The herald. [microfilm reel], January 01, 1894, Page 20, Image 20

About The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900

Image provided by: University of California, Riverside; Riverside, CA

                
20
CITY REAL ESTATE VALUES.
A Decade ot Steady Apprecia
tion on All Hides.
Comparison of Vain n Along Business
Thoroughfares.
Tile Keoerda .ot several Tears Carefully
aad <i*»aservatlvely Compiled—The
Y*i«d>'u. tj of OsTsluptuant
Shown by tbe Figures.
The following article on city real
estate values is obtained from the Real
Estate Bulletin:
The causes which operate to fix or
change the locution of the center of
(business in large ctties make an inter
acting study. In moat commercial
towna bueinesi baa not remained where
the original vroprietora designed, bat
haa been influenced by various causes
ito other localities. Los Angelea haa
been subject to tbis change, and tbe
plaza, which at firat waa the center of
jibe city's business life, ia now compara
tively deserted, and the vicinity given
ever to the Chinese and to the abode of
those linea of trade in which cheap rent
Is a necessary pre-requiaite. Of courae
the expanded business of the city could
not be con tinea to the restricted limits
; afforded by the original plan of the old
pueblo, but the growth of later yeara
haa been In new directiona, and in
some respects away from streets that
j would naturally improve. In order to
i point out the causes which have oper
; ated in drawing trade away irom the
old center, and also to give our readers
reliable data showing the present prices
ioi frontage in the business center and
I its comparative value in the past, the
Bulletin has collected from a number
lef our oldest and most reliable real
estate dealers, data showing the trend
of buainess and fluctuations in the
prices of frontage for the past ten years.
The information thus collected showa
j that during that time there baa been a
'constant movement of trade to the
I aouth aad west, until now the buainess
j center is located on streets which at the
beginning of the period were residence
jawtios:. Daring the decade Main
j street, which from its location and the
' fact that it is the longest continuous
I street in the city would naturally be the
leading business thoroughfars, has
: fallen from first position to fifth or sixth
i rank, as indicated by the pricee at
i which frontage is selling. Tbe history
i of Main street is a demonetration of the
' fact that property will not "take care of
1 itself," but that on tbe contrary owners
must build modern structures in order
ito held business. During the boom
] Main street holders, with a few notable
exceptions, seemed to think that the
most primitive building would com
mand the highest rent, and in trying to
make the property yield exorbitant
renta without providing compensating
accommodations, they "killed the goose
that laid the golden egg." And as scon
as business began to follow Spring
street, tbe enterprising owners sn
street and Broadway saw their oppor
tunity, and by the construction of mod
ern buildings entirely changed the char
acter of those thorough fares.
Until about 1883, the highest rents
were paid on Main street, from
the old Pico house facing the
plaza to Temple, bnt before tbe collapse
of tbe boom the corner of First and
Spring streets had become the best
property in town. From that time to
the present this tendency to the south
and west has been constant. At the ,
commencement of the period Broadway
(then Fort street) was purely a resi
dence street, running into the hill near
Firat street, but the holders of the
frontage pnt money into modern build
ings, and now the value of its property
has doubled many times.
To arrive at the true valuation of
property many elements are to con
sidered, especially under circumstances
where there is uncertainty as to the
future. Many men are forced to sell
and part with their holdings below their
rental value, while on the contrary,
others, who are able to hold on, will not
sell urtlees tbey get a price far in excess
of such valuation, having a strong faith
in the future of tbeir property. Theae
and other causes render it very difficult
to arrive «t an accurate valuation, but in
the table herein we give prices made up
from actual sales and also careful esti
mates made by conservative men who
have been in tbe business before, during
and since the boom, and whose judg
ment would be taken as expert evi
dence on real estate values in any court
in the city.
Starting in 1883, which year may be
considered as the beginning of the
boom, the highest property was found
on Main street, between the Plaza and
Temple Btreet, where property Bold aa
high as $800 per front foot, and re
mained at that point until 1887, when
prices began to decline, and now range
from $300 to $500, while adjacent prop
erty on Spring, just south of Temple,
sold in 1883 for $450 to $600, and in 1887
;at irom $1000 to $1100, where it now re
mains, the portions near Temple remain
ing stationary, while lower down, near
First, the tendency is upward. From
Temple to First en Main prices have
been somewhat firmer than north of
Temple, and near First late sales have
been made at $800. A fair valuation,
from Temple to Firat, would be $500 to
$800, with riricea rather receding than
otherwise.
As we go further down the two streets,
the difference in values becomes greater.
