USA > California > Los Angeles County > Ingersoll's century history, Santa Monica Bay cities prefaced with a brief history of the state of California, a condensed history of Los Angeles County, 1542-1908 > Part 21
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1893.
In 1893 Messrs. W. D., W. S. and E. J. Vawter sold their interest in " The First National Bank of Santa Monica " to Senator Jones and the bank passed under the new administration, with Robert F. Jones president and cashier. It was soon afterward made a state bank under the name of the " Bank of Santa Monica." During the panic of July, 1893, this bank was undisturbed and it has since that time enjoyed the favor of Santa Monicans. The Keller block when completed was one of the largest and handsomest structures in Santa Monica. The upper stories were opened as a first-class hotel, while J. B. Folsom and W. T. Gillis occupied the large storerooms below. The Vawter block on Third street was completed in September. This was a one-story block, hand-
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somely finished, to be used as the office of the Santa Monica Commercial Com- pany, the Santa Monica Mill and Lumber Company and the Santa Monica and Soldiers' Home Company, all of which were Vawter interests. The Santa Mon- ica soda plant was a new establishment of this year, under the management of Carl F. Schader and Jesse Yoakum. One of the most substantial improvements was the erection of the handsome residence on the corner of Ocean avenue and Arizona by Mrs. Doria Jones, now the Elks' club house. The North Beach Bath House Company was incorporated in December by the Jones interests to build the North Beach bath house and pavilion. This establishment when finished was one of the most complete in equipment in the country. July Ist the Arcadia was opened under new management, having been closed for a year or more. Before opening it was thoroughly renovated and refitted, some $10,000 being spent in bringing it up to date.
A special election was called for March 2Ist to vote upon the question of bonding the town to the amount of $40,000 for the construction of a sewer system. The campaign elicited a good deal of discussion and considerable feel- ing, if we may judge by this letter which the Outlook published, with a dignified reply :
" Messrs. Fisher & Woodworth: There is an understanding on the streets that if you publish to malign any one who votes against bonds, your press will be taken and throwed into the sea and your papers, public and private, will be taken for a bonfire."
Notwithstanding the talk the vote cast was light and stood 148 against and only 84 for, thus disposing of the sewer question for the time being. But the " sewer question " is one which will not down for long in Santa Monica, and it continued to be a subject of interest-and contention. In June J. J. Davis of Los Angeles applied for a franchise for electric light plant, agreeing to pay therefor $25.00 annually for fifty years. September 10th electric lights were turned on the street for the first time, twelve incandescent lights being furnished.
The year was prolific in " gala " days. July 4th was celebrated with unusual vigor, speeches, bands and amusements of every kind being provided and the largest crowds ever known in the history of Santa Monica being present, esti- mated at from ten to fifteen thousand. The visit of Vice-President Stevenson was duly noted. In October the new restaurant on the big "long wharf " was opened with an elaborate banquet.
1804.
This was a comparatively quiet year. The great strikes and the general depression in the east caused a cessation of large investments and no railroad extensions of account were made. After a very exciting contest Messrs. Robert F. Jones and Norman A. Roth were elected trustees, while Messrs. Carrillo, Vawter and Lewis held over. Mr. Robert F. Jones served continuously as
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trustee from this time until 1902 and after 1896 was president of the board and acting mayor of the town.
The most important improvement of the year was the North Beach bath house, which was opened to the public in the spring. This building was 450 by 100 feet and was provided with a large plunge, elegantly furnished parlor, ballroom, hot and cold salt water bath, two dining rooms, roof garden, etc .; the whole structure represented an outlay of $50,000 and was at the time the most complete establishment of the kind on the Pacific coast. The electric light plant was completed during the year and was considered one of the best in the country, furnishing satisfactory service at very reasonable rates. The water company expended some $15,000 in improving its service and the Outlook estimates that about two hundred thousand dollars represented the cost of improvements which included a large number of residences.
1895.
