anaheim-gazette 1945-12-06

Former Publisher Outlines Orange County Formation (The following story is taken from the issue of Oct. 26, 1939 and is published herewith as it was dictated by the late editor of the Anaheim Gazette several years before his passing away.) By HENRY KUCHEL In the year 1871, 14 years after the founding of the colony the Pioneers decided their welfare and peace of mind would be vastly improved by cutting away from Los Angeles and establishing a new county. The task was one beset with insuperable obstacles and while the old-timers were most earnest in this desire for a new county, many had misgivings as to the ultimate result, but figured the campaign would give them a foundation for future operations. Not only was this feeling paramount in this immediate vicinity, but as far as the Old San Gabriel river, 10 miles this side of Los Angeles, there existed an active desire for separation. This first effort at dividing Los Angeles county which stretched from the ocean to the Colorado river and from Kern county on the north to San Diego on the south came to naught, of course, but the seeds of division sown in the minds of the people bore fruit at last, and in 1889 Orange county was formed. County Is Strong Even at that early date the parent county was all powerful in the south, and as it had fought the two attempts at division made before, so it redoubled its effort at this time when it saw the cherish- in many parts of the state and assurances came that assistance would be forthcoming should another attempt at county division be made. In the succeeding legislature, therefore, another bill creating the county of Santa Ana was introduced, but met with defeat. Construct Bridge In 1888, when the city learned a third attempt at county division was being considered, the board of supervisors came here and viewed the river at Olive crossing with a view to constructing a bridge. As things fell out the board found a steady stream of traffic plodding its way across the sandy river bed. There were loads of hay, grain, live stock, hogs and poultry and men in vehicles coming here to ship their wares and to find a market for their produce. The board found the road to be a right smart traveled thoroughfare and proposed new county. Men proceeded to Sacramento demanding that the boundary line be changed but these pleas fell upon deaf ears. The bill was introduced with the northern boundary line at the creek, which excluded a rich and thickly settled country beyond to the north. A count of legislative votes showed that Los Angeles had the whip hand and would probably defeat the measure. The it was that an appeal was made to the San Francisco delegation which came over to support the bill and it was passed and signed by the governor. It provided that the new county should be contingent upon a two-thirds vote of the people. There began an active campaign for and against the county, but it was carried by the voters and the county was organized. This was 16 years after the first attempt at division. Many of the Pioneers opposed the county because of the change in the northern boundary but others who were sick at heart at the way Los Angeles had treated them in the past supported it. In after years all the men shoot hands, were friends again, feeling that the new county had been blessing to the people as inde- County Is Strong Even at that early date the parent county was all powerful in the south, and as it had fought the two attempts at division made before, so it redoubled its effort at this time when it saw the cherished dream of the Pioneers about to become a reality. There ensued a very bitter contest in the legislature, and a count of noses indicated the parent county had a shade the best of the voting strength with a number of members non-committal. At this time backers of the county division measure appealed to the San Francisco delegation to come to their assistance. The northern county was by far the most powerful in the state and for years had operated politically with the southern county upon every matter. Los Angeles claimed the northerners would vote against the division bill, but even at this early time San Francisco looked askance at the growing importance of Los Angeles, and after much discussion and importuning decided finally to support the bill and it was passed and signed by the governor. There were rumors, indeed, prevalent at the time that much of the interest taken in the bill by northerners was because of whatever you call a commodity in the market, but be that as it may no one knew that anything was other than straight forward legitimate legislation. Smallest County The blessings of Providence have been showered upon the county which is the smallest in southern California, but one of the strongest, with a population of 150,000 and assessment roll exceeding $200,000,000; not a dollar of public money has ever been misspent, the court house has been filled with efficient officers, and taxpayers have received dollar for dollar in return for monies expended in public construction. When the effort at county division was first brought forward the Pioneers showed that Los Angeles had collected more than $2,000,000 in taxes, very little of which had been expended on roads and bridges in this county. Indeed, there were no bridges here and roads were intolerable in the summer and all but impassable quagmires during the winter time. Old and New San Gabriel rivers was being considered, the board of supervisors came here and viewed the river at Olive crossing with a view to constructing a bridge. As things fell out the board found a steady stream of traffic plodding its way across the sandy river bed. There were loads of hay, grain, live stock, hogs and poultry and men in vehicles coming here to ship their wares and to find a market for their produce. The board found the road to be a right smart traveled thoroughfare and decided to construct a birdge. At the time there were wisecrackers who declared that all this travel had been premeditated, but that's another story. The