USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 23
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The manual-training shop was originally located in the basement, but work soon outgrew these quarters. In the fall of 1914 it became necessary to erect a separate building to accommodate the students in this highly useful and practical subject.
Early in 1916 it became evident that the number of regular class- rooms available would not be sufficient for the size of the school, and later in the year the trustees evolved a plan by which the building can be gradually enlarged, each addition forming, when completed, a part of what will be a unified whole. In accordance with this plan, two new recitation-rooms have been added.
The growth in numbers of the school has been perhaps its most im- pressive development. In 1910 it had five teachers; now it has ten. In 1910 the total enrollment of students was fifty-eight; now it is 155, and there are fifty-seven students in the entering class alone.
The graduates of the school have made a highly creditable showing in whatever line of work they have undertaken, the record of those who have gone to the State University being especially commendable.
A remarkable feature of the school is the permanence of its govern-
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ing bodies. There has been but one change in the board of trustees since 1910. The principal and three assistants have also held their positions during the same period. This permanence has made possible the main- tenance of a consistent policy of development and the attainment of a high degree of efficiency.
RIVERVIEW UNION HIGH SCHOOL
This school was organized in 1903 through the efforts of W. S. Moore, principal of the grammar school at Antioch. A union of the districts of Live Oak, Summersville, Black Diamond (now Pittsburg), and An- tioch formed the Riverview High School District. The upper floor in the grammar-school building was used for the class-rooms. There were thirty-two pupils, all freshmen, and two teachers, Mr. Moore and Miss Hagemayer. H. F. Beede, president of the board of trustees for seven years, was the main factor in the maintenance of the school. Six of the first thirty-two pupils graduated in 1907 and the inspector from the State University decided that their work was of such a quality that they could be recommended to that institution.
The high school remained in the quarters of the grammar school until 1911, when the present building was completed, Mr. Kitridge being the first principal. In 1913 a domestic science department was installed and a manual-training room was completed. Next year a chemistry laboratory was added and a few class rooms finished. In 1915 the manual-training classes were so large that a new building was necessary, so, under the directions of Mr. Cater, the manual-training teacher, a new building was constructed by his pupils.
In 1914-15 some work was done on the grounds, but they are not yet completed. Many trees were put out and the driveway finished, but there is still a great deal of work to be done.
The number of pupils in attendance has increased each year until at present (1916) there are one hundred and thirty enrolled in the school.
LIVE OAK SCHOOL
In 1885, on a lot about a mile and a half from Oakley, the former dwelling-house of Mr. Ruckstuhl was remodeled for a school, which was named Live Oak, as trees of that species abound in the vicinity. There was one teacher in charge, and about twenty-five children, who
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had been attending surrounding district schools, came to the new school. The members of the first board of trustees were William Fleck- hammer, J. Ruckstuhl, and J. T. Wheelhan.
In 1903, at a cost of four thousand dollars, the present building was constructed. Somewhat later, when another teacher was added, the one large recitation-room was divided into two rooms. At present there are forty-three promising future citizens in the Live Oak school. All the regular subjects are studied, but with few extras, as each teacher has four grades.
HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL
Hot Springs schoolhouse was erected in 19II, at a cost of about $3600. The original board of trustees were John Armstrong, Jr. (clerk), Henry Mehrtens, and George Stone. Miss Grace Brennaman was chosen as teacher. Twelve pupils constituted the school attendance.
The school has now (1916) an attendance of eighteen. Henry Mehr- tens, Herman Krumland, and John Armstrong, Jr., clerk, are the pres- ent members of the board.
:. At present there is a good playground equipment, being bought with money raised by entertainments given by the children.
CHAPTER XIX
LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT
BY MRS. ALICE G. WHITBECK, COUNTY LIBRARIAN
THE library history of Contra Costa County previous to 1913, when the county library was established, is that of the attempts of small com- munities to supply themselves with a reading-room for the circulation of books and magazines. These pioneer efforts met with many obstacles, but the earnest and unflagging zeal of a few enthusiastic workers held the clubs and associations together until subscription libraries had been started.
