USA > California > Alameda County > Past and present of Alameda County, California, Volume I > Part 33
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
ors were denied a place on the November ballot. Stephen J. Sill of Berkeley was one of the democratic electors; he polled the highest vote, 24,426. The republican state convention, on September 25th, by a vote of 14 to 88, nominated thirteen presidential electors pledged to vote for Roosevelt and Johnson for President and Vice-President respectively. The convention divided and named two tickets. William Jennings Bryan addressed a large meeting at Freeman's park on Sep- tember 25th. The Alameda county vote on the consolidation amendment was: for it, 16,908; against it, 41,339. The Roosevelt electors received 31,542 votes ; Wilson electors, 24,426; Debs electors, 9,332; Chapin electors, 1,163. Knowland defeated Watson, the socialist candidate, by the vote of 35,219 to 26,234, with 4,035 to Luttrell, democrat.
CHAPTER XIII
WOMEN'S WORK, TEMPERANCE, PHILANTHROPY, SUFFRAGE, ETC.
The Oakland Ladies Relief Society had its origin in the great Chicago fire. It was organized November 9, 1871, to assist the sufferers of that catastrophe and was incorporated June 12, 1872, as a society to render help to the needy and destitute at home. During the first year of its existence it was presented by Elijah Bigelow with a lot at Franklin and Fourteenth streets valued at $7,000, which splendid gift established the society on a permanent basis. Later this lot was exchanged for three acres at Temescal. At the end of two years the society owned 31/2 acres at Temescal; had a building fund of over $4,000, occupied a rented house in Oakland and had the usual officers and a board of twenty-four managers. All of its property was exchanged for the Beckwith Place containing ten acres and a good house nearer Oakland, leaving the society in debt $6,000. The real struggle now began to pay the debt and carry on operations. Friends came to the rescue, ladies entertainments realized goodly sums, and in 1875 the debt was but $2,000 and in 1876 was wholly extinguished. The twenty-four lady managers made themselves responsible for certain sums monthly either contributed or col- lected. But it was believed that now (1877) the citizens generally of the city should at least assist in the support of the institution. The city was thoroughly canvassed with the result that from $150 to $200 per month was pledged with which to carry on operations. In April, 1877, the tent festival netted over $2,100. The society operated through a system of committees. There were forty inmates in July, 1877.
One of the keenest contests ever had in Alameda county was that over local option. It was a plan to permit townships to determine by a popular vote whether the vending of liquor should be licensed within them or not. It called forth the energies of all enemies to strong drink. Men and women, clergymen and laymen, public officers and unofficial persons all took part, and excitement ran at fever heat. On April 22, 1874, 276 citizens of Washington township peti- tioned the board of supervisors for a special election to vote upon the question of license or no license, under the provisions of the act approved March 18, 1874. The prayer was granted, and May 23d fixed as the date. Meanwhile the question assumed a prominent shape in other townships, and in due course of time elections were there held, with the following results :
Date of Election
For License
Against License
Township
Alameda
. July 2, 1874
20I
108
Brooklyn
June 6, 1874
267
350
Eden
July 11, 1874
305
244
247
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Date
Township
of Election
For License
Against License
Murray
June 27, 1874
384
170
Oakland
May 30, 1874
1038
I29I
Washington
May 23, 1874
184
167
Total
.2,379
2,330
Oakland voted in favor of local option on May 30, 1874, amid great rejoicing on the part of the temperance people. To commemorate this event and victory the citizens erected in City Hall park a small statue representing the Goddess of Liberty holding a sheathed sword and leaning on a shield blazoned with the national arms. Connected with the statue were water drinking facilities. At the base of the pedestal were the words "Erected in commemoration of the tem- perance victory achieved at the ballot box, Oakland, May 30, 1874." The local option movement was formulated by Mrs. M. K. Blake, Mrs. Harriet Bishop and a few other ladies who demanded that the licensed saloons must go and the traffic in strong drink must stop. Strange as it may seem the churches at that time did but little to help the movement, but individuals helped amazingly, especially Rev. J. K. McLean. Many drinking men sided with and helped the movement. They wanted to rid the city of the saloons. On election day bands of praying women came from San Francisco to help cement opinion in favor of local option. Party was wholly lost sight of and two factions determinedly faced each other on the liquor question. Local option won, and the victory was heralded round the world. In England they applauded the victory. It was a bitter contest, the liquor element doing its utmost to encompass the defeat of their enemies. The matter was taken to the supreme court which declared the results unconstitutional.
