Los Angeles County CA Archives History - Books .....Public Institutions 1908 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@gmail.com December 12, 2005, 12:45 pm Book Title: Ingersoll's Century History, Santa Monica Bay Cities CHAPTER VII. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. SCHOOLS. AS in every other American community, one of the first interests of the new settlement of Santa Monica, in 1875, was to provide school advantages. The first shack to house the men working on the wharf was put on the ground in April, 1875; the first lots in the new town site were sold in July. On November 3rd, the citizens of the town held a meeting in the dining-room of the Hotel Santa Monica to discuss school matters and take steps to secure the formation of a school district. As a result of this effort, the Santa Monica School District was formed by the board of supervisors. It included within its limits the San Vicente, Santa Monica and Malibu ranchos, the tract of land belonging to Mrs. Lucas, and a portion of the Ballona grant—a somewhat extensive domain. On December 3rd the first school election was held and John Freeman, L. T. Fisher and J. W. Scott were chosen as trustees; at the same time it was reported that there were seventy-two children in the new district. An election was called in February, 1876, to vote a tax for school purposes; but owing to some irregularity of form it was postponed until March nth, when a special tax of $5,000 was voted for a school-house, and Loren Heath was appointed as assessor and collector of, the same. The first assessment of the district shows a valuation of $1,035,580. Jones and Baker had already donated two lots on Sixth street as a site and during the summer a neat frame building, containing two school-rooms below and a large room above was erected and ready for use in the fall. In the meantime the children had not lacked for educational opportunities. November 8th, 1875, the "Santa Monica Academy," D. G. C. Baker, principal, opened for its first term of twelve weeks, prepared to give courses "in all branches, including the Fourth Reader and Hebrew," and "with accommodations for a very few young ladies to board and lodge at reasonable rates." Mrs. M. J. D. Baker was instructor in elocution and Miss Ida .M. Atkinson taught music and drawing. Thus every need of a full school curriculum was supplied. The first school exhibition given in Santa Monica was presented by the pupils of this school in the Presbyterian chapel, February 9th, 1876. The Outlook also announces that the second term of Mrs. Frink's private school would commence on February 7th. March 4th, 1876, the first session of the public school opened in the Presbyterian church, located on the corner of Third and Arizona, the building still standing in the rear of the present church. Among the pupils of this school were a number who have since been well known residents of Santa Monica—George, Henry and Eugene Boehme, Julia, May and George Suits, Mary Collins and Claude Sheckles. H. P. McCusick was the teacher and before the end of the second month he had an enrollment of 77 pupils. The next fall when school opened in the new school-house, September 10th, Mr. McCusick was assisted by Miss Lucy Whiten and the two lower rooms were used, while the "big" room was useful as an assembly room and a meeting place for public occasions. Many happy memories are associated with this room in the minds-of older residents of Santa Monica. One memorable occasion was an entertainment and dance held on the evening of December 3ist, 1881, the proceeds to be used for the purchase of an organ for the school-house. The Los Angeles papers announce that the affair was a great success and that the tableaux would have been creditable to a first-class theater. It should certainly have been a well rehearsed affair, for in a dispute over one of the rehearsals, the teacher, W. H. P. Williams, an impetuous southerner, shot and seriously wounded one McDonald whom he thought to be interfering with his plans. Naturally the young professor was requested to resign, but the entertainment was carried out by his successor, W. W. Seaman, who later became a well known state official. The minutes of the school board for December 3Oth, 1881, state, "A Wilcox and White organ was presented to the public school of Santa Monica, the money for same having been raised by a series of public entertainments gotten up through the instrumentality of Mr. M. R. Gaddy and others." In 1877 the district showed an enrollment of 157 children, Mr. A. C. Shafer was the principal and was assisted by Miss Yda Addis, whose name and brilliant though erratic career are known to all older residents of Southern California. February 14th, 1878, a special tax for school purposes was voted. The school continued with two teachers until 1884, when the upper room was furnished and three teachers employed. In August, 1887, more room for the schools had become imperative and $5,000 bonds were voted and four rooms added to the school building. Four teachers were now employed, with Elmer P. Rowel! as principal. Mr. Rowell was connected with the schools of Santa Monica for four years and many advances were made under his able leadership. In 1888" the rapid increase in population made even the new accommodations inadequate and a tax of $2,500 was voted to still further enlarge the school building, after which six teachers were required. In 1889, after a good deal of agitation, steps were taken to provide the south side with a school. This was opened in a private house; but in 1888 lots had been secured at the corner of Ash and Fourth streets and in 1890 a smart building erected. In 1891 another small building was put up in Garapatos canyon. This section of the district has since been cut off from the Santa Monica district. In 1894 a neat building was provided for the pupils resident in Santa Monica canyon. In May, 1885, the first class graduated from the grammar grade department, under the county laws governing grammar grades. The Santa Monica schools were counted as of the grammar grade until 1891, when the high school was established, under a new state law, and opened its first year of work in September, with Prof. Leroy D. Brown as principal. Prof. Brown was an able educator and made a strong mark upon the character of the city schools. He was later principal of the Los Angeles schools and his untimely death was a sorrow to many who had enjoyed his instruction. The high school was opened in the Sixth street building and the first class of five members, Roy Arthur Sulliger, Florence Corle Rubicam, George G. Bundy, Hilda H. Hasse and Delia Sweetser, graduated