Santa Cruz County History
HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.- E. S. Harrison, Pacific Press Publ. Co., San Francisco, 1891
CHAPTER XIV.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION. (con't.)
THE CALIFORNIA POWDER WORKS.
The inauguration of the vast enterprises that marked the second decade of California gold mining created an enormous demand on the Pacific Coast for explosives. The poor quality of blasting powder which reached San Francisco via Cape Horn often brought $20 a keg. As a better article could be manufactured for one-tenth of this amount, a number of leading miners set about, in 1862, to find a site suitable for the erection of a powder works.
A location possessing the requisites of a good harbor, contiguity to the business center, and abundance of material, was necessary to the success of the venture, and after carefully considering the various eligible places, the projectors selected a flat in the cañon of the San Lorenzo, about three miles above the city of Santa Cruz, where in all directions loomed dense forests containing the redwood, pine, and hazel for kegs and fuel, and, lining the myriad mountain streams, stood the alder and willow for charcoal. The wisdom of this choice becomes more apparent every day, and all the Eastern powder magnates have pronounced "Powder Mill Flat" as the ideal situation of the country for its purpose.
Machinery was ordered at once, dams constructed, flumes laid, roads cut in all directions, wharves built, and, after the outlay of $100,000, California powder was in the market, and the California Powder Works at Santa Cruz an established fact. The first invoice bears the date July. 16,1864.
A number of capable workmen having been imported from Eastern mills, a splendid reputation was achieved for the product at once. The project proved more profitable than even its most sanguine promoters had hoped, and large additions to the working force were constantly being made. A valuable adjoining tract of land was added to its possessions in 1872, and a number of large and costly fireproof magazines for the storage of powder and combustible materials used in its fabrication were erected thereon.
The S. P. C. Railroad having opened communication with San Francisco, in 1879 the old method of shipping by schooner was abandoned, and a branch line built by the Powder Company now connects the works with this road, over which shipments are made to all points west of the Mississippi.
The normal capacity of the mills is six hundred and forty twenty-five-pound kegs per day, although the daily output during the past year often reached nine hundred kegs. The manufacture of this amount of powder consumes two thousand tons of nitrates, two hundred and fifty tons of sulphur, and two thousand five hundred cords of wood yearly. As the nitrates and the sulphur are, of course, imported from foreign countries, their use benefits this county only incidentally, but the money received for the wood, which is brought here exclusively, forms a large part of the revenue of the adjacent ranches—over $10,000 being paid out on this account each season.
It will be seen that the presence of these works affects materially the growth and prosperity of Santa Cruz, even without taking into consideration the number of its inhabitants actually employed at the mills. About sixty hands are kept steadily at work, subject to large re-inforcement during the wet season. Probably half of these live in town, where many have purchased homes from their savings, and the rest occupy the pleasant height south of the mills, forming, at a safe distance, a village of one hundred inhabitants, containing tasteful and comfortable residences, with water works, school, hall, and many conveniences often lacking in more metropolitan communities—not to speak of the incandescent light which is now being put in.
The wages paid the men are, obviously, more than sufficient to compensate for the extra risk incurred in working in powder, as the places are always eagerly sought. Forgetfulness of the dangerous nature of the employment by which they earn their bread never is allowed to degenerate into carelessness, and, probably, a more contented, intelligent, and independent set of workmen could not be found in America. Many of them saw the first turn of the water wheel, more than a quarter of a century past, and some of the most important positions are filled by young men born, reared, and educated in the village.
The stockholders are, at least, happy and contented with powder making. Although several attempts have been made to dispute the place of the California Powder Works, competition on this coast has always succumbed, while this company has advanced steadily in strength and public confidence. Its place in the business world can nowhere be shown more succinctly than in the published list of the San Francisco Stock Exchange; on July 24, 1890, the quotations on powder stock were: Atlantic, 43, 45; California, 140, 190; Giant, —, 73; Safety Nitro, 13½, 14½; Vigorit, 7 1/8, 7½; Vulcan, —, 18; the California Powder Works stock being equaled in the entire schedule only by that of the Bank of California.
It will not be adulatory to add here that this state of affairs is considerably due to the generosity and administrative ability of Bernard Peyton, director of the company and superintendent for twenty-three years. W. T. KEARNEY.
LIME.
Owing to the great abundance of limestone and large quantities of fuel near at hand for burning it, the manufacture of lime in this county is a profitable industry, and one of considerable importance. The principal manufacturer of lime in this county is Mr. Henry Cowell. The products of his kilns constitute a considerable part of the exports of this county. Besides Mr. Cowell's, the other principal manufacturers are the Holmes Company and the IXL Company.
It is scarcely hyperbolical to say that the supply of limestone in this county is inexhaustible, as there is enough here to supply the world for the next century. The quality of the lime is first class.
This industry gives employment to several hundred men, directly or indirectly, not less than one hundred being in the employ of Mr. Cowell. Great ox teams are used for the purpose of drawing the fuel from the woods. Mr. Cowell owns a warehouse in Santa Cruz, and a wharf connecting therewith, from which is shipped by schooner the products of his Santa Cruz kilns.
S. MARTINELLI'S CIDER AND SODA WORKS.
Much of the cider in this State bears about the same relation to an apple that oleomargarine does to a cow. It is manufactured from chemicals in a cheap back room by the wholesaler(?), whose capital need not consist of more than $100 and a delivery wagon. This vile compound is served to retail customers, and consumed by people who mistake it for cider.
Under such a condition of affairs, the legitimate manufacturer deserves more than ordinary encouragement. For this reason, if no other, Mr. S. Martinelli, of Watsonville, should be widely known, as, I believe, he is the only cider manufacturer in the State, making cider on an extensive scale, from apples. Certainly the health of cider drinkers would be subserved if, instead of drinking a noxious combination of acids, they would demand and use only Martinelli's cider.
These cider and soda works are a prominent industrial feature of Watsonville, and a conspicuous industry of the State, having been established since 1866. About six years ago he commenced making cider of pure apple juice, and since his products have been introduced they have found a ready sale and created a permanent market. The apples are supplied by the orchards of the valley and adjacent foothills, ground by steam power at the rate of eight hundred boxes a day, the juice being pressed out and conducted into three large tanks, one of ten thousand gallons, one of eight thousand, and one of six thousand five hundred. It here goes through a process known only to Mr. Martinelli, and after it has aged two years it is drawn off, bottled, and ready for use. A peculiarity characteristic of this cider is, the longer it is bottled the better it becomes, and it is guaranteed to keep and improve in quality in any climate. It is the only genuine apple cider made in quantity in the State, and, as before intimated, it needs only to be introduced to be continually used. It is steadily gaining ground as a wholesome beverage, and the capacity of the manufactory is being accordingly increased. San Francisco wholesale houses that handle it are: Maison & Feldman, corner Jackson and Sansome Streets; Cartan & McCarthy, 312 Sacramento Street; and Buneman & Martinoni, 403 Front Street. At the last State Fair Mr. Martinelli received a medal for the best cider exhibited, although there were several Eastern competitors.
TANNERIES.
The large quantity of tanbark oak which grows in this county has made possible the existence of a number of tanneries, and has been an important factor in making the industry profitable. The tanneries in this county are owned by R. C. Kirby, A. K. Kron & Co., Rued & Biegle, and Bahr & Jessen.