bridge was built and his was the first considerable sum of money expended here by the old county. Roads continued to remain all but impassable and the two San Gabriel rivers and Coyote creek were treacherous and dangerous. At this time Santa Ana had grown to be a town of some considerable population. It was the largest town in the county. Orange and Tustin were likewise advancing and there was a considerable settlement in the Westminster country. Santa Ana took the lead in the division fight. The Pioneers in this section, who had tried twice for division before, looked with favor upon the movement. It was agreed to place the northern boundary line at New river, which was the boundary line in the two previous bills. An earnest campaign for division ensued, and a bill was prepared and introduced into the legislature providing for the creation of Orange county. However, at the last moment, the northern boundary line was placed at Coyote creek, which stirred up a storm of protest here as well as in the San Gabriel district. Old timers saw in the move a gesture to make Santa Ana the county seat. San Gabriel folk protested against being excluded from the Sixteen years before the county was finally organized Pioneer whose descendants are still living told Los Angeles that division was inevitable and would come as sure as the morning's sunrise. I came, and over the green grave are spread wreathes of immortelles and forget-me-nots, for what they did to advance the blessing and the happiness of those who same after them. Everybody reads The Gazette When the effort at county division was first brought forward the Pioneers showed that Los Angeles had collected more than $2,000,000 in taxes, very little of which had been expended on roads and bridges in this county. Indeed, there were no bridges here and roads were intolerable in the summer and all but impassable quagmires during the winter time. Old and New San Gabriel rivers and the Santa Ana ran in bolsterous floods during wet seasons, overflowing their banks, doing great destruction to property and causing losses to stock and poultry, as well as taking an occasional human life. Buildings were swept away in the San Gabriel valley and conditions were intolerable in the extreme. The Coyote creek was a treacherous stream and many narrow escapes from drowning were recorded among Pioneers who had business dealings in the city and who found it imperative to make the trip. Travel Torment On the other hand, roads for many miles about the city were graded and graveled and placed in excellent condition. Bridges were thrown over the Los Angeles river and travel was a delight while in this section it was a torment. Moreover, much criticism existed at the cost of county buildings and the methods of what was called the Los Angeles political ring. City people were told by the old timers there was nothing for them to look forward to in the parent county, and that division would come just as sure as the sun would rise again. Many good men in town assumed a friendly attitude, but the bulk stood steadfast by what had been done. There was no relief in sight, and accordingly a bill creating the county of Anaheim was introduced in the legislature but it did not get anywhere, albeit, it created discussion... First Issue Was Late, and Editor Minced No Words in Telling Why The initial issue of The Gazette was delayed a week, and the publisher explained, in an editorial, that it came from two causes. "First of these was a drunken printer," he wrote, "and the second, a sick printer. At the outset, we employed a foreman, a man of such age as we thought would render us 'signal service,' by his experience and counsel. Alas! how grievously were we deceived." A REAL SOUSE! "The old hypocrite," he continued, "had been in the army—was constitutionally opposed to labor, and had not seen a sober day since his boyhood. Naturally enough, the Anaheim wine was too much for him. He got drunk at the start and remained blind, speechless drunk during his brief term of two weeks in our employ. "We had 'pi' to set. He set at it. Daily we looked at the 'pi,' but where it decreased in one place it increased in another, until necessity compelled a speedy dis-solution of our business connection. "Next, we heard of a competent man at Los Angeles and engaged him by telegraph. The stage being on the wrong tack that day, we hired a vehicle and drove to Los Angeles, and triumphantly returned with our new foreman, who swore he would abide with us during his natural life. SHAPE HE'S IN "Well, you all remember the terrible windstorm we had lately; it was the wind that settled it. No dust which I possessed could induce him; with a 'bustid' blood vessel and weak lungs, to remain longer. With promises to send us another man, and regretting, in a nameless amount, that his health compelled him to go, he left us. "Then we telegraphed; we wrote; we scoured; but the printers were all either drunk or sick. At last we obtained one from Wilmington and another from San Bernardino; and to this good fortune our subscribers are indebted, for even this late appearance of the Gazette." Alpha Beta Mkts. First of Kind in Orange County Founding of Alpha Beta Markets originally know as ABC Our Different Location (Another interesting historical story by the late editor of the Gazette, taken from the July 25, 1935 issue, details a terse history of YOUR paper.) By HENRY KUCHEL Alpha Beta Mkts. First of Kind in Orange County Founding of Alpha Beta Markets originally know as ABC Stores organized the first help-yourself market enterprise in Orange county. These stores were started by Albert C. Gerard and A. W. Gerard in 1910. The three cities that formed the triangle, from which the name was taken were Santa Ana, Orange and Pomona, the first store being located in Pomona. From this one small store, the system has grown to twenty large supermarkets, doing millions of dollars worth of business each year. All markets are complete with the various departments that comprise super-market operation. The food concern also operates a