"The local option election held in Oakland township last Saturday was a novelty to every Californian who witnessed it. There were more people on the streets of Oakland than ever before seen on any one day, and yet there was no undue commotion. The election was terrifically exciting and yet there was none of the usual boisterousness, ranting, roaring and tearing hitherto the invariable accompaniment of popular elections in this state. The people were at fever heat and yet there was a power-not acknowledged but felt nevertheless-that kept them in check. That power was the presence of women at the polls."-( Alameda Encinal June 6, 1874.) This election was followed by a similar one in Brooklyn township about a week later. Of this the Encinal said, "The election in Brooklyn township last Saturday was far more exciting and brought out a greater number of lookers-on than that of Oakland township, and there was more enthusiasm apparent on both sides. The ladies were out in full force. * * With their presence the election passed off without disturbance, unless the singing of the 'Battle Cry of Freedom' which so much exercised some of the license party's cohorts, might be classed as such. To an outsider it was an interesting spectacle, a moving novel panorama and one that will never be forgotten." On July 2, 1874, a local option election was held in Alameda. A woman's temperance association was formed in June with Mrs. William Hulburt as president ; Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Dye, vice-presidents : Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. P. Barton, secretaries ;
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
and Mrs. A. S. Barber, treasurer. Mrs. Bishop from Oakland addressed the meeting, which was held at the Methodist church. Working committees were appointed and numerous mass meetings were held. Succeeding this election the Alameda Temperance Club was organized with F. K. Krauth, president.
"Daughters of Israel" Relief Society was organized in 1876 with twenty charter members; its first officers being: Mrs. J. J. Bettmann, president ; Mrs. S. S. Cohen, secretary ; Mrs. R. Beel, treasurer ; the last of whom was the actual originator of the association. The objects for which it was instituted were charity and benevolence to all, irrespective of nationality or creed. Hebrew Benevolent Society was organized in July, 1861, with the following officers : S. Hirshberg, president; S: Adler, vice-president ; S. Schultz, secretary ; R. Heyman, treasurer.
In March, 1877, the humane society which had for some time been neglected was reorganized in the parlors of Dr. Dio Lewis. Nearly all of the old members were present and nine new members joined. The following members were elected as board of directors: Dr. Dio Lewis, W. B. Hardy, A. W. Bishop, J. H. Red- stone, A. T. Dewey, Rev. L. Hamilton, G. C. Potter, M. W. Allen, Capt. D. H. Rand, J. W. Knox, Christian Schreiber, W. S. Lyon, A. J. Gladding, Thomas Ylland and W. H. Jordan. The directors elected the following officers: Dr. Dio Lewis, president ; A. J. Gladding, vice-president ; W. B. Hardy, treasurer ; W. A. Jordan, recording secretary ; A. W. Bishop, corresponding secretary. The follow- ing addition of policemen were chosen: Dr. Dio Lewis, W. B. Hardy, W. S. Lyon and Christian Schreiber.
Kindergarten schools made their appearance here in 1875; Mrs. E. C. Head opened one of the first at Adeline and Twelfth streets.
In 1876 Dr. Adrian F. Ebell, a graduate of Yale college, and a noted lecturer on art, literature and woman's advancement, visited Oakland and succeeded in inducing a band of ladies here to organize a branch society of the International Academy. At first it was known as such branch, but after his death it took his name and was the progenitor of the present organization, the first woman's club in the state-the Ebell Society. It was incorporated in 1884, federated in 1893, and became a member of the state federation in 1900 at which time it had 447 members and was the most elevating social and literary organization in Oakland. Besides its advisory board it had eleven committees to attend to the various interests. The study class was divided into twenty-six sections ranging from economics to languages and music. By 1892 it had an ordinary membership of 227 and a life and honorary membership of thirty-six.
The Good Templars of West Oakland gave entertainments in 1877 for the benefit of their home for orphans. The building was erected in 1869 by the Good Templars of California and Nevada and was opened for the reception of orphans October 1, 1870. In 1877 there were 90 inmates. About $50,000 was spent for the building and about $30,000 for the support of the orphans. It was a public charity for homeless orphans. Mrs. Partridge was one of the board of managers. In 1877, a new home for orphan children was planned. The old home at Temes- cal was already much too small; it occupied a tract of ten acres ; two new buildings were commenced. At this date Mrs. N. P. Perrine was president of the society. The new effort was a charity movement of the greatest merit. The board of managers were Mesdames Armes, Atchinson, Cole, Chamberlain, Campbell, Dam,
250
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
Day, Howard, Holcomb, Little, McAllister, Raymond, Spear, Shanklin, Van Vleet, Barney, Wood, Wall, Wetherbee, De Fremery and Beay. At this date the ladies relief society did a splendid work in providing homes, shelter and assistance for the poor and friendless. In order to provide the necessary means they gave a series of public entertainments in a large tent at Twelfth and Wash- ington streets, lasting four evenings in April. Concerts, dramatic entertainments, musical programs and a calico ball were given. A four day's festival and enter- tainment at the pavilion was one of the largest, grandest, most largely attended and patronized and most successful ever held in the county up to this period. The total receipts were over $3,000. The expenses were high, but a goodly sum was netted toward the proposed orphan's home. The Oakland Benevolent Society received hundreds of applications for assistance and responded to the utmost extent through the exertions of all, particularly of Secretary Sears. The society depended for funds upon voluntary subscriptions; it was announced that it should have an income of $250 per month for cases of destitution.