in 1894. For several years, beginning with 1889, Professor E. P. Rowell, Dr. A. W. Plummer, Professor Brown and others conducted a very successful summer institute in Santa Monica, for teachers and others desiring special instruction. These' institutes provided interesting and profitable classes and lectures, concerts and instruction in music and many enjoyable social affairs grew out of them. For several years they attracted a number of teachers and would-be teachers to this place for the summer courses. In 1893, two more rooms were added to the Sixth street building, and in 1895 another school room was added to the south side school. September 5th, 1897, bonds to the amount of $15,000 were voted for a high school building, although in April of the same year a proposition to vote $12.000 for the same purpose was lost, chiefly because it was felt that the sum was not enough to build a suitable building on the lots already secured at Tenth and Oregon. The contract for the building was let to H. X. Goetz and in June, 1898, the building was completed and dedicated by holding the graduating exercise for the year in it. In 1902 $12,000 bonds were voted for a new building on the south side and the next year an eight-room building, costing when complete about $16,000, was ready for occupancy. The city was now growing so rapidly, both by annexation and from within, that the school accommodations were felt to be entirely inadequate. In 1905 $60,000 bonds were voted and plans were made for three school houses, an eight-room building at Seventh and Michigan, now known as the Garfield building; a four-room school at Irwin avenue and. Twenty-second—the Grant, and a four-room building on Twentieth between Oregon and Arizona. It was decided to construct all of these buildings of .brick and to make them complete in equipment. But the growth of the school population was still beyond the capacity of the accommodations and in 1906 it was decided to replace the old Sixth street school, which had been added to until little of the original building could be found, with a modern building. In consequence the people were again called upon to bond themselves for school purposes and the sum of $15,000 to complete the three buildings already under way, was voted December 9th, 1905, and of $60,000 for the Sixth street school and a four-room building in the new Palisade tract. The Sixth street school was first occupied in the spring of 1907 and is the equal of any school building in the country. The Santa Monica schools are now fully equipped for effective service. Fifty teachers are employed and the attendance for 1907-8 will surpass all previous years. The number of children of school age in May, 1907, was 2,499. Departments of music and drawing, with supervising instructors are maintained. Full courses in manual training and domestic science are given. The school district now has nine buildings: The Lincoln—the High School— located at Oregon and Tenth; Jefferson, the old Sixth street school; Washington, Fourth street and Ashland avenue; Garfield, Seventh street and Michigan avenue; Grant, Irwin avenue and Twenty-second street; McKinley, Twentieth street between Idaho and Montana; Roosevelt, Sixth street between Idaho and Montana; Westgate and Canyon. The entire valuation of school property is $194,000. Beside the public schools, the Academy of the Holy Names, under the care of the Sisters, was established in 1899. The beautiful building occupied by this school was dedicated February 22nd, 1901. In 1906 the California Military Academy was established in Santa Monica, in response to the desire of parents who wished to place their sons in a genuine military academy. Its sessions were held in tents located in the park until December 9th, when the school was transferred to the Arcadia Hotel building and the hotel ceased to exist after serving the public for twenty years. The school has a boarding and day department and prepares its pupils for college. Certainly no more delightful and healthful location for such a school could be found. SCHOOL TRUSTEES OF SANTA MONICA. 1876-77—John Freeman, L. T. Fisher, J. W. Scott (clerk). 1877-78—M. D. Johnson, J. W. Scott, George Boehme (clerk). 1878-79—Loren Heath, J. W. Scott, George Boehme (clerk). 1879-80—Loren Heath, George Boehme, W. S. Vawter (clerk). 1880-81—M. D. Johnson, Loren Heath, W. S. Vawter (clerk). 1881-82—George Giroux, W. R. Gaddy, W. S. Vawter (clerk). 1882-83—Mrs. L. B. Huie, J. W. Scott, M. R. Gaddy (clerk). 1883-84—Mrs. E. E. McLeoud, Mrs. Geo. B. Dexter, E. K. Chapin (clerk). 1884-85—Mrs. Geo. B. Dexter, Mrs. E. E. McLeoud, E. K. Chapin (clerk). 1885-86—Mrs. Geo. B. Dexter, Mrs. E. E. McLeoud, E. K. Chapin (clerk). 1886-87—F. H. Howard, E. J. Vawter, E. K. Chapin (clerk). 1887-88—W. O. Baxter, Geo. D. Pendleton, E. J. Vawter (clerk). 1888-89—W. O. Baxter, Geo. D. Pendleton, W. S. Vawter (clerk). 1889-90—Geo. D. Pendleton, John C. Morgan, W. S. Vawter (clerk). 1890-91—John C. Morgan, Dr. H. G. Gates, N. A. Roth (clerk). 1891-92—John C. Morgan, W. S. Vinyard, Dr. J. J. Place (clerk). 1892-93—John C. Morgan, R. R. Tanner, Dr. J. J. Place (clerk). 1893-94—Dr. J. J. Place, R. R. Tanner, Nathan Bundy (clerk). 1894-95—R. R. Tanner, R. P. Elliott, Nathan Bundy (clerk). 1895-96—R. P. Elliott, Dr. J. J. Place, Nathan Bundy (clerk). 1896-97—R. P. Elliott, S. F. Carpenter, Fred H. Taft (clerk). 1897-98—R. P. Elliott, S. F. Carpenter, F. H. Taft (clerk). 1898-99—R. P. Elliott S. F. Carpenter, F. H. Taft (clerk). 1899-00—R. P. Elliott, S. F. Carpenter, D. G. Holt (clerk). 1900-01—S. F. Carpenter, D. G. Holt (clerk), F. K. Rindge. 1901-02—S. F. Carpenter, F. K. Rindge, D. G. Holt (clerk). 1902-03—S. F. Carpenter, F. K. Rindge, D. G. Holt (clerk). 1903-04 the change was made from a board of school trustees to a city board of education, the first board under the re-organization being: S. F. Carpenter, J. H. Hassinger, W. E. Devore, Dr. J. S. Hunt, J. H. Jackson. This board held until 1906 when the present board, W. E. Devore, A. B. Clapp, E. V. Dales, D. G. Holt, and W. S. Vawter was elected. SUPERVISING PRINCIPALS OF SANTA MONICA SCHOOLS. 1876-77—H. P. McCusick. 1877—A. C. Shaffer. 1878—A. McPherson. 1878-79—Chas, H. Hall. 1879-80—Miss Blanche L. Downs. 1880-81—Florella King. 1881—W. H. P. Williams. 1882-86—W. W. Seaman. 1886-90—E. P. Rowell. 1890-92—Leroy D. Brown. 1893-00—N. F. Smith. 1900-02—C. I. D. Moore. 1902-07—D. A. Eckert (superintendent). 