downtown

NAME EVERY STORE THAT SELLS LARD

Jeff Elliott Leave a comment

Can you list 100 businesses in downtown Santa Rosa? Do you also know who owns the company? If so, you might win a hi-tech gadget or cash! Thus was the incentive to compete the Press Democrat’s 1909 “What do you Know About This?” contest.

The contest was sort of a scavenger hunt. The newspaper served up a brief description of 100 businesses, and contestants were required to identify the company along with its street address. The PD warned that it would be a stickler for accuracy: “Answers to be correct must have firm names correctly spelled, and in the usual ‘style’ of the firm. By this is meant that it will not be sufficient to merely say ‘Smith’s,’ or ‘Smith’s Grocery’ when the firm’s correct name and style is ‘John D. Smith & Bro.'” Names of the owners were sometimes demanded and sometimes not, ensuring contestants read the description very carefully: “Study the questions carefully, because sometimes the name of the store as well as the name of the firm and its location is asked for. Then again, sometimes the firm name might be the only thing required.” Golly, could a newspaper contest possibly be more thrilling fun?

It was actually just a clever promotional gimmick for the paper’s advertisers, of course, Herbert W. R. Mallory, a 14 year-old boy won first prize: a “Talk-o-Phone” valued at $25. A $10 gold coin was won by Aletha Hoag in second place, the PD noting her submission “was a model of neatness, being nicely typewritten and prepared with much care.” The week-long contest probably boosted foot traffic for the businesses (even though most contestants apparently were teenagers, and unlikely to be soon in the market for services like electrical contractors or undertakers) and the whole deal was probably soon forgotten.

Today, however, the contest’s questions present a unique glimpse into the very different world of 1909 Santa Rosa. Who knew that opticians made house calls? Or that a dry cleaner would re-curl and clean your feathers? Or that a certain drayage company always painted its wagons yellow? Or that a garage would send a car to take you anywhere in town for a 35 cent fare? There’s much more detail about these businesses than found in their ads, and there’s also red meat here for genealogists; many of the names mentioned in the contest’s answers rarely appeared in the papers, if it all.

Unfortunately, I can’t transcribe the entire text as I usually do. The questions fill two pages set in 8 point type and clocks in at about 13,000 words, which is too much to pound out with my poor, aging fingers. I attempted to OCR the pages (using Google Docs, which has the best OCR I know of), but the image quality is too poor, even after enhancing brightness and contrast – the original Press Democrat microfilm for the entire year of 1909 is the worst quality I’ve ever encountered, and nearly unreadable.

As a compromise, I’ve entered below the names of all businesses and owners (when given) so they can be found by Internet search engines. For anyone seriously interested, I’ve also made available a cleaned-up copy (PDF) of the contest questions and answers in the Comstock House digital library (WARNING: This is a 14M file that will probably take several minutes to download). But to provide a taste of the contest, here are some of the more interesting questions and answers:

* Number 1.–This is Number 1, and it stands for a cigar store of that character, to which is appended in the rear the same kind of a billiard and pool hall. The location is central, and the brands of imported and domestic cigars dispensed cover a wide range of variety. Smoking and chewing tobacco–and don’t forget the chewing gum–of all kinds, and supreme quality. There is always something doing around this popular place. If you are down town evenings hunting for your friend the odds are that you will find him here. This place is conducted by a firm, and the names of both members rhyme exactly. Give the name and number. Bailey & Bailey, 439 Fourth.
* Number 7.–This is not the drug store that advertised a liniment so strong that, applied to the stub end of a dog’s tail, it caused the tail to grow out again and then again applied to the severed piece picked up from the dust of the street, from it grew another dog. But the goods they sell are reliable, dependable drugs, in every case just what they purport to be. This store was started soon after the memorable event of three years ago, and at once took rank as one of the leading pharmacies of the city. It is conducted by a firm of young men who have spent many years of their lives in Santa Rosa, and whose acquaintance oreaches out to all parts of Sonoma County. They are prescription pharmaceuticals and chemicals. They put up a Witch Hazel cream that has a large sale and also Cold Tablets that have demonstrated their merits in hundreds of cases. Their line of druggists’ sundries is very large and they also carry a large line of cosmetics and medicines of all kinds. They are away “up” in the profession as well as the procession, and now it is up to you to give firm name and street number. Belden & Upp, 443 Fourth. 
* Number 9.–This is one of the live grocery stores down toward the Northwestern depot, and they make a specialty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fancy and staple groceries and provisions. Their place is the Santa Rosa depot for Oak Grove butter, than which there is none better made. They also handle the Sperry flour, which needs no “boosting.” This firm has been doing business here about three years, since before the “shake.” They are live men. Give firm name and street number. Fehrman & Peters, 129-131 Fourth 
* Number 18.– This firm makes a specialty of dealing in foods and liquors that are guaranteed under the Federal Pure Foods and Drugs Act. The Government spends many million dollars to protect you from impure foods, but you must do your part by patronizing a firm that deals exclusively in the pure kind. This firm has a large grocery and liquor store on lower Fourth street, selling goods at both wholesale and retail. They have been doing business here twenty-two years. Before the great shake-up or shake-down, whichever you may call it, they were located at 315 Fourth. Where are they located at this time and what is the name of the firm? N. Bacigalupi & Son, 134 Fourth. 
* Number 30.– What meat market is it that at one time was doing business on the present site of the Press Democrat building, where they were burned out on December 20, 1906? They are still running and doing a flourishing business. For a time they did business on Second street, then they moved to their present location. They pride themselves on the very best fresh and cured meats, sausage, etc. They put up also a fine brand of kettle-rendered lard. Give name and street number. Feliz’s Market, Sisto J. Feliz, 540 Third. 
* Number 39.– What is the name of a pleasant rooming house on Fourth street which has 34 well-kept well ventilated rooms? The name indicates that there had been a fire in times past. The building is new and modern and every accommodation is offered those who make their home here permanently, as well as those who come just for one or more days. Every room is an outside room, and all have running water. When you are stopping in Santa Rosa you will find this place very central and desirable. Give name of house, name of propriortress and street number. The Phoenix, Mrs. Dora Grissim, 416½ Fourth 
* Number 66.–What is the name of an all-day and all-night restaurant which advertises itself as the “only American restaurant in Santa Rosa”? They serve meals and short orders in splendid style and have a very liberal patronage among all classes of people. This restaurant has been in existance for about twenty years. The present firm in charge have been conducting the same for only a few months, but they understand their business and are making a fine success. The name of the restaurant is the same as that of a New England city. Give name and street number. Boston Restaurant, 409 Fourth. 
* Number 77.– Now, who is the one man in this city who sells stationery, books and kodaks? There is only one man in the city who keeps the whole combination mentioned. It is up to you to find him. He has been located here five years–just got in in [sic] good time to get it “good and plenty” when the earth rocked and the fires raged. At that time he was on the south side of Fourth, near B. He is carrying a large line of the three articles mentioned, which covers a multitude of items. His prices are very low. He is also agent for the San Francisco morning dailies. Give his name and street number. Temple Smith, 611 Fourth. 
* Number 82.–What is the name of the new garage just around the corner from Fifth street? Also give name of proprietor and street number. Has been running but two months but is going some, just the same. Cars for hire day or night, and bus fare anywhere in the city is only 35 cents. Packages delivered for 10 cents. Keeps gasoline and oil for sale. The owner has lived several years in the city and has a wide circle of acquaintance, from which he draws a big patronage. You can always get an auto here for atrip to the country or surrounding towns at reasonable rates. Auto Garage, G. V. Saunders, 450 Mendocino. 
* Number 88.–The man who writes the signs of the city is almost as important a personage as the man who writes the signs of the times. The old-fashioned sign with a period or a comman between each word and now and then a corectly [sic] spelled word, has gone out of business in every circle where intelligence dwells. The signs in Santa Rosa are a credit to the city as well as to the man, or men, who wrote them. The man who did most of the work is still here and his right arm has not yet lost its cunning. He does all kinds of work and does it right. He makes a specialty of raised and metal letters, and gilding on glass. Also does cloth, banner, and wall signs. You know him. Give his name and the street number of his shop. G. W. Salisbury, 512 Fifth. 
* Number 94.–Repairing shoes by electricity. Like everything else this branch of industry is likewise to be dominated by the “juice.” It has been a steady conquest–ever since Ben Franklin sent up his kite, and the end is not yet. This establishment makes repairs “while U wait.” Does not even place pa bar against the man who neglects to bathe his feet. Does good word and at very moderate prices. Just a few doors off Mendocino. Been here two years. Who is he? Give name and location. Cut Rate Shoe Repair Factory, Dan Picken, 541 Fifth.