large warehouse in Los Angeles in addition to the twenty retail markets. The first Alpha Beta store to open in Anaheim was No. 12, which was located at the corner of Center and Emily streets. This started in 1922, with Lawrence Hanson as manager. In 1941, it moved to its beautiful new home on the corner of Center and Olive streets. Leason Pomeroy is grocery manager here, Vernon Rold manager of the meat department and Charles Altamos fruit and vegetable manager. Store No. 26 was opened on West Center at Palm by George L. Jones in 1930 and was completely remodeled in 1937. The managers there are: groceries, Ernest Harris; Edgar Mark, and fruits-vegetables, Ralph Peterson. Our Different Location (Another interesting historical story by the late editor of the Gazette, taken from the July 25, 1935 issue, details a terse history of YOUR paper.) By HENRY KUCHEL The Gazette was established in 1870 in a building on North Los Angeles street, corner of Chartres, but this was an out of the way place and the office was moved to the site of the Mullnix building on East Center. This building still stands on East Chartres and is used as a Mexican rooming house. It is known as "Buzzard's Roost." The building is quite teetery. The next location was in a building just north of the old town hall on South Los Angeles street, later known as Miller's hall. The building was unsafe and the office was moved to another on North Los Angeles, corner of Chartres, owned by my mother. This in 1876 was entirely destroyed by fire. It took flame from a fire enveloping two other buildings on the north side of it. Melrose left the next day for San Francisco to buy a new office and this was unpacked in a brick building on North Los Angeles. It was next moved to a building erected and owned by Postmaster Melrose on Center street. He occupied the building for the post office in front and the Gazette office was conveniently placed behind. It was in this location when I bought it in 1887. Joseph Helmsen purchased the building from Melrose and it is now known as the Helmsen building. Feeling that we needed the fa- ANGE COUNTY'S ...OLDEST... Yourself Markets CONGRATULATE... Anaheim Gazette AGE COUNTY'S OLDEST NEWSPAPER ANAHEIM HAS TWO BIG ALPHA BETA FOOD MARKETS of which Anaheim has two large friendly stores ... the all other Alpha Beta Markets, are constantly striving to service to the individual customers and at the same time, in all civic affairs of the community. installed the first "Help Yourself Market" in Orange counthe opening of the first store, the people, in appreciation the best in Groceries, Meats and Vegetables—Best for patronage and helped us to grow as we have. The Alpha Beta Markets for the "Best for Less" and, too, you the Alpha Beta where you are served by men who are anxids. ED BY THOSE WHO SERVE YOU for an advancing office, decided to move to the opera on East Center street where he was an abundance of room. or the office was moved into Bushard building when the house was torn down. Here remained for several years unmove into the office on Emily street. From this we moved into the fine ofnow occupy. Faming the Desert January 31, 1858, the San Frantic Bulletin says: "The great heim Vineyard Company have enhanced work on a large scale, ing a great number of men teams plowing, ditching, fencetc." December 22, 1859, the L. A. Star "The enclosure at Anaheim mains 1,165 acres. Forty acres divided into 64 lots, one for colonist, and fourteen for and other public buildings, ares, etc. Roads, alley, etc. up twenty-five acres. The ance of the tract is divided into twenty-acre lots, on each vines (eight acres) were ted in 1858. The expense up september 14th—two years— amounted to $60,000.00; of land, $2,330.00; for field er's wages, $20,000.00; grape ings, $2,300.00; job work, $1, 00; transportation, $1,138.00; visions, $14,500.00; stable, host., etc., $219.00; smith's shop, kitchen, $550.00; horses, fence poles, $3,353.00; enter shop, $205.00; lumber buildings, $2,200.00; agricultools, $2,500.00; blankets, fulture, forage, arms, fuel, legal licenses, medicines, stationery, $5,459.00." ber 15th each proprietor will assume control of his own vineyard. The vines are remarkably thrifty, and most of the vineyards will produce a large quantity of grapes in 1860." Here is an interesting little episode that happened in 1885. R. J. (Bob) Northam wanted to get on the city council as trustee. So he asked J. P. Zeyn to give him a little help in order to be elected. After the election he went to Mr. Zeyn and in substance said, "John. you have been on the council a good many times, been mayor and so on and I know you do not care for the honor. I would like to have it, but I shall need your support to get the office. If you will do this for me I will get you a case of champagne." Now Mr. Zeyn was noted for the high quality of the wines that he manufactured, Sherry Angelica, etc., and had a plentiful supply of the liquid refreshment, but "Bob" was elected mayor. By the way, Mrs. Northam used to put up 365 glasses of jelly every year (probably 366 on leap years) so that Bob could have a glass of jelly each morning at breakfast. Those days are gone forever! American fruit production has increased 40 per cent in the past 10 years but in the same period production of citrus fruits has doubled. PERFUMES by Ruthé A fragrance for every mood *LOST HALO SHEER DEVILTRY *IMPERIAL JADE EXOTIC-ORIENTAL 225 To 1500 Plus Federal Tax A fragrance for every mood *LOST HALO SHEER DEVILTRY *IMPERIAL JADE EXOTIC ORIENTAL 225 To 1500 Plus Federal Tax Exclusively at S. Q. R. STORE Noel, Noel ... this year say it with a handsomely decorated Gift Package filled with Bath Preparations by Bendel Noel, Noel ... this year say it with a handsomely decorated Gift Package filled with Bath Preparations by Henri Bendel PERFUME BY VORIS CHATUR MONSOON TURBAN PERFUME BY WEIL CABRA CASSANDRA ZIBELINE and make the joy of the Christmas Season last long after the strains of your favorite Carols have been sung. Collers (Formerly Jack Corn's) 158 WEST CENTER ... ANAHEIM