Alameda County

History

Past and Present of Alameda County, California - S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1914

CHAPTER XIII

WOMEN'S WORK, TEMPERANCE, PHILANTHROPY,
SUFFRAGE, ETC.

        The Oakland Ladies Relief Society had its origin in the great Chicago fire. It was organized November 9, 1871, to assist the sufferers of that catastrophe and was incorporated June 12, 1872, as a society to render help to the needy and destitute at home. During the first year of its existence it was presented by Elijah Bigelow with a lot at Franklin and Fourteenth streets valued at $7,000, which splendid gift established the society on a permanent basis. Later this lot was exchanged for three acres at Temescal. At the end of two years the society owned 3½ acres at Temescal; had a building fund of over $4,000, occupied a rented house in Oakland and had the usual officers and a board of twenty-four managers. All of its property was exchanged for the Beckwith Place containing ten acres and a good house nearer Oakland, leaving the society in debt $6,000. The real struggle now began to pay the debt and carry on operations. Friends came to the rescue, ladies entertainments realized goodly sums, and in 1875 the debt was but $2,000 and in 1876 was wholly extinguished. The twenty-four lady managers made themselves responsible for certain sums monthly either contributed or collected. But it was believed that now (1877) the citizens generally of the city should at least assist in the support of the institution. The city was thoroughly canvassed with the result that from $150 to $200 per month was pledged with which to carry on operations. In April, 1877, the tent festival netted over $2,100. The society operated through a system of committees. There were forty inmates in July, 1877.

        One of the keenest contests ever had in Alameda county was that over local option. It was a plan to permit townships to determine by a popular vote whether the vending of liquor should be licensed within them or not. It called forth the energies of all enemies to strong drink. Men and women, clergymen and laymen, public officers and unofficial persons all took part, and excitement ran at fever heat. On April 22, 1874, 276 citizens of Washington township petitioned the board of supervisors for a special election to vote upon the question of license or no license, under the provisions of the act approved March 18, 1874. The prayer was granted, and May 23d fixed as the date. Meanwhile the question assumed a prominent shape in other townships, and in due course of time elections were there held, with the following results :

        Oakland voted in favor of local option on May 30, 1874, amid great rejoicing on the part of the temperance people. To commemorate this event and victory the citizens erected in City Hall park a small statue representing the Goddess of Liberty holding a sheathed sword and leaning on a shield blazoned with the national arms. Connected with the statue were water drinking facilities. At the base of the pedestal were the words "Erected in commemoration of the temperance victory achieved at the ballot box, Oakland, May 30, 1874." The local option movement was formulated by Mrs. M. K. Blake, Mrs. Harriet Bishop and a few other ladies who demanded that the licensed saloons must go and the traffic in strong drink must stop. Strange as it may seem the churches at that time did but little to help the movement, but individuals helped amazingly, especially Rev. J. K. McLean. Many drinking men sided with and helped the movement. They wanted to rid the city of the saloons. On election day bands of praying women came from San Francisco to help cement opinion in favor of local option. Party was wholly lost sight of and two factions determinedly faced each other on the liquor question. Local option won, and the victory was heralded round the world. In England they applauded the victory. It was a bitter contest, the liquor element doing its utmost to encompass the defeat of their enemies. The matter was taken to the supreme court which declared the results unconstitutional.

        "The local option election held in Oakland township last Saturday was a novelty to every Californian who witnessed it. There were more people on the streets of Oakland than ever before seen on any one day, and yet there was no undue commotion. The election was terrifically exciting and yet there was none of the usual boisterousness, ranting, roaring and tearing hitherto the invariable accompaniment of popular elections in this state. The people were at fever heat and yet there was a power—not acknowledged but felt nevertheless—that kept them in check. That power was the presence of women at the polls."—(Alameda Encinal June 6, 1874.) This election was followed by a similar one in Brooklyn township about a week later. Of this the Encinal said, "The election in Brooklyn township last Saturday was far more exciting and brought out a greater number of lookers-on than that of Oakland township, and there was more enthusiasm apparent on both sides. The ladies were out in full force. * * * With their presence the election passed off without disturbance, unless the singing of the `Battle Cry of Freedom' which so much exercised some of the license party's cohorts, might be classed as such. To an outsider it was an interesting spectacle, a moving novel panorama and one that will never be forgotten. On July 2, 1874, a local option election was held in Alameda. A woman's temperance association was formed in June with Mrs. William Hulburt as president; Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Dye, vice-presidents; Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. P. Barton, secretaries; and Mrs. A. S. Barber, treasurer. Mrs. Bishop from Oakland addressed the meeting, which was held at the Methodist church. Working committees were appointed and numerous mass meetings were held. Succeeding this election the Alameda Temperance Club was organized with F. K. Krauth, president.

        "Daughters of Israel" Relief Society was organized in 1876 with twenty charter members; its first officers being: Mrs. J. J. Bettmann, president; Mrs. S. S. Cohen, secretary; Mrs. R. Beel, treasurer; the last of whom was the actual originator of the association. The objects for which it was instituted were charity and benevolence to all, irrespective of nationality or creed. Hebrew Benevolent Society was organized in July, 1861, with the following officers: S. Hirshberg, president; S. Adler, vice-president; S. Schultz, secretary; R. Heyman, treasurer.