(RIGHT: A 1906 Press Democrat ad for a “Talk-o-Phone.” This was the “Souza” model; the Talk-o-Phone Company named each model after a famous living musician without permission)

The believe-it-or-not twist to the contest is that the grand prize “Talk-o-Phone” was rather lame, and maybe not even worth the 25 bucks. Phonograph players – called “disk talking machines” in 1909 – were coveted entertainment centers of the day, and new models cost 2-3 months salary for the average worker. But Talk-o-Phones hadn’t been made for some time; after years of lawsuits by Victor over patent infringement, the manufacturer declared bankruptcy. Besides copying the Victrola’s mechanism, the Talk-o-Phone Company of Toledo, Ohio even ripped off their advertising. Where Victor famously had Nipper the dog with an ear cocked in recognition of “His Master’s Voice,” Talk-o-Phone first had a parrot “learning some new ones.” Santa Rosa stores hadn’t advertised Talk-o-Phones in the papers for ages, and this “prize” had likely been sitting on some store’s back shelf gathering dust.

BUSINESSES AND NAMES IN THE PRESS DEMOCRAT’S 1909 “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?” CONTEST

PAGE ONE: Bailey &  Bailey; Ketterlin Brothers; St. Rose Drug Store, Wm. McK. Stewart; Kopf &  Donovan; Dixon &  Elliott; Sonoma County Fruit &  Produce Co.; Belden &  Upp; Ideal Cyclery, Howard &  Muenzer; Fehrman &  Peters; Santa Rosa Planing Mill, P. H. Kroncke; California Oyster Market &  Grill, Athanasiu &  Apostolides; Grand Central Market, Wm. Steinbring; W. W. Felt; Dohn’s Express &  Storage Co.; Crystal Dry Cleaning and Dyeing Works, Geo. B. Pierce; Hattie, McKinney &  Titus; Santa Rosa Marble &  Granite Works, Kinslow Bros.; N. Bacigalupi &  Son; Acme Cyclery, Henry Jenkins; Depot Market, Joseph Dont Jr.; Santa Rosa Garage, S. D. Burris; Bauman &  Milburn; New York Pork Store, Wm. Sukalle; M. C. Yoell; E. T. Briggs; J. W. Andrews; H. K. Kagee; New York Shoe Store, L. Demeo; J. W. Wood; Feliz’s Market, Sisto J. Feliz; Lomont &  Co.; Dr. J. E. Jobe; Grand Central Market, Cummings Bros.; L. H. Thalman; Campi Restaurant and Lodging House, P. Bianchi; The Castle; The Missouri Shoe Store, B. Tobias; Grant Patterson; The Phoenix, Mrs. Dora Grissim; C. M. Bruner; Moke &  Ward; W. E. Case; Domestic French Laundry; David Glickman; Flagler’s; Keegan Bros.; Dan Behmer

PAGE TWO: A. C. Smith; Dr. V. Hoffer; Juell’s Drug Store; Santa Rosa Furniture Co.; Lewis &  Son; A. J. Pommer Co.; J. H. Potter &  Son; McHarvey’s; Muther &  Son; The Ladies’ Arcade, Mrs. I. Rusden, Miss Annie Scott; Santa Rosa Transfer &  Storage Co., A. D. Sund; Hodgson-Henderson Co.; Coon &  Bent; W. C. Davis; R. C. Moodey &  Son; Santa Rosa Department Store, A. T. Sutherland; Brooks Clothing Co.; Ayers &  Paul; Boston Restaurant; Sherman, Clay &  Co., F. L. Vanderlip; R. Isabel Waddington; Wiley B. Allen Co.; McConnell-Prentiss Co.; Sterling Cyclery, Burmeister &  Walker; James A. Brown; Cnopius &  Co.; New Method Cleaning Co.; Field Bros.; Palace of Sweets, C. T. Sherman; Temple Smith; Pierce &  Pillar, Santa Rosa Glove Co.; Neil Sinclair; W. H. Upton; A. Bryant; Auto Garage, G. V. Saunders; Union Trust-Savings Bank; Lawson-Rinner Optical Co.; Dr. H. G. Hewitt; Frank Berka; Hoyt Brothers; G. W. Salisbury; The Monarch Cyclery, Marlatt Bros.; Gamble Bros.; S. T. Daken; The Harper Hair Dressing Parlor; J. C. Mailer Hardware Co.; Cut Rate Shoe Repair Factory, Dan Picken; Fashion Stables, Wm. Hockin &  Sons; Houts Auto Co., O. L. Houts; Sonoma Tent &  Awning Co.; The Cash Cyclery; Campbell &  Coffey; A. M. Hildebrandt