On Spring, from First to Second, the
highest property is found, although some
dealers claim that values between
Second and Third are fully ac great as
north of the former street. Two of the
most intelligent dealers expressed them
selves aa being unable to decide just
where tbe highest valuea are located,
rather giving Second street the prefer
ence, on account of its atreet car faoili
ties and its easy access from tbe hill sec
tion. On Spring, between First and
Second, prices were given by one dealer
at from $1800 to $2000; by others at
$1500. In 1883, tbe saint property Bold
from $150 to $200, and at the height of
the boom, in 1887, $1000 to $2000. While
on i other hand, on Main street prices
now range from $000 to $800, about tne
same at. in 1887, a title in 1883 the price
was 0n.," J3OO.
Between Second and Third, several
gentlemen put valuea at $1200 to
$1500 on Spring, while on Main the
ran** is $400 to $800.
\ .iues on Soring in 1883 were $100 to
|V7G; iv 1887, $600 to *8110. On Main,
1883, $50, and in 18S7, $600 io $8li;>.
From Third to Fourth, in lsß3. the
frontage cold for $75, but in 1887, on ac
count of tbe location of tbe postoffics
and other improvements, so.ue pieceß
told as high as $800, which waa the
■ rice paid for a portion of the I und on
■\liich Ihe Westminster hotel stands.
Now the limit is $3dd to $450. On Spring,
iB 18; J, tbe price was $75 to $100; lv
1887, $400 to $500. while now it is held
at from $600 to $800.
From Fourth to Filth, on Sprint, '■>
1883, frontage only brought $06 to $76;
in 1887 it had reached $500, and. now
sal** a<e mads at baa $450 to $700. On
Main in 1883 only $50 was realized; in
1887, $600. Now, $200 to $300 covers tbe
limit.
Fifth to Sixth, on Spring: In 1883,
$50; iv 18S7, $200 to $300; now, $400 to
$600. Maiu: Iv 1883, $50; now from
$200 to $300.
Sixth to Ninth, on Spring: $200 to
$600 now; in 1883, $26 to $40; 1887,
$200. Main: In 1883, $30; now, $150 to
$200.
Tiie improvement made on Broadway
Bince 1888 baa been a surprise to the
older inhabitants. At tbat date front
age there, between Temple and First,
was only worth from $60 to $75. Five
yeara later the price had advanced to
$200, and at the present time it ia worth
from $200 to $300. From First to Sec
ond, the price io 1883 was $75; in 1887,
$suu, and now from $450 to $800. From
Second to Third, the 1883 price was $60,
with an advance to $500 in 1887, and at
present sales are made at from $600 to
$000. From Third to Fourth the pres
ent rate is $350 to $650; that of 1887
$850, and in 1883, $50. From Fourth to
Fifth, in 1883, $40 was the price; $260
in 1887; while now frontage ia worth
from $500 to $600. From Filth to Sixth
we have, for 1883, $40; in 1887, $200;
now, $200 to $300. From Sixth to Sev
enth, 1883, $40; 1887, $200; at preeent,
$300. Seventh to Eighth, $200 in 1887
and $300 now.
On Los Angelee atreet frontage now
sells at from $150 to $400, from the plaza
to Filth.
The advance on the cross streets, from
Main to Broadway, has been continuous,
and now those streets, within the
above limits, are almost whoiiy given
up to business. In 1883, frontage on
First street was only $100; in 1887, $600,
and at the present time $800 to $1000.
On Second, in the same limits, one es
timate puts the price at from $600 to
$2000, wnile two others make it $1000.
Point of view of the gentlemen probably
accounting for the discrepancy, one only
taking account of inside lota, while the
other included the corners on Spring
street. Property from Broadway to Hill
sells at $225 to $800.
On Third street, one party gives $50
as the price in 1883; $300 iv 1887, and
$500 now. Another gives $600 lo $1200
as the present valne.
It will be seen thai values on Second
and Third streets approach very
nearly to tbose on Spring street
contiguous thereto. Scuh valuations,
however, have reference to mintage
near the Spring Btreet corners, hot in
side values the lower prices ere nearer
correct.
Fourth street: In 1883, $50; 1887,
$200 to $300, and at preeent $50 to $9uo.
On Fifth, the 1883 pricee were $40;
$200 to $300 for 1887, and now $400 to
$600.
Sixth street property, worth only $40
per front foot in 1883, sold for $200 to
$300 in 1887, and is now held from $300
to $500.
On Seventh street, from Broadway to
Maiu, frontage brings from $175 to <300.
1887.
18!>;j.
Fuzi to Firat
First to Second
Second to third
Third to Fourth
Fourth to Fifth...«,
Fifth to Sixth
Sixth to Seventh
Seventh to Ninth
Snrinif:
$450 to J800
200 aou
40 50
I
50
40
30
$000 to $800
oo) son
275 300
ooo
If 3.10 to $ >eO
d'nO 800
tHMI 800
27.". 425
2<I0 875
200 300
173 2 0
12j 20J
spring:
Temple to First
First to Second
Second to Third
Third to Fourth
Fourth to Fifth
Filth too it.