1907—Horace Rebok (superintendent). SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE. The following table shows the increase in school enrollment and attendance in the Santa Monica school district since the year 1876: Total Av Daily Total Av Daily Year Enrollment Attendance Year Enrollment Attendance 1876 103 66 1891-1892 392 246 1876-1877 145 64 1892-1893 496 278 1877-1878 149 80 1893-1894 544 320 1878-1879 122 65 1894-1895 614 371 1879-1880 98 60 1895-1896 669 402 1880-1881 103 54 1896-1897 739 467 1881-1882 108 49 1897-1898 682 444 1882-1883 136 72 1898-1899 699 437 1883-1884 179 87 1899-1900 668 441 1884-1885 176 114 1900-1901 660 401 1885-1886 198 118 1901-1902 755 482 1886-1887 264 129 1902-1903 973 581 1887-1888 332 187 1903-1904 1331 815 1888-1889 354 220 1904-1905 1352 855 1889-1890 344 212 1905-1906 1604 1035 1890-1891 355 222 1906-1907 1641 1121 PUBLIC LIBRARY. The people who settled the town of Santa Monica were of the intelligent and progressive class. They at once took steps to provide themselves with schools and churches, and on March 1st, 1876, the Outlook announces: "A Library Association is about to be formed in Santa Monica. All those interested in this movement are requested to meet at the home of Mrs. Devere, on Sixth street, on Thursday evening, when the plans will be explained." The association was formed and met once a week on Saturday evenings, when discussions were held and papers read. Books and periodicals were contributed for the use of the members. At a meeting of the association held April 19th, 1878, Dr. J. S. Elliott was chosen president; George Boehme, treasurer; and M. C. Olmstead, secretary and librarian. The initiation fees of the society were $1.00 and the membership $2.00 annually, the money to be devoted to the purchase of books. There were twenty-five members, and June 19th, 1876, the first installment of books for the Santa Monica Library was received, the list including a number of standard works. This was certainly a good start toward a library. How long this society existed, or what became of the books purchased for it, is not known. The next movement for a library and a free reading room was made .about 1884 by some of the ladies of the town, who felt that the young people needed such opportunities. Mrs. Asenath Lorimer, Miss Ella G. Dow, the Misses Vawter, Miss Niles, and others were interested. A subscription list was started, Col. R. S. Baker being the first contributor. Entertainments were given for the fund and a room in the rear of Dr. Fred C. McKinnie s drug store was secured for a reading room. The work was carried on for some time "by the women interested; but after the organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the reading room was turned over to their charge. It was then removed to the building still occupied by the organization, being located in the down-stairs room. Of their work the Outlook notes: "A few unselfish ladies of the W. C. T. U. have been engaged for some time in establishing a library and free reading room in Santa Monica. They have labored faithfully and already there is gratifying evidence that their work has not been in vain. Their free reading room is handsomely fitted up and is one of the specially inviting places in Santa Monica. For a time they rented a room but they finally concluded to purchase a lot and .building and take the chances of paying for it. In accordance with this plan they bought a 25-foot lot and a two-story building on Third street for $2,500. Mr. John Steere, of whom they made the purchase, has given the ladies their own time to pay for the property, only exacting the interest. By renting a portion of the building, they have reduced the rent to a small amount per month. On their shelves there are about 400 volumes of well selected books and the tables of the pleasant reading room are supplied with many popular magazines and papers. The only charge is two bits a month for books taken from the room, while all are allowed free use of everything within the library. The officers are Mrs. Jane Austin, president; Mrs. D. B. Hubbell, vice-president, and Miss E. A. Dow, secretary. A number of other ladies are taking an active interest in the institution which deserves a most liberal support from our own residents, and it is to be hoped that some benevolent visitor will come along some day and determine to help this worthy undertaking.—Outlook, July 18, '88. The ladies of Santa Monica did, indeed, labor hard to aid this work. They gave dinners and suppers, socials and fairs, and worked harder to earn money for this purpose than they would have dreamed of working to earn money for themselves. One instance is told of an auction sale on the South Side, where the W. C. T. U. ladies furnished the dinner. One of the owners of the tract, Mr. Tom Lewis, offered to give a commission of $100 to the ladies if they would sell the house and lot on the tract offered. After the dinner, one of the ladies, Mrs. D. B. Hubbell, heard of the offer, rounded up a purchaser for the property and made a sale. In course of time the $100 was paid over to her and she asserts that the day on which she spent a hundred dollars all at once for books for the Santa Monica library, was a red letter day in her life. In 1888, the ladies of Santa Monica, under the direction of Mrs. Chapin. Mrs. W. S. Vawter, and others, and with the aid of Mr. Tyler, prepared a floral exhibit for the second Floral Festival held in the old Hazard Pavilion, in Los Angeles. A full-rigged ship was seen floating on the ocean, the wharf and the bluff were represented—all in the most exquisite of flowers. The Santa Monica booth was unanimously declared the most beautiful among many elaborate exhibits and received the first prise, $200. This after deducting expenses the ladies turned over to the reading room fund. But the purchase of the building and the maintenance of the reading room and library proved too heavy a burden for the women to carry indefinitely, in 1889, Mr. Steere very generously returned the money which had been paid on the building and canceled the sale. But upon his death, in 1892, he left this building to the Women's Christian Temperance Union on condition that a free reading room be maintained in it. In 1890 the ladies who were interested in the library proposed to turn it over to the city, provided the city would carry it on. The proposal of the ladies who had gathered together a well selected library of 800 volumes was as follows: "It appearing to the members of this society that said society is unable to pay the current expenses of the library belonging to them, and believing it will be for its best interest to donate the said library to the town of Santa Monica, a municipal organization duly incorporated and existing under the laws of this state, to be carried on by the said town in accordance with the laws of