The year 1895 opened with a flurry of excitement over the treatment the harbor question and Santa Monica were receiving from the Los Angeles Herald. This paper had at first been an able advocate of the Santa Monica side of the harbor question ; but during 1894 it passed under new management and at once changed front and began making most unjustifiable attacks upon this town, Port Los Angeles and the Southern Pacific Company. On Wednesday evening. Jan- tary 23rd, one of the most exciting meetings ever held in Santa Monica took place under the auspices of the board of trade. The resolutions passed will show the bitterness which had been engendered by the " harbor fight."
" Whereas, on numerous occasions, a morning paper published in the city of Los Angeles, has taken occasion to publish in its columns, as true, many false and misleading statements respecting the unfitness-as it falsely alleges-of Port Los Angeles for improvement by the general government as a deep-water harbor for the city of Los Angeles, and in support of its alleged unfitness has published communications containing false and defamatory statements in rela- tion to the effect of storms in and upon the bay of Santa Monica, the wharf therein. the principal projector thereof, and the landing, loading and unloading of vessels thereat ; and has been endeavoring by fraud to induce Congress, with- out further examination or evidence, to make large appropriations and have them expended in what we believe to be useless attempts to make of the bay of San Pedro a safe, useful and valuable deep-water harbor. And whereas, it is falsely, maliciously and fraudulently asserted that 'the legislative delegation from South- ern California are (is) a unit for a deep-water harbor at San Pedro', and . only those who are controlled by the influences which emanate from the councils and cabals of C. P. Huntington ever attempt to combat the plain expression of public opinion -and 'only occult and venal influences can defeat the object of the present agitation.' And whereas, the said newspaper has recently published a
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communication on the harbor question (purporting to be by a Santa Monican) which is grossly false (as has been incontrovertibly shown).
" Therefore, be it resolved, that the aforesaid editorials and communications which have from time to time appeared in the aforesaid paper are malicious libels of the bona fide residents of Santa Monica and others who advocate the superior fitness and claims of Santa Monica harbor as a site for a deep-water harbor and the people of Santa Monica are advised that the paper is unworthy of the support of the citizens of Santa Monica and the surrounding country."
These resolutions were enforced by ringing and heated speeches from many citizens and were adopted with much applause. About this time occurred the famous episode of the " fake " list of Santa Monicans sent into this same paper which was getting up a memorial, signed by citizens. The initials of the "faked " names, which were published in good faith by the paper in question spelled an acrostic-" The Fool Herald." It was this same petition in favor of San Pedro which, according to the Times, was made up after "much consultation from directories, compilation of acrostics and waste of editorial perspiration, and was lost and not even the office cat could give any idea of its whereabouts." The Herald claimed that it had been stolen, presumably by advocates of the Santa Monica side, and offered a reward ; later the document mysteriously reappeared ; but the amount of influence it carried with it when finally delivered to the legis- lators probably did not seriously injure the Santa Monica side of the question.
In March, the board of trade, which had done most efficient service in pro- tecting and promoting the interests of Santa Monica, took steps to incorporate as a chamber of commerce. The officers chosen under the new form were: President, Robert F. Jones ; secretary, J. J. Carrillo, who had continuously served as secretary for the board of trade for seven years, without compensation ; treas- urer, W. T. Gillis. Numerous committees were named and action was at once taken to secure the encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic for the coming summer and to arrange for representation at the Los Angeles fiesta. The labors of the latter committee resulted in a beautiful floral float in the floral day parade of La Fiesta.