Sixth toSeventli
Broantray:
Temple to First
First to Second
eououd to Third
Third to Fourth
Fourth to Filth
Filth to Sixth
Btxth to Heventh
beventh to Eighth.!
Los AUReles: Plaza to Fifth
First: Broadway to Main
Keeoe.l :
•250 400
1000 tioo
1000 1200
800 1200
1200 1000
120J 150U
700 1 linn
tiOO 7"0
200 300
200 400
75 100
BO 78
ao
400 500
600
3UO
200
50 76
60
50
40
40
40
200
f.00
315
:tao
250
■zoo
•200
300 700
45cl 850
(ioO !>0<l
400 K 0
40(1 500
330 450
UiO 400
25o 300
150 400
800 2000
400
400 600
Second:
Hill to Broadway
Broadway to Main
Main to Loa Angelea
Third: Broadway to Main
Fourth: Broadway to Main
Fifth: Broadway to Main
Sixth; Broadway to Main
Beventh: Broadway to Main
I:
75
50
SO
40
40
300
20O 300
200 31 0
200 300
225 500.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
An Object Lesson to Strang-ere of the Re
sources of Southern Oalifornia.
The chamber of commerce of Los An
geles was organized in tbe fall of 1888.
During tbe five years of its existence it
has accomplished a great deal of good
for Los Angeles city and county and for
Southern California in general.
The organization contains about 550
of tbe leading business and professional
men and capitalists of Lob Angeleß city,
and a few ranch owners and other
public-spirited citizens in other sections
of Southern California.
Ita qnartera are now situated on
Main Btreet, between Firat and Second
Btreeta, in the Mott bnilding. Here it
has a large exhibit hall, 60x117 feet,
with a gallery, stage and many ante
rooms, where are displayed through all
seasons of the year, free to all visitors
to the city and to tbe public in gen
eral, a magnificent display of all the
products of Southern California—agri
cultural, horticultural, mineral and
manufacturing. This display is, ac
knowledged to be the finest of its
character anywhere in the weat.
It is one of the most notable points of
interest for strangers to be found any
where in or about the city of Loa
Angeles. In the course of the year
the dieplay ia visited by about 100,000
guests, as the register shows. The
large h.UI is filled throughout with
tables and cases containing carefully
selected and arranged displays of cit
rus and deciduous fruits preserved in
jars, nuts, figs, olivea, jaate and jellies,
crystallized fruits, wheat, barley, corn
aud beuns, besides all species of fruits
and vegetables green in their season,
in the galleries are displays of manu
factured ertietts of all kinds, showing
that the commercial interests of the
county are not limited to agricultural
products. The room ia banusumely
decorated and set forth with plants
and flowers. In addition to the features
of the dieplay, which are of a commer
cial order, there are many curios aud
works of art.
The' advantage of snch an exhibit
open to all tbe public free of charge
every working day in the year ie plainly
evident. The eastern viaitor, stop
ping only a few days at a hotel, and
with but a vague notion of the real
capacity of the section, can here at the
chamber of commerce exhibit receive
iv an hour an object lesson which
would otberwiee coot him a con
siderable outlay of time and money.
He seea gathered together in one com
prehensive display ail the wonderful va
riety of products which the favorable
LO§ ANGELES HERALD: MONDAY MORNING, JANUARY 1, 1894.
fie above figures show tbat with tho
exception of one street values on all the
present business streets in Los Angeles
nave made a continuous advance, from
1883, through the wild times of the
boom and during the comparative de
pression following that, up to the pree
ent time. The rise in values has been
ao marked that in most cases the in
crease in values has paid tbe taxes and
interest on the investment, beaides an
income fully covering the ruling rates oi
interest, and whatever rentals have
been collected were clear gain. Even
purchases made at tbe highest prices of
1887 usve been steady income producers.
Take a piece of Spring atreet property
which was pnrcbaeed at, say from $600
to $700, which will now bring $1200 to
$1500. It will readily be Been that such
a property, which now pays a net In
tern oi 6 or 7 per cent, has earned in
rentala and increase a very excellent
income. The "unearned increment" of
Los Angeles business property has made
many men rich, and the "pay dirt" is
by no means exhausted.
Nearly all the frontage is now earning
from 6to 7 per cent net income upon
the prices quoted above, and has done
ao for years.
Of tbe future, of course every man
has a theory which fits the case of his
holdings, but there seems to be no ques
tion that the trend of buainess will
continue to the sonth. The physical
condition of the ground favors tbis, for
business men prefer to stand on level
ground, and while building in that di
rection may increase the dietance to
railroad depots, yet the advantages of
more room and closer connection with
tbe more populous residence sections,
will continue to bave their influence.