        In March, 1877, the humane society which had for some time been neglected was reorganized in the parlors of Dr. Dio Lewis. Nearly all of the old members were present and nine new members joined. The following members were elected as board of directors: Dr. Dio Lewis, W. B. Hardy, A. W. Bishop, J. H. Redstone, A. T. Dewey, Rev. L. Hamilton, G. C. Potter, M. W. Allen, Capt. D. H. Rand, J. W. Knox, Christian Schreiber, W. S. Lyon, A. J. Gladding, Thomas Ylland and W. H. Jordan. The directors elected the following officers: Dr. Dio Lewis, president; A. J. Gladding, vice-president; W. B. Hardy, treasurer; W. A. Jordan, recording secretary; A. W. Bishop, corresponding secretary. The following addition of policemen were chosen: Dr. Dio Lewis, W. B. Hardy, W. S. Lyon and Christian Schreiber.

        Kindergarten schools made their appearance here in 1875; Mrs. E. C. Head opened one of the first at Adeline and Twelfth streets.

        In 1876 Dr. Adrian F. Ebell, a graduate of Yale college, and a noted lecturer on art, literature and woman's advancement, visited Oakland and succeeded in inducing a band of ladies here to organize a branch society of the International Academy. At first it was known as such branch, but after his death it took his name and was the progenitor of the present organization, the first woman's club in the state—the Ebell Society. It was incorporated in 1884, federated in 1893, and became a member of the state federation in 1900 at which time it had 447 members and was the most elevating social and literary organization in Oakland. Besides its advisory board it had eleven committees to attend to the various interests. The study class was divided into twenty-six sections ranging from economics to languages and music. By 1892 it had an ordinary membership of 227 and a life and honorary membership of thirty-six.

        The Good Templars of West Oakland gave entertainments in 1877 for the benefit of their home for orphans. The building was erected in 1869 by the Good Templars of California and Nevada and was opened for the reception of orphans October 1, 1870. In 1877 there were 90 inmates. About $50,000 was spent for the building and about $30,000 for the support of the orphans. It was a public charity for homeless orphans. Mrs. Partridge was one of the board of managers. In 1877, a new home for orphan children was planned. The old home at Temescal was already much too small; it occupied a tract of ten acres; two new buildings were commenced. At this date Mrs. N. P. Perrine was president of the society. The new effort was a charity movement of the greatest merit. The board of Managers were Mesdames Armes, Atchinson, Cole, Chamberlain, Campbell, Dam, Day, Howard, Holcomb, Little, McAllister, Raymond, Spear, Shanklin, Van Vleet, Barney, Wood, Wall, Wetherbee, De Fremery and Beay. At this date the ladies relief society did a splendid work in providing homes, shelter and assistance for the poor and friendless. In order to provide the necessary means they gave a series of public entertainments in a large tent at Twelfth and Washington streets, lasting four evenings in April. Concerts, dramatic entertainments, musical programs and a calico ball were given. A four day's festival and entertainment at the pavilion was one of the largest, grandest, most largely attended and patronized and most successful ever held in the county up to this period. The total receipts were over $3,000. The expenses were high, but a goodly sum was netted toward the proposed orphan's home. The Oakland Benevolent Society received hundreds of applications for assistance and responded to the utmost extent through the exertions of all, particularly of Secretary Sears. The society depended for funds upon voluntary subscriptions; it was announced that it should have an income of $250 per month for cases of destitution.

        The Women's Christian Association of Oakland was organized October 5, 1877, its objects being "to carry Christian sympathy, love and help to all families in our midst who may need such ministrations." For the conduct of its benefits there were four departments, viz.: fruit and flower mission, sheltering home, industrial committee and the helping hand school at the corner of Twenty-second and Market streets.

        This year, about seventy ladies of Oakland met at the Congregational church and organized the Ladies Evangelical and Philanthropical Alliance with Mrs. Cabel Sadler, president. The object was the advancement of Christian and charitable work by organized cooperation. It 1892 they built a fine structure which became at once the home of the Y. W. C. A. The rooms were on Franklin street near Durant. The Mistletoe Literary and Social Club was a prominent organization in 1877. They held quarterly socials that were immensely popular and largely attended. Fine music was a feature. The Linden Reading Club gave interesting entertainments in Nicholl hall in 1877.

        On December 2, 1878, the council ordered the sum of $50 per month to be paid to each of the following: The Oakland Ladies Relief Society and Orphans' Home, and the Oakland Benevolent Society, such amounts to be paid out of the fines collected in the police court, but the mayor vetoed the ordinance. It was afterwards passed with certain modifications. It was again vetoed by the mayor, but on the 3d of February was passed over his veto.