The Women's Christian Association of Oakland was organized October 5, 1877, its objects being "to carry Christian sympathy, love and help to all families in our midst who may need such ministrations." For the conduct of its benefits there were four departments, viz: fruit and flower mission, sheltering home, industrial committee and the helping hand school at the corner of Twenty- second and Market streets.
This year, about seventy ladies of Oakland met at the Congregational church and organized the Ladies Evangelical and Philanthropical Alliance with Mrs. Cabel Sadler, president. The object was the advancement of Christian and charitable work by organized cooperation. It 1892 they built a fine structure which became at once the home of the Y. W. C. A. The rooms were on Franklin street near Durant. The Mistletoe Literary and Social Club was a prominent organiza- tion in 1877. They held quarterly socials that were immensely popular and largely attended. Fine music was a feature. The Linden Reading Club gave in- teresting entertainments in Nicholl hall in 1877.
On December 2, 1878, the council ordered the sum of $50 per month to be paid to each of the following: The Oakland Ladies Relief Society and Orphans' Home, and the Oakland Benevolent Society, such amounts to be paid out of the fines collected in the police court, but the mayor vetoed the ordinance. It was afterwards passed with certain modifications. It was again vetoed by the mayor, but on the 3d of February was passed over his veto.
The Oakland Cooking School Association in 1883 was presided over by Mrs. Edward Hunt. Her associate officers and sponsers were Mrs. Albert Miller, Mrs. A. J. Ralston, Mrs. Jesse Wall, Mrs. Louis Janin, Mrs. A. Liliencrantz, Mrs. F. B. Ginn, Mrs. R. E. Cole, Mrs. William Sherman, Mrs. H. J. Glenn, Mrs. F. M. Smith, Mrs. R. S. Prentiss, Mrs. G. W. McNear, Mrs. C. H. Chamberlain, Mrs. E. G. Mathews, Mrs. E. C. Williams and Mrs. S. E. Henshaw. On Sep- tember 20, 1883, the association was organized and within one week a guarantee fund of $600 was advanced by six ladies. Mrs. H. J. Glenn offered her beautiful home as a place for the cooking school, but her offer was declined out of regard for the appearance of the premises. Already two or three classes of about ten each had been formed, and it was decided that as soon as $1,000 could be raised Miss Juliet Corson of New York would be sent for to start all the classes in the
ยท
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
right pathway. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union joined this move- ment to improve cooking methods; they were addressed by Miss C. A. Buckel, M. D., on the subject of "Food." Miss Corson conducted two classes : (I) prac- tice classes ; (2) demonstration course of lecture classes. On Mondays the lessons were on economical cooking; on Tuesdays, cooking for sick and invalids; on Wednesdays, fine dishes for which lessons an extra charge was made; on Thurs- days, cold food dishes and breakfast dishes; on Fridays, special lunch and sup- pers ; on Saturdays, no lessons. The lessons were $1.50 each, and $2 on Wednes- days. A course ticket was $5. The demonstration classes were taught in the mornings and the practice classes in the afternoons. Instruction was asked on salads, entrees, fish balls, fine sauces, cold meat dishes, very fine dishes, canvass back ducks, etc. The lessons were given at the First Congregational church. Hundreds of vehicles blockaded the streets there during the first lessons. In reality fashionable Oakland came forth to learn scientific cookery or to make a display. The average housewife learned the lesson second-hand, but knew much of it already.