In April the articles of incorporation of the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Electric Railway Company were filed. The Outlook says: "This proposed line is separate and apart from the bicycle line road promoted by Maj. Barrett, which it is understood will be backed by abundant eastern capital. This rather unique style of road is to be operated upon a single rail with guard rail above. A similar line is now in operation on Long Island. It has a speed possibility far exceeding a mile a minute. The service is quick, safe and economical for both passengers and freight. Maj. Barrett claims that the company organiza- tion is complete and the right-of-way agents will be in the field within thirty days." There was considerable talk about this "bicycle railway " and some people really had hopes of speeding a mile a minute between Los Angeles and
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Santa Monica. In June a petition was received from Gen. Sherman of the Pasadena and Pacific road asking for a franchise. But the trustees, having had a long and troublesome experience with the Los Angeles and Pacific road, were wary of promises and denied this franchise; but in an amended form it was granted later and active work on the line began. Some alarm was felt among merchants and dealers of the town lest the coming of the electric road should do them harm ; but the majority was largely in favor of the improvement. This vear steps were taken to construct a wagon road across the mountains to the wilds of Calabasas and a good deal of talk was indulged in as to a bicycle path from Los Angeles to Santa Monica, which should develope into a " boulevard." Cyclemania was at its head during this period and for two or three summers the greatest event of the season was the annual road race on July fourth from the city to Santa Monica. A bicycle race track was completed by the Southern Pacific with a grand stand which is described thus: "It lifts itself into the air and spreadeth itself over a great area. It vauteth itself as greater by far than anything within 'steen yards, and it attracts as much attention as a bloomer club upon parade. It is in very fact a thing to be proud of and carries the prophecy of great races on the track and great crowds to see them and much comfort to many people." In order to induce the " great crowds" the Southern Pacific resorted to what were known as " postage stamp" tickets, entitling the holder to passage both ways and admission to the bicycle track for the regular price of the ticket. This created feeling on the part of the Santa Fé people and the S. P. responded that they had expended some $12,000 in building the track and if the Santa Fé people would bear half the expense, their tickets would be hon- ored also. The Santa Fe chose a less expensive way of retaliation. They dropped the round-trip fare between Los Angeles and Santa Monica to twenty- five cents and on Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th, 1895, the Santa Fé sold round-trip tickets for five cents. Certainly Santa Monicans had " reason- able rates " for once.
The question of sewer bonds was again submitted to the people this year and after some vigorous work on the part of the more progressive on September 3rd the $40,000 bonds were voted by a majority of seven to one, and thus the first steps in creating a sewer system were at last taken.
Among other improvements of the year was the building of a new pavilion on the beach by Eckert and Ilopf. the gentlemen who had probably banqueted more distinguished people than any other firm in Southern California ; the build- ing of the Prohibition Congregational church and the plans for a Methodist church to be built by F. H. Rindge. On the South Side, the Santa Fé Company were constructing their iron pipe wharf ; the Young Men's Christian Association erected a pavilion and a number of cottages ; and a number of other cottages and buildings were erected.
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1896.
The completion of the electric line to Santa Monica was heralded as another " Sherman's March to the Sea." The initial trip was made on Wednesday, April Ist, 1896, but it was no April fool this time-at last Santa Monica had a real sure enough transportation line. Over five hundred guests were enter- tained by Santa Monica in honor of the day. The power house was decorated, the schools dismissed at noon and the population turned out en masse. The first car to arrive over the line was No. 65, with Pete Reel as motorneer, which appeared at 3:40 in the afternoon, bringing city and county officials and prom- inent citizens and followed by a car loaded with tourists from Minneapolis. Guns were fired and bands played and General Sherman and Mayor Pratt of Minneapolis were decorated with floral offerings. Refreshments and speeches followed, the principal address being made by John W. Mitchell. The officers of the road were Gen. M. H. Sherman, E. P. Clark and W. D. Larrabee, to whose enterprise and progressive spirit the city of Santa Monica and the entire community owe one of the most completely equipped and satisfactory trolley systems in the United States.
The municipal campaign this year was a lively one, several tickets being in the field. As usual the question of licenses was the disturbing element. The election resulted in the following officials: Trustees, Moses Hostetter, Robert C. Gillis and J. J. Carrillo ; library trustees, Dr. P. S. Lindsey, Fred H. Taft, J. Walter Gray, T. H. Wells and William Stevenson ; clerk, Charles S. Dales ; treas- urer, E. W. Boehme ; marshal, George B. Dexter. This board took up the con- tinued story of the sewer troubles. A contract had been let to Frank H. Mohr to construct the mains, and he put up a certified check for $1000 as security. He failed to make good on his contract and the check was retained by the city. The history of this check and the amount of legislation and law expended upon the matter would fill a good-sized volume in itself. In the end, after a decision by the Superior court, in 1897, the check was finally returned to the assigns of the contractor. It was discovered that the sewer bonds were illegal anyway after the contract had been forfeited, and during the fall work was begun on the construction of a main sewer under the Vrooman act, which is the beginning of a new chapter in sewer matters.
