1900 (1899) (1901) (1890-1900) (1900-1910) Table of Contents
Donald M. Cleland A History of the Santa Monica Schools 1876-1951, Santa Monica Unified School District, February 1952 (Copied for the Santa Monica Library, July 22, 1963). 140 pp., 1900 See Text
James W. Lunsford The Ocean and the Sunset, The Hills and the Clouds: Looking at Santa Monica, illustrated by Alice N. Lunsford, 1983, 1977, 1976, 1923, 1900, 1882, 1875 See Text
Santa Monica Planning
Division Santa Monica Landmarks Tour,
2003.
37. Bay Street Craftsman Cluster, circa 1900 See
Text
Jack Smith The Big
Orange Ward Ritchie Press: Pasadena, CA,
1976.
Santa Monica 1933, 1928, 1900, 1875, 1869, 1769, 1542
See
Text
Les Storrs Santa Monica Portrait of a City Yesterday and Today, Santa Monica Bank: Santa Monica, CA, 1974, 67 pp., 1900 See Text
Betty Lou Young Our First Century: The Los Angeles Athletic Club 1880-1980, LAAC Press: Los Angeles, California 1979, 176pp., 1900 See Text
Betty Lou Young and Randy Young Santa Monica Canyon: A Walk Through History Casa Vieja Press: Pacific Palisades, CA, 1997, 182pp., 1900 See Text
Notes:
Betty Lou Young Our First Century: The Los Angeles Athletic Club 1880-1980, LAAC Press: Los Angeles, California 1979, 176pp., 1900
"The (Los Angeles) population, which had reached 102,479 in 1900, now included only ten percent who were native born, the majority of new residents being fundamentalists of moderate means from the East and Middle West."
" . . . The Southern Caifornia Automobile Club was founded in 1900 by a small group of these [LAAC members] men."
According to the U.S. Census, Santa Moica"s population was 3,057 (Storrs, 1974, 1900), p. 287, 1908a
Documents
Harry Carr Los Angeles City of Dreams (Illustrated by E.H. Suydam), D. Appleton-Century Co.: NY, 1935, 402 pp., 1900
"It was not until Henry E. Huntington came south from San Francisco that culture began to be spelled with capital letters.
"Los Angeles was put on the map twice-by two railroad [p. 358] men-uncle and nephew-and by the two real estate booms they produced. Collis P. Huntington [1821-1900], the fighting war lord of the Southern Pacific Railroad, was probably the most hated man who ever lived in California. He was a rapacious tyrant who ruled politics in California like a czar. I can remember the Republican convention when the Southern Pacific sub-boss sat in a little room off the stage sending out his orders-making and breaking ambitions like the head clerk of a hotel snapping his fingers to the bell-hops. There is a legend at the State capital that all important laws were passed on the last day of the session. By that time the legislators were too bibulous to hear what was going on so they voted according to the necktie the reading clerk wore. It the clerk with the red tie read the bill, they voted Yes; No for the blue tie. "
Donald M. Cleland A History of the Santa Monica Schools 1876-1951, Santa Monica Unified School District, February 1952 (Copied for the Santa Monica Library, July 22, 1963). 140 pp., 1900
" . . .
In the early days, a good deal of bitterness had developed between the community that lay south of the arroyo and that which comprised the north section of Santa Monica. The southern portion of the city began to impute the city leaders from the north with unprogressiveness. As early as 1900, Ocean Park had had its own water system, post office, amusement pier, race track, and golf course. The fact that Ocean Park had developed its own business section and had its own school, churches, and civic organizations made the southsiders somewhat independent. Ocean Park, moreover, had become popular with summer visitors, a fact which some of the more conservative Santa Monica residents were inclined to minimize by referring to its amusement pier as "cheap and gaudy," and averred that it attracted "undesirable elements." The phenomenal growth of Ocean Park, they said, belonged in the "mushroom" category. [50. Pearl op. cit., p. 89.]
" . . .
Ingersoll's Century History Santa Monica Bay Cities (Being Book Number Two of Ingersoll's Century Series of California Local History Annals), 1908, 1908a, 1900
[p. 211] Chapter V. Expansion. 1900-1908.