In August, 1880, the young ladies of the Sunday school of the First Presby- terian church established the second kindergarten in Oakland. Dr. Henshaw Ward donated the use of a building on Broadway between Third and Fourth streets. It had at first a precarious existence, received little assistance and was maintained by the sacrifices and determination of the ladies alone. Its income came from members' dues, monthly payments of regular subscribers, special subscription sums, entertainments, etc. The school needed only about $600 per annum, but obtained this sum only by hard work. The officers in 1884 were Maud Wyman, president; Mary Wodsworth, secretary; Cora Davitt, corre- sponding secretary; Marietta Leeman, treasurer. Many little children were fed, clothed, taught and cared for. It was called Oakland free kindergarten.
The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle of Alameda in 1882-83 held its meetings at the houses of the members. The first year's course of study was completed in October, 1883, and that of the second year was commenced.
In 1883 the Oakland council granted one-fourth of the fines of the police court to the Oakland Benevolent Society and the Ladies Relief Society for char- itable purposes. As the city had no almshouse, it was deemed proper to make these societies the public almoners of the city. The city's taxable property was $28,018,078 in 1883 ; it was less than that of 1882 by $272,573. This did not include railroad assessments. The total tax was $285,754.
In 1883 Frances E. Willard visited Oakland under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. While here she addressed large audiences, was royally entertained and did much to stimulate the activity of the union whose motto was "God and Home and Native Land." They were in a desperate fight against the two hundred saloons of the city. Mrs. M. C. Leavitt came here from Boston in November, to continue the temperance crusade commenced by Frances E. Willard; she also came under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union. She organized a branch at San Leandro Union church with the following officers : Mrs. E. W. Peet of Haywards, president; vice presidents, Mrs. William Meek, San Lorenzo, Mrs. A. A. Dubois, San Leandro; secretary, Mrs. S. G. Nye, San Leandro; assistant secretaries, Miss Louise Hayward of Haywards, and Miss Elva King of San Lorenzo; treasurer, Mrs. William Rob-
252
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
erts, San Lorenzo; financial secretaries, Miss Susie Meek, San Lorenzo, Mrs. A. J. Secor, Haywards, Miss Thurston, San Leandro. The organization included forty-five members and was duly named "The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Eden," that being the name of the township.
During the winter of 1883-84 the Ladies Relief Society of Oakland fed and sheltered daily about 100 persons-two-thirds of whom were children and one- third old women. At this time Mrs. Dam was president of the society. In 1883 the society received a legacy of three blocks, one half block and six single lots from the late Mrs. Louise Haile of Alameda. This property was appraised at $6,680, but against it was a claim of $2,100 which was reduced to $700 through the gift of Mr. Cuthbert. The annual festival of the society held in September, 1883, netted over $1,500. A free kindergarten was established in East Oakland in January, 1884, largely through the efforts of Mrs. E. E. Cole. The Kinder- garten Association was formed with Miss Hettie Tubbs as president and Miss Emma Farrier, secretary.
In September, 1884, a festival of the Ladies Relief Society took in about $1,600 gross receipts. The ladies of the Episcopal, Congregational, Presbyterian and other churches contributed special lunches. The ladies of Alameda and East Oakland also gave special lunches. The Kittledrum and Mother Goose perform- ances were attended by large crowds.
In March, 1885, the Little Workers' Foundling Home was founded at West Oakland. By 1888 its property was valued at $10,000 and it was doing a large and noble work. About fifty little children were cared for and supported.
On June 3, 1885, a county institute of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in the First Presbyterian church at Oakland. Many ladies eminent in the union were present. After discussion Mrs. F. K. Bentley of Ala- meda, moved that from date a county institute should be organized whose object should be educational. The motion was unanimously carried. There were pres- ent, Mrs. P. D. Browne, state president; Mrs. H. H. Havens, state secretary ; Mrs. E. L. Keeler of Livermore, Mrs. A. H. Ward of Alameda, Mrs. Ainger of Berkeley, Mrs. S. B. Peet of Haywards and many others. The first officers elected for the institute were as follows : Mrs. S. W. Peet, president ; Mrs. A. P. Ward, vice president; Mrs. L. W. Farish, secretary ; Mrs. A. C. Henry, treasurer. Many branches in all parts of the state were planned at the memorable, enthusi- astic and important meeting. A boys' home was talked of. Plans to solicit sub- scriptions to carry on the work were laid at this time.
In June the Ladies Silk Culture Association of California bought fourteen acres of land on what was known as the Piedmont tract for the purpose of embarking in the culture of silk. Mulberry trees were planted, and steps to have the Government erect a building thereon to be used as a cocoonery were taken. Professor Davidson selected the site which was covered with eucalyptus trees. Bids for the erection of the cocoonery were called for early in June. One of the clauses in the deed stipulated that never thereafter should liquor be sold on the tract.