The time is not far distant wben the
junctions of Spring and Broadway with
Main will be reached, where these
streets will flow into one channel, and
there can be but little doubt but that
from that point south Main stieet will
inherit the prosperity of all three. The
future history of the more northern por
tion of Main, from First to Eighth, lies
largely in the hands of the present
owners. A liberal policy will
tend to the recovery of the loßt
ground. Tiie contemplated im
provements in the Main Btreet
aud Agricultural Park stieet railway
system will be a great help, but there
will have to be some exceedingly lively
"bustling" ou the part of owners before
trade can bo brought back.
The wholesale district of Los Angeles
is yet to be located. l,os Angeles
Btreet iB now doing the beavy
business. for which it ia well
adapted by reason of its width and its
proximity to railroad depots, but diy
goods and kindred lines have as yet no
habitation and are scattered all over
town. The j ibbiug trails of the city is
ac yet in its infancy, hut it is increasing
very rapidly, and the time is near at
hand when better accommodations will
be demanded. The property-owners of
Broadway would show wisdeni lv build
ing with a view to nisetiug the increas
ing demands of j ibbers.
The following table gives nt, a glance
the veluea of frontage in 1883, iv 1887
and 1803, showing tbe comparative prices
for thoae dates:
soil and climate can produce, and the
Bight overwhelms him with wonder.
The indelible impression is produced on
his memory which will bear fruit at
some later date in the description which
he gives of the country on hie retnrn, or
perhaps in his ultimate removal to
Southern California.
The exhibit also works good in a way
little suspected by those not familiar
with it, in the lesson which it gives our
own people in the capacity of the
country In which they dwell. During
the fruit season tbe ranchers vie with
one another to bring their choicest pro
ducts for display at the chamber, and
the effect ia a good-natured rivalry,
which stimulates every line of agricul
tural work.
In connection with the, exhibit hall
is the mailing room, front, which hun
dreds of thousands of pieces of Cali
fornia literatnre are sent out annually.
Since it cams into existence the cham
ber has issued pamphlets and bulle
tins with a total circulation of about a
quarter of a million copies, and it has
assisted in the distribution of nearly
twice as many more. As a result of
thia dissemination of literatnre, in
quiries flow in from all sections of tbe
nnion, and from all countries of tbe
globe. These letters of inquiry are
carefully attended to, and in many in
stances result in actual settlers coming
to the country.
IN INYO COUNTY.
Some Great Works of Progress Under
Way.
M. B. Miller came in yesterday from
Inyo county, where be had been for
some weeks past. Mr. Miller is inter
ested in building the big canal from
Owens river to Indian Wells valley. He
says camps are formed along the line of
the canal, and men, machines and ani
mals are put to work as fast as the sur
veyors can set stakes along tbe first 20
mileß of the canal. All of that stretch
is over open ground that can be worked
by plows and scrapers.
Tbis canal is intended to carry a
stream of water 10 feet deep, being the
deepest irrigating canal yet projected in
the United States. Tbe Calloway canal
in Kern county iB tbe largest irrigating
work yet conatructed in California, and
the depth of water there ia aix feet.
The canal from Owens river will irri
gate eeveral thousand acres of land be
tween Owene lake and Indian Wei Id
valley; thie tract alone contains 400,000
acres.
Tbis is another of the great enter
prises now under way that will add
mneh to tbe prosperity of Loa Angelea
within tne next year or two.
IN THE FRONT RANK.
ONTARIO, A MODEL COLONY CITY
OF THE SOUTH.
The Fast Tear Haa Been One or Prog
ress and Development - Fertile
Ranchea aad a Delightful
Resldenoe Place.
[BY R. K. HI ACKBURN.]
In the front rank of the citrus fruit
colonies of Soathern California, stands
this beautiful garden spot. Ontario on
the west is bounded by the prosperous
; and progressive Pomona settlement.
| while on its eastern lines lies Cncamonga,
lof ancient and honorable fame. On the
! southern confines ol the model colony
lies tbe principality ol Richard Gird, a
grand expanse of broad acres sloping
from Ontario down to tbe Santa Ana
river. On tbis famous Ciiino ranch
thonsands of acres of beets are yearly
grown to feed the capacious maw of the
Onxard Sugar Factory, the largest mas
ticator of sugar beets in the United
States.
To the north of Ontario are the high
peaks of San Antonio, familiarly known
as Old Cably, and tbe mountains which
respectively bear tho names of Ontario
and Cucamouga.
Thiß grand mountain range forms a
great protection from desert winds to
tiie lovely plain which stretches across
ihe valley on a gradual slope southward
to tbe Rincon, come 16 miles away.
Ontario was planned and platted in
1883 by the Chaffers—two brothers
whoße colony projects are of world-wide
fame, and who are now carrying on in
Australia the most gigantic colonization
enterprises the world has ever known.
As a citrus growing locality Ontario
is especially famous, and has frequently
carried oil the palm of victory at, citruu
exhibitions here and in the east.