In May the police department was created and Messrs. George F. See and A. L. Forsyth were appointed policemen. Arrangements were completed this year for sprinkling the streets with salt water. Owing to the long continued dry season the supply of water for sprinkling had become diminished and economy was necessary here as elsewhere throughout Southern California.
This was one of the gayest seasons ever known here. Tournaments, tennis. polo races, croquet, bicycle meets, horse races and swimming contests furnished amusement for the "smart set " and the Sunday crowds alike. Trolley parties were a new entertainment which found favor and were frequent. In April the
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Hotel Men's Mutual Association, with representatives from all parts of the United States, were entertained with a banquet and a day of sports, including a barbecue, a battle of flowers and a "ring" tournament. The Southern Cali- fornia Editorial Association was banqueted at the pavilion of Eckert and Hopf. The Knights of Pythias held their annual encampment in City Park and the district camp meeting of the Methodist church was held on the ocean front, a large tent having been put up there for their use. The Citrus Wheelmen of Los Angeles opened a club house on Utah avenue. At South Santa Monica there were many campers and cottagers, and band concerts and lectures provided eu- tertainment.
Notwithstanding the hard times of a dry season, considerable building was done during the year and a good deal of street work was put through.
1897.
In February, 1897, the Santa Monica Water Company incorporated, with a capital stock of $1,000,000, all subscribed, Senator Jones holding 7845 shares of the 10.000 shares issued. The board of directors were Juan Bandini, Charles H. Forbes, Roy Jones, E. J. Gorham and A. C. Hamilton. The objects of the corporation, " to deal in real estate and water rights, to erect buildings, construct reservoirs and pipe lines for the purpose of saving and distributing water for domestic purposes or irrigation and to furnish water to any town or city."
The local Third-street electric line was opened in May and July Ist the " short line " via Sixteenth street was first put in use and at once proved popular. It was double tracked and two miles shorter than the old route via Sherman. The entire line was double tracked this year and new cars added and this most important factor in the evolution of the city became at once so popular that the Southern Pacific and Santa Fé steam lines were compelled to take off their trains because of lack of patronage.
On account of the proximity of the Soldiers' Home, Memorial day has al- ways been an occasion of particularly interesting and memorable services in Santa Monica. While the exercises at the home are always largely attended and most interesting, a large number of the veterans usually join in the celebra- tion at Santa Monica. Fort Fisher Post, G. A. R., and the Women's Relief Corps, with the children of the public schools have taken the lead in these exer- cises and many orators of note have spoken at them. General Horace Sargeant Binney, who was for a number of years a resident of Santa Monica, delivered some of the most notable addresses on these occasions. Maj. J. A. Donnell was another favorite speaker.
On June 22nd the Queen's diamond jubilee was celebrated, one of the gala days in the memory of Santa Monicans. The affair was under the auspices of the British residents of Southern California, but was participated in by repre- sentatives of every nation and land. A day of sports had been arranged and many prizes offered and the fun was fast and furious.
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The revival meetings of the Rev. Dr. Munhall held during June were some- what novel in the annals of Santa Monica, as they attracted the attention and interest of large audiences and of many who were not in the habit of attending such services. The annual encampment of the Seventh Regiment was one of the memorable events of this summer, over five hundred members participating and giving Santa Monica a taste of military life with their cavalry men, naval reserves, drills and evolutions, to say nothing of the sports and grand ball. In June four hundred members of the Los Angeles chamber of commerce banqueted at Eckert & Hopf's pavilion. These gentlemen for many years sustained the reputation of serving the best fish dinner to be found in California and their restaurant and pavilion was the scene of many festal occasions. The Arcadia was this year sold by Simon Reinhart to the Pacific Improvement Company. otherwise the Southern Pacific, and passed under new management.
