USA > California > Imperial County > The history of Imperial County, California > Part 22
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From El Centro a branch line runs west to New River at Seeley for a distance of 8.3 miles to a connection with the San Diego and Arizona Railway.
From Calipatria a branch line runs west and thence south for a dis- tance of 12.6 miles to Westmorland, first operated June, 1917.
From Colorado, a station on the main line, across the Colorado River from Yuma, a branch line runs northeasterly, generally following said river, for a distance of 12.2 miles to Potholes, at the site of the govern- ment's Laguna Dam, first operated April, 1908.
From a connection with the Southern Pacific Company's branch line at Seeley the San Diego and Arizona Railway Company's main line ex- tends westerly for a distance of 27 miles to a point on Imperial County boundary line about a mile west of Silica.
From a connection with the Southern Pacific Company's branch line at El Centro the Holton Interurban Railway Company's electric line extends easterly for a distance of about II miles to Holtville.
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SAN DIEGO AND ARIZONA RAILWAY
The San Diego and Arizona Railway Company was incorporated De- cember 15, 1906, for the purpose of constructing a transcontinental railroad from San Diego, California, eastward through Imperial Valley, the intention being to connect with the Southern Pacific system at New River, a distance of about one hundred forty miles.
On account of numerous difficulties encountered, which were unfore- seen and unavoidable, the construction work has been slow. However, the work is now progressing at a rate which indicates that within the near future Imperial Valley will be connected by a short-line haul with another deep-water port, and which will naturally open up additional markets.
In carrying out the purpose for which the company was incorpor- ated, the railroad was planned and is being constructed for transconti- nental business. The roadbed and structures are built for heavy traffic, and the curves and grades are the lightest possible through the moun- tainous country traversed, the summit (3650 feet elevation) being reached from San Diego with a maximum grade of 1.4 per cent. Termi- nal facilities have been provided on the same basis, the company own- ing over sixty acres in the San Diego shop site, 50 acres in freight yards and terminals, and have secured the right from State and city to sixty acres on the bay front for wharves; three hundred and twenty acres were secured for helper station, shops, etc., in Imperial Valley, near the "west side main canal."
In addition to the advantages offered for transportation of freight the line will prove attractive to the tourist. The scenery over the moun- tains and through the Carriso Cañon is varied and attractive. Entering Mexico through a tunnel just west of Campo, the line runs for forty- four miles through a foreign country ever interesting to the tourist, crossing into the United States again at Tijuana, which place is visited annually by thousands of tourists. The longest tunnel on the line-2600 feet-is encountered in the Carriso Cañon.
The company has recently purchased the San Diego and South East- ern Railroad, with some 85 miles of roadway, traversing the rich farm- ing valleys surrounding San Diego, which will be a feeder for the trans- continental line.
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HOLTON INTER-URBAN RAILWAY COMPANY
The Holton Inter-Urban Railway Company was incorporated, along with the other utilities of the Valley, by W. F. Holt in December, 1903, with a capital stock of $200,000.00. The road connects El Centro with Holtville (a distance of about eleven miles) and is of standard gauge construction. The company carries both freight and passenger traffic and has recently put in service gas motor cars for carrying passengers, which have a special wheel attachment (the invention of W. F. Holt) permitting the cars to run either on the railroad track or on the public streets and highways. This innovation in railroad service is not only a novelty, but is a practical convenience to the public, which is showing its appreciation by very liberal patronage. The invention has created wide-spread interest throughout the country, and this method of trans- portation will no doubt be extended to the large railroad systems, par- ticularly in connection with inter-urban traffic. The general offices of the Holton Inter-Urban Railway Company are also located at River- side, under the same management as the other companies.
CHAPTER XIV
BANKING
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF IMPERIAL was organized in 1901 with a cap- ital stock of $25,000 by LeRoy Holt, W. F. Holt, George Chaffey and A. H. Heber. The bank was then located where the Imperial Valley Hardware store is now located. Holt Brothers operated a store in the building at that time. The bank remained in that location for a period of two years and in 1903 moved into one of the first brick buildings in Imperial, one door south of its present location. In 1907 the capital stock was increased to $50,000 and in 1908 moved into its present loca- tion. The bank owns the building next door as well as its present quar- ters. The officers are: President, LeRoy Holt ; vice president, N. A. Mackey; cashier, O. K. Thomas; assistant cashiers, C. W. Hinderks and C. S. Hill. The total resources of the bank are $725,000 and total deposits are $550,000. All of the men identified with the bank are rec- ognized as far-sighted, keen and discriminating business men and the bank has enjoyed a steady and rapid growth.