Mr. Kirby is going out of the business in a short time, and the firm of A. K. Kron & Co. will be the leading institution of the kind in the county. Their manufactured products are worth $160,000 annually. They employ from thirty to thirty-five men, and every year pay for wages from $16,000 to $18,000; for tanbark, $25,000; for hides, about the same amount; for wood, $1,000; and for incidentals, from $2,000 to $5,000.
The members of the firm are: Mrs. A. K. Kron, H. F. Kron, F. R. Kron, and O. J. Kron. They have a wholesale leather and commission house at 125 Clay Street, San Francisco, under the management of O. J. Kron. The Santa Cruz Tannery is under the immediate supervision of H. F. Kron, and a branch tannery in Sydney, Australia, where fifty thousand kangaroo skins are annually made into leather, is conducted by F. R. Kron.
Among other things manufactured in the county are carriages, wagons, and agricultural implements, railroad cars, machinery, boilers, barrels, etc.
MINING.
Geologically speaking, the Coast Range Mountains are of comparatively recent formation, and among mining men the opinion has become self-evident that gold does not exist in this range in paying quantities. But preconceived opinions many times in the past have been compelled to submit to uncompromising and inexorable facts. Recent discoveries of quartz rock, bearing gold in paying quantities, made in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, have dissipated all theories in regard to the impossibility of the existence of gold in so new a formation as this range of mountains.
In Santa Cruz County gold has been found at various times and in varying quantities, but no systematic and energetic effort has ever been made to develop this resource of the county. A cañon known as Gold Gulch shows color in almost every part of it, and wages have been made with a pan and shovel in this locality in days agone. Many years ago a huge bowlder was discovered in this cañon, from which was extracted $35,000 in gold. Whether this bowlder was detached from a lead in the immediate vicinity, or whether ages ago it was broken from the mother lode in the Sierras, and ultimately found its way here, is a question that has not been determined. But certain it is that a gentleman by the name of Stribling has located a quartz mine a few miles northwest of Santa Cruz, and has developed it to that extent which proves that it is a valuable property. Without entering into the details of assays, I may say that the lead is clearly defined, the ore easily milled, and the percentage of gold high enough to make the mine profitable to Mr. Stribling, although operated upon a limited scale. The gold is of exceedingly fine quality, and, in the opinion of those who have investigated the mine, including an expert from the State Mining Bureau, the property is valuable, and only awaits development to become profitable.
The auriferous sands of the long stretch of beach of the Bay of Monterey are destined to become the source of a considerable revenue to the county. Heretofore, while there has been no question but that gold has existed in large quantities in these black sands, its fineness has prevented the successful use of all methods to save it. But it is now claimed that new machinery has been invented which will extract every color; and a number of prominent citizens of the county have undertaken to develop this industry. If the machinery proves a success, as they sanguinely expect, their enterprise will make them wealthy, as beds of this sand are to be found a mile and a half inland, underlying the foothills and mountains, and belonging to a post tertiary formation.
The bitumen beds of this county, noted in the first part of this publication, are located near the coast, several miles above the town of Santa Cruz. They are to be found upon the lands of a number of our citizens, notably upon the property of Henry Cowell, Austin Walrath, and G. P. Laird. The beds on the Walrath property have been most extensively developed, and the mining of this bituminous rock, and transporting it to market, form one of the prominent industries of the county. The Walrath mine gives employment to not less than fifty men in this county; four hundred to six hundred tons of rock are mined weekly, and shipped to various parts of the State, being used principally for street pavement. This mine is under the superintendency of Mr. R. J. Majors. The rock is superior quality, and the deposit so extensive that many years will be required to exhaust it. The average output of the bitumen mines of this county since the 1st of last April, for five months, has been about one hundred tons daily.
Bituminous rock is the current name for this substance, but it does not very much resemble a rock. It is of a plastic nature, black in color, and very heavy. In fact, it is the residuum of a petroleum bed. Among other properties which an assay shows is a uniform percentage of $2.00 worth of gold to the ton. As above remarked, bitumen is used principally for making pavement, and is unquestionably the cheapest and best material for making street pavements known to the scientific and commercial world.
The utilization of a part of the vast mountain of limestone in this county, heretofore referred to, has made many lime quarries and kilns, but the conversion of limestone into lime is a manufacturing industry, and is discussed under the title of manufactories.
No successful effort has been made to develop the deposits of cement and beds of clay suitable for making terra cotta ware, which exist in this county to a considerable extent. The time will come when these natural resources will be profitably utilized. Clay for making brick is to be found in many parts of the county, and the industry is operated to the extent of supplying the local demand.
EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL FEATURES.
Fertility of soil, climatic advantages, and general natural resource features, do not constitute the sum of attractions which entice the home seeker. There are islands in the Pacific Ocean inhabited by savages, whose daily wants are bountifully supplied by nature without effort on their part. Here are to be found the natural advantages that constitute an earthly paradise; but the home seeker is not traveling that way very rapidly. As yet the natives do not
"Hear the tread of pioneers
Of nations yet to be;
The first low wash of waves,
Where soon will roll a human sea."
The great desideratum in these places is a lack of educational, religious, and social advantages, which, after all, affect the happiness of the human family to a greater extent than fertile soil and salubrious climate.
California being a comparatively new country, in the minds of many good Eastern people the opinion is liable to obtain that society here is crude, education, not of a high order, and religion confined to the missionaries. On the contrary, here are to be found social conditions which indicate the very highest order of civilization, educational advantages entitled to rank among the best, and religions representing every creed of the Christian church, religions orthodox, religions heterodox, and religions eclectic. I venture to say that nowhere in the United States, in proportion to population, is so much attention given to religion as here in California. But it is these conditions in Santa Cruz County of which I would speak.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY.
Nothing more forcibly illustrates the wonderful progress which has taken place in Santa Cruz since 1850 than the great improvement shown in the public schools and educational system. The first school in the county was established in 1848, by Mrs. Case. She conducted this school for two years, the following families sending their children: A. A. Hecox, three; Mrs. Patterson, two; J. L. Majors, two; N. Rodgers, one; B. A. Pierce, one; Eli Moore, three; P. Sinclair, two, and N. B. Gamm, one. Mrs. Case was succeeded by H. S. Lovel, who subsequently opened an academy with A. A. Hecox, Elihu Anthony, H. S. Loveland, S. Bennett, and J. McLam as trustees. He conducted it for eight, months, and was succeeded by Mr. and Mrs. D. -----, followed by C. K. Ercanback, who was succeeded by Mr. Frick.
The first public school in Santa Cruz was opened in 1853, with Mr. Frick as principal, and A. B. Case, H. Imus and Rev. T. W. Hinds as trustees. In 1857 the main room of the Mission Hill schoolhouse was constructed. At that time William Anthony and R. C. Kirby were trustees. Since the first year the following have successively filled the position of principal of the Santa Cruz Public School: R. Osborne, Mrs. E. Farnham, T. W. Hinds, T. M. Gatch, S. M. Gaylord, S. W. Blakely, — Slidell, W. R. Desty, C. P. Bailey, T. M. Gatch, E. Broadhead, H. E. Makinney, Ed. Anderson, and D. C. Clark, the present incumbent, who has held the position for the past seven years.