this state regulating public libraries, it is therefore "Resolved, that this society does hereby give, donate and bequeath to said town of Santa Monica all its said library, together with all appurtenances belonging thereto, for the purpose of maintaining a public library in connection with a free reading room. "We, the undersigned members of the foregoing society, do hereby consent to this disposition of the library. "Signed by Laura E. Hubbell, president; J. A. Austin, secretary; Rebecca B. Guilberson, I. D. Richmond (per Mrs. Richmond, his wife). Trustees, Mamie E. Guilberson, Mrs. I. D. Richmond, Mrs. J. A. Dexter. November 14th, 1890." The town trustees accepted the gift and appointetd W. W. Webster, E. H. Sweetser, H. A. Fisher, Abbot Kinney and L. T. Fisher as library trustees. Two rooms were engaged in the bank building and December, 1890, Miss Elfie Mosse was appointed librarian. The first monthly report of the library after it was turned over to the city, December, 1890, reads: "Report of Santa Monica Public Library, commencing December 5th. The book list names 808 books; the records show fifteen books taken that have been out for several months. The list of subscribers during month is twenty-eight—sixteen of them new on the list. Receipts for the month, $7.25. Donation of a year's subscription of the following magazines by Mr. Abbot Kinney: Scribner's, Popular Science Monthly, The Forum, Harper's Monthly, Puck and Judge. Mr. H. A. Winslow donated American Encyclopedia, 10 volumes; Mr. T. A. Lewis, 'Memoirs of W. T. Sherman,' 2 volumes, Elfie Mosse, librarian." A subscription of twenty-five cents a month was still required and still at the end of the first year the library was badly in need of funds. If it was to be carried on, something must be done and a subscription of $200 was made up among citizens to help it out. March 1st, 1893, the library was made free to the public, the occasion being celebrated by an evening gathering, speeches, etc. The library now had 1,800 volumes on its shelves. The growth was steadily maintained. In 1898 it became necessary to secure an additional room. On the completion of the new city hall, it was removed March 21st, 1903, to the room now occupied by the council, which gave more commodious quarters. But it had already been suggested that Santa Monica might possibly be able to secure a Carnegie library, as so many other towns in Southern California had done. Early in 1903 Mrs. J. H. Clark wrote to Mr. Carnegie, setting forth the needs of Santa Monica and making a plea for consideration for this city. After some correspondence she received the following letter: ANDREW CARNEGIE, 2 East 91st St., New York. 13th April, 1903. Mrs. J. H. Clark, Santa Monica, Cal. Madam:—Responding to your communication on behalf of Santa Monica. If the city agree by resolution of Councils to maintain a Free Public Library at cost of not less than Twelve Hundred and Fifty Dollars a year, and provide a suitable site for the building, Mr. Carnegie will be pleased to furnish Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars to erect a Free Public Library Building for Santa Monica. Respectfully yours, JAS. BERTRAM, P. Secretary. The city was already raising more than the required amount annually for the support of the library. It only remained to secure a site. A subscription was started and in a few weeks the sum of $3,982.50 had been raised. The site on the corner of Oregon avenue and Fifth street was purchased. January 1st, 1904, work on the new library was begun. July 23rd of the same year saw the building completed and on the evening of August nth the library was opened with a reception to the public. The architecture of the building is Romanesque, with a handsome facade and entrance. Within an octagonal delivery room is the central feature, all the rooms being built around it and opening from it, in such a way that supervision can be had over the whole from the central desk. A juvenile room with suitable chairs and tables and a ladies' rest room add to the conveniences for patrons. In the regulations governing the library and in the library work, modern methods have been adopted and improvements are constantly in progress. At the present date the library contains 8,300 volumes and the home issue for the year just ended was 39,738. Three days in the week there is a book exchange from Pier avenue, the station being in the drug store of Clapp Brothers. In the reading and reference rooms are currently received ninety-five periodicals. Special work in the children's rooms, such as posters, stereoscope system of views, etc., and also meeting the demand for books in connection with the public school work, is made a feature of much interest. The success of this library has been greatly due to the faithful and efficient librarian, Miss Elfie Mosse, who has had it in charge since 1890. For fourteen years she was entirely without assistance except during the summer months. Alone and unaided she has striven zealously to keep the Santa Monica library in the front rank and to keep pace with the growth of the city. All the latest methods and improvements have been adopted through her efforts, and at the National Librarians' Convention, which she attended, her work received high commendation. In August, 1902, Miss Grace Baxter was made assistant librarian and a student's class was inaugurated. The following table, giving the home use of books since the library came under "city government," will be of interest: January, 1891 to 1892 5,304 January, 1892 to 1893 7,508 January, 1893 to 1894 9,941 January, 1894 to 1905 15,106 January, 1905 to 1906 19,183 January, 1896 to 1897 18,805 January, 1897 to 1898 26,397 January, 1898 to 1899 25,029 January, 1899 to 1900 27,281 January, 1900 to 1901 21,533 January, 1901 to 1902 17,550 January, 1902 to 1903 21,260 January, 1903 to 1904 22,670 From January to June, 1904 (6 months) 11,134 From June 30, 1904, to June 30, 1905 26,575 From June 30, 1905, to June 30, 1906 35,641 From June 30, 1906, to June 30, 1907 39,738 SANTA MONICA LIBRARY SITE CASH CONTRIBUTORS. Artesian Company $ 300.00 Abbott & Elliott 5.00 Aiken, H. C 25.00 Busier, A 25.00 Bundy, Frank 25.00 Bundy, Guy 10.00 Bradshaw, Wm. G 25.00 Brand, L. C. (Guarantee Title) 40.00 Brooks, Miss 25.00 Benson, A. B 5.00 Bandina, Don Jaun 100.00 Charles, Chris 25.00 Chambers, W. H 25.00 Crosier, J. C 5.00 Cook, G. W 5.00 Clark, J. H 100.00 Carpenter, S. F 25.00 Conaway, C. W 10.00 Dudley, T. H 50.00 Dudley, Mrs. T. H 100.00 Dow, Miss Ellen 25.00 Dike, Mrs. E. W 25.00 Dales Bros 25.00 Daley, F. B 50.00 Duryea, Mrs. A 10.00 Dunston, H. G 10.00 Duncan, E 2.50 Edison Electric 100.00 