— Press Democrat, June 2, 1909

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WHEN “BUSINESS FRIENDLY” SANTA ROSA NEARLY CLOSED DOWNTOWN

Jeff Elliott Leave a comment

Heaven knows that Santa Rosa loves to toot that it’s “business friendly,” and was ever thus. But in 1909 the town provoked a nasty little feud with downtown businesses that ended with a lawsuit and the Mayor trading accusations of lying with one of the top Fourth street merchants.

The cause of everyone’s discontent was the city water billing system. As described here earlier, Santa Rosa had a crazyquilt rate scheme that could only be described as insane. It was 25¢ a month to have a bathtub and 3¢ to water a square yard of “vegetables and strawberries,” but only .0025¢ if you aimed the garden hose at the same-sized patch of flowers or lawn. A liquor store owed $2 a month, but a dentist paid only a dollar above the base rate, and physicians paid nothing.

It also didn’t help that most businessmen flatly refused to pay their bills, viewing the rates as capricious or of the opinion that an unlimited supply of free water was a taxpayer’s due. When others heard that their neighboring businesses were getting away without paying, they began ignoring their bills as well. Thus on a fine spring morning in 1909, Street Commissioner W. A. Nichols marched up and down the downtown streets and shut off the scofflaw’s water. A standoff began, and soon the Press Democrat reported, “For the last few days block after block on Fourth street has been without water.”

(RIGHT: The 1909 rates for the hated Santa Rosa municipal water system. CLICK or TAP to enlarge)

To help break the impasse, the Chamber of Commerce held a public hearing that recommended the water be turned back on at once. But in a statement published on the front page of the Press Democrat, the mayor offered nothing in the way of compromise, appealing only for everyone to pay up. “You have invested a large amount of money in your water system,” Mayor Gray wrote. “The plant is a fine one. There is plenty of water, and it is served at high pressure, reaching the upper stories in summer as well as in winter. As a matter of public spirit, I appeal to all who have not done so to comply with the law…” The only alternatives discussed were unworkable: Dig up the streets and install individual connections, or deputize landlords to calculate bills for their tenants according to the nutsy type-of-business-plus usage formula.

After a week without toilets or tap water, about a dozen delinquent businesses paid their bills. At least one major property owner thumbed his nose at the city system and signed with the McDonald Water Company.* But Santa Rosa’s intractable policies placed still other companies in a Catch-22. Most buildings had only a single water hookup, yet there could be more than one business at that address. Under city rules, all water was shut off to the building if any of the businesses there were scofflaws. One company caught in the middle was the main downtown grocery store: Erwin Brothers, at 703-705 Fourth street (next to today’s Arrigoni’s Cafe).

Although the Erwins had stopped paying their water bills after learning that few downtown businesses were in compliance, no one could fault their earnest efforts to resolve the situation in the week of the water shutoff. They lobbied the mayor and city councilmen and walked Fourth street asking business owners to sign a petition requesting the city switch billing to their landlords. They went to city hall to pay every cent in arrears and make a deposit toward future payments. But the city refused to accept their money – there was another tenant in the building who still didn’t want to pay. After nine dry days, the Erwins illegally turned the water on themselves, and filed an injunction against the city to keep it on.

What happened next probably kept the town buzzing for weeks. According to comments from the Erwins published in the Republican, Mayor Gray personally asked them to drop the lawsuit, which would be expensive for the city to defend. He then reportedly said, “Why don’t you connect with the McDonald system and save all this trouble. You are trying to defeat the very plans you have suggested to the council and are working for.” Gray immediately responded via the Press Democrat that he wouldn’t have said such a thing and implying that he hadn’t spoken to the Erwins at all. The grocers countered with their own statement in the Republican, noting even the time the mayor dropped by and including the detail that Gray left his kid waiting in the buggy.

If Mayor Gray indeed told them to take their water business elsewhere, he foolishly placed Santa Rosa in legal peril, given that the Erwin Brothers were litigants against the city over this very issue (UPDATE HERE). Yet it’s likely that he said exactly what the Erwins claimed; Gray appears to have been exceptionally dim when it came to basic concepts of law and language. In a City Council meeting related to the water issue, he wasted time arguing that water service should be restored downtown immediately because “domestic use” meant bathrooms in businesses as well as residences. More time was lost in the following meeting as the City Attorney “cited definitions of the term ‘domestic’ from some of the best authorities.”

* As discussed here before, Santa Rosa had both public and private water systems available in most of the town. The three-decade old McDonald Water Company notoriously had low water pressure and sanitation problems (the water came from Lake Ralphine, which should explain enough). The city water came from deep wells, but was often said to taste and smell foul (MORE). While the city installed meters that billed for how much smelly water was used, the McDonald system offered all the sickening water you could dribble out of the spigot at a flat monthly price.

WATER ORDINANCE ENFORCE MONDAY
Street Commissioner Nichols Had a Busy Time With His Turnkey in Business Section

Street Commissioner W. A. Nichols was busy Monday turning off the water from all business houses on Fourth street where the water rates had not been paid according to the water ordinances.

While the step had been anticipated on account of the recent order of the City Council, some of those unprepared for the enforcement of the same were wrathy, but the only remedy was to pay the water bill and then the Street Commissioner had the water turned on again.

The turning off of the water is the outgrowth of the refusal of tenants to pay for water used for other than “domestic” purposes. All attempts to collect were met with either flat refusals or else with excuses to delay the day of settlement. A very few people in the district have paid regularly, but others had not, and the city was getting nothing for the water.

The shutting off of the water in some cases worked hardships on innocent parties, as for instance, where one tenant in a building had refused or failed to pay the water was shut off the same as where all had refused to settle. The advice of City Attorney A. B. Ware was to the effect that property owners who had constructed buildings with only one tapping were responsible for the tenants as they had been informed that separate connections should be put in for each separate tenant.

