Ingersoll's Century History Santa Monica Bay Cities (Being Book Number Two of Ingersoll's Century Series of California Local History Annals), 1908, 1908a, Intro, Preface, 1905, 1894, 1874
[p. 121] Hisory of Santa Monica Bay Cities
[p. 121] Chapter I. Santa Monica Bay Region
[p. 162] Chapter II Laying the Foundations. 1870-1880.
[p. 180] Chapter III. From Town to City. 1880-1890.
[p. 211] Chapter V. Expansion. 1900-1908, 1908, 1900
[p. 245] Chapter VI South Santa Monica and Ocean Park
[p. 267] Chapter VII Public Institutions
[p. 297] Chapter VIII Churches and Societies
[p. 322] Chapter X. The City of Ocean Park
The Bay of Santa Monica extends along the coast from Point Vicente, latitude 33° 40' to Point Dumé, latitude 34° a distance of seventeen miles north by west. The coast line of the bay makes an inward sweep which is some ten miles deep at its extreme point, in the neighborhood of Port Los Angeles, and includes an area of 25,000 miles. The waters of this bay are, ordinarily, quiet since the force of the waves is broken by the seaward islands and the deep, recessed position of the shore line. The depth of the water increases from the beach outward with an easy and gradual slope for several miles.
The shore line is most varied. At its northern extremity, Point Dumé rises, domelike, to a height of 200 feet, and back of it the Santa Monica range rises abruptly almost from the waters of the shore to a height of 2,000 feet and forms the northern border of the bay. Gradually the slope falls into the palisades and sinks to the sand dunes and the Ballona lagoon, then rises again into low hills along the southern rim. Back from the palisades sweep the gently rising plateaus of the San Vicente and San José de Buenos Ayres ranchos. Southward extend the cienegas and pastures of the Ballona creek district and the low, rolling ranges of the Sausal Redondo and San Pedro region.
The Santa Monica Bay territory thus includes a large variety of scenery, a most varied topography and a wide range of resources. Its mountains furnish an invaluable water supply; the greater part of its lower lands are readily supplied with water from wells, while a considerable portion of the region needs no irrigation and includes some of the most valuable farming land in Los Angeles county. The distinctive topography of this district accounts for the climate which is incomparable, since it has all the advantagea of both coast and inland-the freshness of ocean air, with the freedom from harsh winds, of the interior.
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“[p. 131] The death of Mr. Rindge, which occurred August 29th, 1905, was in one sense, untimely . . . Knowing intimately the affairs and purposes of her husband, Mrs. Rindge, as executrix of the estate, is carrying forward with a steady hand the large enterprises which her husband had undertaken.
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"[p. 133] Don Francisco built a ranch house near the San Vicente springs in 1837. Here he set out vineyards and orchards and at least three of his sons resided with him or built houses near by. There were Juan Maria, Carmel and Dolores. Traces of these buildings can still be seen, although the original ranch houses have all disappeared. The last home of Dolores Sepulveda, built in 1863, an adobe house well preseved and very typical of the ranch house of early days, still stands. At one end is a very old walnut tree and back of it stand the twin sycamores which have long been a landmark.
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"[p. 137] Ygnacio Reyes [ -1863] built a ranch house in Rustic Canyon and the family have continuously occupied the land since 1824, part of the grant still being owned by the descendants of the original grantees. This is an unusual case for generally the great land grants of the state have passed entirely out of the hand of the Californians, and the families of the original claimants have profited nothing by the marvelous increase in values.
Ygnacio Reyes also owned a home in Los Angeles, on Main street, near Fourth and is frequently mentioned in the annals of the town. He died there during an epidemic of smallpox in 1863. Three sons still survive him, Guadalupe of Sawtelle; Ysidro and Antonio of Los Angeles.
Francisco Marquez built his ranch house on the edge of the bluff, about at the end of Seventh street. Here it was a landmark for many years, having been destroyed within the past few years. Members of the family still live in Santa Monica Canyon and retain a part of the original lands.
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" . . . The haciendas of the Machados on this ranch [La Ballona] were among the best examples of the California home. They are still standing-that of Augustin Machado, a large and most substantial adobe, the walls and roof of which is still intact, is unoccupied at present and is used as a store house. It seems a pity that this, one of the best specimens of he early California homes should not be preserved. The home of Ygnacio Machado, a little distance away, is now occupied by one of his sons, Antonio, and the part which remains is in good repair and is a fine sample of the simplicity and solidity of the genuine adobe house of the better class. This house once contained fourteen rooms built about a court, but a portion of these have now been removed.