Eaton, Fred 50.00 Edmond, Geo. W. 25.00 Feather, M. D 5.00 Freeman, Ed 5.00 Gillis, W. T 25.00 Guidinger, A. M 25.00 Gardner, Mrs. M. W 25.00 Grimes, R. R 5.00 Oilman and Dorner 25.00 Hunt, Dr. J. S 25.00 Hamilton, Dr. N. H 50.00 Hutton, Geo. H 50.00 Hull, W. 1 25.00 Holt, D. G 25.00 Hubbell, Mrs. L. E 25.00 Hemingway, J. C 5.00 Jones, Roy 500.00 James, T. H 5.00 Jenkins, Rob 5.00 Keller, H. W 25.00 Kennedy, John 25.00 Knesel, J. S 25.00 Lindsey, C. M 10.00 Lindsey, Mrs. M. C 25.00 La Berge, J 5.00 Leonardt, Carl 20.00 Miller, R. M 25.00 Moody, T. A 25.00 Martin, Miss E 25.00 Montgomery, A. M 25.00 Mosse, Miss E 10.00 Miles, J. Euclid 10.00 Michel, H 15.00 Morris, Alf 10.00 Bassett and Nebeker 100.00 Nieman & Co 25.00 Rinclge, F. H 500.00 Robie, J. B 100.00 Sherman and Clark 300.00 Sweetser, E. H 25.00 Sawtelle, W. E 25.00 Schrader, Carl 25.00 Saxman, W. H 5.00 Taft, F. H 25.00 Tanner, R. R 50.00 Tullis, O. G 25.00 Tegner, Chas 5.00 Vawter, W. S 25.00 Vawter, E. J 20.00 Vawter, Misses 10.00 Volkman, M. F 10.00 Walkley, Mrs. Caroline 100.00 Webb and Vogel 25.00 Wilson, J. S 10.00 Wilson, E. A 10.00 _________ 83 Subscribers. $3,782.50 SANTA MONICA FIRE DEPARTMENT. The first fire company in Santa Monica was the Crawford Hook and Ladder Company, organized October 27th, 1875, with J. C. Morgan, president; S. B. Adams, secretary; W. Beach, treasurer; Harry DuPuy, foreman; John Mott, first assistant; Johnny Doyle, second assistant. Their outfitting was very simple, being buckets and axes, but they were enthusiastic and on occasions made a brave fight with their buckets. One of the most serious fires with which they had to contend occurred on July 19th, 1876, when the "Club House" was set on fire by an incendiary for the purpose of robbery, the thieves getting away with $850 from the bar during the excitement. This fire company was an important factor in the social life during early days, as they had their annual balls and benefits of various sorts. The organization died out, however, and for some years the town was without a regular fire department of any sort. Everybody grabbed a bucket and ran when an alarm was given. No other fire company was organized here until March 22nd, 1889, when Santa Monica Hose, Hook and Ladder Company was formed with forty-six members, many of whom were leading business men of the city. "Bob" Eckert, who had been a pioneer fireman in Los Angeles, was the first foreman The first equipment at this time consisted of a four-wheel hose cart and 1,000 feet of hose, with ladders, axes, etc. Hydrants had been been provided and the old engine house, back of the bank building on Oregon avenue, had been built in 1888. The first officers of the company were Robert Eckert, foreman; William Jackson, first assistant foreman; George R. Dexter, second assistant foreman; Fred C. McKinney, secretary, and A. G. Smith, treasurer. In 1890, George B. Dexter was made foreman, a position which he held continuously until 1903 when the department was organized under the new city administration. In 1890 a two-wheel cart and a hook and ladder wagon were added to the equipment. The two carts with 2,000 feet of hose made it a very heavy task for the firemen to pull the apparatus to a fire, especially when they had to plough through a mile or two of sand or dust to reach South Santa Monica. Yet for ten years the firemen were obliged to meet these conditions, added to which was often, perhaps usually, an inadequate supply of water, or a pressure too weak to be effectual. This company was volunteer and received no compensation for their services, except such funds as were raised in various ways through the efforts of the firemen or by contribution. During that time the fire department had to cope with many exciting blazes. One of the most serious was the Santa Monica Hotel which was burned in 1889. Another, which many will remember, was the burning of the large livery stable belonging to William Flores when several horses and a large amount of hay was lost. The destruction of the old Neptune Gardens, in 1893, was a picturesque fire; in 1895 the burning of the St. James Hotel caused a heavy loss and some narrow escapes; the fire department by good work saved the adjoining buildings, although they were too late to save even the furnishings of the hotel. In 1899, the Casino building on Third street was destroyed by fire. In 1900 the board of trustees after careful consideration purchased a new combination hose wagon and chemical engine and also a team of horses. Mr. A. J. Myers was installed as driver. The engine house was rebuilt, a new fire bell had been put in place and an electrical fire alarm system had been installed in 1896. Mr. W. I. Hull served as president of the company for fifteen years 1892 to 1907. The present officers are: C. J. Marvin, chief; E. P. Nittinger, assistant chief. The board of fire commissioners is made up of Mayor Dudley, president; A. N. Archer and H. G. Dunston. In 1906 steps were taken to provide the fire department with suitable quarters, the old fire house having become entirely unsuited to its needs. At a bond election held in 1906, bonds were voted for building two fire houses, one on city property rear of the city hall, one on Surf and Lake streets. These handsome buildings, fitted with all modern conveniences, were turned over to the city in the spring of 1907. A volunteer fire department was organized in Ocean Park February 3rd, 1900, with an enrollment of eighteen members, its officers being A. N. Archer, president; Wm. H. Menzies, foreman; C. J. Marvin, assistant foreman; J. H. Hassinger, secretary and treasurer; E. Rudisill, second assistant foreman. The city trustees turned over to this company the old four-wheeled cart and 600 feet of hose, and furnished lumber to put up a small building which was erected on private property by voluntary labor and subscription. This company was increased to thirty members and did efficient service many times, although much hampered by lack of water pressure. The present fire house is fully equipped. NEWSPAPERS. The newspaper history of Santa Monica is practically the history of the Santa Monica Outlook. The first number of this paper was issued October 13th, 1875, with L. T. Fisher as editor. Outside of the Los Angeles Express, started in 1871, and the Herald, first published in 1873, it is the oldest newspaper in the county and one of the oldest papers in Southern California. The editor had published a paper at San Pedro before locating in the then embryo city of Santa Monica. His first number was a four-page, seven-column sheet, well filled with news and advertisements. The office of the Outlook at this time