USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego county, California; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 43
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Then the exposition management provided a large restaurant, as light and airy and as clean as the little bunk houses. Here the large body of workmen employed on the grounds take their meals, and for this service and the use of the bunk houses the rates are made barely sufficient to maintain these appre- ciated adjuncts. There was no desire to convert this service into a profit, and the rates have been made extremely satisfactory to the workingmen. The result
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has been the securing and retention of a crew of workingmen who might find it convenient to move on to other work were conditions not entirely to their liking. To the retention of this contented force, individually acquainted with the work, is attributed much of the success that has attended the preliminary construction work of 1912.
CHAPTER XLV NATIONAL CITY AND SUBURBS OF SAN DIEGO
NATIONAL CITY
In the days of the Spanish regime the land upon which National City stands was known as the National Rancho and was looked upon by the natives as partly the pueblo lands. It was used in common by the inhabitants until the Kimballs bought it in 1868 and laid out the village of National City. Here the owners built a wharf, laid out and improved streets, planted trees and in other ways added to the already beautiful appearance of the place.
National City is to all appearances a part of San Diego, for only an in- visible line separates the two, but it is an independent municipality. Its thirty- five miles of tree-lined streets give National City a charm which most towns in this section do not have. Its situation on the bay not only adds to the general attractiveness of the place, but makes possible the perfect climate for which this region is noted.
While National City has some manufacturing, and while it hopes to have much more in the near future, its chief boast at present is that it is the most de- sirable locality in California for homes. One who is ready to retire from busi- ness and wants a pleasant place to pass the rest of his days, will find it to his interest to investigate the claims of National City. Or one who wishes to engage in business in a city but who prefers to reside in a suburb where there is less noise and bustle, can find what he wants here. The attractiveness of the place has drawn a very desirable class of people and this in itself is worth consider- ing by those who are contemplating a change of locality. Only once or twice in a century has the mercury been as low as thirty, and, therefore, flowers bloom the year around. Those who, tired of sleet and snow and ice should come to National City, where sleet is unknown, where snow can be seen only on the dis- tant mountain tops, and where ice is seen only once perhaps in a decade-except when the iceman brings it to the door, and that is by no means often, for the unusually pleasant summers make the use of ice almost unnecessary.
It is a pleasure, furthermore, to know when you can venture forth without an umbrella and when you must be prepared. It is true, as taught in the old geographies, that California has a dry season, when for months no rain falls; it is also true that California has a wet season, but the impression which so many people "back east" have, that it rains almost continuously for months, is wholly false. Ten inches, the average annual rainfall, does not indicate con- tinuous rain for several months.
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It would naturally be inferred from what has been said in regard to the climate that National City has a good health record. The following extract from the report of the president of the board of health shows that such an inference would be justified :
"The slight daily and seasonal variations in temperature, the character of the soil, the condition of the atmosphere, the ocean breezes, the absence of fog, and the almost constant sunshine make it an ideal climate for the preservation of health, or for its recovery if impaired by residence in a less favored region. Malaria is unknown. Contagious diseases, if introduced, are light and easily stamped out. Records of the National City board of health show that in the past ten years only eight deaths have occurred from acute diseases and three of these were of pneumonia in persons over seventy-five years old. In these ten years only six deaths of persons under fifteen are recorded. Of these four oc- curred shortly after birth. The record shows not a single death due to typhoid fever, scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, dysentery, cholera infantum or smallpox."
It is no doubt true that with practically all people health is the first con- sideration. It is safe to say that next in importance, especially in the opinion of the better class of people, would be the educational advantages a place has to offer. If the same place can offer superior advantages in both these respects it is exceedingly fortunate. This is what National City claims to do. The peo- ple are progressive and are providing handsomely for their schools. Two open air buildings have recently been erected for grammer school purposes. But the building which attracts most attention is the high-school building. It is a one-story structure of the mission type, covering a block of land and having two open courts. A block of land has been purchased for athletic purposes and an elaborate playground equipment made by Spaulding has just been installed for the use of grammar-school pupils.
But more important than the buildings or the equipment of any system of schools is the teaching force. National City has at the head of its school system a man who is a graduate of a normal college, of Yale University and Clark University, with several higher degrees of these institutions. The general at- tractiveness of this section, the climate and a combination of circumstances have given National City an unusually strong and well equipped set of teachers. Very few places, even among the large cities, are making more rapid strides than has this little city of three thousand population, either in the variety or quality of the work. The practical receives emphasis. Pupils in the manual training and domestic science departments are securing excellent results.
The light rainfall referred to must not be taken as indicating that this sec- tion has no water. A series of reservoirs that drain the slopes for seventy-five miles back in the mountains, where the rainfall is heavier, furnish water to a large section of country, including San Diego, National City and several other towns. It is estimated that the reservoirs, when full, hold a seven-years' supply even if it should not rain in the meantime.