When established, in 1853, this was the only public school in the county, and there were twenty-five pupils on the roll. In 1891 there were three thousand seven hundred and thirty-three children between the ages of five and seventeen attending the public schools in this county, and four thousand nine hundred and ninety-four census children of the same age. There are sixty-two schoolhouses in this county, and ninety-nine teachers—eleven men and eighty-eight women. The average monthly wages paid the male teachers are $96.36; the female teachers, $57.93. The amount of money received from county taxes for the public schools during the fiscal year was $22,475.70. There are five private schools in the county and thirteen teachers of the same, and two hundred and sixty-one pupils attending..
The current expenses for the public schools for the past fiscal year are as follows: Cash paid for teachers' salaries, $56,923.15; cash for rents, fuel, and contingent expenses, $12,941.65; cash paid for libraries, $867; cash paid for school apparatus, $1,419.45, which, together with cash paid for sites, buildings, and school furniture, makes a grand total of expenditures, $79,580.60. The lots, schoolhouses, and furniture of the county are valued at $132,400; school libraries are valued at $11,050; school apparatus, $6,975, making a total valuation of $150,424. There are twelve thousand two hundred and fifty-six volumes in the school libraries of this county. The Santa Cruz High School fits pupils for the State University.
THE PAJARO VALLEY ORPHAN ASYLUM FOR BOYS.
When, in 1769, the Portola expedition set out from San Diego to find the port of Monterey, as has been previously noted, they traveled around the entire bay, without discovering the fact.
The historian of the party notes that after crossing the Pajaro River they camped for a while in the vicinity of several beautiful lakes, while a party of soldiers, comprising the escort of their expedition, explored the country thirty miles northward, and until they came to the base of a high range of mountains. These lakes still remain one of the most picturesque features of this productive and beautiful valley; but the hand of nature has wrought wonderful changes since Father Crespi wrote the foregoing facts in his journal. Fields of grain, thrifty orchards, gardens, berry patches, hop fields, and most every other product known to this latitude, surround these pretty and artistic lakes, and yet perhaps than these there is a more conspicuous landmark, another and greater evidence of civilization, where the light of human kindness is cast among the shadows that hang over the valley of death, and brightens the pathways of many little ones deprived of the love and fostering care of parents.
Comprising a domain of two hundred and sixty acres, and located near the largest of these lakes, is the Pajaro Valley Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum for boys, in charge of Father Clementine Deymann, of the Order of St. Francis. At the time of this writing, June, 1891, there are in the asylum two hundred and sixty children, between the ages of five and fourteen years, and representing nearly every nationality. The State pays $100 per annum for the support and education of each orphan, and $75 for each child who has lost one parent only. This fund, with contributions from the churches of the diocese, and by the able and economical management of Father Deymann, provides support and care for the little unfortunates to be found here, equal to that obtained in the average home.
The buildings are situated upon a commanding knoll, so that even when the boys are on their inclosed playground, they have a view of much of the surrounding country. There are four class rooms, light, airy, and well ventilated. The dormitories, as well as every other part of the premises, are scrupulously clean and well provided with pure air. Each little bed accommodates one occupant, and the adjacent lavatory provides for the personal cleanliness of the little fellows. Four teachers look after the mental training of the boys, and the discipline manifested is excellent.
The dining room is twenty-five feet by one hundred feet in size, and has two rows of tables, capable of seating all the children. That so many little mouths consume a vast quantity of food is apparent from the fact that the baker uses a barrel and a quarter of flour daily. Their diet is plain and wholesome, and approved by Dr. W. D. Rodgers, the attending physician.
In the successful management, of an institution like this a great deal of attention must be given to details. When Father Deymann took charge, five years ago, the asylum was comparatively a small institution. The number of pupils has doubled since then, but the Father has inaugurated such a perfect system that there are no leaks, and in recognition of the principle that "a dollar saved is a dollar earned," the place is equipped with a blacksmith shop, a complete set of plumbers' tools, carpenter shop, tailor shop, steam laundry, dairy, and other appliances and appurtenances necessary for the conducting and management of the institution, while laborers are employed skilled in the use of the tools for the trades above enumerated.
The hospital is singularly free of patients, as the health of the children is considerably above the average. The death rate is no more than one in two hundred every year, or only about one-half the rate of the American mortality table. This fact speaks volumes for the remedies used,—pure air, exercise, and the use of plenty of water. The bath tubs are large enough for the children to swim in.
Father Deymann is a German who came to America in 1863, at the age of eighteen years. He was educated at St. Joseph College, Teutopolis, Illinois. He was for six years a professor in the college from which he graduated, and for three years chaplain of the State penitentiary at Joliet. He came to California in 1886, and the success that he has met with in conducting the establishment with which he is identified bespeaks a special aptitude for and love of his work.
CHESNUTWOOD'S BUSINESS COLLEGE.
Conspicuous among the educational features of this county is Chesnutwood's Business. College, in the city of Santa Cruz. It was established February 4, 1884, by Professor J. A. Chesnutwood, its present principal and proprietor. The object of the institution is to qualify students for a practical business life, and its success is best measured by the fact that its graduates have entered banks and prominent business houses in various cities of the State, and have given universal satisfaction. It differs from other institutions of a similar character in that there are no classes nor class graduations. The pupil commences at the bottom round and climbs the ladder just as quickly as his industry and aptitude will permit him. By this method the intelligent and industrious youth is not held back by the dotard or sluggard. Chesnutwood's is the first college of this kind in the State.
The school was established with seven pupils; now the roll calls for two hundred and fifty. The school has steadily advanced until it has outgrown its present accommodations, and work has been inaugurated by the F. A. Hihn Company upon a new brick building at the corner of Pacific and Walnut Avenues, which will be especially constructed for the use of Professor Chesnutwood, and will accommodate four hundred pupils.
Besides the regular business course, shorthand and typewriting are taught by a competent instructor. In short, a diploma from this institution is not only a guarantee of the graduate's qualifications, but is a very valuable recommendation to the business world.
SHORTHAND AND TYPEWRITING INSTITUTE.
A school of shorthand and typewriting is conducted in Santa Cruz by Mr. W. M. Gardner, who teaches the Ben Pitman system of phonography, and instructs his pupils how to play on the Remington typewriter, of which G. G. Wickson & Co., of 3 and 5 Front Street, San Francisco, are the Pacific Coast agents, That Mr. Gardner is a competent instructor is indicated by a large, and increasing number of pupils. He is the teacher of this department in Chesnutwood's Business College, Terms for tuition, etc, furnished upon application.
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY.
Santa Cruz Union was organized May, 1883, with about forty members. Mrs. E. Spalsbury, President; Mrs. A. A. Taylor, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. M. Willet, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Richard Thompson, Treasurer.
Under the auspices of the society a free reading room was established, which was well sustained until the Young Men's Christian Association was organized, when it was given to them as a nucleus for their library. Excellent work was done among the boys in a company, called the Boys' Brigade, under Mesdames Perry and Lindsay. Among other work was the organization of a Young Woman's Union, a good deal of charitable work, editing a column in the local press, holding of gospel temperance meetings, all churches uniting, educational work in all departments, helping to make public sentiment for prohibition and the enfranchisement of women. The society numbers at present about sixty members. Mrs. M. Everts, President; Mrs. Ella Pringle, Secretary.