was on Third street, between Arizona and Nevada, the property now known as the General Sargeant place. The editor rejoices, in his early numbers, in the fact that he—for the first time in his life—owns his own home, and in the rapid growth of his trees and shrubbery. The magnificent trees on this place still bear mute testimony to Mr. Fisher's energy. The Outlook boosted Santa Monica manfully during those early years of existence. The editor was convinced that the progress of Santa Monica, the completion of the Los Angeles and Independence road and the supremacy of Santa- Monica as a commercial port, were the most important subjects to "himself and his readers and he wrote editorials on these which were masterpieces in their way. April 5th, 1876, he published the first "special edition" of the Outlook, reviewing the advance made during the six months' existence of the paper. When the shadow of coming disaster began to loom up, Mr. Fisher fought the "Southern Pacific monopoly" bravely, until the sale of the Independence road to the Southern Pacific company was finally confirmed. Then he yielded as bravely as he had fought and announced: "We should accept the situation as we find it and make the best of it. If we can't stem the current, the next best thing is to float as gracefully as possible with it." During 1877, H. A. Downer bought an interest in the paper, but soon retired and Mr. Fisher continued the paper until after the abandonment of the wharf by the S. P. December 19th, 1878, he announces that the next issue will be omitted, as the week is a holiday. The next issue did not appear until January 5th, 1887. During 1886, after the wave of activity and prosperity had again struck Santa Monica, E. A. Fay started a weekly paper known as The Wave. When L. T. Fisher returned and began the publication of the Outlook again, the Wave soon vanished from the field and the Outlook remained the newspaper of the town. In all the rapid advancement of that boom period, the Outlook led the procession. Mr. Fisher put up a strong fight for the new wharf, which he believed would make Santa Monica a shipping port; for sewers and municipal improvements; for the location of the harbor at Santa Monica, and for small farms, good roads and tree planting. His paper was always strictly non-partisan, except for one number in September, 1888, when it was proposed to start a new paper in Santa Monica, the Review, to be Republican in policy. Then the Outlook announces that it will support the Democratic ticket—Cleveland and Thurman. But the new paper failed to materialize and the Outlook continued to follow its old policy which is outlined as: "The Outlook is doing its best—and is doing it in its own way. Our chief desire is to advance Santa Monica in the line which will exemplify the good old democratic doctrine, 'The greatest good to the greatest number.' " In March, 1891, Mr. Fisher sold the Outlook to W. S. Rogers and Eugene Day: but in September of the same year Mr. Day retired and Mr. Fisher again assumed editorial control of the paper. Mr. Fisher retained his interest in the paper until October, 1894, when he sold out to E. B. Woodworth. But before his final retirement he saw his long desired dream of a commercial wharf realized and during 1893 he published very full and exultant accounts of the building and business of the long wharf and Port Los Angeles, making predictions of future commercial importance for Santa Monica, which time has not yet verified. Mr. Woodworth remained sole proprietor of the paper until October, 1895, when Robert C. Gillis purchased half interest in the paper. In February, 1896, Mr. Gillis became sole proprietor of the Outlook; in April, D. G. Holt joined Mr. Gillis in the publication of the Outlook. Since that date Mr. Holt has contiued as editor and publisher of the paper. On Monday, June 8th, 1896, appeared the first number of the Santa Monica Evening Outlook, a four-page, five-column daily. It continued in this form until November, 1891, when it was enlarged to six columns. June 14th, 1902, the paper was doubled in size, becoming eight pages. The Santa Monica Outlook has always been a clean, clear-cut exponent of the interest of its home city. This is the object of its existence although the interests of the county and the state are not neglected. In 1896 Messrs. Woodworth and Barrackman began the publication of the Southern Signal, which later became the Signal, a weekly and daily paper. In 1897, Eugene Day was editor and proprietor. The paper continued to exist until May, 1898, when it passed out of existence finally. POSTOFFICE. The first postoffice in Santa Monica was located in a building still standing on the east side of Second street, near Colorado. The first postmaster was W. H. Williams, who held the office until his death in January, 1877. He was succeeded by J. M. Rogers. During September, 1877, the office was made a money-order office. In 1880. M. B. Boyce was appointed postmaster and held the office until 1886, when he was succeeded by Miss Maggie Finn. The building between the Giroux and Rapp buildings on Second street was then used as the office. In February, 1890, W. S. Vawter received the appointment, and assumed the office April 1st, 1890. He removed it to the new bank building on Third street and established it in handsomely fitted up quarters, with J. S. Summerfield as acting deputy. In 1893 Mr. Vawter resigned to be succeeded by J. C. Steele. During his administration the office was located in the Cates block. In May, 1898, George B. Dexter was appointed, to be succeeded in April, 1902, by the present incumbent, K. B. Summerfield. In July, 1888, the office was raised to the third class. In 1899 the Ocean Park postoffice was established, with L. B. Osborne as postmaster, this office being in Santa Monica also. February 19th, 1900, the electric postal service was inaugurated, which gave much better service than had before been enjoyed. The steady growth of the postal business in both postoffices has long since entitled the city to postal delivery; but the fact of there being two separate offices has stood in the way of the completion of arrangements, although free delivery has been promised for some time. The increased business of the Santa Monica office led to a demand for increased room and facilities and in 1907 a building was erected especially to accommodate the postoffice and has been equipped with every convenience for the postoffice force and for the public. BOARD OF TRADE—CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. December 6th, 1888, the citizens of Santa Monica, after some preliminary discussion, organized a Board of Trade, selecting Mr. M. R. Gaddy as president and J. J. Carrillo as secretary. After a general discussion as to the needs of the community and what could be done to aid in building up the place, a committee of six was appointed to take up the matter of securing a wharf—that being regarded as the most important improvement that could be made at this time. During the year the Board met rather irregularly and discussed many plans for the wharf, for a boulevard to Los Angeles and for various possible advance moves. In 1889, E. J. Vawter was elected president, J. J. Carrillo retaining the secretaryship. In 1890, M. R. Gaddy was again president. In February, 1890, the Board of Trade passed a resolution declaring that Santa Monica was the most advantageous location for a harbor and requesting Representative Vandever to use his influence towards securing an appropriation for that purpose. This Board of Trade continued to exist and to hold semi-occasional meetings until March, 1895, when it became a Chamber of Commerce, duly incorporated for the sum of $10,000. The incorporators were: R. F. Jones, F. L. Simons, T. H. Wells, M. H. Kimball, Walter G. Schee, J. J. Carrillo, Roy Jones, E. B. Woodworth, N. A. Roth. W. T. Gillis. H. W. Keller. The old members of the Board of Trade were eligible to membership and a campaign for new membership was made. The meeting at which the re-organization was effected passed resolutions thanking Hon. J. J. Carillo for "faithful and efficient official service during the seven years last past, all of which time he has been Secretary of the Board." The president of the new Chamber of Commerce was Robert F. Jones: first vice-president. F. L. Simons: second-vice-president, H. W. Keller; treasurer, M. H. Kimball. The new organization laid out a broad scheme of work; twelve different committees were appointed to deal with municipal improvements and affairs. One of the first matters taken up was the planning of a float for La Fiesta. Another topic which absorbed much attention and was exhaustively handled by a committee consisting of Roy Jones and H. W. Keller, was that of securing a sewer system. They engaged an engineer and had careful estimates and plans made, which were later adopted by the city council. When the Chamber of Commerce asked the Board of Trustees to call an election to vote on sewer bonds, the Board declined, fearing that the issue would not carry. The Chamber of Commerce then held a "straw election." which was carried out with all the completeness of a genuine election and the bonds were carried by a handsome majority. As a result a bond election was called by the city and $40,000 bonds were voted for sewers. A road to Calabasas was another subject which received attention and which was successfully carried out, largely owing to the work of Mr. J. J. Carillo. Of course the Chamber of Commerce took every opportunity to advance Santa Monica's interests in the harbor fight, then on, and some very interesting meetings were held in connection with this matter. The Chamber of Commerce raised a fund to send Mr. John W. Mitchell to Washington as their representative. The enthusiasm of the Chamber of Commerce seems to have worn itself out in 1898. At any rate in December of that year it was proposed to organize an "Improvement Club" which it was believed would eventually make the town doubly a paradise. Frank A. Miller, then mine host of the Arcadia, was one of the moving spirits in this organization and it started out with energetic— talk. J. J. Davis was president: F. B. McComas, vice-president; F. H. Taft, secretary; Dr. P. S. Lindsey, treasurer. The executive committee included F. A. Miller, W. S. Vawter, N. A. Roth, Roy Jones, Abbot Kinney, A. Mooser, A. W. McPherson, E. P. Clark, T. H. Dudley, F. H. Rindge, L. B. Osborne. The Club made a vigorous, although unsuccessful, campaign to secure lower fares to Los Angeles. It also took up the matter of liquor licenses, recommending that only six saloon licenses be issued and that the license be raised to $600. The Improvement Club did some efficient work in arousing public opinion of the saloon situation, and for three or four months the Outlook contains long reports of its meetings—then apparently the Improvement Club went the way of the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce. The Outlook of September 6th, 1901, announces: "Santa Monica is well on the road looking to an efficient organization of business men and other representative citizens. The ball was started rolling last evening when a largely attended meeting was held in the town hall for the purpose of organizing a Board of Trade." The organization was completed on September 24th when A. Mooser was elected president; W. I. Hull, vice-president; Fred H. Taft, secretary; W. Lee Chambers, treasurer; O. G. Tullis, J. H. Jackson, B. Sues, George D. Snyder and A. Montgomery, were the executive committee. The question of bonds for civic improvement; of a sanitarium, and various subjects of public interest were brought before the public by the efforts of the Board of Trade; but it seems soon to have lost its grip. July 9th, 1903, the ever hopeful scribe of the Outlook writes: "It would seem that the business men of Santa Monica have at last awakened to the necessity of doing something in the way of raising the standard of the amusements, improvements, etc., of this town, and that they mean to stay awake." A large and "enthusiastic" meeting of the business men was held to discuss the situation and it was agreed by all that something must be done at once, or Santa Monica would lose her prestige as a summer resort entirely. As many of those present had been members of the old Chamber of Commerce, it was decided to revive that organization. The officers of this renewed Chamber of Commerce were: Robert F. Jones, president; W. I. Hull, first vice-president; R. Fogel, second vice-president; Frank W. Vogel, treasurer. A committee to secure amusements and music for the summer season was appointed and secured funds for band concerts during the season. It also arranged for dances and various attractions on the beach, but this seems to have been the extent of their efforts and nothing more is heard of the organization. The next organizations to "improve" the city of Santa Monica was the Municipal League. This was formed May 18th, 1904, with Robert F. Jones as presiding officer; Dr. Rathbone, vice-president: D. G. Holt, secretary: A. Mooser, treasurer. It proposed among other things, to prepare a pamphlet setting forth the advantages of Santa Monica, for distribution: also to prepare an exhibit for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, but the only real accomplishment seems to have been a Fourth of July celebration, and the securing of a band to play during the summer season. June 1st, 1905, the Santa Monica Municipal League changed its mine to become the Santa Monica Board of Trade, with W. I. Hull, president; R. Fogel, vice-president; J. Addison Smith, secretary, and A. Mooser, treasurer. This organization has proved vital and has been an important factor in the rapid progress of the past two years. Among some of the achievements of the first year's real work were the issuing of 20,000 copies of a neat booklet advertising Santa Monica: the publishing of an advertisement of Santa Monica in the Pacific Monthly for six months: efficient aid in the securing of annexation of territory to the city, and in securing better lighting and other improvements for the municipality. At the second annual meeting, August 10th, 1906, W. I. Hull was again elected president, and J. Addison Smith, secretary; C. D. Middlekauff was treasurer, and R. Fogle, vice-president. Much valuable work for the good of Santa Monica was accomplished during the new year of 1906-07. One of the most important moves was the effort made to secure free mail delivery and the promise finally secured that such delivery would be provided for as soon as arrangements could be completed. Attention of the department was also drawn to the inadequate accommodations furnished the Santa Monica postoffice and the result has been the securing of new and ample quarters. Another important step was the action of the board, in recommending that Santa Monica merchants withdraw their business from the L. A. P. road until that company granted a five-cent fare within the city limits. Largely through the action of this body, the fine system of lighting Ocean avenue was adopted. But the most important work of the organization was in connection with the sewer problem. It secured and presented the plan of disposal which has finally been adopted and which it is confidently believed will settle for all time this troublesome subject which has disturbed the peace of mind of the community for many years. At the third annual meeting held in October, 1907, Mr. Hull declined to be re-elected, and J. J. Seymour was chosen as president. R. Fogel was elected vice-president, and W. K. Cowan, treasurer. CITY OFFICIALS. 1886.—Board of trustees. J. W. Scott, W. S. Vawter, A. E. Ladd, John Steere, Dr. E. C. Folsom; clerk, Fred C. McKinnie; John Steere, president; treasurer, Col. E. K. Chapin: marshal, Hamilton Bagg, succeeded by Michael Noon. 1888.—Board of trustees. T. A. Lewis, J. J. Carrillo, Thomas Rhodes, were elected. Dr. E. C. Folsom and W. S. Vawter held over, Dr. Folsom was president of the board. Rhodes soon resigned and E. J. Vawter took his place. Fred McKinnie, clerk: Col. E. K. Chapin, treasurer; attorney, J. C. Morgan. 1890.—J. L. Allen, John Steere, J. J. Carrillo, T. A. Lewis and E. J. Vawter were trustees, with J. J. Carrillo president of the board; Emmet Pollard, Clerk: Col. Chapin, treasurer; M. K. Barretto, marshal; attorney, J. C. Morgan. 1892.—J. J. Carrillo, E. J. Vawter, R. R. Harris, T. A. Lewis, H. C. Seville, J. J. Carrillo being president of the board; clerk, C. S. Dales; treasurer, George Boehme; marshal, M. K. Baretto; city attorney, R. R. Tanner. 1894.—Robert F. Jones, X. A. Roth, J. J. Carrillo, T. L. Lewis and E. J. Vawter were trustees, J. J. Carrillo being president of the board; clerk, C. S. Dales; treasurer, George Boehme; marshal, M. K. Barretto; attorney, R. R. Tanner; library trustees, H. A. Winslow, O. G. Tullis, H. S. DeVan, D. L. Bancroft, H. C. Weyse. 1896.—Board of trustees, Robert F. Jones, J. J. Carrillo, R. C. Gillis, Moses Hostetter, N. A. Roth, Jones being president; clerk, C. S. Dales; treasurer, E. W. Boehme; marshal, George B. Dexter; attorney, R. R. Tanner; library trustees, Dr. P. S. Lindsey, Fred H. Taft, J. Walter Gray, T. H. Wells, William Stevenson. 1898.—Board of trustees, Robert F. Jones, N. A. Roth, J. J. Carrillo, Moses Hostetter, R. C. Gillis, R. F. Jones was president; clerk, J. C. Steele; treasurer, E. W. Boehme; marshal, M. K. Barretto; library trustees, S. D. Belt, J. Walter Gray, P. S. Lindsey, Fred H. Taft, T. H. Wells 1900.—Board of trustees, Robert F. Jones, C. H. Sammis, J. C. Morgan, T. H. Dudley, N. R. Folsom; clerk, John B. Proctor; treasurer, E. W. Boehme; marshal, M. K. Barretto; library trustees, J. C. Hemingway, P. S. Lindsey, C. I. D. Moore, Fred H. Taft, T. H, Wells. 1902.—Board of trustees, T. H. Dudley, W. S. Vawter, J. C. Steele, C. H. Sammis, J. C. Morgan, T. H. Dudley serving as president; clerk. J. C. Hemingway; treasurer, E. W. Boehme; marshal, M. K. Barretto; attorney, Fred H. Taft. 1903.—First election under charter. Council, T. H. Dudley, H. X. Goetz, A. F. Johnston, J. C. Steele. W. S. Vawter; clerk, J. C. Hemingway; treasurer, Prank W. Vogel; assessor, C. S. Dales; recorder, A. M. Guidinger; marshal, M. K. Baretto; school board, W. E. Devore, J. H. Hassinger, Dr. J. S. Hunt, J. S. H. Jackson, S. F Carpenter. 1906.—Mayor, T H. Dudley. Members of city council—First ward, G. D. Snyder; Second ward, W. A. Armstrong; Third ward, Abe S. Reel; Fourth ward, Alf Morris; Fifth ward, H. L. Coffman; Sixth ward, J. Euclid Miles; Seventh ward, Roscoe H. Dow. President of council, Alf Morris; city clerk, J. C. Hemingway; treasurer and tax collector, Ralph Bane; assessor, C. S. Dales; attorney, S. W. Odell; engineer, Thomas H. James; street superintendent, H. L. Johnson; building superintendent, H. L. Mitchell; police judge, J. J. Carrillo; chief of police, M. K. Barretto; chief of fire department, C. J. Marvin; health officer, Dr. W. H. Parker; superintendent of schools, Horace M. Rebok. Board of education, W. E. Devore, president; A. B. Clapp, E. V. Dales, D. G. Holt, W. S Vawter; board of library trustees, G. A. Lonsberry, president; Lewis E. Bradt, A. M. Jamison, C. M. Lindsey, John Morton. POPULATION OF SANTA MONICA. United States census 1880 417 United States census 1890 1,580 United States census 1900 3,057 Census taken by city 1905 7,028 Additional Comments: Extracted from: Ingersoll's century history, Santa Monica Bay cities: prefaced with a brief history of the state of California, a condensed history of Los Angeles County, 1542 to 1908: supplemented with an encyclopedia of local biography and embellished with views of historic landmarks and portraits of representative people. Los Angeles: Luther A. Ingersoll (1908) File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ca/losangeles/history/1908/ingersol/publicin229ms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/cafiles/ File size: 56.9 Kb