A homelike place, with many evi
dences of the culture and wealth of the
dwellers, Ontario attracta the eye of the
etranger, and ottimea entices the pil
grim to health's shrine to make this
lovely resting place bis permanent
abode.
As a health and pleasure resort On
tario takes high place. The beauty of
its situation and charming surroundings
are unsurpassed, while the superior
social advantages it poseeßes are ac
knowledged by all who have enjoyed its
hospitality. Malaial conditions do not
here exist nor does frost play sad havoc
with its gardens and groves. Every
variety of semi-tropic fruit grows here,
but the land and climate of the place
are bo exceptionally excellent lor the
culture of the orange and lemon that
most of tbe g oves are solidly planted to
citrua trees. Owing to its altitude—from
1000 to 2000 feet above sea level
—and its remoteness from the
coast, Ontario ie comparatively free
from foge, and her fruit ia conse
quently brilliantly bright and clean.
Between five apd six thousand acres in
thia colony are covered with lemon and
orange trees and the planting of citrus
fruit trees goes on from year to year
without ceeßation. Laßt year over one
thousand acres were set out to citrus
trees and preparations are now being
made to improve, during tbe winter, a
thousand acres more. Ontorio'B grand
boulevard, Euclid avenue, with its mag
nificent snade trees, three driveway; and
fainouß gravity car line, have been so
often described —by enthusiasts profes
sional nd lay, that extended men
tion need not here be made of the fine
avenue. Ontario has three poßtoffices,
San Antonio, at the base of the foothills,
North Ontario, on the Santa F'e, and
Ontario on the Southern Pacific railroad.
At North Ontario a large shipping
business is carried on and much of tbe
deciduous fruit of Cncamonga and On
tario is dried, packed and sent abroad
from this point. About a mile south of
the Santa Fo stands Chaffey college, an
institute of learning founded by the pio
jsctorß of the colony, and partially sup
ported by their generous donation of
340 acres of the moat valuable land in
tbe tract. Two miles to tbe south of
the Santa Fe lies Ontario town, a bright
and handsome place, containing several
aubstantial brick busineaa blocks, num
erous hotels, churches and schools. A
canning factory at this place is carried
on succeaßfully, and even in dull times
has no difficulty in diaposing of its fa
mous "Hawkeye" brand.
There are two railroads from thia
point to Chino—Richard Gird'e line and
the Southern Pacific branch road, the
latter soon to be extended to Klsinore,
on the Sonthern Pacific's projected
route to San Diego.
Ontario ie 30 miles east of Los Angeles
and 18 west of Colton, on the Southern
Pacific railroad.
Vtouiau'e Outlook.
Woman must and will have a more de
termined place. She has always had
control of the family. She has always
hud an interest in the aggregation of
tontines which we call society. Now
the out'ook broadens. I believe women
should control school boards. As mayor
of Chicago I nominated last seaaon, de
spite much opposition and much to the
chagrin of politicians, a woman on the
school board.—Carter Harrison.
THE BICKNELL BLOCK.
A Triumph of Architectural Skill Adorn
lne; tha Olty.
The Bicknell block is one of the solid
structures of Los Angeles, situated, as it
la. in'what is destined to become the
direct bußiness center of the city. Its
prominence ie an assured fact. The
structure is four stories high, with a
terra cotta and pressed brick frontage of
60 feet at Nos. 225, 227 and 220 South
Broadway, with a depth of 190 feet. It
was buiit in 1891, at an approximate
cost of about $75,000, for the ex
press purpose of giving the Los
Angeles Furniture company an
adequate building in which to conduct
their exteneive business. The Hon. J.
D. Bicknell, the owner, is one of the
leading members of the Lob Angelee
legal fraternity, wbo by thrift and good
j dgment in making investments, has
attained a competency that enables him
enjoy life in ease and comfort if he so
desired; but as he ia still a compara
tively young man, he continues tbe
practice of his profession, haying the con
fidence of a large clientage. The judge
iB the legal advisor and trustee of the
Bradbury end Hollenbeck estates, two
of the largest property and realty inter
ests of Southern California.
The Los Ange co Furniture company,
The llickuctl Block, on Broadway.
the firm tbat occupies the beautiful
edifice, is a stock company, of which
Gov. H. H. Mark ham is president and
Gen. E. P. Johnson, commander of tbe
First brigade, National Guard of Cali
fornia, is vice-president and manager.
This personnel is a surety of the confi
dence and esteem in which the com
pany is held.
The first floor is devoted to dining
room, hall and office furniture, of
which every imaginable design ie car
ried in stock. On tbe second floor are
bed room sets complete, of which there
are hundreds of styles, besides innumer
able varieties of folding beds and other
sleeping chamber appurtenances, that
as a whole make one of the most com
plete stocks that can be found in any
store of ita kind in the United States.