The board of trustees spent much brain matter and nerve force in wrestling with the sewer problem. There was all sorts of trouble over rights of way for the proposed sewer and the citizens protested strongly against the plans to be carried out under the Vrooman act. Steps had already been taken to build the main sewer and the lines for it laid out, to be carried to the south city limits and fifteen hundred feet into the ocean for discharge. But, after a public meet- ing, it was decided to again call a bond election and on August 4th the third election to vote sewer bonds took place and the proposition carried. A few weeks later these bonds were sold at a premium of $3355-nearly to the paralysis of the board and the town. This seems to have been a good year for bonds for the school bonds, $15,000, voted on September 4th, were also sold at a large premium. They bore interest at seven per cent., however. After long and persistent effort on the part of J. J. Carrillo, the sum of $800 was finally raised for the wagon road to the Calabasas district. The county added fifteen hundred and this road was finally built: also Ocean avenue was opened to the cañon to connect with the new road. A systematic attempt to improve the bluff, which had been named Linda Vista Park, was undertaken this year.
1898.
The year 1898 opened with a vigorous stirring up of the saloon question and the revoking of two licenses by the board of trustees, for violation of the ordinance regulating the business. This was the occasion of much rejoicing on the part of the better element and was the forerunner of better things, the retail liquor license being raised in April to $500. A couple of weeks later five saloon keepers in Santa Monica cañon were arrested for violating the county ordinances.
The " news from Manila " and the probable war was the absorbing interest of this year. There was much talk of the inadequacy of Pacific coast protection and timid souls feared to find a foreign war vessel swooping into Santa Monica
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harbor at almost any hour. In order to aid in protecting our country, a com- pany of home guards was organized in Santa Monica, May 3rd; J. B. Proctor, who was a past master in military tactics, being chosen captain, George Wil- liams, who had seen twelve years of service in the regular army, was first lieuten- ant ; Victor Hopf, second lieutenant. This company enrolled 75 members, many of them being prominent citizens of Santa Monica and a large number of them being native Californians. At the Soldiers' Home a company of five hundred veterans was already organized and had offered itself for service at the call of the government. With such an example at hand, it is no wonder that the younger generation in the vicinity were enthusiastic. The Santa Monica com- pany was made Co. H of the Eighth regiment of National Guards. On the resignation of Mr. E. J. Vawter, Jr., who had succeeded Captain Proctor, C. M. O'Dell was chosen captain of the organization. It soon became apparent that the chances for the Eighth regiment to be called into service were slight and such of the members as were anxious to get into the field sought other op- portunities to enlist.
In March the Santa Monica Beach Improvement Company was organized, with a capital stock of $100,000, and with a strong directorate, consisting of F. A. Miller, then proprietor of the Hotel Arcadia; M. H. Sherman, president of the Pasadena and Pacific electric line; E. P. Clark of the same company ; W. D. Larrabee, superintendent of the electric road ; F. W. Richardson, Jacob Kurtz. Robert F. Jones, Charles H. Forbes, W. H. Perry, Roy Jones and R. C. Gillis. The company proposed to secure a lease of the beach front, build a pleasure wharf, erect neat cottages and other buildings on the beach and maintain and operate boats for fishing and pleasure.
The year opened with prospects of two new wharves-which ought to have satisfied the most exacting. After infinite difficulties, bids were called for the outfall sewer and the wharf to carry it; but when they were submitted, there were so many and strong protests that all were rejected. T. C. Elliott also applied for a franchise to build a wharf at the foot of Railroad street. This proposition was looked upon favorably ; but the Southern Pacific blocked it by claiming a previous franchise to this location. On Wednesday, April 14th, 1898. the contract for the outfall sewer was finally let to Thomas Thompson for the sum of $11.720, the deeds to the right of way having at last been secured. In June Kinney & Ryan applied for the use of the piles for the outfall sewer for wharf purposes and were granted the privilege. The same month it was an- nounced that the new pleasure wharf would be built between Railroad avenue and the North Beach bath house and the contract was let for the same. Both of these structures were completed during the summer and added much to the beach attractions, as they furnished every convenience for boating and fishing.
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