The year 1900 was an epoch-making one for Santa Monica since it brought with it many events which were far-reaching in their influence and which were important factos in the era of unprecedented prosperity and growth which has marked the first years of the new century.
A radical change in the history of the town now brought about by the passage of the ordinance which made it a "no-saloon" town. Santa Monica had always been a "wide-open" town and while its citizens were just as respectable and law-abiding as those of any other beach town, the place had undoubtedly always been the favorite resort of the sporting element of Los Angeles. The proximity of the Soldiers' Home had also made it the scene of the "old boy's" license, when pension money was plenty. Every effort was made to suppress the disorderly element and as good order was maintained here, as a rule, as elsewhere, yet the town had long borne the reputation of being a "tough" place.
With the opening of 1900 a determined effort was made to secure a better order of things. One of the leaders in this attempt, was the late F[r]ederick H. Rindge, a man of great wealth, sincere religous zeal and large philanthropy. He devoted his time, energy and money to this fight for the good standing of Santa Monica, which was then his home city. The campaign opened with an all day Sunday service devoted to temperance and local option. As a result of the meeting of this day a committee of citizens, consisting of J.F. Kiggens, E.J. Vawter, J.H. Clark, D.J. Twichell, J.S. Knesel, M.H. Kimball, W.I. Hull, Dr. N.H. Hamilton, C.I.D. Moore, J.O. Jennings, Dr. C.T. Wilson, T.H. James, H.P. Wilber, D.G. Holt. Dr. Glen McWilliams and J.F. Dunham, with F.H. Rindge, as chairman, was appointed to confer with the Board of Trustees and secure the passage of an ordinance submitting the question of saloons or no saloons to the people at the coming election. As a consequence of the action of these gentlemen, the requisite ordinance was passed.
A vigorous, well organized, educational anti-saloon crusade followed. A series of public meetings was held on both the North and South sides at which such speakers as Bishop Montgomery, Dr. Chapman, Dr. Hugh Walker, J.F. Slauson, F.H. Rindge, the pastors of the city churches, particularly Dr. Glen McWilliams of the Christian church and Dr. Wilson of the Methodist church; and such business men as Roy Jones, W.S. and E.J. Vawter, D.G. [p. 212] Holt, and others took part. The churches of all sects; the anti-saloon forces of the county; the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Good Templars, and a large number of the property owners and business men of the town, worked together heartily to secure the passage of the "no-saloon" ordinance. The Santa Monica Outlook took a vigorous share in the effort and many who looked at the proposition simply from a business standpoint ranged themselves on the anti-saloon side.
Naturally the saloon element, and a good many citizens who honestly believed that the closing of the saloons would result in a financial loss to the town, put up a strong fight. Money was spent freely on both sides and the feeling was very strong; F.H. Rindge, in a public meeting promised to indemnify the town for the loss sustained by refusing licenses to saloons, and after the election, April 9th, which resulted in a vote of 305 to 218, a majority of 87 votes for "no license," he presented his check for $2,500 to the Board of Trustees. The trustees chosen at the election, J.C. Morgan, C.H. Sammis and T.H. Dudley had pledged themselves prior to election to carry out the expressed wishes of the citizens. It had been agreed that three restaurant licenses, permitting the sale of liquors with bona fide meals, costing 25 cents, exclusive of liquors; and one wholesale liquor license, under certain restrictions, should be granted. The ordinance passed by the new board was not exactly what the anti-saloon people had expected, as it permitted the sale of liquors at all hours and allowed this wholesale house to sell its original packages at its place of business, instead of simply delivering orders.
It was to be expected that there would be violations of the regulations under this ordinance, which was certainly a great step in advance, although not all that had been hoped for by the movers in the "no license" fight. On August 6th, E. Gamberi of the Pacific Gardens was arrested for selling liquors without meals and was convicted and fined $175.00, while his license was revoked. Rudolph Hopf was also arrested for violation of the ordinance, but prior to his trial he became insolvent and was acquitted. This marked the downfall of the old firm of Eckert and Hopf, which had been in business in Santa Monica since the seventies.