        The Oakland Cooking School Association in 1883 was presided over by Mrs. Edward Hunt. Her associate officers and sponsors were Mrs. Albert Miller, Mrs. A. J. Ralston, Mrs. Jesse Wall, Mrs. Louis Janin, Mrs. A. Liliencrantz, Mrs. F. B. Ginn, Mrs. R. E. Cole, Mrs. William Sherman, Mrs. H. J. Glenn, Mrs. F. M. Smith, Mrs. R. S. Prentiss, Mrs. G. W. McNear, Mrs. C. H. Chamberlain, Mrs. E. G. Mathews, Mrs. E. C. Williams and Mrs. S. E. Henshaw. On September 20, 1883, the association was organized and within one week a guarantee fund of $600 was advanced by six ladies. Mrs. H. J. Glenn offered her beautiful home as a place for the cooking school, but her offer was declined out of regard for the appearance of the premises. Already two or three classes of about ten each had been formed, and it was decided that as soon as $1,000 could be raised Miss Juliet Corson of New York would be sent for to start all the classes in the right pathway. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union joined this movement to improve cooking methods; they were addressed by Miss C. A. Buckel, M. D., on the subject of "Food." Miss Corson conducted two classes: (1) practice classes; (2) demonstration course of lecture classes. On Mondays the lessons were on economical cooking; on Tuesdays, cooking for sick and invalids; on Wednesdays, fine dishes for which lessons an extra charge was made; on Thursdays, cold food dishes and breakfast dishes; on Fridays, special lunch and suppers; on Saturdays, no lessons. The lessons were $1.50 each, and $2 on Wednesdays. A course ticket was $5. The demonstration classes were taught in the mornings and the practice classes in the afternoons. Instruction was asked on salads, entrees, fish balls, fine sauces, cold meat dishes, very fine dishes, canvass back ducks, etc. The lessons were given at the First Congregational church. Hundreds of vehicles blockaded the streets there during the first lessons. In reality fashionable Oakland came forth to learn scientific cookery or to make a display. The average housewife learned the lesson second-hand, but knew much of it already.

        In August, 1880, the young ladies of the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian church established the second kindergarten in Oakland. Dr. Henshaw Ward donated the use of a building on Broadway between Third and Fourth streets. It had at first a precarious existence, received little assistance and was maintained by the sacrifices and determination of the ladies alone. Its income came from members' dues, monthly payments of regular subscribers, special subscription sums, entertainments, etc. The school needed only about $600 per annum, but obtained this sum only by hard work. The officers in 1884 were Maud Wyman, president; Mary Wodsworth, secretary; Cora Davitt, corresponding secretary; Marietta Leeman, treasurer. Many little children were fed, clothed, taught and cared for. It was called Oakland free kindergarten.

        The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle of Alameda in 1882-83 held its meetings at the houses of the members. The first year's course of study was completed in October, 1883, and that of the second year was commenced.

        In 1883 the Oakland council granted one-fourth of the fines of the police court to the Oakland Benevolent Society and the Ladies Relief Society for charitable purposes. As the city had no almshouse, it was deemed proper to make these societies the public almoners of the city. The city's taxable property was $28,018,078 in 1883; it was less than that of 1882 by $272,573. This did not include railroad assessments. The total tax was $285,754.

        In 1883 Frances E. Willard visited Oakland under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. While here she addressed large audiences, was royally entertained and did much to stimulate the activity of the union whose motto was "God and Home and Native Land." They were in a desperate fight against the two hundred saloons of the city. Mrs. M. C. Leavitt came here from Boston in November, to continue the temperance crusade commenced by Frances E. Willard; she also came under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She organized a branch at San Leandro Union church with the following officers: Mrs. E. W. Peet of Haywards, president; vice presidents, Mrs. William Meek, San Lorenzo, Mrs. A. A. Dubois, San Leandro; secretary, Mrs. S. G. Nye, San Leandro; assistant secretaries, Miss Louise Hayward of Haywards, and Miss Elva King of San Lorenzo; treasurer, Mrs. William Roberts, San Lorenzo; financial secretaries, Miss Susie Meek, San Lorenzo, Mrs. A. J. Secor, Haywards, Miss Thurston, San Leandro. The organization included forty-five members and was duly named "The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Eden," that being the name of the township.

        During the winter of 1883-84 the Ladies Relief Society of Oakland fed and sheltered daily about l00 persons—two-thirds of whom were children and one-third old women. At this time Mrs. Dam was president of the society. In 1883 the society received a legacy of three blocks, one half block and six single lots from the late Mrs. Louise Haile of Alameda. This property was appraised at $6,680, but against it was a claim of $2,100 which was reduced to $700 through the gift of Mr. Cuthbert. The annual festival of the society held in September, 1883, netted over $1,500. A free kindergarten was established in East Oakland in January, 1884, largely through the efforts of Mrs. E. E. Cole. The Kindergarten Association was formed with Miss Hettie Tubbs as president and Miss Emma Farrier, secretary.

        In September, 1884, a festival of the Ladies Relief Society took in about $1,600 gross receipts. The ladies of the Episcopal, Congregational, Presbyterian and other churches contributed special lunches. The ladies of Alameda and East Oakland also gave special lunches. The Kittledrum and Mother Goose performances were attended by large crowds.

        In March, 1885, the Little Workers' Foundling Home was founded at West Oakland. By 1888 its property was valued at $10,000 and it was doing a large and noble work. About fifty little children were cared for and supported.

        On June 3, 1885, a county institute of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in the First Presbyterian church at Oakland. Many ladies eminent in the union were present. After discussion Mrs. F. K. Bentley of Alameda, moved that from date a county institute should be organized whose object should be educational. The motion was unanimously carried. There were present, Mrs. P. D. Browne, state president; Mrs. H. H. Havens, state secretary; Mrs. E. L. Keeler of Livermore, Mrs. A. H. Ward of Alameda, Mrs. Ainger of Berkeley, Mrs. S. B. Peet of Haywards and many others. The first officers elected for the institute were as follows: Mrs. S. W. Peet, president; Mrs. A. P. Ward, vice president; Mrs. L. W. Farish, secretary; Mrs. A. C. Henry, treasurer. Many branches in all parts of the state were planned at the memorable, enthusiastic and important meeting. A boys' home was talked of. Plans to solicit subscriptions to carry on the work were laid at this time.