The struggle of each is a story in itself, the recording of which brings back the names of many early residents now held in memory and of many more who still hold the same interest in the larger library that they did in the one of small beginnings.
MARTINEZ LIBRARY
The Martinez library goes back to October 24, 1883, when a little club was formed with five charter members, the Misses Julia Fish, Jane Grey Frazer, Marion Taylor, Carrie Cutler, and Louise Corbert, for the pur- pose of working for a free reading-room. They called themselves the E. Q. V. Society, but kept steadily before them the idea of a reading- room whenever they might be able to accomplish it. In 1885 a book so- cial was given, netting one hundred and fifty books. Immediately the Martinez Free Reading-Room and Library Association was organized, officers elected, and the public invited to become members by paying dues of twenty-five cents a month. This membership grew and great in- terest was shown. The use of a room had been given by Doctor John Strenzel in a building owned by him on Main Street, and was prepared for use by the young people of the town. Generous contributions of time, money, and talent were given freely in the many entertainments and benefits that were devised for this purpose. In 1893 a lot on a promi- nent corner on Main Street was donated by Mrs. John Strenzel and her
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
daughter, Mrs. John Muir. The lot was thirty-two feet frontage by ninety-six in depth and deeded with the provision that the building placed thereon must be always devoted to library purposes.
The association now filed articles of incorporation, and a deed was shortly afterward executed, which contained a provision that a two- story brick building covering the entire lot be placed there within two years, or the property would revert to the Strenzel estate. A canvassing committee was immediately appointed, and by May reported more than $1700 pledged.
Byron Brown offered free of charge his services as architect and supervisor of the building, a generous gift, since it left all funds to go to actual work of construction. Everybody was interested, and the town trustees agreed to lease the rear portion of the lower floor-a room for town meetings and offices and a large room for the fire apparatus. The upper floor was to be leased for a term of years by the I. O. O. F., thus insuring an income with which to meet interest and reduce the debt that must be incurred to erect the building. When the bids came in the low- est, $6371, was found to be that of C. H. Ludden, who thus become the builder. In the latter part of February, 1896, the building was com- pleted, furnished, and occupied, with a debt of $3800 to be paid by the efforts of the association, represented by a board of seven trustees, elect- ed annually. This debt was reduced in ten years by entertainments of all kinds to a little over $800. When the earthquake caused damages to the amount of $1400, again the people in their interest for the welfare of the library collected $900, so the whole debt then stood at $1300. This was paid off in the next five years; on its twenty-fifth anniversary its fifteen-year note of indebtedness was burned.
With the establishment of the county library it was not possible to keep up the subscriptions. The town trustees came to the aid of the in- stitution, and with the books borrowed from the county library, num- bering 1076 volumes for the year 1915-16, the growth and use has been steady. The circulation of books from the county collection alone amounted to 7870 volumes for the year.
ANTIOCH LIBRARY
The first efforts in Antioch toward providing reading for the public were made by a library club, each member of which contributed five
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dollars as the purchase price of two books. The books were exchanged at house-to-house meetings. About 1904 Mr. Williams, with the idea of helping the boys of the town, started a small reading-room in a store on Main Street, but later built a gymnasium and library-room on the cor- ner of Third and F streets. A small fee was charged for the use of the books, and, with his mother, he kept this reading-room open for five or six years. In 191I a part of the membership of the Woman's Club start- ed a library association, each contributing one dollar a year and as many books as she could spare from her shelves. The books were kept in the clubhouse and were distributed each week by one of the members. Later Miss Carrie Williamson was appointed librarian, and she has had charge continuously. When the county library was established in 1913, Antioch co-operated at once and gave the use of its clubhouse for the county library books, which, together with those accumulated, were circulated freely. Miss Williamson continued in charge, and has been unflagging in furthering the interests of the library.
Through the efforts of Mrs. Mary L. Fulton, Mrs. Keeney, and Mrs. Frederika J. West, funds were raised to buy a corner lot for the build- ing that the Carnegie Corporation donated to the county. This building, costing $2550, was planned by Frances Reid, and is now in process of building. Though small, the building will be very convenient and a great pleasure to the people. The circulation for the year from the Antioch branch was 8838 volumes.