Watsonville Everts Union duplicates the National Departments of work. It is aggressive and abreast of the times in its methods; and quick to seize opportunities, hence is a growing union. The kindergarten at Watsonville found the union helpful both with means and sympathy. The interests of the union are well represented in its membership of earnest workers.
Highland Union, organized October, 1888, is a center of influence and work. It aims at self-improvement of members, also helping others in the same line. They have done much evangelistic work, and helped on the Woman's Suffrage course. Liquor selling has also felt the influence of their work, and found it to be unprofitable. This union, although small in numbers, is strong in its efforts for the cause of truth and sobriety, endeavoring to make their town a safe place for its young people to grow to worthy citizenship. MRS. E. G. GREENE.
THE SCHOOL OF THE HOLY CROSS.
This is the leading Catholic school of the county, conducted by the Sisters of Charity. It is a boarding and day school for young ladies and children, and was established in 1862. During the past year a large and commodious building was constructed, which is admirably adapted to the purposes for which it was designed. The school is one of the best in the State, the course of instruction thorough and complete, and the terms unusually moderate, as the following will attest: Board and tuition, $15 per month; with music and drawing, $20; entrance fee, paid but once, $10, and no extras. I take pleasure in speaking in commendation of this school, knowing of the healthy moral tone which pervades the institution, and the industry and lovable qualities of the Sister Superior and her assistants.
CHURCHES.
The Catholics were the first to establish a church in Santa Cruz, and still retain their prestige of prominence. The Santa Cruz Mission was established September 25, 1791. July 4, 1858, a new church was dedicated, which, although commodious at the time, was inadequate for the needs of the parish several years ago. In the year 1889 a new brick church, costing $35,000, was duly dedicated. Father McNamee is the parish priest and the one under whose supervision this church was built. He holds service twice a month at Aptos, and estimates the number of Catholics in his parish at one thousand five hundred. In Watsonville Father Marron has charge of a parish numbering about one thousand two hundred members. The Protestant churches of this county are about twenty in number, and there are about two thousand five hundred communicants. In Santa Cruz there are the Congregational, Methodist, German Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Christian, Adventist, and Universalist; in Soquel, the Congregational; in Corralitos, the Christian; at Highland, the Presbyterian; at Ocean View, the Congregational; in Boulder Creek, the Methodist; in Watsonville, the Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, Episcopal, and Danish Church. In Santa Cruz there is a Spiritualistic organization, and a branch of the Theosophical Society.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Much of the history of Santa Cruz County is enshrined in the Catholic Church, and the first chapters of this work refer to it. It began its existence here, with the first dawn of civilization, in a tent. Its next habitation was an adobe building, and this served during the mission period of Santa Cruz. Sometime during the '50's a frame building was constructed, and this served until recently, and until Father Hugh McNamee became the parish priest. He observed that the city and its surroundings had outgrown the modest structure in which his people assembled to worship, and, as a result of these observations and of subsequent work, the Catholics now worship in a magnificent brick building, which cost $35,000. September, 1891, was the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Santa Cruz Church, and was appropriately celebrated by the erection of a handsome granite memorial arch, a cut of which appears in this connection. The church is prosperous, the congregation large, and Father McNamee, the priest in charge, one of those untiring workers who have contributed much to its growth and prosperity.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The origin of the movement which resulted in the formation of the body of people known in the world as the Disciples of Christ, or Christian Church, dates back to the beginning of the present century.
Alexander Campbell and his father, Thomas Campbell, were Scotch Presbyterians, who came to America from Scotland, in 1809. They, by study and observation, largely, became convinced that there was too much bitterness and strife among professed Christians. They saw the evils of party spirit, and at once began to search for the remedy by which a divided church could be united and God's people be restored to that peace and fellowship that existed in the apostolic church.
Their investigations led them to the conclusion that the only platform upon which all Christians could be united is "the Bible, and the Bible alone, as the only rule of faith and practice;" that human names and human creeds in religion are necessarily divisive and schismatical. They announced these doctrines to the world from pulpit and press, the result of which was that many thoughtful and good people were attracted to the new faith and were finally identified with it. The times were ripe for such a movement. The people had long been in bondage to human tradition and superstition, and were patiently waiting for some Moses to come and bring them out of the land of bondage. A movement of this kind naturally aroused opposition. It struck to the very heart of the religious fanaticism, an intolerance that then so largely prevailed. It called out a return fire from all who were wedded to their creeds more than to Christ. The opponents of the movement resorted more to ridicule and reproach than to argument. They took up the cry of "Campbellites," and tried to fasten a human name upon the new body, notwithstanding they repudiated all human names in religion. But that reproachful epithet, among all fair-minded and intelligent people, has fallen into an "innoxious desuetude,"
The Christian Church has passed through three-quarters of a century of its history; these have been years of wonderful growth and progress. It has reached in this time a million communicants. It has extended into the Canadas, to islands of the ocean, and across the great waters into the dark continents of the earth. Everywhere it has been the friend of humanity, of education and good government. It has more than half a hundred of colleges and institutions of learning. It has over six thousand churches and five thousand preachers.
The Christian Standard and the Christian Evangelist are the leading papers of the denomination in the United States; they have an immense circulation. The Christian Commonwealth, published in London, is also a paper that wields an immense influence in religious matters, through the British realm.
The history of the church in California is briefly stated. In 1853 Thomas Thompson, the stepfather of the late Thomas H. Laine, organized the first Christian Church at Santa Clara. The first State convention was organized at Stockton, in 1856. The growth of the church has been steady, but not rapid. The State Board of Missions was organized at Sacramento as late as 1880. Since that time there has been a more rapid growth than in any other Protestant body in the State.
The church in the State numbers about ten thousand; it has one hundred churches and seventy-five preachers. It sustains a State paper, besides several parish papers. It has three colleges in the State, sustained by the patronage of the church.
The question of the permanent location of the State convention has been agitated for several years. At the State convention at Woodland, in 1887, it was unanimously voted to locate. At Irvington, in 1888, a committee reported in favor of that place, but the convention rejected the report of the committee and deferred the matter for another year. but appointed J. W. Craycroft and H. Hoget a standing committee to look out a location.
On April 15, 1889, E. B. Ware, the general manager of the State work, wrote a letter to C. J. Todd, of Santa Cruz, in which he recited the action of the Irvington convention, and suggested to Todd that, if opportunities were afforded, the Christian Church of California might build up a "second Pacific Grove at Santa Cruz." This letter was handed by Mr. Todd to Mrs. Nellie Ohden, of Beach Hill, who took it to the Sentinel Office, on the twentieth day of April. The Sentinel, under the caption of "A Second Pacific Grove," published an editorial which gave the contents of the letter to the public in substance, and called the attention of the citizens to the importance of such a move.
The twenty-eighth day of May the general manager, E. B. Ware, directed Henry Stadle, State evangelist, who was then on his way to Santa Cruz, to investigate the advantages of Santa Cruz as a place for permanent location. He was directed to see the railroad agent and other landowners, and see what could be done. The 8th of June he went to Santa Cruz and made the investigations. He saw Mr. Hihn, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Fitch, and drove out and looked at the land now known as Garfield Park. He reported to the general manager the results of his investigations, on the twelfth day of June.