Much land is irrigated by water from the reservoirs and by water pumped from a depth of ten or fifteen feet. The crops are abundant. Eight crops of alfalfa in one year would probably astonish farmers in other sections, but nothing less is expected here. Excellent fruit of nearly all kinds is grown, but this section is more noted for lemons than for anything else, and no other part of
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California equals it in this respect. A thousand carloads of fruit, mainly lemons, were shipped from here last year. The deciduous fruits and berries are mar- keted chiefly in San Diego, as are melons and the vegetables grown by market gardeners.
National City has two transcontinental railways, the Santa Fe and the San Diego & Arizona. It also has an interurban line, the San Diego & Southeastern, which maintains an electric and a steam division. The San Diego & Arizona has not made its eastern connections but prospects seem good that such will be done in the near future.
National City is fortunate in having a deep water harbor, which gives it the benefit of transportation by water as well as by rail. This makes National City a good place for factories to locate.
As already stated, National City has two interurban lines. The electric line has a twenty-minute service except at the busiest hours, when a more frequent service is maintained. As it is only twenty minutes from center to center of the two cities, residents of National City can avail themselves of all the ad- vantages that San Diego, a city of sixty-five thousand, has.
In the line of manufacturing plants the China Products Company is the most important in National City at present. The China Products Company is taking the raw material, which is found in abundance in southern California, is re- ducing it and making it into high grade porcelain, cut and sanitary tiles and other things in this line, which compare favorably with any similar goods made anywhere else in America. This company is the only one in America which manufactures white ware and which prepares the crude material for its own use.
The company also maintains a testing laboratory for the testing of clays, feldspar, quartz, etc., submitted by prospectors.
A large plant for the manufacture of moving picture films has been in opera- tion, and it is probable that the macaroni factory, which was recently destroyed by an explosion, will start up again.
In the last year National City has seen a remarkable development in a busi- ness way. Several new lines of business have started up and the number of houses in some of the old lines has been increased. The National City State Bank has recently been organized and is housed in a building erected especially for it and owned by it. Some, of the old business concerns are moving into new and handsome structures.
For two years or more there has been a steady increase in the building line. There is a strong demand for the best building sites and a better class of residences are being built by those who work in San Diego but want a quieter as well as a cheaper place to live.
The Firemen's Club is much more than its name indicates. With its large Seagranes auto-chemical engine, it protects the town from fire as all voluntary fire companies do. But it does more; it furnishes in its handsome hall, a gymnasium, a reading room and place of recreation in general for the young men of the town.
The interests of National City are looked out for by an active board of trade. New industries are sought. In short, this organization is trying in every way to build up National City and to develop the country adjacent. A boosters' club has recently been organized for the same purpose.
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Churches of the usual denominations are to be found in National City. If one does not find here the church of his choice he is likely to do so in San Diego-a twenty minutes' ride from National City. The city also has a Car- negie library.
SOCIAL LIFE OF NATIONAL CITY
The social life of National City is ideal, inasmuch as the climate is such that garden parties, tennis and other out-of-door amusements can be indulged in nearly the year round. The roads are excellent and anto trips to the seashore and mountains are universally enjoyed by its residents. The proximity of the mountains makes it possible for parties leaving the city early in the morning to pass the day in the change of air altitude offers and beneficial results are evident.
Many enjoy surf bathing the greater part of the year. A delightful ride around the bay to Coronado prepares one for a healthful dip in the ocean. Dur- ing vacation season families may enjoy the out-of-door life, the perfect safety of the beach and bathing advantages making the resorts most desirable.
Many of the new homes being built with the view of elaborate entertaining, shows the hospitality prevailing.
Good roads for anto travel and a twenty-minute ride on the car make it pos- sible to enjoy the theaters, lectures, musicales and social functions in San Diego without inconvenience or fatigue.
The lodges of National City are all in flourishing condition and frequent socials are enjoyed by their members. Masonic, Fraternal Aid and Court of Honor are the leading societies. Much interest is taken in club life and from the increase in membership during the past year, a decided activity can be antici- pated in the future. The Olivewood Club, originated a few years ago as a neigh- borhood organization of women living in Olivewood district, has today a mem- bership of nearly one hundred. It is a social, literary and civic club, with great interest in the welfare of the children and betterment of the community at large. The club house, a gift of Warren Kimball, in memory of his wife, is commodious and has every convenience for accommodating a large membership. Its "after- noons" are not only a source of social enjoyment but educational as well.
The Mothers' Club, consisting of mothers devoted to the care and guidance of children, is progressive and the interest taken shows National City is up to the standard in training and caring for the younger members of society.
The members of the Three M's Club devote their time to study and social pleasure.
One of the oldest existing clubs is the Friday Club, its members being com- prised of some of National City and vicinity's most progressive women.