" . . .
[215] Among the improvements of the year was the putting on of the mail car on the electric line which made three trips a day, taking in Colegrove, Sherman, Sawtelle and Soldiers' Home, Santa Moncia and Ocean Park and which also carried express matter. The Hollywood line was opened for service in February thus giving Santa Monica three routes to Los Angeles and still further increasing her transportation facilities. The Southern Pacific and Santa Fe roads, in a desperate attempt to recover their traffic, issued a ten trip ticket for $1.50, good for one month. But the electric line met this with a ten ride ticket, good until used, and transferable, for $2.00. The railroads gained little but the people who traveled between the city and the beach were decided gainers. The United Electric, Gas and Power Company was incorporated this year and took over the Santa Monica Electric Light and Power plant, the directors being the same, F. H. Rindge, Alfred Steadman, H.V. Carter, G.I. Cochran and J.J. Davis. This company also secured control of the light and gas company of Redondo, Long Beach, San Pedro, and other towns.
"Sunset" beach, lying norh of the North Beach Bath House, was improved [p. 216] with walk, gas, electric light and sewer service and divided into lots to be leased to tenants for five and ten years. The owners were R.C. Gillis and E.P. Clark and after these improvements were carried out a number of commodious and attractive cottages were built on the tract.
[p. 216 ]The death of "Bob" Eckert, April 27, 1900, removed one of the best known characters of Santa Monica, or indeed, of Southern California. Mr. Eckert was born in the Fatherland. He came to Los Angeles in 1872 and soon acquired a reputation there as a caterer, a politician and a teacher of gymnastics in the Turn Verein. His connection with the Turners made him known among the Germans of Southern California, and his genial, kindly nature won him many lasting friendships, not only among his own people, but with all with whom he came in contact. He opened a restaurant in Santa Monica in the later seventies and his fish dinners soon gained renown. For many years a feed at Eckert and Hopf's Pavilion was the best treat one good fellow could offer another. He catered to many distinguished guests and for many notable banquets, and was acknowledged as a past master in the art of serving a dinner. With his death and the canceling of saloon licenses, the Eckert and Hopf Pavilion which had been known from Alaska to Mexico, was closed.
" . . .
[p. 254] Chapter VI South Santa Monica and Ocean Park
1900.
Early in the season improvements began to multiply in "Oceanpark" as the growing settlement was now officially known, although it was in reality a part of the city of Santa Monica and more properly "South Santa Monica." The Santa Fe company astonished its tenants, who had erected cottages on leased lots, by ordering them to vacate at once; the unfortunate cottage owners had to hustle to find new locations for their buildings. The company leveled the ground and made some improvements; but in August it was announced that the entire South Santa Monica holdings of the Santa Fe company had been purchased by Messrs. Hart and Fraser, of Los Angeles. The new proprietors named the tract "Central Beach" and immediately began grading and putting streets through it. The first street opened through and paved between the beach and the railroad tracks was India, now Hill St. In a short time lots on the ocean front were selling for $1,000, and lots on the side streets at from $300 up. Building restrictions were put on the property, which included 185 lots 25 by 100 feet in size, extending from Hart avenue on the north to Grand on the south and between the beach and the railway tracks.
In February, the Oceanpark Fire Company was organized with A.N. Archer, president; J.H. Hassinger, secretary and treasurer; William Menzies, foreman; C.J. Marvin and J. Rudisill, assistants. A "bucket brigade" wass organized, later a hose cart and hose was procured.
" . . .
[p. 254] Oceanpark now had her own water systems, fire company, school, churches and business houses. Many of its residents were newcomers who knew little about the past history of the place or about the "north side." It was quite [p. 255] natural that they should think that they might better manage their own affairs and pay their taxes for the improvements in their own section. As a consequence, it was not surprising that a movement for the division of the territory south of Front street from "old" Santa Monica should arise. Petitions for the division were duly drawn up and presented and then the people on both sides began to discuss the question in all of its bearings. When the election came on November 12th, 1900, to the surprise of the principal movers in the action who, by the way, were all old settlers and were actuated perhaps more by personal feeling in the matter than by any serious consideration for the good of the community at large, the proposition was snowed under. The vote stood 341 against division and only 59 for it. Even the warmest advocates of division were compelled to admit that they had been mistaken in the sentiment of the people of South Santa Monica; and the possibility of creating two towns out of Santa Monica was forever settled by this decision.
" . . .
[page 269] Chapter VII. Public Institutions: Schools; Fire Departments
" . . .
[p. 269] School Trustees of Santa Monica
" . . .
[p. 270] Supervising Principals of Santa Monica Schools:
[p. 279] Santa Monica Fire Department
[p. 278 Fire House, Dept. No. 1. 1908b]
In 1900 the board of trustees after careful consideration purchased a new combination hose wagon and chemical engine and also a team of horses. Mr. A.J. Myers was installed as driver. The engine house was rebuilt, a new fire bell had been put in place and an electrical fire alarm system had been installed in 1896. Mr. W.I. Hull served as president of the company for fifteen years 1892 to 1907. The board of fire commissioners is made up of Mayor Dudley, president; A.N. Archer and H.G. Dunston.
A volunteer fire department was organized in Ocean Park February 3rd, 1900, with an enrollment of eighteen members, its officers being A.N. Archer, president; Wm. H. Menzies, foreman; C.J. Marvin, assistant foreman; J.H. Hassinger, secretary and treasurer; E, Rudisill, second assistant foreman. The city trustees turned over to this company the old four-wheeled cart and 600 feet of hose, and furnished lumber to put up a small building which was erected on private property by voluntary labor and subscription. This company was increased to thirty members and did efficient service many times, although much hampered by lack of water pressure. The present fire house is fully equipped.
" . . .
[p. 283] PostOffice
. . . February 19th, 1900, the electric postal service was inaugurated, which gave much better service than had before been enjoyed.
" . . .
[p. 287] [Santa Monica] City Officials.
1900.-Board of trustees, Robert F. Jones, C.H. Sammis, J.C. Morgan, T.H. Dudley, N.R. Folsom; clerk, John B. Proctor; treasurer, E.W. Boehme; marshal, M.K. Barretto; library trustees, J.C. Hemingway, P.S. Lindsey, C.I.D. Moore, Fred H. Taft, T.H. Wells.
" . . .
James W. Lunsford The Ocean and the Sunset, The Hills and the Clouds: Looking at Santa Monica, illustrated by Alice N. Lunsford, 1983, 1977, 1976, 1923, 1900 1882, 1875
Ocean Park
"32. Chronicle Restaurant, 2624 Main Street. A gourmet restaurant in a restored Victorian house that was formerly located at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Washington. Built about 1900 and once known as the Kyte House, in 1976 it was moved to its present location along with the adjoining Roy Jones House to form Heritage Square."
"41. Former First Methodist Episcopal Church Building, 2621 Second Street. Now a private residence, the north portion of this building was originally built in 1875 at the southwest corner of Sixth and Arizona and may be the oldest standing wood-frame building in the city. In 1882 it was moved to the southwest corner of Fourth and Arizona, then in 1900 to Ocean Park, where it became the Ocean Park Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1923 the church built a new brick structure and the old church became a meeting hall known as Patriotic Hall. It was purchased by the Stephen Jackson Women's Relief Corps No. 124 of the Grand Army of the Republic Auxiliary and used as a meeting hall until 1971, when it was sold and became a residence. It was designated a Santa Monica City Landmark in 1977."
Santa Monica Planning
Division Santa Monica Landmarks Tour, 2003.
37. Bay Street Craftsman
Cluster, circa 1900
137, 141, 145 & 147 Bay Street
Designation: 5 December 2000
"This historic district contains four structures, all two story, front gabled, multi-family residences. Architectural unity and physical connection are reinforced by the palm tree-lined Bay Street.
"These buildings are among the earliest intact examples of Craftsman style apartment buildings in the Ocean Park District. They were strategically located at Neilson Way, originally the Los Angeles Pacific Railway right of way, which connected Santa Monica to the rest of the region, and were also close to the beach and the Main Street commercial district."
Jack
Smith The Big Orange Ward Ritchie Press: Pasadena, CA,
1976.
Santa Monica 1933, 1928, 1900,
1875, 1869, 1769, 1542
Santa Monica
"'Title to the ocean, the sunset, and the air is guaranteed by God.'
"The Santa Monica pier is antique. Naturally many people want to tear it down. Naturally, many people want to leave it up. At best, it is on reprieve. It has an embattled look, somewhat misshapen and askew. It creaks and groans on its weathered pilings, and supports a ramshackle row of shops, fish markets, galleries and cafes. At its shore end it is ornamented by an enchanting old merry-go-round." pp. 248 and 249
"It has stood there throughout the century, this Victorian playhouse, while generations of concrete buildings have come and gone. the little horses of the carousel are exuberantly sculptured, obviously of Arab blood, with wild eyes and flaring nostrils. The old organ pounds and clangs and wheezes as if trying gallantly to finish this one last song before expiring. A sign tells its story:
"'Welcome friend. The music you are listening to is coming from one of the oldest organs in the country, built in 1900 . . . Constantly playing for seventy years. The merry-go-round has the happiest record in the U.S. The horses were imported from Germany and are all hand-carved. There are no two horses alike. Your grandparents and mom and dad probably rode this ride when they were children. All the great actresses, and their children, too. Come aboard, close your eyes and listen to the music . . . '
"This was the first merry-go-round my own sons had ridden. We had lived in Venice then; the older boy was three . . .
"It seemed incredible that only a hundred years ago there was nothing here but land, sea and sky. An Easterner, writing years later of a visit he made to this shore in 1869, recalled that it was 'an unpeopled waste - no light (dressed) brigade of sportive bathers charged the angry surf; neither keel nor oar vexed the breakers that broke on the desolate shore.'
"Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his crew were the first white men to see Santa Monica Bay, on their voyage of 1542. Then two hundred and twenty-seven years passed before Gaspar de Portolá and his soldiers camped at a spring above the bay. It is said that one of Portolá's men named the place Santa Monica, likening the spring water to the saint's tears for her wayward son, Augustine.
"It was another century before John P. Jones, a Nevada senator, and Colonel R.S. Baker, a cattleman, who had bought the old Mexican land grants, formed a township, filed maps and started selling lots. The sale was held on a hot day in 1875. They hired Tom Fitch, an orator and auctioneer of note. Hundreds of people buggied down from Los Angeles to hear Fitch and to see the ocean. Both were magnificent.
"Fitch promised that anyone who bought a lot in Santa Monica would have the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, with a daily sunset of 'scarlet and gold' and 'a bay filled with white-winged ships.'
"He went on to say that the title to the land was guaranteed by his employers, but the title to 'the ocean, the sunset and the air is guaranteed by God.'" p. 251
Les Storrs Santa Monica Portrait of a City Yesterday and Today, Santa Monica Bank: Santa Monica, CA, 1974, 67 pp., 1900
"By 1900, thriving congregations of Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Baptists were active in the community. . . ."
Pp. 50, 51 [Photo captions: "In the early days the Camera Obscura, now housed in a new building in Palisades Park, was on the beach adjacent to the bath house, as shown in the photo made in about 1900"; "Violet Cottage, shown in this old photo, was built by the grandfather of the late Marcellus Joslyn*, donor of recreational buildings and faciities enjoyed by present day residents."]
Betty Lou Young and Randy Young Santa Monica Canyon: A Walk Through History Casa Vieja Press: Pacific Palisades, CA, 1997, 182pp., 1900
"Frederick Rindge, the owner of Rancho Malibu, led the prohibitionist movement in Santa Monica, and with wide community support saw a no-saloon ordinance passed at an election on April 9, 1900. Rejoicing was short-lived. The provisions were so full of loopholes and the town so eager for revenue that Santa Monica was soon back in business . . ."