On the twentieth day of July following, David Walk came to Santa Cruz. He preached for the church at De Lamatio's Hall on the 21st. There he learned of the efforts that had been made looking for a location at Santa Cruz. His business eye at once saw the advantages of such a move, and he, in company with H. Frank Vandy, went to work in earnest to consummate the work which had been so favorably begun. They soon succeeded in enlisting several business men in the enterprise. The Santa Cruz Surf, ever alive to the interests of the city, began at once to unfold the advantages of such a movement. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Fitch, Mr. King, Mr. Bushnell, Mr. Younglove, Mr. Hihn, and others donated the land, and a cash donation of $3,000 was guaranteed, the result of which was that, at the State convention at Ukiah, on the 10th of September, 1889, the donation was accepted, and Garfield Park became a fixed fact in the history of the Christian Church and of Santa Cruz County.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first two professing Christians of the Baptist faith in Santa Cruz were Jonathan Guild and wife; the next two, Alonzo Pollard and wife. "The Lord sent his disciples two by two," so the next two were I. Sprague and wife, and then the Rev. Charles Sprague and wife, sent by the Southern Baptist Convention as missionaries. In the year 1858 the church society was organized, with the last-named gentleman as pastor. Valuable assistance in organizing was given by the Rev. Mr. Foreman, and an attempt was made to secure a lot for the church in the central part of the town, known as the " Flat." In 1863 the second pastor, J. A. Worth, was called and remained with the church a year and seven months. The fourth pastor was Rev. J. B. Knight. During his pastorate the New Hampshire articles of faith were adopted, and the church put in fellowship with the general organization.
The members, owning no place of worship, accepted the offer, made by Deacon Guild, of the lot on Locust Street, near its junction with Mission. Upon this lot a church was built, and dedicated August 11, 1867, by Rev. J. T. Ludlow, of San Francisco. Pastor Knight left in November of that year. For a period of three or four years the church had several licentiates, among whom were the Rev. John Francis and Emerson Andrew. The fifth pastor was Rev. O. C. Wheeler, and the sixth, Rev. J. H. McKusick, who was sent here in July, 1872, by the American Baptist Home Mission Association.
About this time, the efforts to secure the grading of Locust Street being unsuccessful, a second attempt was made to secure a location on the Flat, where the church would be more centrally located; but this also resulted in a failure.
The seventh pastor was the Rev. J. H. Teale, who arrived in June, 1877. Rev. T. W. Ford was the eighth. pastor, and remained until December,1879, being followed by Rev. C. C. Bateman in 1880, Rev. S. J. Weil in 1881, Rev. W. B. Winn in 1882, Rev. C. L. Fisher in 1884.
In 1884 a few meetings were held on Walnut Avenue, and an attempt was made to move the church building to the Flat. The result was the same as before,—a failure and disappointment.
Rev. T. M. Merriman was called to the pastorate in the summer of 1886. The movement of the church to the Flat was again agitated. The pastor made the acquaintance of Chaplain Scott, of the United States Army, who entered into the enthusiasm and importance of the work to be done in Santa Cruz. In January, 1887, Mr. Merriman secured the refusal of a desirable lot on Walnut Avenue, and a syndicate of church people was formed to purchase the property. In February the lot was bought, for $1,500. In July following a series of Grand Union concerts, conducted by Chaplain Scott, who was encamped in Santa Cruz with his regiment, was given in the pavilion. From these measures over $500 was realized.
On August 14, 1887, the last services were held in the meetinghouse on the hill, and four days later the building was lifted from its foundation and safely landed in its present location on the Flat. On November 20, 1887, the dedication was celebrated, the sermon being delivered by Chaplain Scott.
Calvin Gault, of Branciforte, offered the church a lot if it would build a church in that part of town and open a Sunday school. The offer was accepted, the church built, and the Sunday school is now in operation. F. S. Lawrence was called to the pastorate of the church and began his work in October, 1889. He found the church in debt and somewhat discouraged, part of its members having recently withdrawn and organized a second church, leaving sixty members in all (with only six or seven members of that number male members), who rallied about their pastor and worked in the interest of their church. As a partial result, the membership has been more than doubled, not only in members but efficiency. A debt of over $1,000 has recently been paid, and several hundred dollars spent in repairs and improvements.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church in Santa Cruz was established in 1889. On the 1st of June of that year Rev. T. D. Seward came to this city for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church here. There were a number of Presbyterians living in Santa Cruz, either affiliating with other churches or waiting for someone to do what Mr. Seward came here contemplating doing. On June 2, 1889, the first services of the Presbyterians were held at the Young Men's Christian Association Hall, and on the following June 5 the first prayer meeting was held. June 9 their Sabbath school was organized. On June 20 the ladies of the Presbyterian Church met at the residence of Mrs. W. T. Holliday for consultation regarding their department of the church work. Sunday, June 30, a church was organized with thirty members. George W. Alexander, A. M. Johnston, and John P. Twist were chosen ruling elders and Gavin Aitchison and Gilbert Goodwin as deacons. Services were first held in Young Men's Christian Association Hall and the following winter they moved to Masonic Hall. In 1890 they rented the Unity Church building, on Walnut Avenue. Next year they purchased a $6,000 lot at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Streets, and bought the Unity Church building and moved it thither. Rev. S. A. Cornelius has been the only pastor they have had since the church was organized. They have now a membership of seventy-five.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SANTA CRUZ.
The history of the First Congregational Church dates from May 25, 1857. In the evening of that date a meeting of Christian people gathered at the home of William Anthony, for the purpose of organizing a church, which was to be either Congregational or Presbyterian, as the majority should determine. The minutes of this meeting are still preserved, and from them is taken the following list of names of those present: Rev. T. W. Hinds, Dr. A. W. Rawson, William Anthony and his wife, C. C. Anthony, Joseph Ruffner, Richard Williams, Thomas Pilkington; also Rev. William Brayton, of San Jose, who was in Santa Cruz on a visit.
Mr. Brayton was chairman of the meeting, and one of its leading spirits. Thomas Pilkington was secretary. The only business done at this meeting was the appointment of a committee of three: Nelson Taylor, William Anthony and Thomas Pilkington, to secure a building in which meetings might be held and preaching had until the new church was organized.
The next meeting was on June 9. Another committee was appointed, to find a suitable church site, and report upon its price, etc. This committee consisted of S. A. Bartlett, Dr. Rawson, and William Anthony.
The third meeting was held July 26. The committee recommended the purchase of a lot owned by W. E. Wilson, "on a proposed street running past said Wilson's house to the foot of the hill, intersecting a street running round the base of the hill." The report was accepted and Nelson Taylor was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of buying the lot and putting up a building.
The fourth meeting was held on July 26. The attendance was very large, for at this meeting the question of denomination was to be decided. The vote revealed that just exactly half those present wished to unite with the Congregational Church, while the other half were Presbyterians. The Presbyterians proposed that if the Congregationalists would accept the confession of faith of the Howard Street (San Francisco) Presbyterian Church, they would join in and organize the church under the Congregational system of government. The proposition was accepted. Thomas Pilkington and William Anthony were chosen deacons.
The organization was completed on September 22. The first pastor was Rev. I. S. Zelie; the second was Dr. W. C. Bartlett, later editor of the San Francisco Evening Bulletin. Dr. Bartlett was followed by Dr. J. S. Frear, and he by Dr. S. H. Willey. The next pastor was Rev. M. Willett, who holds the pastorate at the time of this writing.