CONCORD LIBRARY
On October 29, 1906, a mass meeting was called and met in Odd Fel- lows Hall for the purpose of organizing a public library and reading- room. Doctor George Mckenzie was elected chairman and Miss G. R. Crocker secretary, with the additional names on the committee of Jo- seph Boyd, W. A. Kirkwood, and Mrs. F. F. Neff. At the next meeting the following permanent officers were elected : President, W. A. Kirk- wood; vice-president, Mrs. H. H. Elworthy; secretary, Miss G. R. Crocker ; treasurer, Joseph Boyd ; directors, Mr. Pingree, Mr. Gehring- er, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Randall, and Miss Skinner.
The first location was in the Fire Hall and books received by dona- tion, others borrowed from the State Library and Oakland Club, were circulated. Miss Skinner was the first librarian and Mr. Martin first as-
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sistant, the latter receiving ten dollars a month. Dues were twenty-five cents a month. Frequent entertainments were given to provide for the new books and maintenance. A strong interest has always been felt by the library association in the welfare of its reading-room, and when the county library was formed it was among the first to grasp at the idea of enlarging its usefulness and joined immediately. Mrs. Bal- lenger, who had been a most interested and faithful librarian for a num- ber of years, was forced to give up the work from ill-health, and Mrs. H. Elise Williams was appointed and has held the position for the past two years. A pleasant room in the Foskett building was rented by a con- tinuation of this same library association and the books and magazines are supplied by the county library. The circulation for the past year was 7903 volumes. The Carnegie Corporation also donated the sum of $2500 for a branch building, which will be erected in the near future.
CROCKETT LIBRARY
In 1908 the Crolona Men's Club was formed in Crockett, the member- ship composed largely of men from the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refining Company. The company and a number of men interested dona- ted about six hundred volumes and provided the clubhouse. In 1910 the Y. M. C. A. assumed control of the Crolona Club. When the county li- brary was established the collection at the Y. M. C. A., becoming a part of the county library, was accessioned and a charging system installed. Ever since that time the collection has been added to by the county li- brary and frequent exchanges have been made. After it became appar- ent that the clubhouse was too small for its purposes a new Y. M. C. A. building was started in 1914, and was completely furnished and equipped by the sugar company. In this commodious building a large reading- room was provided. The old building was remodeled and fitted up for the Crockett Girls' Club and another collection of books started for them. Every effort has been made by the company to stimulate and meet the intellectual demands of the community.
RICHMOND LIBRARY
The Richmond Library Club was formed August 16, 1907, with Mrs. W. W. Felch as chairman of the library committee. The club rented a small room on the corner of Sixth Street and Macdonald Avenue, and
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the library was kept open by a committee of women, among whom were Mrs. W. W. Felch, Mrs. E. B. Smallwood, Mrs. C. Smith, Mrs. Clar- ence Jenkins, and Mrs. C. B. Evans. Books were donated and entertain- ments given to meet the expenses. In 1908 a request was made to the Carnegie Corporation for a library building, the Woman's Improve- ment Club having given five lots in a central location on Nevin Avenue for a site. A gift of $17,500 was granted upon the usual conditions, and in June, 1909, the first meeting of the board of trustees was held. Mrs. E. B. Smallwood was elected president, Harry Adkison secretary, and as directors Mrs. George W. Topping, L. D. Dimm, and J. C. Bedwell. Mrs. Alice G. Whitbeck, of Berkeley, was appointed the first librarian, May 2, 1910. The library was dedicated with appropriate exercises Au- gust 17, 1910. Great interest was shown in its development, generous and adequate support was given by the city trustees, and after three successful years, in which the library became a vital part of the com- munity, Mrs. Whitbeck resigned to take charge of the county library, and Miss Della M. Wilsey, of Pomona, was appointed librarian. Several changes at that time were made in the library staff. At the time of the resignation of Mrs. Whitbeck plans were made and partially carried out to install a children's room in the basement, the three years' growth prov- ing the inadequacy of the room originally planned as such. This room, very pretty and complete in all its appointments, was finished, but an- other two years' growth showed the necessity of using the still larger as- sembly room for the children, and turning their room into a cataloging and work-room. The present children's room, in charge of Miss Ruth Epperson, is one of the most attractive in the State. The library has made wonderful strides during Miss Wilsey's administration, and is now one of the best-appointed libraries of its size in the State.