        In June the Ladies Silk Culture Association of California bought fourteen acres of land on what was known as the Piedmont tract for the purpose of embarking in the culture of silk. Mulberry trees were planted, and steps to have the Government erect a building thereon to be used as a cocoonery were taken. Professor Davidson selected the site which was covered with eucalyptus trees. Bids for the erection of the cocoonery were called for early in June. One of the clauses in the deed stipulated that never thereafter should liquor be sold on the tract.

        The Associated Charities was incorporated late in February, 1888. Its stated objects were to promote and supervise charitable work; to relieve the destitute; to reduce vagrancy and pauperism; to aid in outdoor relief; to improve the condition of the poor; and to receive gifts and bequests with these objects in view. The incorporators were Rev. J. K. McLean, Rev. C. W. Wendte, Rev. H. D. Lathrop, A. J. Ralston, Col. W. H. O'Brien, Rev. M. S. Levy, S. P. Meads,  J. A. Johnson, William R. Davis, A. W. Bishop and others. The council of associated charities consisted of representatives or delegates from the various city charities. Within a short time there were twelve affiliated societies in the county and within eight years they numbered thirty-nine. Steadily imposters were weeded out and all meritorious cases investigated and assisted. During January, 1896, 241 men were recommended to working positions, of whom 221 secured places and "made good." By this time it was a gratifying power for good throughout the whole county.

        A branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in East Oakland in March, there being present over thirty ladies of that city. The first officers were as follows: Mrs. W. H. H. Hamilton, president; Miss Mary Bailey, recording secretary; Mrs. M. L. Williams corresponding secretary; Miss Ellis, treasurer. The name adopted was East Oakland and Fruit Vale Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Dorcas J. Spencer, state superintendent of scientific temperance instruction, delivered a memorable address. Other speakers were Mrs. R. R. Johnson, Mrs. S. G. Chamberlain, Mrs. Dr. Southard and others.

        In April a charitable convention of many of the churches of Oakland was convened. Among the religious organizations which participated were the Baptists, Unitarians, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Congregationalists, Universalists, Adventists and the Salvation Army, Woman's Christian Association, Woman's Relief Corps, the Sheltering Home and several charitable societies. At several of the meetings the Episcopalians and the Hebrews were represented. This was the first time in the history of Oakland when so many churches united for the purposes of charity.

        At a large meeting of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in July, a general campaign against saloons was planned and inaugurated. Mrs. P. D. Browne was president of the union at this time. It was planned to interest boys at the Broadway Beacon Light Home which the temperance ladies designed to reopen at once. The ladies took turns in conducting the home. At this time the union had special committees as follows: Juvenile work—Mrs. Borland; Hygiene—Mrs. Van Kirk, Mrs. Johnson; Leaflets—Mrs. Hardy. Mrs. Lawrence of East Oakland stated that a movement was on foot to suppress Badger's park which "was ruining the characters of many young women of East Oakland." The union was determined to compel saloonkeepers to comply with the legal requirements. The temperance work in this county was always hampered by the humiliating fact that this was one of the largest wine making counties in the state.

        The first grand council of the Catholic Ladies Aid Society convened at Young Men's Institute hall at Eighth and Grove streets on August 20th, and was in session three days. This society was recently organized and already was a power for great good in this community.

        In July, under the patronage of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Mrs. S. M. M. Woodman of Chico, state superintendent of viticulture, delivered a caustic address against the use of fermented wine for sacramental purposes in the churches. Rev. Dr. Grey spoke first and said that unfermented wine was used by Christ at the Lord's Supper, because Jews were forbidden the use of any other kind at the sacred feasts. Mrs. Woodman asserted that wine drinking produced drunkenness, that ancient nations who knew nothing of distilled liquors and used only pure, unadulterated wine became so debauched that their national existence was blotted out; that in the wine regions of California were drunkards from the age of seven years; that wine drinking led to the stronger drinks; that it was a significant fact that in many vineyards was a distillery; that churches should use only unfermented wine at the communion table, and that all white ribboners at least should refuse to partake of such wine which course would do much to abolish alcohol from the Lord's cup. She showed that other pursuits in the vine districts were much more profitable. The ladies warmly thanked her for her lecture. The Young Men's Christian Association attended this lecture in a body. At a large meeting of clergy and members of the W. C. T. U. early in August, the question was considered whether to have an active anti-saloon campaign, or a prohibition campaign, or a non-partisan campaign, or no special campaign at all. The clergy thought that the time for special subjects was inopportune owing to the absorbing interest of all the people in the presidential contest. Colonel Woodford, the prohibition orator was present. He opposed local option unless a board of supervisors who would give local option could be elected. It was finally concluded that until a county board favorable to local option could be chosen, it would be useless to attempt much in this county. There might be no end of petitions presented to the county board for elections to determine the question of local option, but all would be useless unless the board were unprejudiced on the subject of temperance. It was finally determined to hold a series of meetings to see what good could be accomplished.