The present membership of the church is about three hundred, and the church is in a most flourishing condition.
In the year 1890 an imposing church edifice was erected at the corner of Lincoln and Center Streets. This was dedicated on January 18, 1891.
SANTA CRUZ METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Elihu Anthony, a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to Santa Cruz with his family about the middle of January, 1848. Two months later he organized a class or society under the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The members were as follows: A. A. Hecox and wife, B. A. Case and wife, Elihu Anthony and wife, Miss Jane Vanando, Mrs. Lynn, Mary A. Dunlevy, Caroline Matthews, Silas Hitchcock, and M. Reed.
It was decided that Elihu Anthony should serve as preacher in charge and administer the discipline until the church on this coast should be organized by its regular ministry.
In 1850 Rev. William Taylor came down from San Francisco to hold what was termed the society's first quarterly meeting. The organization had by this time increased in numbers and influence. Elihu Anthony continued in charge. In the course of the same year a house of worship was built, to be used also as a schoolhouse. This house was dedicated in December, 1850, by Rev. William Taylor, who is now a bishop of the Methodist Church, with his field of labor in Africa.
Rev. James W. Bryer was engaged as pastor. He remained one year. He was succeeded in 1851 by D. A. Dryden, who remained one year. The third minister was Brother Shafer. Rev. W. S. Turner came in 1854; P. C. Buchanan was next, in 1855. The sixth preacher was Alfred Highbie, succeeded in 1858 by William Gaffney. C. H. Lawton was appointed in 1859, remained two years, and was succeeded by R. W. Williamson. He was followed by P. Y. Cool, in 1862. During Mr. Cool's pastorate a new church was built, on Mission Hill. The eleventh preacher was C. V. Anthony, and the twelfth, E. A. Hazen. Mr. Hazen remained two years, from September, 1865. P. L. Hanes was appointed in 1867, returned to the same charge in 1868, and again in 1869. P. R. Tansey was the next, and was followed, in 1871, by A. P. Nelson. The appointee for 1872 was P. Y. Cool, who had been there ten years before. Mr. Cool remained two years this time. The seventeenth preacher was W. D. Hunter, appointed in 1874, reappointed in 1875. Wesley Peck came in 1876; J. D. Trefin, in 1878; Wesley Dennett, in 1881 ; C. G. Milnes, in 1883; J. W. Bryant, in 1884; J. L. Mann, in 1887; E. E. Dodge, In 1888; E. D. McCreery, in 1889. Mr. McCreery was reappointed in 1890, and again in 1891.
SOCIETIES.
Santa Cruz County has the usual quota of social and fraternal organizations. Numerically, the strongest organization in the county is the Odd Fellows. There are four lodges, with a total membership of six hundred and seventy. There are two Masonic lodges, with a membership of about two hundred and twenty-five. The Knights of Pythias have two lodges, with a total membership of about two hundred and thirty-five. The Workmen have three lodges, with a membership of about two hundred and thirty-five. The Knights of Honor have two lodges, with a membership of one hundred and fifty. The membership in the other orders of the county is considerably less. Following is a list of all the orders in the county:
Santa Cruz Chapter, No. 38, R. A. M.; Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 38, F. and A. M.; Idlewild Chapter, No. 19, O. E. S.; Pajaro Lodge, No. 110, E. and A. M.; Temple Chapter, No. 41, R. A. M.; Lily of the Valley Chapter, No, —, O. E. S. ; Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, K. T.; Branciforte Lodge, No. 96, I. O. O. F.; San Lorenzo Lodge, No. 147, I. O. O. F.; Santa Cruz Encampment, No. 30, I. O. O. F.; Soquel Lodge, No. 137, I. O. O. F.; Watsonville Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F.; Isabella Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F.; Soquel Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. —, I. O. O. F.; Avalon Lodge, No. 89, K. of P.; Iolanthe Lodge, No. 113, K. of P.; Santa Cruz Parlor, No. 90, N. S. G. W.; Watsonville Parlor, No. 65, N. S. G. W.; El Pajaro Parlor, No. —, N. D. G. W.; Santa Cruz Parlor, No. 26, N. D. G. W.; J. F. Reynolds Post, No. 98, G. A. R.; J. F. Reynolds Woman's Relief Corps; Commissary Department, Reynolds Post, G. A. R.; W. H. L. Wallace Post, No. 32, G. A. R.; R. L. McCook Post, No. 26, G. A. R.; Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 46, A. O. U. W.; Boulder Creek Lodge, No. 240, A. O. U. W.; Watsonville Lodge, No. 45, A. O. U. W.; Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 2046, K. of H.; Watsonville Lodge, No. 2045, K. of H.; Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 506, American Legion of Honor; Santa Cruz Stamm, No. 125, U. O. R. M.; Minnehaha Tribe, No. 15, I. O. R. M.; Santa Cruz Division, No. 2, A. O. H.; Santa Cruz Council, No. 25, United Friends of the Pacific; Watsonville Council, Chosen Friends; Madrona Grove, No. 21, U. A. O. D.; Catholic Benevolent Society, No. 270; Young Men's Institute, No. 12 ; Young Ladies' Institute, No. 12; Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 499, I. O. G. T.; Pajaro Valley Lodge, No. 292, I. O. G. T.; Eureka Division, No. 4, S. of T.; Soquel Division, No. —, S. of T.: Santa Cruz Branch Y. M. C. A.; Ladies' Auxiliary Y. M. C. A.; Santa Cruz Branch W. C. T. U.; Santa Cruz Branch Y. W. C. T. U.; Santa Cruz Council, No. 9, O. U. A. M.
SANTA CRUZ LODGE, NO. 38, F. AND A. M.
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 38, F. and A. M., was organized July 16, 1853, and began work under a dispensation granted by the Grand Master of California. The first officers were: Henry G. Blaisdell, Master; Albert Sinclair, Senior Warden; N. H. Stockton, Junior Warden; James Brunett, Treasurer; Peter Tracy, Secretary; D. W. Stowe, Senior Deacon.
The other members present at the organization were: C. P. Stevenson, T. M. Davis, C. Winterhalter, E. Y. Cannon, J. B. Arcan, Isaac Hitchcock, R. M. Chrisholm, Lucius Sanborn, Derbin Milburn, John Krederick, John Sillery, O. H. Shaefer. The lodge continued to work under this dispensation until the convening of the Grand Lodge in Sacramento in May, 1854.
At this session a charter was granted to the Santa Cruz Lodge, with N. H. Stockton as Master, D. Milburn as Senior Warden, H. W. Reck as Junior Warden. We find, by referring to this old charter, that it was signed by Charles Radcliff, Grand Master, and audited by Levi Stowell, Grand Secretary.
The lodge at present has a membership of one hundred and thirty-six, and owns a handsome temple on Pacific Avenue, worth $12,000.
The present officers are: Edward S. West, Master; John Severio, Senior Warden; Lawrence Lorenzen, Junior Warden; John Werner, Treasurer, Wm. H. Bias, Secretary; Edward McCreary, Chaplain; Uriah S. Nichols, Marshal; Herbert E. Cox, Senior Deacon; Wm. D. Haslam, Junior Deacon; Robert M. Wilkinson and Benjamin A. Plant, Stewards; Bernard Wise, Tyler.