As it was the first general move to enforce the terms of the ordinance in the business section no charge was made for turning the water on again but in all cases a settlement was forced and repetition of the offense will cost the offender $5 to again secure water. In some cases the city water was given up and the pipes of the Santa Rosa Water Company were connected, but even then the property owners or tenants will be forced to pay the same rate the city asks, as well as pay their share of the taxes going to maintain the municipal system.

Some attorneys say that where a tenant has paid his water bill the city may be subject to a damage suit where the water is turned off to keep others from getting water. They hold that it is up to the city to provide separate means of cutting the water off without interfering with those patrons who do pay. City Attorney Ware declares it is a matter for the tenant and owner alone to settle.

– Press Democrat, March 2, 1909

WATER PROBLEM IS NOT CHANGED
Discussion and Suggestion at Last Night’s Meeting of the City Council

While the much discussed turning off of the water in a number of the buildings in the business section on Monday, was brought up at the Council meeting last night and discussed again, the matter was left where it is and was without changes.

Mayor Gray asked whether the Council could not construe the meaning of “domestic” in the light that business houses could be give water free for drinking and toilet purposes, and those who use it for commercial purposes, such as hotels, lodging houses, saloons, druggists, doctors and dentists, etc., pay for the same, thus stopping the tearing up of Fourth street and the losing of patrons to the other company. This was his solution of the problem.

Councilman Fred Steiner said he was inclined to construe the word “domestic” to mean the “home.”

City Attorney Allison B. Ware, who has previously upheld the water ordinance, did so again, and advised that any changes in the same should be taken up very carefully. He suggested that the main trouble in the present controversy was that its requirements had not been enforced from the first. It would have avoided considerable trouble and the piling up of a large bill. Several Councilmen concurred in this conclusion of the City Attorney.

In the matter of tearing up of the street it was replied that corporations should be compelled to put the streets back in the same condition in which they found them.

Mayor Gray advocated, in order to prevent the working of hardships on people, who had paid their water bills, in the same buildings with those who had not, with the result that the water was turned off, that separate stopcocks could be placed so as to reach the proper parties.

The Ordinance Committee may endeavor to reach a satisfactory adjustment of the vexed question.

– Press Democrat, March 3, 1909

MASS MEETING CONSIDERS A UNIQUE WATER PROBLEM
Much Oratory Results in New Plan Being Proposed
Committee Appointed to Wait Upon Mayor and Common Council, and Also to Interview Fourth Street Property Owners

A mass meeting of citizens. business and property owners was held on Wednesday night at the Chamber of Commerce to consider the situation created by the action of the City Council in turning off the water along Fourth street where consumers had neglected or refused to pay their bills. The situation is a peculiar one by reason of the fact that in many instanced of turning off of the water has alike affected those who have paid and those who have not. As a rule, each building is connected with the city mains by a single tapping and no means has been provided for turning off the supply of any individual consumer. When the order went forth to cut off those who had failed to pay it affected both the just and unjust.” For the last few days block after block on Fourth street has been without water.

By request, President E. L. Finley of the Chamber of Commerce called the meeting to order. Organization by perfected by electing Charles O. Dunbar chairman and Edward H. Brown secretary.

In his opening remarks Chairman Dunbar spoke of the necessity of finding some solution for the problem with which the business portion of the city is at present confronted, and urged that all get together and work for the best interests of the community.

Dr. N. Juell outlined the existing situation at length, incidentally pointing out the fact that many were being solicited to become customers of the McDonald system, and that every customer lost meant a loss of revenue to the municipality. He said he thought many who have not paid would have done so had a collector been sent around, the failure to liquidate being in many instances merely the result of carelessness or oversight.

Fred J. Bertolani said that in many cases it was not the fault of the property owners that the buildings were not supplied with more than one tapping, citing instances where he had attempted to secure individual tappings for some of the Shea buildings without result. He did not regard the plan of trying to provide individual tappings at the present time as practical, as it would entail too much trouble and expense.

William R. Carithers thought that the thing to do was to get the water turned on, and said he had made a proposition to the city authorities to pay the water rent of all tenants in the Carithers building from the 1st of March provided the back bills would be wiped out. He said he did this for the protection of those tenants who had paid, and that in the event of his proposition being accepted, he of course expected to charge the amount so expended back to the renters.

Councilman Fred J. Forgett was called upon, but replied that he was present merely as an interested spectator anxious to see whether any feasible solution of the problem would be suggested.

S. P. Erwin said he had spoken to the Mayor and several of the Councilmen regarding the situation, and all seemed to be fair and have no other desire than to do their duty and protect the interests of the municipality. He believed public necessity demanded that some way be found to have the water turned on, and favored having the landlords pay the bills and charge the amount back to the tenants. He thought that perhaps the City might be willing to rebate the back bills in event of such a plan as that mentioned being adopted.

William Sukalle thought the entire idea of free water was wrong, because his experience had shown him that visitors looking for property investments do not regard it as “good business.” He recited an instance where a friend of his had come here with $12,000, but on account of the tax rate and the fact that some people were being compelled to pay in order that others might get something for nothing, went away and took his twelve thousand with him.

Wirt E. Rushing said that it was very apparent, judging from the remarks of the speakers who had preceded him, that the sentiment of the meeting was friendly to the City, and that while he had heard talk on the street about bringing suit, etc., such a course would only mean multiplying the troubles of the municipality. He also referred to the unnecessary tearing up of the streets that would result in case of any general move to change over to any other system, pointed out the fact that a loss of public revenue in one place would merely necessitate raising the amount somewhere else, and suggested that everybody pay up and start again fresh with a clean sheet.

Tom Gregory thought it would be childish to go to the authorities and promise to “be good” in future if past sins should be forgiven. Referring to the remarks made by a previous speaker, he ridiculed the idea that the non-paying consumers had failed to settle through mere oversight or carelessness. “They did not pay because they thought they would not have to pay,” he said. “We go to the Gas Company’s office and settle up every month without a whimper, having found out that is the only way to keep the light from being turned off.” He did not think the employment of a collector was necessary.

F. E. Barnett was of the opinion that a collector was the thing needed…

After a good deal more of this kind [illegible microfilm] …the meeting then adjourned, and the discussion resumed on the sidewalk outside.