The third floor is where luxury, ease and
comfort revel in a striking manner. This
department is devoted entirely to tbe
parlor and library interests. The finest
kind of enameled and gold furniture is
shown in profusion, while tbe parlor
tables in uniqueness and variety are un
equalled in Sonthern California. A
special feature of this department is the
stock of ebony tables, the firm being
noted as the only one south of San
Francisco that carries a complete line of
these goods.
On tbe upper floor are the rooms in
which carpets, rugs of all kinde, tapes
tries and draperits are exhibited. Tbe
stock is large and varied and ie under
the direction of men of taste and design.
Tbe entire stock is surely a complete
one, as the firm make it a rule to cater
to those of limited means aa well as the
moat wealthy citizens. In tbe rear of
each deportment is a special convenient
feature, that is the workshop of each
department is located there, where a
large number of hands are constantly
employed. A coterie of courteous clerks
are always in attendance, and General
Johnson gives the business his
personal supervison.
A Watering Place Which Ie Rapidly
Progressing.
Eight yeara ago there were but a
few abantiea where the town of Long
Beach now stands. The town was born
before the boom, aad ever since its birth
it has been steadily and healthily
growing.
The latest enterprise is the erection of
a $15,000 pleasure pier and wharf.
The wharf is situated at the foot of
Fine Btreet, tbe principal business
street of tbe city, and is equal to any
other on the coast. The material is
Oregon hemlock. Over all tbe length of
the wharf is 1650 feet. It is constructed
on tbe I. plan. The pier is 20 leet wide
and rnns from the bluff 1440 feet to the
wharf proper, which is 210 feet long.
The wharf widens to 80 feet and is built
towards the west, where tbe vessels will
be moored.
Long Beach is situated on Ban Pedro
bay. The prettiest natural feature of
the place is its elegant beach, which
runs unbroken from New fiver on tbe
east to tbe San Gabriel river on the
west, a distance of nearly six miles.
Tbe sand is as perfect a driveway as the
hardest road. The beach exceeds any
thing else on tbe coast in point of width
and general beauty. During the sum
mer three different organizations hold
tbeir sessions in Long Beach. For the
paat eight years tha Chautauqua society
of Southern California has met for nearly
two weeks eaoh year and tbe Methodists
and Frienda.both held camp meetings
and revivals. These organizations meet
in tbe Chautauqua building, especially
constructed for tbis purpose. It is situ
ated at one end of a large grove of euca
lyptus trees which affords a most perfect
camping ground, and during tbe various
sessions is crowded with the White tents
of the many followers oi tbe organiza
tions.
The Southern Pacific and Terminal
railioads both run to Long Beach, and
during the paat year many improve
menta have been made in the way of
new residences and business homes.
LONG BEACH.
FAIR SANTA BARBARA.
THE CHANNEL CITY AND ITS
DAINTY CHARM.
One of the Spota on Earth F&Tcrati
by the Godi-Ita Progress
In Theae Latter
Daya.
[by frank m. SKI.OVER ]
To convince a Barbarefio tbat there is
any other spot on earth co favored of
heaven no his own Channel City it
something never yet accomplished. All
arguments are fruitless; and when, as a
last resort, be is invited to visit other
places to soj for himself their superior
ity, he appears iurprised and exclaims:
"Why should I go eleewhere? 1 am sat
isfied with my home."
liver since Southern California was
opened to the world as a place oi sojourn
and resort, Santa Barbara baa received
her quota of visitors. With sightseers
came permanent residents, until the
Flower City haa grown from a Spanish,
Mexican, Indian settlement of 100 years
ago, to a charming city of homes, where
gather the intellectual, tho talented, the
wealthy, the retired, who either for
health, pleasure or a deeiro to escape
the disagreeable, constitution-wrecking
regions bay md the Rockies, take up
their rosidcuce in a milder clime.
The location oi onr city ie not sur
passed. At Point (Jonccpcion, about 40
miles distant, tne coast takes in east
ward turn and continues on that bear
ing tor 60 mile-; to the north und east
rise tbe Santa Ynez mountains. South
ward tbe channel islands form v bar
rier. Towards tbe west the mesa or
highland affords protection.
Thus, it will be seen, the city is en
closed on all points. Winds cannot
gain acceaß, and togs are the exception.
Tbe temperature at no place on the con
tinent is more even. Gentle, cooling
breezes from the sea modify the beat of
the summer sun. In winter the same
currents from the Bouth warm the other
wise chilling air. Frost, except in the
lower places, is never seen. So mild is
it. that the most tender semi-tropi
cal, and in some instances, tropical,
plants can be grown in the open air the
year around, without fear of climatic
changes. Nature haa surely blessed
Santa Barbara.
The Beueous, while not so marked, are
in common with other parts of Southern
California bordering on the coast. Tbe
rainfall averageß about 17 inches an
nually.