        The temperance revival created in this city by Colonel Woodford at this time swept all before it, and did more than any other cause to control and restrict the liquor traffic. At one of his lectures on the subject of "Our Boys" he said, "My friends, what would we not do for our boys ? There's not a father in this city who would not work against the saloon if he knew his boy was to be a drunkard, but its never our boy; its always the rude boy that lives down in the worst part of town. But that boy is just as much to the heart of his mother, though she be a washerwoman, as is your boy to you and your home. Somebody's boys must be drunkards if the saloon still exists and why not your boys ? The temperance tide is rising in Oakland. Let us not only pray and work for the home, but let us vote for it as well."     Colonel Woodford ascribed the great success of the temperance movement to the W. C. T. U. To that organization was due the introduction of scientific temperance instruction in the public schools of twenty-two states. He said "We talk of women as non-legislators. No legislation since the war will produce more wonderful effects upon our national life than this law inspired by woman's brain and carried and enforced by woman's work and influence. By it they are drilling into the very heart of this hellgate of the liquor traffic and filling the crevices with the dynamite of temperance truth. By and by the explosion will come and the rocks of intemperance upon which so many have been wrecked will be blown to atoms and every child shall find a safe passage from the deep water of mother love out into the ocean of life." His pleadings to the young men to sign the total abstinence pledge were moving and effective, and as he depicted the sorrow and shame which had cursed his own life through drink many eyes beside his own were dimmed with tears. Scores came forward and took the pledge.

        The West Oakland Athenaeum was inaugurated January 14, 1889, in Hansen's hall. The object was to provide a place of recreation and reading for boys and young men, too many of who roamed the streets till late at night. It had a reading room, a gymnasium, debating society and educational branches in business pursuits. At the opening, speeches were made by S. P. Meads, Rev. C. W. Wendte, Mrs. Johnson and John P. Irish the latter of whom said that whenever he was wanted he would gladly come down and help the boys and if necessary would mount the horizontal bars and skin the cat.

        The W. C. T. U., in April 1889, sent a strong committee to the Oakland council to secure if possible a rule or law prohibiting saloons. This committee consisted of Mrs. R. R. Johnston, Mrs. A. C. Sanford, Mrs. Robert Bentley, Mrs. H. H. Havens, Mrs. M. K. Blake, Mrs. Dr. Van Kirk, Mrs. Julia Wilson, Mrs. E. S. Cameron, Mrs. E. B. Cutting, Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. G. C. Edholm and others. Mrs. Johnston voiced the sentiments and purposes of the union when she said, "We represent a band of 500 white ribboners who are here to ask you to give us a law prohibitory of saloons. We look upon Oakland as the great educational center and a coming railroad and manufacturing center. We come to speak for the wives and mothers of Oakland. No man has the right to injure his neighbor, each must respect the rights of the other. All arguments from the saloon people represent only the side of the liquor interests—do not tell the tragedies of the homes. We plead with you and pray with you to give us local saloon prohibition. There are many women in Oakland who go to bed drunk every night and we ask you for their sakes to give us local prohibition. They are leading women down as well as men; then close them. We ask you to close the ladies' entrances that are dragging our women and men down. They say there are 250 drunken men in Oakland. It is easy to count 250 drunken men on the streets any evening. Wherever grapes are grown and wine is made, schools go down, churches go down and the whole city goes down. Out of the thirty-five most prominent wine growers in the state, nineteen have gone into drunkards' graves and the sons and daughters of every one of them have gone to drink and oblivion. The secretary of the viticultural society said that the wine men are blue and must teach the youth to drink wine. That is why I am sorry that there is a viticultural chair at the university. It has been said that in one yard twenty-five young women were ruined. If it is not twenty-five a month I miss my guess." Mrs. Cameron of the Y. W. C. A. also addressed the council. Rev. H. H. Rice, representing the local option committee, requested the council to pass the pending ordinance without delay. He said they did not like license at all, but in any event wanted the restrictions of the proposed ordinance. T. L. Barker was present and represented the high license contingent. Action was deferred until the liquor men could be heard from.

        Ebell Society closed its first thirteen years of existence in April, 1889. It then had 250 members. Fifteen sections were engaged in literary work and nine new sections were just organized. The sections were as follows: 2 art, 1 music, 5 literature, 1 tourist, 3 French, 2 German and 1 Egyptian. Mrs. D. B. Condron was president.

        The first county convention of loyal temperance legions was held by the Alameda County Woman's Christian Temperance Union on October 5, 1889, at Highland park. The various legions, juvenile societies and temperance cadets from all parts of the county were well represented. It was the first county convention of the little temperance folks. Mrs. B. Sturtevant-Peet, president of the union in Alameda county, presided and delivered an interesting address. Other speakers were Mrs. S. C. Borland, Miss Edna Olney, Mrs. Farrish, Mrs. R. R. Johnston and Mrs. Emily Pitt Stevens. The latter was state secretary and gave a stirring speech for prohibition and woman suffrage. Her remarks roused the children to great enthusiasm.

        In December 1889, a petition signed by 625 men and women of Berkeley was presented to the trustees protesting against granting a license to any saloon within one mile of the university. The matter was determined later at a secret session of the trustees.

        In 1890 all the temperance organizations of Oakland were formed into a union in order to secure more effective temperance work and the more certainly to crush or cripple, the saloons. The committee of conference to bring this about were Mrs. S. C. Borland, Mrs. M. K. Blake, Mrs. H. L. Chamberlain, Mrs. E. S. Snow, Mrs. Dr. Childs, Mrs. J. H. Mathews, Mrs. H. L. Bradley and others. About twenty different temperance organizations joined the new union.

        During the temperance lectures of Mr. Murphy in 1892, it was shown that Oakland spent about $2,880 per day or over $1,000,000 a year for intoxicating liquor. Mr. Murphy's pictures of the ruin caused by liquor brought tears to hundreds of eyes.

        At the Ebell Society in November, 1892, Doctor Knox after noting the progress women had made in the last fifty years said, "Although it has been claimed that as woman's sphere widened she would grow less domestic, she is still the home maker and can discover perfections in the average man of which his mother is ignorant and his sister never dreamed, but she does draw the line at being called a relict at his death." Mrs. Buckingham of Vacaville told what she had done at fruit raising—from the purchase of the raw ground to the marketing of the fruit—an orchard of 225 acres at the Rancho de la Honda.

        The Fred Finch Orphanage in Fruitvale was dedicated by Bishop Fowler on February 22, 1892. It stood a mile northeast of the Herritage on an eminence at the base of the foothills. The donor was Capt. D. B. Finch and the institution was named in honor of his son Fred. The first matron was Miss Smith.

        The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children did excellent service in 1896. Mrs. Prescott, for the society, righted many wrongs in all parts of the city; the cases were settled before Judge Greene.

        In January and February, 1895, the Woman's Suffrage bill in the Legislature received unexpected support and endorsement and speedily passed to engrossment in the Assembly. It seemed certain of passage in view of the facts that the republicans controlled the Legislature and that the republican state convention had placed a plank to that effect in the party platform. The suffragists held an immense mass meeting at Mills tabernacle on September 17, 1896, the hall being filled to overflowing. A majority of the audience was women, but many men were present. Rev. Dr. Wendte and Reverend Hudson occupied seats on the platform. Mrs. Chapman-Catt implored the men to give the women the ballot in the light of reason and expediency, but Miss Shaw demanded it in the name of justice. Mrs. Lloyd Baldwin presided. The speech of Mrs. Chapman-Catt created a sensation; it was witty, convincing and logical. In addition she possessed an attractive personality that added much to the effects of her eloquent and elevating remarks. Miss Shaws' address was likewise witty, logical and in addition anecdotal, sarcastic and sweeping.

        Early in November the county board passed the following preamble and resolutions: Whereas, A great many residents and citizens of this county are interested in seeing that the count of the votes cast for and against the amendments is properly canvassed and returned and desire to have at least two representatives in each polling place in the county of Alameda, now, therefore, be it Resolved, That two representatives designated by the president of the Alameda County Political Equality Society be allowed to be in attendance at each polling place throughout the county after the polls are closed and until the canvass is finished; and be it further Resolved, That this board requests the boards of election throughout the county to extend to the said representatives all possible attention and courtesy. Supervisor Talcott voted against the resolution.

        Immediately after the election a powerful sermon on woman suffrage was delivered by Rev. Dr. E. S. Chapman. In this eloquent and critical address he lashed the men of the state with intense severity for refusing to permit women to vote. Among other pertinent things he said, "The most ignorant men have voted to disfranchise the most learned and intelligent women; indolent and worthless men have voted to disfranchise women who are among our largest tax payers; low, vicious men have voted to deny suffrage to our most exalted and noble women. It is a shame that such things are possible; it is a greater shame that they are realities. * * * Let us continue this struggle with increased earnestness and vigor. We have made great progress—fully as much as could be reasonably expected. The solid ranks of vice and crime are massed against us and their manifest hostility will cause the friends of good and pure government to see the righteousness of our cause and to aid us to achieve the glorious victory, which under God, will surely and speedily come."

        Early in 1897 the Society of Associated Charities of Oakland comprised about forty subordinate societies in this and neighboring counties and worked under a perfected system that accomplished the greatest good. Numerous committees with definite duties fully set forth accomplished astonishing results in helping the fallen and disconsolate. A concerted and powerful effort to close the Oakland saloons was made by all the churches and many of the clubs and societies of the city. The Christian Endeavor, Woman's Christian Temperance Union and prohibition organizations all united in a desperate effort to control politics to such. an extent as to secure an anti-saloon municipal administration. An anti-saloon ticket, with W. R. Thomas at the head for mayor, was placed in the field, and strenuous exertions were made to win. As never before, the women took part in this cause, speaking publicly and otherwise working actively and persistently for success. They declared that women of this city once before had won a similar success and that it could and should be done again. It was in 1874 that they won against saloon license after a desperate fight by a majority of eighty-four.

        In March, Mrs. Clara Hoffman delivered a powerful lecture on "Why Suffrage is Denied" at the First Methodist church to a crowded hall. The lecture was delivered under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of which she was a renowned and brilliant speaker and thinker. She showed in trenchant periods the insincerity, unfairness, hypocrisy and shallowness of the position taken by the majority of men through force of habit and through personal and brutish desires. Among other things she said, "If women are enfranchised all the bad women will have a vote, they say. But every bad man has a voice in the Government. There are thousands more good women than good men and thousands more bad men than bad women. I don't think the millennium will come the next morning after women are given the right to vote—we've associated with men too long. But add the good men—and there are plenty of them—to the good women, and you can sweep out every saloon and gambling place in Oakland."

        The progressive women organized in 1897 to help bring about the reforms demanded in public improvements. It was admitted that Oakland owed the existence and success of its annual exposition to the Ebell Society. They were welcomed warmly as members in the army of civic reform and advancement. The action of the Oakland ladies in turning their attention to city improvements was soon emulated all over the state. It was one of the most momentous acts in the general movement for the advancement of woman, though not recognized as such for a long time afterward and never given credit for its actual importance. It brought them out to fight for improvement in the ranks of the men; made them conspicuous advocates for betterment in civic affairs; proved that they were interested in the upward trend of municipal virtue; conquered a place in the judgment of men for their public spirit and unselfish devotion to all aspects of human improvement; and gave them a prestige that won a place at the polls as a golden finality.

        In October, Mrs. E. S. Chapman of Oakland was elected first vice-president of the Woman's State Suffrage Association, and Rev. J. Bushnell, Mrs. S. C. Sanford and Albert Elliott, also of Oakland, were thanked by resolution for their speeches. In October, Mrs. John F. Swift, president of the State Suffrage Association, called the annual meeting on the fiftieth anniversary of the first woman's suffrage convention ever held in the United States. There was a large attendance from Alameda county, notably from Oakland, Alameda and Livermore.

        As a matter of fact the Ebell Society in 1897-8 did more for the improvement and advancement of Oakland than nine-tenths of the improvement societies of which there was one in nearly every subdivision of the city. It was not necessary for the progressive and eminent women here to have suffrage in order to do vast public and civic good. Both socially and publicly they were foremost in all betterment movements.

        The ladies of the Ebell Society, in the fall of 1899, undertook the task of raising enough money to purchase a site for the free library. They solicited donations from all sources. By November 28th the cash and checks received amounted to $8,889.25. The site that had been selected was at Grove and Fourteenth streets and the total sum required was $20,000. They devised the novel plan of dividing the tract on paper into 150 plots and as fast as money enough was secured to purchase each plot to mark the same on the map, which showing was published daily in the newspapers and created great interest. In fact the plan itself created a determination on the part of the citizens to pay for every plot and thus secure the site. Even the children took great interest and were assigned a plot to be paid for by their own exertions. The efforts ended on December 14th with an entertainment at the First Presbyterian church. This was the crowning event which was to insure the sum, but the check of C. P. Huntington for $3,000 relieved the situation and on December 15th it was announced that a total of $21,572.76 had been raised or pledged. The success was due almost wholly to the Ebell Society. While the fund was being raised the Ebell Society proclaimed the intimate relationship between the library and the public schools. The old fogies smiled at this claim, looked wise, and gave little. But the best citizens knew that modern schools went beyond mere textbook exercises and invaded the wider and grander domain of every subject connected with human life and endeavor—that the libraries were the real amplified textbooks for widening the cramped horizon of old education.

        The annual meeting of the Alameda County Political Equality Society was held in East Oakland, September 14, 1901. The presiding officer was Mrs. Frances W. Williamson. Encouraging reports were received from all the local societies. Tax protest blanks were distributed among which were "Taxation without representation is tyranny." The Berkeley Auxiliary Club had 150 members. A branch of the Alameda society was the Boys' Society.

        Early in 1902 the anti-saloon forces organized for a determined and active campaign throughout the county. Rev. L. M. Hartley was superintendent of the state anti-saloon league at this time and had charge of the general direction of events. A campaign of education was commenced as early as April.

        Among the philanthropic organizations were the New Century and Oakland Clubs and the West Oakland Home. Others of a similar nature were the Ladies' Relief, Woman's Exchange, Oakland Social Settlement, Fabiola Hospital and Training School for Nurses and the Catholic sisterhoods. In the fall of 1904 the Home Club was congratulated for having risen above the "tea and tattle" level of so many similar organizations and of having given Oakland a high class of lectures, entertainments and university extension courses. The Woman's Civic Club was a prominent factor in all public movements in 1903-04. Mrs. Sarah C. Borland was its president. Vacant lots were looked after, streets and alleys cleaned, sanitation was demanded and children's playgrounds and gardens were provided. At the fifth annual convention of Women's Clubs of the Alameda District, California Federation of Women's Clubs, held at the County Club, Niles, in November, 1905, important business was transacted.

        The report of the Ebell Society in 1906-07, showed that it had a membership of 500 and a waiting list of about fifty, was prosperous and expected soon to erect their new building at Fourteenth and Harrison streets. The Adelphian Club of Alameda had a membership of 300, was doing much active civic work and was planning a new club house. It maintained a free bed at the Alameda sanitarium. The Antioch Women's Club had recently done much for local improvements and had secured a lot for a club house. The Town and Gown Club of Berkeley had completed the payments for its building. The Oakland Club reported a membership of 225, and that its cooking school had been taken over by the city; it had undertaken to raise $600 per year for the salary of the probation officer. The New Century Club had done great good in a section of the city where twenty-one nationalities were represented, no churches, no play grounds, no parks and thirty-five saloons.  The Country Club of Washington township had published a history of Washington township and had taken preliminary steps to restore the old Indian cemetery near Mission San Jose. The Book Club of Oakland reported a course of lectures on the books of the Bible by Rev. C. R. Brown. Mrs. J. E. Thane was reelected president. Upon the completion of the organization Mayor Mott was made president and Bernard Miller secretary. The stated objects were the development of the city and its resources.

        Fabiola hospital has been in existence many years, having been founded in the infancy of Oakland by a group of generous women. It is not surpassed in appliances and facilities by any similar institution west of the Rockies. Merritt hospital, founded by the sister of Dr. Samuel Merritt and named in his honor, is a well-known and useful adjunct of the expansive and extensive system or problem of human health recovery. It has an endowment fund of $600,000, a free clinic, and treats one-half of its patients free of cost. The Hospital of the Incurables, a charity institution under the management of the King's Daughters, is doing an excellent work. The Finch Orphanage in East Oakland, has a small endowment and is reaching young persons who might otherwise be neglected. The Social Settlement of East Oakland was founded primarily for the benefit of working girls and was endowed by Mrs. F. M. Smith; it is the owner of much valuable property. Mrs. Smith was also one of the founders of the Home Club and was prominent in the Ebell Club.

        The annual meeting of the County Equal Suffrage Association was held in Maple hall in September, 1905, Mrs. Frances Williamson presiding. Reports from the various clubs of the association were received. Many important questions were considered.

        In November the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that during the six months ending November 1, 1905, 4,666 horses had been examined and that 151 had been found unfit for work and ordered out of service, and many old and sick ones had been humanely killed. Out of nineteen arrests for cruelty to animals fourteen convictions were secured.

        A mass meeting of 300 representative women of Oakland was held in February, 1907, to discuss ways and means for bettering the conditions surrounding the young working women of the city. Mrs. J. B. Hume served as chairman. Miss Florence Simms from abroad addressed the meeting; so did Miss Elizabeth Evans, Mrs. J. B. Richardson and others.

        On Ina Coolbrith day of the San Jose Women's Club in February, a letter from Joaquin Miller was read in which he said: "If ever this nation is half way civilized each state will pay some solid tribute to those who, like Miss Coolbrith, have celebrated its glory with pay and pension equal at least to that of an honored soldier."

        The women's clubs took much interest in the new charter in 1910 and influenced many of its provisions. Club women were called into council by the charter commission. The New Century Club completed its new gymnasium —all for settlement work. The Oakland Club took up the work of the child's welfare league. Mother's clubs were organized in connection with the various public schools—a splendid movement to bring together mothers, teachers and children for unity of purpose and harmony of action. The Home Club did excellent work along educational and cultural lines. The Ebell Society grew wonderfully in numbers and effective work; during 1910 it added the civic section and thus widened women's sphere of interest and action.

        In philanthropy was seen splendid work by the West Oakland Home, Y. W. C. A., Ladies Relief Society. The Alameda District Federation of Women's Clubs was established to coordinate the work of the women's clubs of Alameda and adjoining counties. Three women were members of the Playground Commission of Oakland. Miss Ethel Moore was president. Mrs. Cora Jones and Mrs. J. B. Hume represented Oakland at the Cincinnati biennial and at other eastern playground conferences.

        Early in 1911 the Oakland Equal Suffrage Amendment League held regular meetings and in January duly celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Susan B. Anthony. They prepared to assist in the fight in the Legislature to secure the submission of the suffrage question to the voters of the state. A strong delegation was sent to Sacramento to work for the cause. One of the speakers before the senate committee was Miss Ethel Moore, of Oakland. The Stanford bill was defeated in the Senate by the vote of 21 to 15. The fight continued until on February 2, Senate constitutional amendment No. 8 providing for the granting of suffrage to women by the removal of the word "male" from the constitution passed the House by the vote of 65 to 12. The Senate had passed the amendment a week earlier. It now remained for the voters at the polls to finally settle the question.

        The equal suffrage constitutional amendment was submitted to the voters of the state on October 10, 1911. The election was preceded by a stirring campaign in all the cities by numerous organizations of suffrage. Many prominent advocates of the measure from the East addressed large audiences in this county. The suffrage organizations of Berkeley and Oakland were notably active and prominent and held rallies in all the halls of the cities and their suburbs. An organization of women in San Francisco opposed the amendment. Numerous street meetings were held just before election. The suffragists ended the campaign on the bay with an immense rally in San Francisco and with an open letter of appeal and advice to the voters. The vote in Alameda county on the suffrage amendment was 10,627 for and 12,802 against. San Francisco cast 21,912 in its favor and 25,644 against it. The vote in Berkeley was 2,407 for and 1,899 against. The county gave 15,664 for the initiative and referendum and 5,331 against it, and 16,529 for the recall and 5,627 against it. In the state the suffrage amendment was victorious.

        The women of the county were enlisted in 1912 to aid in defeating the cities consolidation project. They established a league with branches and auxiliaries and conducted one of the most elaborate and determined campaigns in the history of the county. Particularly were the women of Berkeley, Oakland, Livermore, Piedmont and Elmhurst well organized and extremely active. The movement closed with a mass meeting at Macdonough theatre on October 24th on which occasion Mrs. Frank K. Mott presided and Miss Mollie Conners delivered the leading speech. Mayor Mott and the Chamber of Commerce made extra efforts to defeat the proposed amendment. The whole state was asked to assist Oakland to defeat this attempt to incorporate the east bay cities as a part of San Francisco. This amendment was defeated.

        The Women's Political League of Alameda was organized November 24, 1913, at a large and enthusiastic meeting held at the residence of Mrs. H. J. Platts. The object of the organization was to enable its members to study politics and enter knowingly local campaigns. Mrs. Platts was chosen first president of the league.  Thirty captains and ten lieutenants were elected to raise the remaining purchase money for the Playter home. Mrs. Frank Havens gave $1,000 toward this object.

        In January, 1914, the Women's Protective Bureau of Oakland was duly installed under Misses Beatrice McCall and Alice Richardson and designed to furnish advice to girls and women and generally to effect city probation work for females—the general protection of the moral and physical welfare of the sex.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.