– Press Democrat, March 4, 1909

MORE WATER BILLS ARE PAID MONDAY
Business Houses Are Taking Right Move and Nichols Turns on Water Again

The movement against paying for water for business purposes appears to have been at least partially checked. On Monday a number paid up and Street Commissioner W. A. Nichols had the pleasure of turning on the water for four buildings representing some eleven business houses, while four other persons requested him to call Tuesday morning at eight o’clock and receive his money and turn on the water for their properties.

The Con Shea buildings, including the Elks’ hall and business houses on B street, a Main street building, and a building on lower Fourth street, were among those who paid up and are again supplied with city water. It is believed that now that the ice is broken and the matter is better understood that the opposition will melt away.

The sums collected Monday represented bills ranging from $9 to $20 each.

– Press Democrat, March 9, 1909

THE ERWIN BROTHERS DISCUSS WATER QUESTIONS

To the Public:
In order that our position on the water question be not misunderstood, we want to make the following statement:

When the ordinance was first passed by the council making a charge of one dollar a month to business houses, we paid our dues and continued to do so until we found the majority of the consumers were not paying, then we quit, telling the street and water superintendent that as soon as the question was settled we would gladly act accordingly.

There the matter rested until last week, when the water was turned off. After waiting a day or two without water, our Mr. S. P. Erwin spent almost an entire day interviewing the council and the mayor to see if some arrangements could not be made whereby the water could be turned on to all consumers and the matter adjusted. Following that a meeting was called, to be held a the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, and there a committee was appointed, of which our Mr. S. P. Erwin was a member to interview the property owners along Fourth street, asking them to sign a petition requesting the mayor and council to pass a resolution making the water charge against the property owners rather than the tenant. In that way it could be added to the rent and collected with it, thereby preventing one tenant by refusing to pay having the water shut off the entire building, as at present.

This petition was signed by every property owner but one that was approached–a few being out of the city or not in when called on–and was handed to the mayor, with the request that some immediate action be taken, as the business interests were greatly suffering, and got the council together, hoping something would be done, but nothing came of the efforts.

Finding ourselves still without water and our business interests suffering, Mr. S. P. Erwin went to the city clerk and tendered him all back dues, together with any costs for turning on and dues in advance, and who, on account of another tenant in the building still being in arrears, refused to take the money or allow us the use of the water. Thereupon he was informed that we would turn it on ouorselves, which we immediately did, and then enjoined the city from turning it off.

We have never resisted the water assessment, only holding in abeyance the payment until the matter was adjusted. We have suggested that the water be turned on to all and a civil suit begun against some party in arrears for the collection of dues, and if the ordinance was found valid, there is no question but all would pay at once and continue to pay. But instead the council have elected to make it the most exasperating possible and inconvenience all for the refusal of a few.

After offering to pay and being refused water, we turned it on and then got out papers enjoining the city from turning it off. And there we rest our case, claiming the use of the water, especially when we are now and have at all times been willing to pay for it.

We are not fighting the interests of the city. We want to use the city water and pay our dollar per month into the city treasury rather than follow the mayor’s advice.

Mayor Gray came to us and urged us to connect with the McDonald system and cancel proceedings. We told him that we were property owners and tax payers and did not want to pay $12.00 per year into the McDonald Water Company when it would do the city no good. As we had to pay our proportion of the city taxes, we wanted the money to go to the city. And, again, if his advice were given to all and they should elect to follow, what would be the condition of Fourth street after being cross sectioned every 20 to 40 feet. It is certainly bad advice for the mayor to give to the citizens, but presume he thinks it an easier solution of the question.

We are not fighting the interests of the city, but this seems to us the only way to get some kind of a discussion, so that all would understand and the question be permanently settled.

ERWIN BROS.

– Santa Rosa Republican, March 9, 1909

FALSE STATEMENT MAYOR GRAY SAYS
Denies Assertion Made by Erwin Brothers in a Communication They Had Published

Mayor James H. Gray last night issued an official statement denying the assertion made by Erwin Brothers in an afternoon paper to the affect that he (Mayor Gray) had come to them and urged that they connect with the McDonald system and cancel their proceedings against the city, etc. The Mayor emphatically says he did no such thing. His statement appears in another column.

The various members of the City Council, as well as City Attorney Ware and Street Commissioner Nichols, also stated last night that in all his conversations with them, both in private and at the Council meetings, Mayor Gray has taken a position exactly opposite to that charged by Erwin Bros. and has constantly urged that some speedy action be taken that would prevent the general tearing up of the streets and loss of consumers to the city. Mayor Gray is also on record regarding the matter, a public proclamation dealing with the subject having been issued last Saturday and published in both papers. In this proclamation he took the same position the members of the Council all say has been his position from the first.

The communication from Erwin Brothers follows their injunction suit against the City, the Mayor and Common Council, together with the other officials being named in the complaint as representatives of the municipality.

The law makes it incumbent upon the City authorities to turn off the water in all cases where consumers neglect or refuse to pay their water bills, and there is no alternative. It is against the law for any private party to turn on the water without written permissions, after it has been turned off by the Street Commissioner. Because some others had done so, Erwin Brothers allowed their water rent to get badly in arrears, and finally tendered the amount due with the request that the water be turned on at once. Other consumers also in arrears were being served through the same tapping, and consequently it was impossible to comply with the request, so the tendered payment was not accepted by the City. Thereupon S. P. Erwin personally turned on the water that the City authorities had ordered turned off, the firm’s attorneys at the same hour serving injunction papers, which had been previously prepared, asking that the municipality be permanently restrained from again disconnecting the tapping leading to the Savage building, in which the Erwins are tenants.

The sentiment was generally expressed upon the streets last night that, having precipitated the suit, the proper place for Erwin Brothers to define their position is in the courts. The probabilities are that the suit will be a long and expensive one for the municipality.

Mayor Gray and the members of the City Council had a conference on the water question last night…City Attorney Ware again defined and reiterated his position upholding the water ordinance. He also cited definitions of the term “domestic” from some of the best authorities.

– Press Democrat, March 10, 1909

The Council Chambers, Santa Rosa, Cal., March 9, 1909

The statement of Erwin Bros. in this evening’s Republican that I urged them to connect with the McDonald water system, is incorrect, and is exactly contrary to what I did urge them to do.

I have requested and urged to the utmost of my power, all consumers of water to use from the municipal water system.

I refer to the statement published over my signature, both in the Press Democrat and the Evening Republican, which expressed by [sic] views exactly at all times.

James H. Gray, Mayor,

ERWIN BROS. MAKE REPLY
Tell of Incidents Connected With Water Issue

Mayor Gray makes a statement in the Press Democrat denying that he asked us to connect with the McDonald water system.

We want to make a statement of the facts as nearly as possible, which are as follows:

Mayor Gray, accompanied by his son, drove up to our store between 3 and 4 o’clock. Mr. Gray came into the store, his son remaining in front in the buggy. Mr. S. P. Erwin met him in front of the store and they were in conversation ten or fifteen minutes.

Among other things, Mayor Gray said: “Why not turn the water off and wait a few days, when it would all probably be settled.” The reply was that we had already waited a few days, that we needed the water in our wash-basin and the toilet, and could not get along without it. He then said: “Why don’t you connect with the McDonald system and save all this trouble. You are trying to defeat the very plans you have suggested to the council and are working for.”

The reply was, as stated in our letter to the public: “We are property owners and tax payers, and want to pay our money into the city and not into the McDonald water system, as we have to help keep up the city government and want our money to go where it will do the most good.”

These may not be the exact words as passed between Mr. Gray and Mr. Erwin, but they are absolutely correct as to the meaning, and the “Why not connect with the McDonald water system and save trouble” is absolutely correct.

There were no witnesses to the conversation, except as to passing back and forth, but we are willing to leave it up to the people.

We have no fight against the city or any of its ordinances. This was started without malice or feeling, simply to force a settlement of the water question rather than to let it drag for weeks.

We went to the clerk again yesterday and asked to pay our water dues, but under the advice of the city attorney he refused to accept them. We are willing now, and always have been, to pay for the water used. We told Mr. Nichols when we quit paying that we did not want our water turned off, but did not feel like paying if the balance did not, and asked him to come to us and let us know before turning it off, which he said he would do, and we would pay it.

After it had been turned off we asked him why he had not come as agreed. He said we had been notified through the papers and he supposed we had seen it. We do not blame Mr. Nichols for this, as he was doing his duty as advised, but are merely stating our case.

ERWIN BROS.

– Santa Rosa Republican, March 10, 1909

M’CORMACK IS HERE TO CHANGE WATER SYSTEM

John McCormack of San Francisco, owner of the McCormack building on the corner of Fifth and B streets, is in Santa Rosa today, arranging to disconnect his building with the city water system and to get it into communication with the McDonald Water Company. The seven firms doing business in his building had been urging him to do something to obviate the drouth prevailing there, and so he came up in person, and after investigating, decided to make the change of water systems.

Mr. McCormack has had few opportunities to visit his business interests here and he declares Santa Rosa looks like a place with a future. He left this afternoon for the metropolis.

– Santa Rosa Republican, March 10, 1909

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BONFIRE OF THE HOODOOS

Jeff Elliott 1 Comment

If you polled average Americans on what they knew about Santa Rosa a century ago, some might mention Luther Burbank or recall this as the other place hit hard by the big earthquake. But it’s a safe bet that far more knew about the “hoodoo” car.

Jake Luppold, a gregarious saloon owner who dubbed himself the “mayor of Main street,” loved elections and particularly election nights, when his joint was always packed with with political die-hards, celebrating victories or drowning the sorrows of defeat. “The Senate,” at the corner of 2nd and Main streets (currently the south end of the Bank of America building next to the transit mall), had a reputation as being the political bar in town, as well as offering the best free lunch to down with your nickel beer.

In 1908 California only men could drink in a saloon, and likewise voting was only a man’s prerogative, so local political events dripped with testosterone. Before any sort of vote, there were downtown street rallies marked by noise-making and fire-burning. The noise came from brass bands, shooting guns into the air, or a phalanx of manly men pounding anvils. (The anvil chorus was a more civilized alternative to the dangerous 19th century practice of “firing the anvils,” which involved packing the cup-like indentation on the anvil surface with gunpowder and placing another anvil upside down on top. When the gunpowder was ignited, the top anvil was flew into the air – hopefully straight up, and not angled into the crowd – making a loud boom remarkably similar to a cannon’s roar.) The fiery activities included torchlight marches to party headquarters or the home of a victor, plus a bonfire or two in the middle of a street.

As much as The Senate saloon was the boozy center of Santa Rosa’s political world, chatter in any bar anywhere easily turns to gossip, and a perennial favorite subject was the mystery of Lute Veirs.

L. L. Veirs had a Third street butcher shop and was a city councilman as well as acting mayor when he mysteriously disappeared on November 13, 1903, abandoning his wife Annie. It turned out that Veirs (not “Viers,” as misspelled in some histories) had embezzled money from the town and forged the signatures of relatives as co-signers on loans from Exchange Bank. He had also borrowed money from individuals around town, again forging signatures on promissory notes. When he vanished, one of the people left holding Lute’s worthless paper was Jake Luppold. It must have rankled deeply; behind the bar he kept a photo of Veirs along with one of the notes, which undoubtedly served to spark more gossipy speculation about where he might be hiding. The case rattled through the courts until 1907, and for compensation Luppold settled on ownership of an automobile.

The car wasn’t worth as much as the loan, but its age and make were never mentioned in the papers. Some modern sources say it was a red Dodge touring car, but the first Dodge wasn’t made until 1914. There were likely only a handful of (expensive!) autos in Santa Rosa when Veirs vanished in 1903, so it probably wasn’t a rusty bag o’ bolts that he personally owned. Whatever its provenance, all that’s really important to our story is that Luppold now had the thing, and it was a bitter reminder how he had been screwed over by someone he trusted.

Sometime in mid-October, 1908, about two weeks before the Taft vs. Bryan presidential election, Jake or one of his barflies thought of an inspired mash-up: They could have their election night fun and get rid of the damn car at the same time if they burned it in a street bonfire. Luppold received permission from the City Council and the Press Democrat wrote an article that was picked up by the Associated Press. No one could have predicted what followed.

In the next few days, scores of letters poured in; the wire service story had been reprinted nearly everywhere. Because the very idea of owning an automobile was still novel and its cost expensive, people couldn’t grasp the idea that someone would willing destroy such a valuable and useful vehicle. Common themes that ran through the letters were that Luppold had to be ignorant of the car’s value, a wealthy fool, or a superstitious idiot. Some begged Luppold to give it to them or donate it to a good cause; some offered to trade him for a buggy or less valuable car; some offered to buy it on the cheap. Jake’s friend Wallace Ware later wrote that Luppold also received letters from widows, “who were primarily pitching for Luppold’s heart and hand.” Even local attorney Rollo Leppo, who had nothing at all to do with the deal except having a last name that might sound similar if it were slurred by someone very drunk, received letters asking him to spare the car.

Key to the appeal of the story was Luppold’s insistence that this car had a “hoodoo,” meaning that it brought bad luck (one letter writer suggested that Luppold was actually the victim of a curse, which Gentle Correspondent could remove for a fee). A hops broker joined the act, noting that prices for this important local crop had been depressed for a couple of years. Thus it was decided that a bale of “hoodoo” hops would burn inside the “hoodoo” car to make everything right.

As hoodoo hysteria swept the nation, Santa Rosans were tickled to read there was a little auto fire at Bacon’s Garage, not far from Luppold’s bar on Main street. The blaze was quickly extinguished with bottles of seltzer water, but Jake used it as an excuse to humorously charge it was an attempt by Bacon’s “…to get ahead of him in this line of entertainment and burn their automobile first.” Bacon’s Garage, BTW, was where Santa Rosa’s Squeedunks had organized their Fourth of July parade of mockery earlier that year.

Come election night, Santa Rosa was ready for some fun. The PD reported that Main street was jammed with people for two blocks on either side of The Senate saloon, which itself was packed. “Standing room in The Senate was at a premium,” Wallace Ware recalled in his memoir, The Unforgettables, and “a drink procured became a prized possession.”

The hoodoo car had been hoisted to the top of an immense pyre directly in front of The Senate, and the headlights of the auto glowed defiantly. Ware described what happened next:


Jake was, or course, the star of the show…at the peak of all this excitement a shrill voice screamed through a megaphone, four feet long, “Taft’s victory has been conceded!” This was the climax. Jake was awaiting, for he instantly shouted the command, “Let her burn!”

The Press Democrat finished the story: “The crowds cheered themselves hoarse as the flames danced here and there amid the wood which had been saturated with oil to ensure its burning good.” (Hopefully that bale of hops helped cut the acrid stink of the enormous kerosene-fueled fire.)

After the ashes cooled the next day, the blackened and twisted metal remains of the auto were removed from Main street and carried inside the saloon, and there hung from the ceiling. Jake Luppold could glance towards the back of his place and recall with satisfaction the night he settled his score with Lute Veirs while selling a record-setting quantity of booze. And until the day he died in 1922, he could show newcomers the hoodoo car, sell them a drink, and tell them all about how he became the most famous man in America for a time (UPDATE HERE).


Jake Luppold outside The Senate, c. 1918. L to R: Henry Carlton, Mr. Harris, Jake Luppold, unknown, and Tom Campion. In 1908, Luppold drew national attention when he had a “hoodoo” automobile burned in front of his saloon. This photo was also taken about the time that Luppold entered Comstock family lore when he told Helen Finley’s father that her marriage to Hilliard wouldn’t work out because “his family’s too damn aristocratic.” (Photo courtesy Sonoma County Museum)

“AUTO A HOODOO” SAYS “MAYOR” LUPPOLD

J. J. Luppold, the well-known “mayor of Main street,” came into possession of an automobile some months ago. He had to take it to get some payment of a promissory note. He says the auto is a “hoodoo,” and he has determined to consign it to the flames. He will not sell it to anyone and on election night, in front of the “Senate” on Main street, the torch will be applied and the machine will go up in smoke and flame. He invites all his friends to come and witness the blaze, and says it “will come off, sure.” The “mayor” always sticks to his word and so a fire it will be.

– Press Democrat, October 18, 1908

 

COUNCIL SAYS LUPPOLD MAY BURN HIS AUTO

The City Council last night granted J. J. Luppold permission to build a bonfire on Main street on election night for the purpose of burning his “hoodoo” automobile. Mention of Mr. Luppold’s intention was made in the Press Democrat a few days ago.

– Press Democrat, October 21, 1908

 

AUTOMOBILE TAKES FIRE
Put Out by Siphons of Seltzer Water

There was an exciting time at the Sonoma garage of Bacon Brothers On Main street Friday afternoon, when in auto belonging to the garage caught fire. A spark caught some surplus oil in the machinery on fire, and the blaze leaped high in the air. Those near the horseless vehicle were fearful lest the machine should blow up and they hurried hurriedly wheeled the vehicle into the street.

While the fire department was responding to a still alarm, Jack Roberts took a couple of siphons of seltzer water from his establishment and distinguished the blades. The department was not required after Roberts got into action. The damage the auto was nominal, only the varnish on the front seat of the vehicle and some of the leather upholstering being burned.

Jay Luppold, the mayor of Main street, is just a little perturbed over the incident. He has automobiles to burn, and believed he was the only individual with such inclinations until the fire of Friday afternoon. Luppold announced the public cremation of his benzine cart to celebrate Taft’s election and to remove a hoodoo which has been pursuing him, and he professes to believe that the Bacon’s desire to get ahead of him in this line of entertainment and burn their automobile first, The Bacons deny this imputation.

– Santa Rosa Republican, October 24, 1908

 

“SAVE THE HOODOO AUTO” THEIR CRY
Luppold Gets Letters Galore Wanting Machine as Gift or Would Pay Coin for it

The publicity given the fact that J. J. Luppold, “the mayor of Main street,” is to burn his “hoodoo” automobile on election night, has resulted in his receiving a batch of letters from all over the state from persons, some remonstrating with him for his wastefulness in burning the machine, and others offering to purchase the machine, “hoodoo” and all. “Jake” says others offering to purchase the machine as he has taken a solemn oath that it must perish in the flames.

The Rev. G. R. Bryant, pastor of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, a colored brother, asks Luppold to give him the machine to enable him to “further the Lord’s work.” Bryant is also president of the colored Y. M. C. A. of Los Angeles. “Don’t destroy the auto,” writes the pastor. “It is just what I want to use in visiting the five hundred members of my flock. Mr. Luppold, the very machine you would destroy is just the thing we for our automobile class demonstrations. Now, Mr. Luppold, remember, I do not ask for the automobile for sporting purposes, but because I thing that you will be glad to know in after years that you have helped your fellow man. Amen.”

Harvey S. Harriman, of Los Angeles, sends a long epistle remonstrating against the burning of the “hoodoo” automobile. He wants the automobile, and “hoodoo” thrown in.” He is a cripple and has to ride in a wheel chair, but he believes that he “can coax the auto into being good for him.”

“Jim the Penman” write Luppold from Los Angeles (his penmanship belies his title to being a good penman). He states his willingness to give advice on the assurance that it is kept “secret,” as to the best way to remove the “hoodoo” from the machine, and suggests by way of introduction that a curse may have been put on the “mayor of Main street” which can be removed with little expense.

C. Parker of Oakland writes that he is willing to pay $200 for the auto, if it is a standard make, and closes his bid by saying that the coin is better than “a total loss by fire.”

H. Bryant of Berkeley writes: “Dear Mr. Luppold–Isn’t it a shame to burn up an auto when there are plenty of poor men who would be willing to trade a cord of wood for your bonfire and save the machine.”

And there are others, demonstrating again that it pays to advertise.

– Press Democrat, October 25, 1908

 

AMUSING MISTAKE AS TO AUTO OWNER

The story concerning J. Luppold’s burning of his “hoodoo” auto on election night has gone far and wide. But imagine Rollo Leppo’s surprise when he received letters on Monday evening remonstrating with him for his determination to burn his fine touring car. At long distance friends had evidently mistaken the name. There’s “nothing doing” when it comes to burning the popular lawyer’s auto.

– Press Democrat, October 27, 1908

 

HOODOO AUTO IS INTERESTING

Jake Luppold has been receiving some more letters from the four quarters of the globe regarding his hoodoo auto, which it is proposed to burn on election night in this city. Some of the letters have been the source of much amusement. For instance, on Thursday Luppold received a letter from a woman in San Francisco in which she says: “My advice to you is to go and have your head examined, as I think there is something the matter with it.”

One San Francisco woman says, “To show you I am a good fellow, I would pay the freight on the machine to San Francisco, or else trade you a nice horse and buggy which has no hoodoo. Is it a trade?”

Teddy Lohse, who used to be here before the earthquake, and is well known by many, sends a post card which says, “Send me the auto, for I’ve been hoodooed since the fire. Someone told me you were dead.”

One young man in Portland urges Luppold to let him sell the machine for a fancy sum and invest the money in some enterprise in the northern city, agreeing to give Luppold half the stock in the company.”

A man named L. V. Walters of San Francisco writes, “If you are determined to burn your auto, why not first make a trade with me. I have an old Pope-Toledo which will run just about as far as from your place of business to the bonfire you contemplate. Put enough gasoline in it and it will make as large a fire as your car, and if it starts to burn quick enough–and I think that could be arranged–then very few people would be able to tell whether it was your car or someone elses. He is a good fellow and let’s swap.”

– Santa Rosa Republican, October 30, 1908

 

ANOTHER HOODOO TO GO WITH AUTO
“Hoodoo” to Be Driven From Hope–Mr. Luppold Invites Hop Growers to Attend the Cremation

With Jake Luppold’s “hoodoo” automobile on election night will be destroyed another “hoodoo,” at least it is hoped so. Milton Wasserman, the well known manager of the William Uhlmann Company, hop merchants, has accepted an invitation to apply the torch to the bonfire at ten o’clock on election night which will consume the auto. Two cords of wood will compose the bonfire, and it will be well saturated with oil.

Now as to the other “hoodoo.” Listen! all ye hop men who are watching and praying that the price of hops will advance. It was in 1907 that a “hoodoo” descended on the price. Consequently in the hopes that the “hoodoo” will be driven away by a baptism of fire, Wasserman has donated a big bale of “hoodoo” hops–the “1907s.” The bale of hops will be placed in the seat of the automobile and will be burned. If that hop “hoodoo” does git, won’t there be rejoicing among the growers, though? Don’t all speak at once.

– Press Democrat, October 31, 1908

 

THE HOODOO FOLLOWS STILL
Jake Luppold has Experience at Polls Tuesday

J. Luppold, the Main street saloon-keeper, which has been trying to escape from a hoodoo for some time and who has announced that he will burn an automobile tonight in front of his place of business to vanquish, if possible, the ill luck that has been following him, met with the worst omen of all Tuesday morning when he went to the polls to cast his ballot. The following data secured at the voting place in precinct No, 7, will be enough to convince the most skeptical that he has a real “hoodoo:”

His number of the index of registration was 113, and he was the 13th voter to cast his ballot at the polling place, his number was “13” on the poll list, his ballot was number 18013, he was the thirteenth man to enter the booth and he voted sharply at 8:13 a. m. according to the watches of the officers of election.

– Santa Rosa Republican, November 3, 1908

 

THE HOODOO AUTO GOES UP IN SMOKE
Vast Crowd Witnesses the Cremation of Machine and “Hoodoo” Bale of Hops Last Night

In the presence of a tremendous crowd of spectators Luppold’s “hoodoo” automobile was consumed by baptism of fire at ten o’clock last night. The auto and a big bale of “hoodoo” hops was placed on a pile of specially selected oak and pine cord wood.

At a given signal a skyrocket was sent up and then Milton Wasserman applied the torch. The crowds cheered themselves hoarse as the flames danced here and there amid the wood which had been saturated with oil to insure its burning good.

Luppold was the hero of the occasion. He had said the auto should burn and it did. He kept his part of the agreement and the people were satisfied. The old auto was soon reduced to a small pile of ashes and fragments of iron and as the embers died out above the din there arose an exultant voice. It was Luppold saying “I guess the ‘hoodoo’ is gone sure now.”

Among those gathered in the vast crowd that blocked every foot of Main street for a couple of blocks on either side of “The Senate,” Luppold’s place of business in front of which the bonfire was kindled, were a number of hopgrowers. They came from many parts of the county to see the “hoodoo” bale of hops consumed. The hops were “1907’s,” the hoodoo price year. The hopgrowers hope that their “hoodoo” disappeared when Luppold’s did. The auto burning was certainly a novelty unheard of in the history of automobiles in the manner in which one was burned here last night and for the reason. Luppold and his “hoodoo” auto have become known from ocean to ocean, and newspapers everywhere have published accounts of the affair and in addition Luppold received scores of letters, a number of which have been published in these columns.

In the burning of the automobile last night Luppold also celebrated the election of Taft. He said he would do so when he first announced that the “hoodoo” machine would go up in smoke.

– Press Democrat, November 4, 1908

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