THE BANGO CLUB.
On the 9th of September, 1876, a party of young men walked from Santa Cruz to T. D. Beasley's ranch, in the mountains, where was organized a Bango Club. The charter members were: T. D. Beasley, Robert Effey, Ed. Shoreland, — Lowree, Henry Heath, Humphrey Pilkington, Royal Heath, Robert George, Oscar and Hi Kron. Shortly afterwards Robert George resigned and Frank Kron was elected to fill the vacancy. The membership in this club is limited to ten. Its constitution sets forth that it was organized for pedestrianism in particular and conviviality in general. Walks to Watsonville and San Jose were frequently indulged in as an observance of the first clause, and the club often entertained as many as three hundred people during the week or two of their encampment.
The club is still intact, although its members are greatly scattered. The remaining living in Santa Cruz were in camp this year at the Big Trees, and entertained many guests royally, as in days of yore.
SANTA CRUZ CITY WATER SYSTEM.
Without doubt Santa Cruz is the best watered, as well as the best lighted, town on the Pacific Coast. She owns her own water supply and electric light works. The water system especially is a matter of great local pride, and; naturally enough, those connected with it take great pleasure in exhibiting it. When the writer communicated to the superintendent, Mr. O. F. Lincoln, his desire to learn something of the system, Mr. Lincoln took the historian in a buggy out to the reservoir and over the pipe line, and explained in detail the workings of the plan by which the city is supplied with an abundance of pure cold water. The chairman of the Water Committee, Mr. Werner Finkeldy, took the pains to supply me with copies of his official reports. From these I have taken some facts and figures, which I give below.
The city water works were constructed at a cost of $300,000, for which amount city bonds were voted at an election in 1888. The source of supply is Laguna Creek, a pure mountain stream, twelve miles from town. A reservoir holding sixty-five million gallons is located two miles north of the city, and fed from the fountain-head by a ten-mile line of fourteen-inch pipe. The mains on the streets comprise one mile of twelve-inch pipe, three and one-half miles of six-inch pipe, and fourteen miles of four-inch pipe. The pressure on the street mains is uniformly about one hundred pounds to the square inch. This is amply sufficient for all emergencies in case of fire, so Santa Cruz has no paid fire department and no fire engines. Still its losses by fire are much less than those ordinarily sustained by other towns of the same size. The total of fire losses for the year 1890 was about $1,400, and this in a town of seven thousand inhabitants, and town too built almost entirely of wood.
The supply is so plentiful that the stream from the fountain-head is at all times more than sufficient for the city's needs; and in the summertime, as it is somewhat cooler than that in the reservoir, it is turned directly into the street mains, leaving the sixty-five million gallons in the reservoir for a reserve. Whenever the rains have muddied the streams, the fresh supply is diverted into a cañon below the reservoir and the reserve drawn upon. Should the reservoir itself ever become contaminated or stagnant, it can be quickly emptied by means of pipe leading to this cañon. This is an unlikely contingency, however, for the water is pure, the reservoir is wind-swept in all directions, and there is no defouling vegetation in or near it.
Water rates are very low. A family of two pays forty cents per month, this charge including water for all possible domestic uses, baths, irrigation, etc. Each additional person over six years of age is charged ten cents per month. There are only a few unimportant streets unprovided for. After the extension is completed, rates will probably be still further reduced, and the people get water almost free.
RESIDENCE OF J. A. BLACKBURN.
The cut on this page is from a photo of the residence and grounds of Supervisor J. A. Blackburn. His place, comprising, besides what is shown in the engraving, an extensive orchard, is located in the outskirts of the town of Watsonville. Mr. Blackburn's orchard has been one of the most profitable pieces of property in the Pajaro Valley, and the results obtained from it have done much to encourage horticulture in this part of the county.
SANTA CRUZ, GARFIELD PARK, AND CAPITOLA ELECTRIC RAILWAY.
This institution is a recent and notable Santa Cruz enterprise. The establishment of Garfield Park made necessary a line of street cars or some other transportation facilities between the park and the city. The steep ascent to be obtained forbade the use of horses; so the new road had to be operated by either cable or electricity. This required so large an expenditure that capitalists doubted the profit of such an investment. This state of things was brought to the attention of J. P. Smith, a man of means who had lately made Santa Cruz his home. He had great confidence in the future of Santa Cruz, and, after investigating the matter thoroughly, he determined to put his capital into this enterprise. The existence of the Santa Cruz Electric Light and Power Company's plant rendered a new power house unnecessary, and arrangements were made with that company to furnish power for the cars of the electric road. Other gentlemen were interested in the project, prominent among whom are: F. W. Ely, Dr. H. H. Clark, F. W. Swanton, J. H. Logan, E. G. Greene, F. H. Parker, and E. H. Robinson. The company was incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000. Ground was broken August 21, 1891, and on November 26, five miles of track had been laid and the road was formally opened. The part of the road now completed runs from the Santa Cruz beach through the business part of town, and thence up Walnut Avenue to Mission Hill, and thence along Mission Street to Vue de l'Eau, on the cliffs overhanging the ocean. Here an elegant station and waiting room have been built, which is a splendid place to sit in comfort on stormy days, and watch the fury of the usually mild Pacific. The extension of the road to Capitola is contemplated.
THE HIHN COMPANY.
The Hihn Company is composed of F. A. Hihn, his sons, Louis W., August C., and Fred O., and his son-in-law, W. T. Cope. These form a Board of Directors, with August C. Hihn, President; W. T. Cope, Secretary, and F. O. Hihn, Treasurer.
Mr. F. A. Hihn is a pioneer of the State, and one of its wealthy and prominent citizens. Coming to this country at an early date, by industry, tact, and good management he has amassed a considerable fortune, the realty of which in this county is now being offered by the Hihn Company upon terms which will enable a man of very moderate means to secure a comfortable and profitable home.
The company owns about fifteen thousand acres of land in Santa Cruz County, two thousand acres of which are now covered with a magnificent growth of redwood forests. This redwood timber land, when cleared, makes the best fruit land in the State, as has been practically demonstrated.
Much of these extensive possessions, comprising fine farming and fruit land in the mountains and foothills, acreage and suburban home property near the Bay of Monterey, and lot property in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Felton, Valencia, and Fair View, are now offered for sale upon the following superior and unparalleled terms: At a sum to be mutually agreed upon, payable in ten annual installments, with interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, life insurance to the purchaser gratis to the extent of his indebtedness to the company for the property. Thus if, after making a purchase and paying one-tenth of the purchase price, the purchaser should die, the Hihn Company bind themselves in the contract of sale to make a deed of the property without further cost to the heirs of the deceased. They will build a house upon the property purchased from them, upon the same terms, except that the life insurance is only for the amount due upon the real estate, the purchaser paying the first year one-tenth of the total cost of the house and property, and paying an annual interest of eight per cent upon the whole until he has paid one-fourth of the total indebtedness, when his interest rate will be reduced to seven per cent. The Hihn Company has at present located about one hundred families upon these terms, and is doing a splendid work in securing homes for poor and industrious people, and developing the resources of the county.
The interests of the Hihn Company are extensive and voluminous, comprising besides the property above noted the water works of Santa Cruz, Soquel, and Capitola. A more general and definite idea of the magnitude of this firm's business may be obtained from the knowledge of the fact that their monthly expense account amounts to $20,000.