The Machado brothers were prominent among early residents of Los Angeles. They owned a tract of two acres of land in the vicinity of Second and Main streets, where each of them had homes. Augustin Machado served "el pueblo de Los Angeles" as alcalde, and was frequently concerned in public [p. 138] affairs. He married Ramona, a daughter of Don Francisco Sepulveda, of the San Vicente, and their home both in Los Angeles and at La Ballona, was a center of social gaity. Of this marrriage there are still living Bernardino, Andréas and José de Luz, all of whom reside on Ballona lands. One son, Dolores, died in 1906, leaving a family which resides in Ocean Park; two daughters, Mrs. Juan Barnard and Ascencion, have recently died. Don Augustin died in Los Angeles in 1865.
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". . . Although many prosperous American farmers are now residents of Ballona lands and the towns of Palms, Ocean Park and Venice are located on lands originally belonging to the rancho, the Machados still retain a part of the original grant and a considerable number of native Californians are found in the vicintiy.
Antonio Machado married Manuela Valuenza and has a number of children, most of whom are still living at home. Andreas, a son of Augustin, lives on the old Augustin Machado place and has recently built a very comfortable home. José la Luz also lives in the neighborhood in a neat cottage.
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"[p. 142] Col. Robert S. Baker [ -1894], who thus became an important factor in the history of Santa Monica . . . With his purchase of the San Vicente, he located to Los Angeles and in 1874 married Mrs. Arcadia Bandini de Stearns, widow of Don Abel Stearns, one of th earliest American settlers of Southern California, and daughter of Juan Bandini, one of the wealthiest and most distinguished of the early Californians . . . He [Baker] owned through his wife, the Puente and Laguna ranchos and had other large business interests. He was most genial in character and he and his beautiful wife were noted for their lavish entertainments of guests, and they at one time and another were hosts to many distinguished people.
Colonel Baker died March 11th, 1894. His wife still survives him and is now a resident of Santa Monica, passing a beautiful old age in a modern cottage on Ocean avenue, although she is rated as one of the wealthiest women in California and certainly none of the living daughters of California have had a more romantic or interesting history than Señora Arcadia de Baker.
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". . . [p. 144, 1875] As soon as the railroad [the LA & I] work was fairly started the construction of a wharf was begun. [p. 145] This was located near the old "Shoo Fly" landing and near the present foot of Colorado street, where a stub of the old wharf still remains.
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"[p. 146, 1875 ] . . . The first business house completed was that of H.T. Giroux on Second street, still occupied by him. The first general store was opened by W.D. Vawter, who purchased three lots on the last day of the auction on Fourth street between Utah and Oregon, paying $125.00 apiece for them. Two weeks from that day his store was ready for occupancy. Later this building was removed to Third street, where it is still used. The first brick building in the town was built by William Rapp, on Second street, between Utah and Oregon. It is still in use. A postoffice was established at once and [p. 147] W.H. Williams served as the first postmaster, the office, being located in a building on Second street where the Union livery stable now stands.
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[p. 162] Chapter II Laying the Foundations. 1870-1880.
[p. 162] Mrs. Leavitt [Mrs. Ward Leavitt, nee Mary Ellen Vawter [1836- ]and daughter [Miss Florence Leavitt] still reside in Santa Monica.
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[p. 162] She [Jane Craven] and her sister, Miss Emma, now live together in the fine old homestead on Fourth street, Santa Monica.
[p. 163] [W.S. Vawter] is now vice-president of the Merchant's National Bank of Santa Monica . . . He is still largely interested in real estate and takes an active part in every movement for the advance of the town which he has aided in building up.
Mr. Vawter has always been a loyal Republican in politics and has taken an active part in public affairs . . . In the spring of 1908 he was appointed a member of the State Board of Bank Commissioners and accepted the position, resigning from the presidency of the Santa Moniica Savings Bank and from the board of education to do so.
Mr. [W.S.] Vawter was married in 1868 to Miss Sarah M. McClaskey, a native of Jackson county, Indiana. They have one daughter, Mary C., now the wife of John S. Moore of Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Vawter have a beautiful home on the corner of Second street and Arizona avenue, which is surrounded by stately trees, the growth of years.
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[p. 160 E.J. Vawter, 1908b]
[p. 163] Edwin James Vawter [1848- ] . . . On the removal to California in 1875, the partnership between father and son was continued, and he was also one of the stockholders in the Indiana colony. He located in Santa Monica when the family decided upon this as a residence. He has taken a large part in the financial and business affairs of this vicinity and has always been known as an enterprising investor in every effort which promised success. Many of the improvements which Santa Monica has enjoyed and is enjoying today have been inaugurated by the Vawter family and carried forward to completion with perseverance in the face of difficulties. Mr. E.J. Vawter has had a large share in the enterprises which were organized by the father and brother, as well as having originated many other successful ventures himself.
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". . . He [E.J. Vawter] remains the president and manager of this company [Santa Monica Commercial Co.], which represents the properties left himself and four sisters by the will of their father . . .
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[p. 163] In 1888, Mr. [E.J.] Vawter married Mrs. Isabella L. Nelson. She is gifted with a fine voice, which is often used in the aid of charitable causes. They have a pleasant home, in the midst of flowers, in South Santa Monica.
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[p. 164, He [Edwin Jackson Vawter, Jr.] is now president of the First National Bank of Ocean Park.
Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and organized a company of the "Uniform Rank" at Santa Monica, which he served for two years as captain. He is also a member of the Masonic order, and has taken the 32nd degree. He united with the Presbyterian church during boyhood and has served several years as trustee of that church.
Mr. Vawter was married March 8th, 1899, to Miss Bessie M. Channell of Arkansas City, Kansas. They have two children, Marjorie Dixon and Helen Edwina.
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[p. 180] Chapter III. From Town to City. 1880-1890.
[p. 180] John J. Carrillo [1842- ]. There is no better known figure in Santa Monica than that of John J. Carrillo, at present Police Judge of the city. He is a native son-the son and the grandson of native sons, and he belongs to one of the oldest and best known families of California.
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. . . [p. 182] Old citizens have not forgotten the long and weary fight he made to secure the road to Calabasas in January, 1897. After his retirement from the council he served two years as superintendent of streets, from 1904 to 1906.
In personal appearance and in character Mr. Carrillo is a worthy son of his ancestors, indeed, the description of his grandfather might apply with equal truth to himself. Honorable in all his dealings, generous to a fault and kindhearted, even to his enemies, probably no man in Santa Monica commands more sincere regard. He was married, October 7th, 1869, to Miss Francisca [p. 183] Roldan, a woman of great beauty of character and person. She died in Los Angeles, March 2nd, 1897, and her funeral here in Santa Monica was a rare testimonial of the love and respect which were felt for her and her family.
[p. 183] Mr. and Mrs. Carrillo had 13 children, of whom are now living Elisa, Mrs, Eliza Lopez; Atla, Mrs. A.H. Catkins; Diana, Mrs. Will Holton; of the sons, Ygnacio is a well-known dentist, practicing in Los Angeles; Eulogio is assistant engineer on the Southern Pacific; Leopold, or Leo, as he is more familiarly known, is traveling in the east, where his talents as a monologist and caricaturist have given him distinction. One son, Charles, died in Santa Monica, April 1st, 1905, and the youngest son, Octavio, is now in the employ of the Southern Pacific. In 1904 Mr. Carrillo married a second time, Mrs. Eva Fellner, an accomplished and beautiful woman.
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[p. 211] Chapter V. Expansion. 1900-1908, 1908, 1900
"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 also made it the scene of the 'old boys' license, when pension money was plentiful."
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. . . [p. 213] While there are no open saloons in Santa Monica, and the business is much restricted as compared with the old days when there were twelve to fourteen saloons running "wide open," there is ample opportunity for those who wish it to procure liquor and the town derives a considerable income from its various liquor licenses.
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[p. 227, 1906] The feeling is still strong that Santa Monica must soon have a more adequate supply of water, owned by the municipality; but the building of school houses and the disposition of sewage must first be completed.
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The Visit of the Atlantic Squadron, p. 243
The visit of a fleet of sixteen first-class war vessels of the United States navy, in April, 1908, was one of the greatest events in the history of the coast. Elaborate preparations for the reception and entertainment of the guests were made and Santa Monica and Ocean Park took an active part in the occasion. An executive committee consisting of David Evans, chairman; Abbot Kinney, R.A. Phillips, W.T. Wheatley, Mayor T.H. Dudley, R.W. Armstrong and H.B. Eakin, was appointed. It was largely through the efforts of this body that the arrangement was made to divide the fleet and station it at different points. As a result of this plan the third division, consisting of the Maine, Ohio, Missouri and Minnesota, anchored off these shores for a week.
The citizens of the Bay region, under the direction of various committees, elaborately decorated streets and buildings; planned entertainments for men and officers and were hosts to thousands of visitors. Balls for enlisted men were given in the pavilions and a most elaborate ball was arranged for the officers, at the country club. The W.C.T.U., under Mrs. Hester T. Griffith, maintained headquarters at Venice for the sailors and the ladies of the Bay cities welcomed the guests with masses of flowers and many courtesies. Friday, April 23rd, was observed as a legal holiday and was given up to entertaining the guests.
On Saturday, April 24th, the entire squadron, in the presence of the largest crowd ever assembled on Santa Monica Bay shores, maneuvered and then sailed silently away to the north.
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[p. 245] Chapter VI South Santa Monica and Ocean Park
. . . Some of these [South Santa Monica] old cottages still remain on the bluff and are surrounded by fine trees. The Thom place with its luxuriant growth of trees and shrubbery is still kept up.
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[p. 267] Chapter VII Public Institutions
Schools
The Santa Monica schools are now fully equipped for effective service. Fifty teachers are employed and the attendance for 1907-8 will surpass all previous years. The number of children of school age in May, 1907, was 2,499. Departments of music and drawing, with supervising instructors are maintained. Full courses in manual training and domestic science are given. The school district now has nine buildings: The Lincoln-the High School-located at Oregon and Tenth; Jefferson, the old Sixth street school; Washington, Fourth street and Ashland avenue; Garfield, Seventh street and Michigan avenue; Grant, Irwin avenue and Twenty-second street; McKinley, Twentieth street between Idaho and Montana; Roosevelt, Sixth street between Idaho and Montana; Westgate and Canyon. The entire valuation of school property is $194,000.
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[p. 270] 1908 Santa Monica City Board of Education,
W.E, Devore, A.B. Clapp, E.V. Dales, D.G. Holt, and W.S. Vawter
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[p. 275] Public Library
[p. 275] In the regulations governing the library and in the library work, modern methods have been adopted and improvements are constantly in progress. At the present date the library contains 8,300 volumes and the home issue for the year just ended was 39,738. Three days in the week there is a book exchange from Pier avenue, the station being in the drug store of Clapp Brothers.
[p. 276] In the reading and reference rooms are currently received ninety-five periodicals. Special work in the children's rooms, such as posters, stereoscope systems of views, etc., and also meeting the demand for books in connection with the public school work, is made a feature of much interest.
The success of this library has been greatly due to the faithful and efficient librarian, Miss Elfie Mosse, who has had it in charge since 1890. For fourteen years she was entirely without assistance except during the summer months. Alone and unaided she has striven zealously to keep the Santa Monica library in the front rank and to keep pace with the growth of the city. All the latest methods and improvements have been adopted through her efforts, and at the National Librarians' Convention, which she attended, her work received high commendation.
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[p. 282] Newspapers
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The Santa Monica Outlook has always been a clean, clear-cut exponent of the interests of its home city. This is the object of its existence although the interests of the county and the state are not neglected.
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[p. 282] PostOffice
The first postoffice in Santa Monica was located in a building still standing on the east side of Second street, near Colorado. . . .
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. . . [ In 1886] the building between the Giroux and Rapp buildings on Second street was then used as the [post] office.
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. . . [p. 283] [George B. Dexter, appointed 1886] to be succeeded in April, 1902, by the present incumbent, K.B. Summerfield. . .
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. . . The steady growth of the postal business in both postoffices has long since entitled the city to postal delivery; but the fact of there being two separate offices has stood in the way of the completion of arrangements, although free delivery has been promised for some time. The increased business of the Santa Monica office led to a demand for increased room and facilities and in 1907 a building was erected especially to accomodate the postoffice and has been equipped with every conveniencce for the postoffice force and for the public.
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[p. 295, 1908] Chapter VIII Churches and Societies:Catholic Church; Episcopal Church-Saint Augustine-By-The-Sea; Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene; Women's Christian Temperance Union; Santa Monica Lodge No. 906, B.P.O.E.
The chapel at the Soldier's Home is also included in Father Hawe's parish, he having held the first servies on the grounds of the Home, soon after it was instituted in 1889. A beautiful building has been erected by the government, containing two chapels-one for the use of the Protestant churches and one for Catholic services. The churches now included in the parish of Saint Monica are four besides the academy. The entire number of communicants is large.
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Plans are already made for greatly enlarging the work of the Catholic church in Santa Monica. It is hoped soon to begin work upon a catherdral which shall be a magnificent expression of worship, to be located at the corner of California avenue and Fourth street. The Christian Brothers, a Catholic organization, has recently secured a site of eleven acres between California and Nevada avenues, Ninth and Eleventh streets. Here a large college for boys will be established.
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[p. 297] Chapter VIII Episcopal Church-Saint Augustine-By-The-Sea
[p. 296, Rev. J.D.H. Browne, 1908b]
[p. 297] During the nearly eight years that has intervened since Mr. Browne assumed the work, there have been steady growth. The chuch building has been enlarged at a cost of $3,000 and has also been beautified by many costly memorials. The parish hall has been enlarged and finished within, and a $600 piano provided with many other improvements made. The roll of commicants have increased from 27 to 201. The contributions for the parish and for the missionary funds of the diocese and the foreign field have multiplied many-fold. The baptisms have been over 100 and the confirmations 75. The Sunday school has grown very much and under the care of Mr. Percy J. Dudley, as superintendent, is accomplishing a good work especially among the boys. The Parish Guild, the Women's Auxiliary, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the Daughters of the Kind, the Junior Auxiliary are all in active life and meeting the needs of old and young.
The Parish of St. Augustine-by-the-Sea has come to occupy the seventh place among the parishes of the diocese and bids fair to continue to grow in importance and increase in influence for good in the life of this city. The present officers of the parish and members of the vestry are: Rev. John D.H. Browne, rector; Hon. T.H. Dudley, senior warden; Mr. C.S. Raynor, junior warden; Mr. J.B. Proctor, vestry clerk; Mr. Percy J. Dudley, treasurer; Mr. J.F. Ordway, Mr. E.L. Young, Mr. H.J. Blake and Mr. C.C. Melville.
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p. 299] Chapter VIII Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene
" . . . membership is now [1908] twenty-six and the Sunday school has sixty members.
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[p. 299, 1892, 1908] Chapter VIII Women's Christian Temperance Union
' . . . on Mr. Steere's death, in 1892, he willed this building to the W.C.T.U. of Santa Monica, on condition that they maintain a perpetual free reading room.
This the organization has done. The large upper room is pleasantly fitted up and a supply of reading matter and books are kept on hand for circulation and for use in the room. A large amount of literature has been distributed by this society, also, to ships, camps of laboring men, canyons and school districts.
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[p. 300] For eight years, Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes, of Sawtelle, was president of the organization and much efficient work was done under her direction. Mrs. T. Hughes Lodge has acted as president or vice-president of the union and has the supervision of the reading room. The present officers are Mrs. Mattie Barrett, president; Mrs. T, Hughes Lodge, vice-president; Mrs. Ada Schutte, secretary; Mrs. Clara Odell, corresponding secretary; Miss Sarah Much, treasurer.
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[p. 301] Chapter VIII. Santa Monica Lodge No. 906, B.P.O.E.
On April 12th, 1907, the Santa Monica Lodge of Elks [No.906, B.P.O.E.] was organized . . .The first lodge rooms of the Elks were located over the Santa Monica bank . . . Later they removed their rooms to the Columbia building where they are at present located. . . .
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[p. 301] Chapter VIII. Churches and Societies: Santa Monica Lodge No. 906, B.P.O.E.
. . . [p. 301] Each Christmas since its organization the lodge has prepared a Christmas tree for the youngsters of the town, at which those who have little promise of Christmas cheer are especially remembered.
. . . [p. 303] The Past Exalted Rulers of the lodge since its organization are: W.T. Gillis, J.C. Hemingway, P.S. Lindsey, W.G. Miller, who is the present occupant of the chair; J.B. Proctor remained secretary since the formation of the lodge. The present membership is about 215, and the lodge is in a most flourishing condition.
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[p. 322] Chapter X. The City of Ocean Park
. . , [p. 322, 1905] The destruction of the Santa Monica outfall by the storms of April and May, 1905, resulted in a change in the situation. The Ocean Park sewage was turned into its own system and the trustees invited Santa Monica to use their new septic tank, rather than have the sewage discharged into the ocean at Pier avenue, to the detriment of that locality. Santa Monica, in spite of complaints and court orders, continues to use the Ocean Park mains, pending the completion of her own septic tank. The situation thus created, because of the large amount of sewage handled and the defective action of the septic tank has been productive of much trouble and ill feeling.
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