, many of them being English residents of Southern California. Gradually many cabins, cottages and camps have been gathered here and during the summer many visitors find rest and renewed vigor in the quiet and enjoyment of this delightful spot.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The following history of the Fire Department is taken from the Citro- graph of April 19, 1902:
We have the pleasure of presenting our readers this week with an excellent view of the first municipal building erected by the corporation of Redlands, if a small jail be excepted. The building was formally taken possession of by the fire department thirteen years after its organization.
From the Citrograph of May 4, 1889, we reprint this news item:
Redlands Hose Company No. I was organized last Saturday evening with Ralph Levy as foreman ; J. A. Rivera, assistant foreman ; R. C. Shep- herd, treasurer, and D. C. Gresham, secretary, and the following members : W. C. Brumagim, P. V. Garcia, T. M. Dugan, W. H. Smith, J. S. Hendrick- son. It was decided that the company should not exceed 25 in number, and as there are now only nine enrolled, sixteen more names are wanted. There will be a meeting this evening at Shepherd & Sprague's at 7:30 sharp. and it is hoped that those who have an interest in this matter will be present. It is of vital importance to our city that we have good protection from the fiery element, and the organization of a first-class hose company is a move in the right direction.
The meeting referred to above was held in the hardware store of Shep-
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herd & Sprague, located on State street where is now Romberger's second- hand store, on Saturday evening, April 27, 1889. R. J. Waters called the meeting to order and explained its objects, but did not become a member of the company. He was then city attorney, the city having been incor- porated only a few months. Mr. Waters has since removed to Los Angeles, was elected to congress and is now in the banking business with the Citizens' Bank. D. C. Gresham, who was secretary of the meeting, was foreman of The Citrograph ; he met a violent death at the hands of P. C. McConkey. proprietor of the Windsor Hotel, on the morning of Monday, March 24, 1890. McConkey shot and killed Gresham, and then killed himself. Ralph Levy, known as "Jack," is still a member of the company. Joe Rivera, Tom Dugan and Brumagim are still here. R. C. Shepherd and Pablo V. Garcia are in Los Angeles.
The roll-book shows the following list of members May 4, 1889: R, Levy, W. C. Brumagim, R. C. Shepherd, J. A. Rivera, P. V. Garcia, T. M. Dugan, W. H. Smith, J. S. Hendrickson, D. C. Gresham, W. R. Davis, M. F. Brooke, Frank Cook, Joseph Taylor, Fred Griffing, George Stroup, J. W. Millard, Ernest Frenzell, Jean Huff, Albert Stroup.
Hose Cart No. I had already been purchased by Mr. Waters, together with 300 feet of hose. The minutes of May 10, 1889, state that "the foreman was appointed a committee of one to purchase oil and can and other neces- sary fixtures used around the hose cart." At this time there was not a plug or hydrant in town where the hose could be attached. An attachment was made to a main and the hose given a trial. The company responded to the first fire alarm early in May, 1890, caused by a blaze in a closet in the rear of the Sloan House, now the First National Bank. Alarms were given by firing pistols as the department had not attained to the dignity of a bell. The damage was slight. The second fire was a small barn, belonging to Judge Otis on Brookside avenue. October 24, 1891, came the largest fire in the history of Redlands, in the Otis Block, corner of Orange street and Citrus avenue. This fire started, in some never accounted for manner, in the store of H. Ellis & Co .. The second story of the building was occupied by offices and as sleeping rooms for guests of the Sloan House. There were some very narrow escapes as it was about midnight, and only brave and efficient service on the part of the fire department saved the block from complete destruction and the spreading of the fire to other buildings. The loss reached several thousand dollars.
Nothing much of special interest happened in the history of the com- pany during the next few years. The bell was purchased in the fall of 1892. by subscription of members of the company and proceeds of entertainments. The city owned the lot on the southeast corner of Fifth and Water streets and a wooden tower was built by the trustees for the accommodation of the bell. Its first use was to ring in the year 1893. The organization was kept
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together by a few of the "old guard." In 1894 the ladder truck was bought. In the fall of that year a reorganization took place. The minutes of October 15 state "in accordance with the requirements of an ordinance of the city governing the organization of fire companies, we disband and immediately reorganize anew in a legal manner." O. D. Collins was elected chief; F. Herrmann, foreman of the Hook and Ladder Truck: J. E. Brown, foreman of Hose No. I, and L. Sherrard, foreman of Hose No. 2. October 29th, J. E. Brown was elected assistant chief, Emil Suess, assistant foreman of hook and ladder truck and S. Kenedy, assistant foreman of Hose No. 1, I. M. Hough assistant foreman of Hose No. 2. J. E. Brown was made chief in 1896, and has held the office since that date. The appar- atus at this time was kept on State street about the middle of the block be- tween Orange street and Fourth, on the south side. The agitation for a building commenced about this time. May 22, 1901, the city trustees decided to submit the question of bonds for a fire house to a vote of the people, the amount being $5.500. The election was held on the 10th of September, and at the same time the people voted on the question of issuing bonds for the purchase of the Dunlap ranch water, also bonds for the erection of a city jail. The water and jail propositions were defeated, but the fire bonds car- ried by a handsome majority. The company at this time occupied the old barn on the corner of Fifth and Water streets, opposite the new building to which the chemical had been taken when the horses were purchased.
The company attended the firemen's tournament at Santa Ana on the Fourth of July, 1901, and carried off the prize. The team was composed of E. E. Watson, captain ; Seward Kenedy, William Wilkinson, Charles How- ard, George Mckenzie. W. Gaylord, E. J. Glaser, E. Mosbaugh. The dis- tance run was 350 feet to a hydrant, to lay 150 feet of hose, make connection and start the water, the time being taken from the pistol-shot to the starting of water through nozzle of hose. San Bernardino's time was 351/2 seconds ; Santa Ana 321/2 ; Redlands 32 and three-fifths seconds. Riverside was barred out on account of the inability of one of their men to hold the kink in the hose, therby letting the water through before the nozzle was attached. Sau Bernardino was one turn shy at the hydrant and Santa Ana was two and one-half turns shy. Three seconds was taken off the time of the run for each turn shy at the hydrant ; thus Santa Ana was forced to yield first prize to Redlands, that team making no balks. The prize awarded was $30 in cash. This time made by the Redlands team has not been beaten on the coast and they stand ready to contest all comers.
The new building of the department is acknowledged to be as fine a fire house as there is in the state. The frontage is 50 feet on Water street by a depth of 50 feet on Fifth street. The contract price was $5,495, Lynn & Lewis being the builders. The brick work was done by A. E. Taylor. The lot where the bell tower stood, diagonally across the street, was sold and the
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proceeds applied to the purchase of the present site. The first story is de- voted to rooms for the chemical and hook and ladder truck, stalls and stor- age for feed. The second story contains a large assembly hall, which has been neatly furnished ; five bed rooms, bath rooms, closets, etc. The usual sliding poles are conveniently placed. The bell is hung on a steel tower, 55 feet from the ground, which tower will also be used for drying hose. The front doors slide open by means of the automatic action of weights when the driver takes his seat on the chemical. This arrangement is an idea original with this company. Over the entrance of the stairway is a hand- some circular art glass window set with an emblem consisting of a nozzle, hat, ladder and axe, appropriately arranged. The entire building is lighted with electricity. The arrangement of the building is very nearly in accord- ance with plans drawn by E. E. Watson. F. T. Harris was supervising architect. The city board of trustees under whose administration the build- ing was erected were Wm. Fowler, chairman ; C. E. Lehman, E. S. Foote, A. E. Brock and Ira Sprague. All these gentlemen were firm friends of the de- partment and labored faithfully to provide suitable quarters.
The fine chemical wagon now used by the department was purchased by the city in September, 1900, from the Graham-Cope Commercial company of Redlands, the price being $1350. It is one of the latest patents in that line and called the Muskegon chemical and hose wagon. It carries a 40- gallon chemical tank, which is stationary, and also has two small hand tanks which can be taken from the wagon and used when the main chemical hose, which is 150 feet long, cannot reach the fire. The wagon also carries 900 feet of hose for hydrant connection and there are 24 hydrants in the city which furnish a water pressure averaging from 80 to go pounds.
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