The Associated Charities was incorporated late in February, 1888. Its stated objects were to promote and supervise charitable work; to relieve the desti- tute; to reduce vagrancy and pauperism ; to aid in outdoor relief ; to improve the condition of the poor; and to receive gifts and bequests with these objects in
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
view. The incorporators were Rev. J. K. McLean, Rev. C. W. Wendte, Rev. H. D. Lathrop, A. J. Ralston, Col. W. H. O'Brien, Rev. M. S. Levy, S. P. Meads, J. A. Johnson, William R. Davis, A. W. Bishop and others. The council of associated charities consisted of representatives or delegates from the various city charities. Within a short time there were twelve affiliated societies in the county and within eight years they numbered thirty-nine. Steadily imposters were weeded out and all meritorious cases investigated and assisted. During January, 1896, 241. men were recommended to working positions, of whom 221 secured places and "made good." By this time it was a gratifying power for good throughout the whole county.
A branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in East Oakland in March, there being present over thirty ladies of that city. The first officers were as follows: Mrs. W. H. H. Hamilton, president ; Miss Mary Bailey, recording secretary ; Mrs. M. L. Williams corresponding secretary ; Miss Ellis, treasurer. The name adopted was East Oakland and Fruit Vale Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Dorcas J. Spencer, state superintendent of scientific temperance instruction, delivered a memorable address. Other speakers were Mrs. R. R. Johnson, Mrs. S. G. Chamberlain, Mrs. Dr. Southard and others.
In April a charitable convention of many of the churches of Oakland was convened. Among the religious organizations which participated were the Bap- tists, Unitarians, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Congregationalists, Universalists, Adventists and the Salvation Army, Woman's Christian Associa- tion, Woman's Relief Corps, the Sheltering Home and several charitable societies. At several of the meetings the Episcopalians and the Hebrews were represented. This was the first time in the history of Oakland when so many churches united for the purposes of charity.
At a large meeting of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in July, a general campaign against saloons was planned and inaugurated. Mrs. P. D. Browne was president of the union at this time. It was planned to interest boys at the Broadway Beacon Light Home which the temperance ladies designed to reopen at once. The ladies took turns in conducting the home. At this time the union had special committees as follows: Juvenile work-Mrs. Borland; Hygiene-Mrs. Van Kirk, Mrs. Johnson; Leaflets-Mrs. Hardy. Mrs. Law- rence of East Oakland stated that a movement was on foot to suppress Badger's park which "was ruining the characters of many young women of East Oak- land." The union was determined to compel saloonkeepers to comply with the legal requirements. The temperance work in this county was always hampered by the humiliating fact that this was one of the largest wine making counties in the state.
The first grand council of the Catholic Ladies Aid Society convened at Young Men's Institute hall at Eighth and Grove streets on August 20th, and was in ses- sion three days. This society was recently organized and already was a power for great good in this community.
In July, under the patronage of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Mrs. S. M. M. Woodman of Chico, state superintendent of viticulture, delivered a caustic address against the use of fermented wine for sacramental purposes in the churches. Rev. Dr. Grey spoke first and said that unfermented wine was used by Christ at the Lord's Supper, because Jews were forbidden the use of
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY
any other kind at the sacred feasts. Mrs. Woodman asserted that wine drinking produced drunkenness, that ancient nations who knew nothing of distilled liquors and used only pure, unadulterated wine became so debauched that their national existence was blotted out; that in the wine regions of California were drunkards from the age of seven years; that wine drinking led to the stronger drinks; that it was a significant fact that in many vineyards was a distillery ; that churches should use only unfermented wine at the communion table, and that all white ribboners at least should refuse to partake of such wine which course would do much to abolish alcohol from the Lord's cup. She showed that other pursuits in the vine districts were much more profitable. The ladies warmly thanked her for her lecture. The Young Men's Christian Association attended this lecture in a body. At a large meeting of clergy and members of the W. C. T. U. early in August, the question was considered whether to have an active anti-saloon cam- paign, or a prohibition campaign, or a non-partisan campaign, or no special cam- paign at all. The clergy thought that the time for special subjects was inopportune owing to the absorbing interest of all the people in the presidential contest. Colonel Woodford, the prohibition orator was present. He opposed local option unless a board of supervisors who would give local option could be elected. It was finally concluded that until a county board favorable to local option could be chosen, it would be useless to attempt much in this county. There might be no end of petitions presented to the county board for elections to determine the question of local option, but all would be useless unless the board were unpre- judiced on the subject of temperance. It was finally determined to hold a series of meetings to see what good could be accomplished.
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