At the time of the establishment of the county library, and for three years thereafter, the Richmond Public Library was a part of the county library system, but in January, 1916, withdrew, and is now the only part of the county not affiliated with the county library.
WALNUT CREEK LIBRARY
At the time of the establishment of the county library the members of the Woman's Club of the town were contemplating a reading-room in their clubhouse and had gathered a number of books together. Realizing
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
the great help that the county library would be for them, they put off opening their reading-room until that institution could help them in pre- paring and adding to their collection. For the first year a committee of ladies kept the library open and distributed the books. Later Mrs. Hemp- stead was appointed librarian, and has continued in office ever since. The library moved its quarters twice before the new Carnegie county branch building was ready for occupancy, August, 1916. The gift of the Carnegie building brought great delight to the town, and when the question of a site was talked of the Burgess Company donated a lot up- on which a very delightful little bungalow library has been designed and built by Randolph Hook.
PITTSBURG LIBRARY
There had been no move in Pittsburg to circulate books until a gift of several hundred volumes was made to the town by the Honorable Sum- ner Crosby. In January these were cataloged by the county librarian and installed in locked book-cases in the town hall. Mrs. George Minaker was appointed librarian, and has kept the library open and the interest sustained. Mr. Crosby made an additional gift of several hundred books, which lack of space has prevented shelving. Pittsburg needs a building with special attention to the work with the children. This will undoubtedly be brought about in the near future. Its juvenile circula- tion is larger than that of any other branch in the county.
THE COUNTY LIBRARY
The accounts already given of the efforts and the accomplishments of those efforts in the small towns of the county bring us to the establish- ment of the county library in July, 1913. Actual work commenced in October with Mrs. Whitbeck as librarian and Miss Anne Weyand (now Mrs. Dennis Dehan) as assistant. A room was rented from the Mar- tinez Library Association and immediate steps were taken to form branches around the county and to get the schools interested in co-oper- ating. As a result of rapid and well-organized work, books were sent to twenty-eight places the first year. Some of these were the reading- rooms already mentioned ; others were merely deposits in stores, post- offices, private homes, and in isolated schools. At the end of the second year there were fifty-two depositories for the books, and the circulation
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LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT
from all the branches increased from 21,942 volumes the first year to 61,569 volumes the second year. At the end of the third year, sixty-two depositories were recorded, thirty-three of which were schools. A total of 900 shipments were made from the office, and a circulation of 73,054 volumes recorded from all branches. The growth of the office work called for an exact system of card files and records. The great demand for special books from all parts of the county and the pressure of the work with the schools necessitated renting another room at the end of the second year. Even now the quarters are very much cramped.
Mrs. Whitbeck and one assistant did the work the first year, but in order to carry on the library, with its rapid growth and popularity, a trained cataloger and apprentice help were necessary. A heavy part of the work has been that of the schools. There were sent out from the office last year 8100 books and 6184 were returned for exchange. Maga- zines have been taken for all the schools, as well as a generous number for the branches. This work with the schools has been at all times a pleasure, both on account of the hearty and full approbation and as- sistance of the county superintendent of schools, W. H. Hanlon, and of the full measure of appreciation shown by the teachers served. There are a number of smaller schools that have not yet joined, but the growth has been steady, and we hope before another year to enroll all the schools in the county.
There are at present thirty-four counties operating county libraries, and Contra Costa County is next to the smallest county and was the eighteenth to start. It was, however, at the last reckoning of statistics, ninth in the number of volumes, eighth in number of branches, seventh in number of schools, eleventh in circulation, and seventh in income raised by tax levy. Although a comparison of the counties is hardly fair because of such vastly different conditions under which each county librarian works, it at least shows that Contra Costa County is well to the fore in its library work and development.