THE FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK OF IMPERIAL was formerly organized as the Imperial City Bank in 1907. The following persons were named as directors in the original articles of incorporation : Geo. A. Parkyns, J. R. Stevenson, R. H. Benton and W. D. Garey. Mr. Byron H. Cook was made secretary of the bank and became its first cashier. To these the following members were added as directors for the ensuing year : F. C. Paulin, A. J. Waters and Geo. J. Dennis, all of Los Angeles, California. The authorized capital of the bank was $50,- 000, but it operated from the date of its incorporation until January I, 1918, with a paid up capital of $25,000. In January, 1910, the control- ling interest of the bank was purchased by L. J. Thomas. Several of the former stockholders retiring, the stock was placed largely in the vicinity of Imperial. The name of the bank was changed to Farmers and Merchants Bank of Imperial, with commercial and savings depart-
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ments. At the time of the purchase of the institution the deposits were $32,000 ; loans and discounts $31,000. Under the new management the bank continued to grow until it became necessary to increase its cap- ital stock. On January 1, 1918, Frank Wilkin, formerly of Lenox, Iowa, subscribed the balance of the capital stock and succeeded to the presidency. The current statement of the bank shows deposits $315,500, loans and discounts $235,000, and the affairs of the institution are in splendid condition. It has always been the policy of the institution to recognize first the claims of local demands, and it has steadfastly re- fused to purchase bonds or outside securities, waiving this policy only in behalf of Liberty Bonds.
IMPERIAL VALLEY BANK OF BRAWLEY .- Since its organization in 1903 this bank has had a steady growth. It transacts a general com- mercial and savings banking business, in accordance with the laws gov- erning banks in this state. The bank was originally started in an adobe building and was known as the First Bank of Brawley. F. S. Miller was president and Wm. T. Dam cashier. Mr. Miller served in this capacity for one year, when F. C. Paulin of Los Angeles was made president. The following year W. F. Holt secured controlling interest and was made president. The name of the bank was changed to Imperial County Bank and Mr. Holt served as president for three years. Disposing of his stock, W. T. Dunn was made president in 1905 and has served in that capacity since. The bank started with a capital stock of $25,000 and in 1912 the capital stock was increased to $50,000, and in 1917 it was again increased to $100,000. The present officers of the Imperial Valley Bank are : President, Wm. T. Dunn ; vice president, W. H. Best ; cashier, M. G. Doud; assistant cashiers, Roy Stilgenbauer and H. J. Ingram. In 1915 the bank was enlarged and remodeled at an expense of $20,000. The bank's business has been conducted in a creditable and up-to-date manner, all modern methods and appliances being used, and it has given patrons the service that is now looked for by the progres- sive business man. The interior of the bank is finished in rich circassian walnut and the interior effect is seldom seen outside the larger cities.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BRAWLEY .- Among the solid, conserva- tive and reliable moneyed institutions of Imperial County is the First
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National Bank of Brawley. The bank was organized in 1907 with a capital stock of $25,000 and a surplus of $25,000. In 1915 the capital stock was increased to $50,000 and surplus $10,000. In 1917 the capital stock was again increased to $70,000 and surplus $30,000. The original officers of the bank were: President, W. T. Dunn; vice president, R. E. Wills; cashier, F. F. Parmerlee. The present officers of the bank are : President, W. T. Dunn ; vice president, R. E. Wills; cashier, R. L. Angell ; assistant cashiers, R. Clayton Lee, Frank Ford, and Edwin A. Wells. The bank started in the Oakley Block, a mercantile building, corner of Sixth and Main Streets, and in 1914 the bank purchased the entire building and takes in the three stores facing Main Street and erected an extension on Sixth Street which is occupied by four offices. The bank was remodeled in 1917 and modern and up-to-date fixtures and vault were installed, costing $20,000. The bank has been progres- sive from the start and keenly interested in the upbuilding of Brawley and community.
AMERICAN STATE BANK OF BRAWLEY was incorporated June 18, 1914, with a capital stock of $50,000; surplus and profits, $7,500. The bank has enjoyed a steady growth. The original officers were: Presi- dent, F. S. Lack; vice president, P. P. Hovley ; cashier, William Smith. The bank opened a branch bank at Calipatria on November 10, 1914, and has had a steady growth coincident with the growth and develop- ment of that town. The present officers of the bank are: President, P. P. Hovley ; vice president, F. S. Lack; cashier, G. H. Williams ; the directors are J. S. Nickerson, George Nowlin, Dewey Carey, J. L. Taecker, Harry Withrow and Ray Griswold. Both banks transact com- mercial and savings business in all respects in accordance with the laws governing such banks. The interiors of both banks are roomy and well ventilated.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HOLTVILLE was organized in 1904 with a capital stock of $25,000 and was later increased to $50,000. The orig- inal officers were LeRoy Holt, president, and R. G. Webster, cashier. The present officers of the First National Bank of Holtville are: Le- Roy Holt, president ; M. C. Blanchard, vice president, and E. L. Car- son, cashier. This bank is the oldest in Holtville and has enjoyed a
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steady growth, and is known as being among the leading financial insti- tutions of Imperial County, there being an efficient corps of assistants and a strong board of directors.
THE HOLTVILLE BANK was organized in December, 1910, with a capital stock of $25,000. The first officers of the bank were: President, M. L. Hazzard; vice president, Porter N. Ferguson; cashier, O. N. Shaw. The present officers of the bank are: President, O. N. Shaw; vice president, R. W. Hoover ; cashier, S. E. Shaw. The bank started in its present location and moved to its own handsome structure in April, 1918, to the corner of Holt and Fifth Streets in the Alamo build- ing. The bank installed their present fixtures in the new location which are modern and up-to-date. The bank is one of the reliable and conser- vative banks of the county and has enjoyed a steady growth since it opened its doors. It has one of the newest and most modern vaults and safe deposit equipments in the Valley. The bank owns the entire build- ing, and at present sub-leases to the drug store, telephone exchange, hotel and dining room.
THE INTERNATIONAL BANK OF CALEXICO was organized in October, 1916, with a capital stock of $25,000. The original officers were Frank D. Hevener, president ; J. F. Steintorf, vice president ; Paul B. Stein- torf, cashier. The present officers are Frank D. Hevener, president; D. R. Hevener, vice president, and Samuel E. Rottman, cashier. The as- sets of the bank as per last call of the State Banking Department were $271,000. Its remarkable growth in such a short period is another evi- dence of the rapid strides the City of Calexico is making.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CALEXICO .- The forming of the First National Bank of Calexico was first conceived by John F. Giles and J. M. Edmunds, who applied for a charter in January, 1910. The organi- zation was perfected and charter granted for $25,000 capital stock and doors opened for business March 14, 1910, on the corner of Paulin and Second Streets with the following officers in charge: Sidney McHarg, president ; Edward Dool, vice president; J. A. Morrison, cashier ; J. M. Edmunds, assistant cashier. The bank enjoyed prosperous business from the start. On the first of November, 1913, Mr. D. A. Leonard of
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the First National Bank of El Centro, associated himself with the in- stitution and in January, 1914, was elected cashier and J. M. Edmunds president. The following May the deposits had grown to over $250,000, and it was found advisable to increase the capital stock to $50,000. The bank continued to grow by leaps and bounds, and in January, 1916, the deposits had passed the half-million mark. It was then found nec- essary to again increase the capital stock to $100,000 to enable the bank to accommodate the volume of business and take care of its clients. It became evident that the bank was fast out-growing its present quarters and the management proceeded to negotiate for space in the Anderson block on the corner of Second and Rockwood, where it enjoys the dis- tinction of occupying the finest banking quarters of any town of the size of Calexico in Southern California. In January, 1918, the bank had total resources of a million and a half.
EL CENTRO NATIONAL BANK was organized and opened for business March 9, 1909, with F. B. Fuller president, W. T. Bill vice-president, and F. W. Wilson cashier. The capital stock is $30,000. The present officers of the bank are: President, F. B. Fuller ; vice-president, W. T. Bill; cashier, T. L. Doherty. The building is 50 x 75 feet. The interior is arranged so as to secure the best working conditions, being roomy and well ventilated, and the vault is of the most modern type. The bank has been very progressive from the start and is numbered among the solid, conservative and most thoroughly reliable moneyed institutions of Im- perial County. The bank owns its own building and is unexcelled for its equipment and banking facilities.
- FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF EL CENTRO was organized May 10, 1909, with a capital stock of $50,000. In 1915 the capital stock was increased to $100,000. The original officers of the bank were: President, Le Roy Holt; vice-president, True Vencell; cashier, J. V. Wachtel, Jr. The present officers of the bank are: President, Le Roy Holt; vice-presi- dent, Franklin J. Cole ; cashier, A. H. Keller ; assistant cashiers, F. J. Gianola, Ira L. Hobdy and R. L. Tilton. A consistent and steady growth has been maintained until, at the present time, it ranks among the fore- most of the financial institutions of the Valley. The interior of the bank is finished in mahogany, and every method and appliance is being used
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HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
such as are seen in the larger cities. The fire-proof vault, which is of the most modern type, is equipped with a time lock.
THE SECURITY SAVINGS BANK OF EL CENTRO was organized June I, 1912, with a capital stock of $25,000. Directors: LeRoy Holt, Geo. E. Kennedy, Phil. D. Swing, J. V. Wachtel, Jr., Virgil McCombs, W. H. Brooks, B. F. McDonald, E. J. M. Hale, W. T. Bill. November 4, 1916, the name was changed to Security Commercial & Savings Bank. J. K. Hermon, president; J. Stewart Ross, vice-president ; O. G. Horne, cashier. The three officers, O. Luckett and J. L. Travers, composed the board of directors. January 1, 1918, the capital stock was increased to $50,000-$10,000 surplus earned, $2200 undivided profit.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CALIPATRIA .- The growth of this bank has been most remarkable. Under able management it was organized in 1915 with a capital stock of $25,000; surplus, $25,000. The bank occu- pies a good location in the town of Calipatria, in a stately building, and owns its new home. Every appliance and convenience known to mod- ern banking for the purpose of safeguarding the funds and valuables of its patrons have been installed. The officers of the bank are : President, Wm. T. Dunn; vice-president, V. R. Sterling; cashier, M. Ferguson. The deposits of this institution have grown from $60,000 to $250,000 from October, 1917, to March, 1918. The interior of the bank is finished in silver-finished oak, which gives a very pleasing effect.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HEBER was organized and started business on April 2, 1914. The officers of the bank were : Frank Beers, president ; George Varney, vice-president ; B. C. Beers, cashier. The capital stock is $25,000. The present officers are: President, A. W. Beed ; vice-presi- dent, G. E. Brock; cashier, W. A. Harlan. Deposits, $140,000; undi- vided profits, $8000.
CHAPTER XV
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN IMPERIAL COUNTY BY WAYNE COMPTON, COMMERCIAL SECRETARY, EL CENTRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
IN EVERY community there are a certain number of enterprising, broad- gauged citizens who possess that fine inherent quality of constructive- ness which takes a delight in creating something good and worth while, and of such are successful chambers of commerce composed.
Someone has said that "dreamers are the saviors of the world." The author mightly aptly have added "and the builders as well." For every progressive man is more or less of a dreamer. He has visions of greater and better things to come, and these "visions" are nothing more or less than constructive dreams. Frequently he is called impractical and no doubt rightly so at times, still many an impractical dream has turned out to be a wonderful reality. Particularly has this been true in this fertile Valley, where our bounteous crops and prosperous cities are ever-present monuments to the men who dared to dream of an agricultural empire rising from the forbidding sands of the desert. The story of the wonderful transformation which has taken place here in less than two decades has been fascinatingly described elsewhere in this volume, and the writer has no desire to attempt a reiteration, but so closely has the work of our chambers of commerce been identified with this transformation that a reference now and then may be pardon- able.
To recite in detail the history of the various commercial bodies of the Valley would be to chronicle the history of the Valley itself. From the time the first cluster of tent houses on the site of the Valley's oldest city began to take on an appearance of village dignity up to the present day the development of this great delta region of the Colorado has been the thought uppermost in the minds of the men who have given so ex- travagantly of their time in carrying on the work of the chambers of commerce to the end that there might be created here, not only cities
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and thriving rural districts to be proud of today, but that there might be handed down to posterity an empire built on the endurable founda- tion of unblemished social worthiness.
The career of a chamber of commerce in a small town is always one of extremes of fortune. Either the chamber is vigorous, with a balance in the bank, or it is in the dumps and exists in name only, depending on how recently the process of rejuvenation has been applied, but once letan organization be formed and it never entirely dies. True the signs of life may at times be difficult of detection, but let a matter come up which is vital to the interests of the community and the resurrection will be prompt and effective. The reason why a commercial organization never entirely dies is that it is the only instrumentality through which a com- munity can express its opinion without laying itself open to the criticism of favoring some special interest. And so it has been in Imperial Valley. Our organizations have prospered and become quiescent, functioned enthusiastically for a time and passed into somnolence, but have never died, and be it said in all their varied careers, never took a backward step. So, no matter how soon the enthusiasm of the get-together ban- quet wained, the community was the gainer. This state of affairs is bound to exist until the time comes when the little city outgrows its vil- lage clothes and becomes sufficiently large and important to support a paid secretary and maintain a creditable headquarters. It takes money to make the mare go, and this is especially true as respects chambers of commerce.
On account of the peculiar topography of the country and what would appear to be an unusually favorable arrangement in location of the Valley towns, several attempts have been made to organize on a firm foundation an Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce, having as its directors a member selected by the respective local chambers and for its object the effective co-operation and co-ordination of all Valley in- terests. At first glance this would appear easy of accomplishment and, without argument, the thing to be desired as a practical proposition. However, it is unworkable, as has been demonstrated, by the failure of more than one earnest attempt at that kind of co-operation. The plan is impracticable chiefly for the reason that Imperial Valley towns, in common with all rapidly growing western cities, have an intense and pardonable pride in themselves and, inasmuch as the main office of a
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Valley chamber can be located at but one place, the situation has always proven a source of extreme humiliation to the unfavored communities, regardless of the fact that the office should be located in the spot most likely to produce the best results for all. The original Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce, beset though it was with difficulties insuperable, did a valuable work for the Valley, as have its numerous successors, all now passed into the realm of good things that could not live. Many of the ablest men of the county were, at one time or another, earnest and enthusiastic workers in the Valley chamber, and the chamber in its day played a big part in shaping the destinies of our incomparable Valley, thereby justifying its creation by the test of good works. The Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce was finally absorbed by the office of the county development agent, an office created by the county board of supervisors and supported by taxation. The first county development agent was Arthur M. Nelson, who led the first contingent of Liberty boys to Camp Lewis, American Lake, Washington, where he is at the present time. Nelson made an efficient publicity agent, and his going was a decided loss to the Valley. Since his departure the development agent's office has remained unfilled.
Coming now to the chamber of commerce situation as it exists at the present time, the spring of the year 1918, we find practically all of the Valley towns with active organizations. The great war in which the United States is engaged has brought serious responsibilities to all com- mercial organizations undreamed of in times of peace, and the cham- bers of commerce in Imperial Valley have responded patriotically to the call. The chambers of commerce of America, taken collectively, are the national stabilizers, and it can be said that each individual chamber acts as such for its respective community ; certainly this is true with the Valley chambers. The directorates are composed of level-headed men, who, when something comes up vital to the welfare of the community, whether that something originates in the national capital at Washington or with the local board of city trustees, consider the matter intelligently and then act with the full knowledge that they are expressing the senti- ment of the people affected, The desires or opinions of individuals ex- pressed separately have, as a rule, but little force; express them through the local chamber of commerce and quick action usually re- sults.
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Due to the fact that the great irrigation canals which furnish the all- important water to our ranchers, reach Imperial County by dropping down into Lower California, Mexico, together with the fact that the Colorado River, the source of that water, constitutes the boundary line between California and Arizona, has made it necessary that this section secure official recognition at Washington more frequently than any other section of the State, and in securing this recognition our cham- bers of commerce have rendered invaluable assistance. Not only have their co-operation been sought at Washington, but they have been called upon only recently to take a stand in regard to certain undesirable con- ditions which had been created affecting the moral welfare of the Val- ley. The response was immediate and effective, and the saving to the people resulting therefrom was great indeed, viewed either from a moral or financial standpoint. Remove the chamber of commerce from the community and you strangle the tap-root of progress.
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