The Orpheus Club, established over a year ago, is a musical club, where the talent of the city meets for sociability and advancement.
Composed of citizens enjoying the recreation and excitement of out-door sports is the National City Gun Club. The preserves, located at Chula Vista Point, are equipped with every facility for comfort and pleasure. Quite an expenditure has been made in dredging a lake and furnishing a club house. Another popular organization is the National City Tennis Club, which is com- posed of local business men. During the week days the wives and friends of the members enjoy the use of the court.
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Churches of nearly every denomination in this city have their guilds and women's societies.
LA JOLLA
The land upon which La Jolla is built was purchased from the City of San Diego by F. T. Botsford, who laid out the town in 1887. In building the town he was assisted by G. W. Heald and Charles Dearborn, who had acquired large interests in the property.
La Jolla is situated about fifteen miles north of San Diego and has a perma- nent resident population of about 1,500, which is doubled during the summer and winter seasons. A ride of forty minutes over the Los Angeles & San Diego Beach Railroad brings one to its center. This ride along the shores of San Diego and Mission bays, through historic Old Town, Pacific Beach and thence along the ocean front, is one of unending interest and unsurpassed scenic beauty. The trip can also be made by automobile over the magnificent coast boulevard, comprising a part of the great state highway.
There is no place where the sunset effects are more beautiful; where the ocean dons more garments of changing colors, or where the shore line offers such diversified and interestingly beautiful scenes. Artists from all over the world have been attracted here, due to the immensity of the field for the pur- suit of their profession. Writers of great note find here the inspiration which draws forth their latent genius.
There are beaches and beaches, most of which are long, expressionless stretches of sand, smiling the same languorous smile, year in and year out. It is vastly different in La Jolla. Nature has given it one of the most picturesque and interesting coasts in the west, where is produced without cessation a changing spectacle in which the usually mild-mannered and sedate Pacific develops each day some new vivacity; it dances fantastically ; the surf's antics are fairly awe- inspiring ; it sings all of Neptune's operas, imitating the sad and pathetic strains of Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" as well as the more joyous measures of Wag- ner's "Der Meistersinger." It likewise voices in tones of modulated richness and softness its secret heartaches and its triumphs.
For some distance the shore is lined with low lying bluffs, which gradually rise, forming cliffs nearly two hundred feet in height. Into these the winds and waves for centuries past have been busy carving grotesque forms and figures. At intervals rocky shoals project into the sea, and at the ebb tides, magnificent submarine gardens and many of the sea's treasures are exposed to view. Nestled among these cliffs and rocks are numerous sand padded nooks and coves where lovers and dreamers may sit and dream undisturbed.
The accepted significance of the words La Jolla is "the jewel," although some writers have asserted that the words mean "the vaces." Either, how- ever, would be appropriate. There are numbers of large and small caverns of strange architectural design. The side walls are oddly sculptured; the tapestry colors and figures, all of nature's making, are exquisite. One can imagine him- self in some old Egyptian temple, cool and dimly lighted. A visit to La Jolla would not be complete without viewing these wonderful caves.
For bathing and swimming, La Jolla possesses the cosiest and cleanest sand carpeted beach imaginable. Sheltered on three sides by cliffs and jutting rocks, Vol. 1-24
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one can comfortably enjoy out-of-door frolics every day in the year. The beach has a gentle slope and there is no undertow whatever. The waters in the cove are usually quiet, although occasionally breakers intrude, affording exhilarating and exciting sport for the skillful and venturesome swimmer. For children and the more timid bathers, nature has provided a completely land locked pool for their convenience and pleasure. At the bathing cove, all conveniences may be had ; a fresh water shower and bathing suits; also light refreshments are served.
Shore and surf fishing as well as deep sea fishing and trolling afford unlimited pleasure to the disciples of Izaak Walton. All of the fish which abound in the famous fishing grounds of the Cataline Islands, with the exception of tuna, are caught in these waters. Power and row boats, as well as fishing tackle and equip- ment, can be secured. Lobsters, abalones, sea shells in endless varieties, and most beautiful sea mosses are plentiful.
The Scripps Institute for Biological Research has been established near La Jolla. At present it consists of a reenforced concrete laboratory and salt water tank and tower. A 1,600 foot pier will shortly be built and also a sea wall to prevent erosion of the cliffs upon which the laboratory stands. When trans- portation facilities are provided a large aquarium will be built and opened to the public. This institution is under the direction of its very able and efficient scientific director, Professor William E. Ritter, whose works and writings are attracting world wide attention.
La Jolla possesses many charms and amusements besides those incidental to the sea and its shore. Mount Soledad rises up eight hundred feet above sea level. Its sides are indented with canyons and ravines covered with under- growth and daintily colored foliage. Winding trails lead to its summit, from which one of the grandest marine and land views is to be had. As the state high- way passes through La Jolla, one can reach any of the back country or mountain resorts as well as tour up and down the coast over the network of magnificent boulevards constructed by the county and state at an expense of millions of dol- lars. The trip to Los Angeles can be comfortably made in a day.