In late yeare the residents have taken
a great interest in public improve
ments. Streets have been sewered,
graded and paved. A boulevard by tbe
beach wew completed during 1893, and
trees and shrubs planted alongthe drive.
The population of tbe city is about
(1000 or 7000, not including a large num
ber of families who are considered resi
dents, bat wbo are in town only six
montbß of each year. The municipal
limits do not include several pretentious
"additions" which sooner or later must
be incorporated with the city. For in
stance, just outside the holders ia the
Oak Park tract where hundreds of people
find tbeir homes but are not counted aa
residents. Arlington HeigbtSinjikewise
without tbe city, ie becoming %
and populous place ol residence, ■ Were
these districts, which are to all purposes
a part of Santa Barbara, included in the
census enumeration the record would
show 8000 or 10,000.
Tbe city ia well lighted by electricity
and gasa. The streets are kept in ex
cellent condition. The water supply ia
furnished by the Santa Barbara water
company, but several propositions are
now beiug considered with the view of
municipal control of thiß important and
necessary commodity.
Ab a business point Santa Barbara
compares well with other cities of its
size, though it is considered more of a
resort than a commercial center. From
the islands (ownea mainly by citizens of
thia county), wool, hidea, tallow, sheep
and muttoh are shipped in large quan
tities, but in moßt cases directly to San
Francisco without transferring at this
port. Lumber from the pine and red
wood regions is landed by achaoners at
the wharves. The lumber merchants
are working up a considerable trade
with adjoining localities, and their busi
ness is c... tantly increasing. Every
year vessels with coal discharge their
cargoes, and the harbor ie becoming well
known to mariners.
Tbe mining of asphaltum and bitu
minous rock is an important industry.
Tbere are several rich mines within
short distances, and large shipments are
made continually.
In Ml Montecito lemon culture is
attracting the attention of tbe ranch
ers, many of whom are men of means
and more than average. intelligence,
able both financially and from an edu
cational point of view to experiment
knowingly with fruit growing and
curing. Thousands of trees have been
set out and Santa Barbara lemons com
mand the highest price in the market.
The orange has proved a satisfactory
crop, but lemons are now given tbe
preference.
Olives, principally for tbe oil, are
raised to a great extent. Since the
pioneer orchard at Kllwood baa scored
such a great succees, acre after acre of
these trees have been planted. The
returns have always been good. Anew
mill just put in operation by the Monte
cito Manufacturing company cannot
procure a sufficient quantity to meet
demands.
The Montecito—which is, by the way,
the favorite suburb and home of those
loving country life —is a beautiful val
ley about tbiee miles from the city.
Two mileß below is Summerland, a
spiritualist colony. In tbe Carpinteria
valley, 12 miles distant from Santa
Barbara, tbe principal product has been
beans, mainly Linias. Farmers bave
grown rich with thia crop. Chicago,
New York and Boston are the foremost
shipping points, and hundreds of car
loads are sold yearly. Lemons, olives,
peaches, apricots and like fruits, barley,
corn and vegetables are grown to perfec
tion in this and adjoining valleys; in
fact, the diversity of products is an
ever-increasing wonder, even to the
natives.
From Goleta, six miles west, walnnte,
beans and pampas plumes form tbe
bulk of the shipments, and nearly
every known fruit, from the hardy
apple to the tender banana, is raised
successfully.
In tbis article only that portion of
Santa Barbara county lying south of
the Santa Ynez range has been touched.
It should be remembered that oyer'the
mountains is the greatest territory
though tbe lees population. Large
ranches, from 15,000 to 60,000 acres
owned by individuals or companies has
been a serious drawback to thiß section.
The land could not bo bought in small
tracts, and waa not properly cultivated.
A change is now taking place. Any
quantity of excellent land in tracta to
euit cast be purchased at reasonable
prices in the Santa Maria, Lompoc, or
other valleys. Grain, nuts or fruit can
be raised to advantage. A railroad is
about to penetrate this region which
will add etill greater impetus lo busi
ness. It is a district which will be in a
very few years rich and prosperous, and
which holds out grand inducements to
settlers.
The railroad —the Southern Pacific —
when completed will form a continuous
line from Lob Angelee to San Francisco
via Santa Barbara. The city expects
groat things with its coming; being now
practically side-tracked, an improvement
in business is rightly anticipated when
tbe main line is finished.
. Withal, Santa Barbara ia making sat
isfactory advancement. Universal dull
times have of conree affected tbis
locality, but there have been no bank
failures nor has any business house been
forced to the wall. What city can say
so much?
COVINA.
one of ill* Gems of the Orange Belt of
SolUlifm California.
Covins is in Los Angeles county, and
about 24 miles duo east of Los Angeles
city. It is situated in tbe aouthern part
of what ia known no Azusa valley, and
is a rich, fc-rt.i i ; ot In an almost frost
less region. Covina was Jhe first town
regularly laid out in the valley, and is a
part of whit! il known on the map as
the Phillips tract,
Tbe tlret building erected on the town
site wus the old Covina Independent
building, a newspaper started in D;
cember, 1884, hy 11. N. Short and J. K.