CHAPTER XX
RELIGIOUS
EARLY CHURCHES OF MARTINEZ
THE good people of early Martinez took thought as to their churches without delay. The Roman Catholics were the first to hold services. Father Schimel was the first priest to officiate and the services were held in the old building which stood on Smith Street, and was afterward used as a barn. This building was erected in 1849 by Judge Brown, Warren Brown, and N. B. Smith as a store, and in it the first mer- cantile establishment of Martinez was opened. After its sale to the Catholics, from far and near the Spanish rancheros on Sunday gath- ered with their wives and children to attend mass and afterward hold a merry reunion. From 1850 to 1851 the Catholics used this structure as a place of worship ; then they began the construction of an adobe build- ing, which was not completed. In 1855 a church was built on Estudillo Street, which was blown down by a gale in 1866.
Among the early priests were Fathers Vincent, Vallarassa, and Dom- inick.
The New England pioneers of Martinez were largely members of the Protestant Episcopal church, which seems somewhat strange, when we remember that the Congregational is the leading church of New Eng- land. For some years these pioneer Episcopalians were obliged to at- tend church in Benicia, where services of the Church of England had been held since 1854. In 1855 the Rev. Orange Clarke held services in Martinez, and in 1858 the Rev. Elijah Hager, chaplain U. S. N., at that date rector of St. Paul's Church, Benicia, officiated in Martinez from time to time. From 1860 to 1866 the Rev. James Cameron, of Benicia, held Episcopal services in the Methodist church. The Rev. Henry G. Perry followed in 1866, and established a Sunday-school and library. Plans and specifications for a church building were prepared, but the Martinez Episcopalians still remained members of the Benicia church, and it was not until 1869 that, through the exertions of certain ladies of the church, money was raised and the present building was begun
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and completed. Grace Church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. William Ingraham Kip, D. D., on Sunday, July 10, 1870. He was assisted by the Revs. Doctor Breck and E. C. Cowan. Previous to this date the Missionary College of St. Augustine, at Benicia, had had charge of the work in Martinez, but in 1870 the associate mission of the college came to an end. Doctor J. A. Merrick, formerly connected with the mission, became pastor of the Martinez church. Other early pastors of Grace Church were the Rev. William Benet, the Rev. William Tucker, the Rev. Henry Monges, and the Rev. James Abercrombie, D. D. The beau- tiful memorial chancel window which ornaments Grace Church was made by Edward Colgate, of New York, and was placed New Year's day, 1882, in memory of the founder of the church, the Rev. James Breck, D. D. The stone font was a gift by the youth of the parish on Easter Sunday of the same year. The altar, prayer-desk, and seat were given to the church on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, 1881, by the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie and Elam Brown.
The Congregational church of Martinez was organized June 18, 1874. It is a much younger church society, therefore, than its sisters of the Catholic and Episcopal faith. The first pastor was the Rev. W. S. Clark, who was succeeded in 1875 by the Rev. E. B. Tuttle. During the four years of Tuttle's ministry the membership increased. The Methodist church, for years the only Protestant church structure in the town, was purchased and services were held in it until 1886, when, under the pas- torate of Rev. Mr. Baille, a new edifice was built. One of the pastors, Rev. A. Drachms, has served as chaplain in San Quentin prison for a number of years.
About 1854 S. Swain gave lots on which to build a church. The prop- erty was deeded to the Methodist society, with the understanding that, when not occupied by them, other denominations could use it. The church was built by donations from the residents of the town. The women agreed to finish the interior of the church. They gave a supper in the building. The price of the tickets for supper, admitting two per- sons, was five dollars. A party was given the same evening in Union Hall. Holders of tickets for supper were admitted to the dance free. Those pioneer women had an eye to business, and they raised a round sum of money.
The following are names of the clergymen who officiated until the
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property was sold to the Congregational society, about the year 1873: Willmot, Methodist; Yager, Presbyterian; May, Methodist ; McClure, Congregational; Urmy, Methodist ; McDonald, Episcopalian ; Cameron, Episcopalian ; Breck, Episcopalian; Woodbridge, Presbyterian; War- ren, Congregational.
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