The La Jolla Golf Club maintains a nine hole course the entire year, open to visitors as well as regular members. It lies along the base of and parallels Mount Soledad and every tee and green is within sight of the ocean. There are ample natural hazards to test the skill of the expert player, and summer or win- ter the devotees of this delightful sport can indulge in its pleasures with perfect comfort. A splendid tennis court under the management of the La Jolla Athletic Club is kept in perfect condition at all times. Both golf and tennis tournaments are held frequently. High-grade moving pictures, bowling, billiards, dancing, etc., are some of the other amusements to be found here.
The public school facilities are ample, as there is a splendid graded school and an out-of-door primary school. A private kindergarten is also maintained. The Bishop's School is a private school having intermediate, academic and music departments. The corps of instructors is selected with especial care and this school is considered among the most select on the Pacific coast.
Churches of four denominations-Congregational, Episcopal, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic-occupying their own edifices, hold regular services and are presided over by resident pastors of a high order of ability.
A public library and reading room furnishes all of the best literature, scientific,
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philosophical, educational, as well as modern fiction, all of the standard periodi- cals, and a number of daily papers. The library is open to the public at conven- ient hours and the reading room is open until late in the evening.
One of La Jolla's features is the cottage and bungalow life. It is splendidly provided with all kinds of new and modern cottages renting from $2 to $75 a month. They are furnished complete in every particular and ready for guests to move into and start housekeeping on a moment's notice. Several large and beautiful apartment houses have also been erected.
As a residence suburb of San Diego, La Jolla cannot be excelled. It has a splendid water and sewer system, electricity and gas, both telephones and Western Union telegraph service. Its climate is the most equable in the world, ranging from fifty to seventy degrees, rarely ever reaching above or below these figures. Roses, carnations and all of the plants, trees and flowers native to this semi- tropical clime, grow luxuriantly out of doors all the year round.
La Jolla has no great commercial aspirations, although it has substantial busi- ness houses, carrying large and ample stocks of goods to accommodate the needs of both resident and tourist.
A chamber of commerce was recently organized for the purpose of giving publicity to its many attractions as a seaside resort and advantages as a residence suburb. It has a membership of one hundred and seventy-five.
BIOLOGICAL STATION
By Dr. William E. Ritter, Director
Among the many means San Diego has for attracting a wide and diversified public attention, one of the most unique is its rapidly developing biological sta- tion at La Jolla.
In ten years it has grown from a few visiting scientists ensconced in the Coronado boathouse for the summer, with a small hired boat for sea work, to a permanent and endowed institution owning one hundred and seventy acres of land, two reenforced concrete and one wooden building, a seafaring boat, the "Alexander Agassiz," eighty feet over all, equipped with the best of scientific apparatus, and a constant staff of five men, with a fluctuating staff of about ten more who come to the station during their vacations or at irregular intervals to carry on scientific investigations. These non-resident members are, however, on the payroll of the institution for the time they give to its work.
In addition to these, visiting scientists come from all parts of the United States and Europe to use the station's equipment and location to further their own researches. Already more than seventy-five investigators have worked at this station for from a few weeks to several months.
Including the members of families brought along the number of persons thus spending time in La Jolla would be doubled or trebled, and all reluctantly leave the delightful climate of San Diego.
These short-time residents represent twenty-one colleges and universities, besides many minor schools, and include not only many of the principal colleges in the United States but several in Europe, England, Germany and Russia, especially.
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Still another group of visitors come merely to see what is being done. The European savants, taking their sabbatical vacations, "make a run" to San Diego to examine this new star in the constellation of the world's scientific institutions. In fact, the work of this San Diego "industry" is better known in Europe than in its own city.
During the past extensive reviews of the San Diego Biological station have appeared in several European journals, the Revue Generale des Sciences of Paris, the Naturwissenschaftliche Rundschau of Berlin, the Internationale Revue der gestamten Hydrobiologie und Hydrographie published in Leipzig, the L'Enseigne- ment Scientifique of Paris, and several notices in the English journal Nature, and several other European scientific publications.
Meantime at home important changes and developments have been going on during the past year. Having completed a decade of growth since being trans- planted to this region, the Marine Biological Association of San Diego trans- ferred its holdings to the regents of the University of California, the name being changed in honor of its endower, Miss Ellen Browning Scripps, to the Scripps Institution for Biological Research of the University of California. An added gift from her will enable the institution to largely extend its work, by increasing the number of resident investigators and keeping the boat in commis- sion all the time. It also provides for the building of a residence for the director and bungalows for all those connected with the station whether permanently or temporarily.
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