Conlee. Since that time the tract of
2000 acres nas been settled, nearly every
10 acres having a residence on it.
The principal crop is the orange, and
some of tbe thriltieet groves to be found
iv Southern California are located here.
I here are now adjacent to Corvina about
4000 acres in oranges and lemons, and
the crop for 6-year-old trees, are prom
ising iudeed.
There are at Covina several well
filled Btores covering all kinds of mer
chandise, blacksmith shope, a harness
and sboemuker shoo, drng store, etc.,
and about 30 residences. The popula
tion is about 401) for the town, and '. jut
part of the valley which supports it hts
v population of about 25C0. The Covina
Argus, published by i. R. Conlee, ia
now two years old and has a good circu
lation in the valley, and ie a prosperous
country weekly.
The laud around Covins is like River
side land, very high, ranging from $250
per sore for unimproved laud lo as high
as $1000 per aero tor improved.
The buildings are tiis'-class, some
houses costing as high aa $8000.
The assessment books would chow, for
the 5000 acres assessed in the Covina
district, at the low rate ot $100 per acre,
$500,000, while if a syndicate should
attempt to buy the same it could not be
had for lees tiian $1,500,000.
The climate is us miid as can be
found in this part of the Pacific Coast
and is almost frostless, no frost occur
ring up to this writing severe enough to
injure tomato vines.
The soil is a sandy loam, never bakeß
after irrigation, yet heavy enough to
hold moisture for weeks after being
wet.
For a community which is really but
seven years old (the n age of the old
est orange trees in t c neighborhood)
Covina is a very prosperous one. The
ranch owners are practically out of debt
end but few mortgages adorn their
omes.
There is a good school and three
chftrches in the town. Tbe Methodist
Episcopal church was ttie first built,
and it is a house large enough to seat a
congregation of 300, while tbo Episcopal
chinch will accommodate about Loo,
and the German Brethren (Uunkarda)
which will seat about 100.
ALHAMBR*.
Th« Queen Colony of Frult-Growera In
San Oabrlel Valley.
Just 23 minutes' ride from the corner
of Spring und First streets, thiß city, to
the center of Alhambra, three minutes'
brisk walk to Commercial Southern Pa
cific depot, 17 minutes on the train, and
another three minutes' walk from the
Alhambra depot lands, you are at the
Alhambra hotel, the center of the sub
ject of this sketch. The Terminal lands
its passengers within one block of the
hotel. '
Alhambra is a settlement, not a town,
of fruit-growetß and men who live here
with their families, but have business
in Loa Angeles, altogether about 1200
tools.
The orange ia the favorite production,
something over 100 carloads being
shipped from this station every season.
The lemon does exceedingly well here,
and many new orchards are being plant
ed, and still there is room for more. The
peach and apricot excel in quality and
Bize, and critical competition with fruit
grown at Newcastle, the boaa peach sec
tion of the northern citrus belt, showa
the Alhambra fruit the best for shipping
and canning. The prune has not been a
success, but it is thought the heavier
lands on our south will grow them to per
fection.
This is a berry country, several or
cbardists having made a Jiving off of
their vines between the rows while tbeir
orange treea were growing. The wine
grapes growing here have alwayß bean
noted for the fine quality winea they
make. The San Gabriel winery, tiie
largest, most complete and best ar
ranged winery in tbe world, ia at Ra
mona, the twin settlement of Alhambra.
Of course irrigation ia the mainstay,
and water is abundant, distributed in
steel pipes over the settlement, furnish
ing as weii tbe moat wholesome soft
water for domestic use.
They have churches and schools s«a
ond to none, with a society noted for Its
sociability as well. Alhambra is so near
the city of Los Angeles that, in fact, it
is easier to go into tbe town on all occa
sions than if we lived a few blocks away
from tbe center and not directly on
some street car line.
The growth of Alhambra has been
gradual, never had a boom, and courts
none. Tbe new residences built the
past year have cost nearly $150,000.
One thousand acre's more land on the
couth have been placed under water
pipe system, and are no«r placed on tbe
market.
............ .Kb.
Empress Elizabeth of Austria lately
built at an enormou3 cost a magnificent;
marble villa at Corf a aud christened it
"L'Achilloion." Her majesty las made
tho following codicil to her will; "I
wish to be interred at Corfu, near the
river, so that the waves can continually
break on my tomb."
Hlch Praise.
Dr. Julia Washburn of Lexington, Ky.,
read a paper on "Women and Medicine"
before the recent annual convention of
tho Kentucky Homoeopathic society. Tho
Medical Century Bays of it that it was n
masterpiece and Wti reid without fault.