Parties desiring to avail themselves of the superior inducements offered by these people will address or call in person on the Hihn Company, at their office in the city of Santa Cruz.
HOME OF W. S. RODGERS.
Herewith will be found a cut of the home of Supervisor W. S. Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers' home is in the mountains seven miles above the town of Boulder Creek. A few years ago this section of the county was undeveloped, and comparatively uninhabited. Mr. Rodgers found the country a wilderness, and has hewn out of the redwoods a pleasant home amid picturesque surroundings. He has three hundred and twenty acres, some of it the finest timber land in the county. There are not less than four million feet of merchantable lumber on the place. A few acres in orchard and vineyard attest the adaptability of this place to fruit.
PAJARO VALLEY NURSERY.
The largest and most important nursery in Santa Cruz County, and one conspicuous among the prominent nurseries of the State, is owned and conducted by Mr. James Waters, of Watsonville, a pioneer and progressive citizen of the county.
The nursery was established in 1868, and was owned by Mr. Waters and Mr. J. A. Blackburn. It then consisted of ten acres. Five or six years later Mr. Waters became sole proprietor, and he has gradually increased its acreage until it consists of forty-five acres of all kinds of nursery stock adapted to California and adjacent Territories. From twelve to fifteen thousand trees grow upon an acre, from which it will be seen that Mr. Waters is capable of supplying the stock for an orchard of considerable size.
The demand in the local trade is principally for French prune trees and for apple trees, as the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the valleys and foothills of the county, are especially adapted to the growth of these fruits. To enumerate all the different varieties of trees which are grown in this nursery would require more space than can be given in this publication. To supply this information Mr. Waters has published a descriptive catalogue, designating by title everything which he grows, and containing much practical information relative to tree planting and the culture of several kinds of fruits which are conspicuous in this county.
The special advantages which are claimed for trees from his nursery are that they are grown in the very richest soil and without irrigation. The humidity of the atmosphere makes a source of water supply adequate for the most perfect growth and development of nearly all kinds of fruit trees, and many shrubs and plants.
For the benefit of the inexperienced horticulturist, it is necessary to state that the wood of irrigated trees is firmer, that they bear transplanting better, adapt themselves to the new soil and conditions more quickly, and present a healthier and more vigorous appearance than irrigated trees.
At the fair of the Pajaro District Association of Watsonville last year, Mr. Waters had on exhibition a French prune tree, showing a growth of twelve feet in one year; and, as a further illustration of the wonderful growth of the trees of his nursery, I have heard a story of a conscientious man who, after having purchased some nursery stock, returned to Mr. Waters and informed him that he had by mistake given him three-year-old trees instead of those of a yearly growth.
Mr. Waters does an extensive business throughout the State, and has filled orders from many sections of the Pacific Coast. Any person ordering goods from him may be sure of getting what they ordered, and of fair and honorable treatment.
LOMA ALTA FARM.
Half a century ago the Spanish Dons of the Santa Cruz Mission and vicinity, wishing some venison as a change from their usual carne con chilli, might ride to the commanding hills four miles east of the mission, known to them as Loma Alta, assured here among the wild oats of finding an abundance of game; and not infrequently here was secured a grizzly, which, dragged to town and penned, awaited their next gala day, perchance to meet its fate on the long, sharp horns of some wicked-eyed bull, singled for the occasion.
This commanding Loma Alta, and the lovely slopes, lying east and west from it, are now blossoming with the olive, and hanging heavy with the fruits of the orchard and the vine. Some two hundred and forty acres of open, sunny slopes and timbered cañons surrounding this, and belonging to Blakey and Humphrey Pilkington, are known as Loma Alta Farm. It is on the first tier of foothills, overlooking the Bay of Monterey, at an elevation of from three hundred and fifty to five hundred feet. About two-thirds of the place is adapted to cultivation, the untillable part consisting of barancas and arroyos, whose precipitous banks clearly indicate where in past ages beat the ceaseless surge of the ocean, now several miles distant, and several hundred feet lower. These cañons are timbered and abound in streams of sweet water, the valuable tillable land being in the intervening plateaus. The soil varies in character from a light sandy to a heavy dark loam. Forty-two acres are now in fruit just coming into bearing, twenty-four acres in New Town pippins apples which have never failed here in ten years; twelve acres in olives, three acres in Salway peaches, one acre in table grapes, the balance in family orchard—apples, pears, plums, peaches, prunes, quinces, grapes, figs, persimmons, chestnuts, filberts, oranges, and small fruits.
Much of this elevated and beautifully situated farm is comparatively free from frost, and well suited for early vegetables and fruit.
This property is now being placed upon the market in tracts of from twenty to one hundred acres. Each subdivision contains water, wood, and pasturage, with a large percentage of fruit land, improved and unimproved.
For further particulars address H. B. Pilkington, on the place, or post office box 361, Santa Cruz.
CORRALITOS WATER WORKS AND WATSONVILLE ELECTRIC LIGHT WORKS.
Corralitos Creek furnishes Watsonville with her water supply; and the motor which generates the electricity which lights the town. The water works and the electric light works are owned by Messrs. Frank Smith and W. W. Montague, of San Francisco, and are under the immediate supervision of Mr. A. White, of Watsonville. The water is brought a distance of eight miles to the town, first being discharged into two reservoirs, about two miles from town, with a capacity of two million six hundred thousand gallons. An engraving of one of these reservoirs, with a fountain forty feet in height, is herewith presented.
At the point of diversion of water from the stream, the elevation is two hundred and ninety feet above the town; at the reservoir, ninety feet. It is conducted to the reservoir through a fifteen-inch pipe, and thence to the town through an eight-inch pipe. The works were constructed in 1878, and have since supplied the town with water, and furnished besides water for irrigating annually about one hundred and seventy-five acres of strawberries and small fruits.
Recently Messrs. Smith & Montague have put in the Thompson-Houston Electric Light System. A Pelton wheel at the reservoir supplies the motor which runs the dynamo. The system has a capacity of three hundred and fifty lights, sixteen candle power each. The water works and cheap supply of incandescent light are an important feature of Watsonville.
PROFESSOR WITNEY'S ELECTRO-THERAPEUTIC BATHS.
This is the electric age. The human mind, with its multifold resources, is gathering together the silent, potent forces of nature, and utilizing them to subserve human needs. It does not require a spirit of prophecy to foresee that electricity will be the source of light and power. To a great extent it is already. That it should be a remedial agent for some of the "ills to which flesh is heir," is theoretically in the range of possibility, and actually a demonstrated fact.
Professor C. Witney has taken advantage of the natural hygienic features of Santa Cruz, and, with the aid of thermo-electric baths scientifically administered, he has contributed much to the relief of suffering mortals. Hot water is a specific for many ailments, and its combination with electricity makes a curative agent of great efficacy in rheumatism, neuralgia, and kindred complaints.
But it is not the purpose of the writer to deliver a lecture upon this subject, but to call attention to a hygienic institution, which is not the least important of the many desirable features of Santa Cruz. Professor Witney is located on Pacific Avenue. The accompanying engraving is from a photograph of his office and residence. Circulars, with testimonials, terms of treatment, etc., furnished upon application.
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler