EARLY SEBASTOPOL
Part III –A “Sleepy Hollow” No More
By
JOHN CUMMINGS
April 2006
© John Cummings, 2006 All Rights Reserved 2
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
Evelyn McClure of the Western Sonoma County Historical Society was aware of my earlier local history research papers on the Laguna de Santa Rosa in particular, and encouraged me to assemble the early newspaper references I had collected about early Sebastopol.
The assistance of members of the Sonoma County Historical Society and of the county library staff was much appreciated during the research phase of this paper. 3
INTRODUCTION
This historical research paper on early Sebastopol includes the years 1887 through 1890 and is the third paper in a series of four papers generated to fill the void in newspaper coverage prior to the spring of 1895. This series of papers augments other historical Sebastopol sources such as McClure’s two books (McClure, 1995; 2000).
My paper on the early Laguna de Santa Rosa (Cummings, 2005) selected and commented on old Petaluma newspaper articles. “Sebastopol” had been one of the key words used in the screening and identification of the old newspaper articles relevant to the Laguna. Hence I had collected numerous references about early Sebastopol – many of which made no reference to the Laguna. Until soon after Sebastopol incorporated as a town in the spring of 1902, the Laguna was an important feature of the early Sebastopol area. But the summaries in this paper do not include the summaries of articles that have been previously published by me, unless they also had significant historical information about early Sebastopol.
The first issue of the Sebastopol Times available on microfilm is dated April 3, 1895 and comparatively little specific historical information on Sebastopol is available prior to this date.
Analy Township during the years covered by this paper was a relatively large tract of western Sonoma County running south from the Russian River to the Marin County border (excluding the coast and the lower Russian River) and included the villages of Sebastopol, Forestville and Bloomfield. The location “near Sebastopol” in the old Petaluma newspaper articles is very vague. While it is clear that the early village of Sebastopol served a relatively large agricultural area, the designation “near Sebastopol” is not well defined. Numerous references designated “Green Valley” – the area northwest of Sebastopol know today as the greater Graton area, were often excluded from this paper, but other references about the same area designated “near Sebastopol” are included. The summaries of the newspaper articles focus on recording physically substantive historical information about early Sebastopol – a name, buildings, etc., and generally exclude remarks about the crop conditions, the weather, gossip, etc. For example, a note about a non-resident person visiting Sebastopol was omitted from the summary unless the name(s) of the Sebastopol resident(s) visited was also mentioned in the article.
Petaluma’s Argus was a staunch Republican newspaper and many of its articles cited in this paper and the selection included, undoubtedly reflects the strong political bias of the Argus. The strong pro-Petaluma bias of both the Argus and the Courier is assumed.
The articles in this paper cite the names of the original newspapers in which they first
appeared:
PWA – Petaluma Weekly Argus
PC – Petaluma Courier 4
Unfortunately microfilm copies of the Argus are missing between December 1888 and January 1889, necessitating a switch to the Petaluma Courier. Page and column numbers following the date are in brackets unless the original newspaper numbered its pages, in which case only the column number is in brackets. For convenience, the upper and/or lower case used in the titles of the articles cited faithfully duplicates the cases used in the original newspaper article. The variation in spellings, if any, also faithfully duplicates the spellings used in the original article. The “flavor” of the language used in the summaries often duplicates the language used in the original newspaper article, but is usually not in parentheses. Only long quotes and unusual expressions in the articles cited are in parentheses.
My comments are generally in small print following the summaries.
According to the Courier the total population of the Sonoma County in 1890 was about 33,000 – an increase of about 26 percent in the previous decade. While the populations in Petaluma City and in Petaluma Township grew relatively modestly in the 1880s (about a 9 percent increase), both Analy and Santa Rosa townships grew in excess of 45 percent in the same period (Analy, 1880 – 1851; 1890 – 2700: Santa Rosa, 1880 – 5761; 1890 – 8620). The rapid population growth in the 1880s of Analy Township was associated with a major increase in the value of real estate in the Sebastopol area.
PWA – February 12, 1887 (p3c3) Boom at Sebastopol
This article reports that a boom has hit the long slumbering “Sleepy Hollow” of Sebastopol. A fine hotel is nearing completion and the sound of saw and hammer is heard in various parts of the town. New streets are being laid out and a very large number of nice dwelling houses are going up. The winery has doubled its capacity and a fruit cannery will be in operation for the fruits of 1887. The population of the town is expected to double by spring and a railroad connection is expected soon. When John Walker “lets go,” several thousand acres of Spanish cattle pasture will be open for settlement.
PWA – March 26, 1887 (p3c3) Sebastopol and Petaluma
This article states that a prominent citizen of Sebastopol speaking for a large majority of the town, urges the importance of a direct railroad connection between Sebastopol and Petaluma – a much more important route to Sebastopol than the projected Santa Rosa to Benicia route. The fresh fruits of Sebastopol area must have a direct outlet to the markets in San Francisco – by rail to Petaluma and then shipped to San Francisco. 5
PWA – April 16, 1887 (p3c7) Letter from Sebastopol
A. J. Burnett writes a long letter to the editors of the Argus categorically stating that the people of Sebastopol and the surrounding country want railroad communication with the outside world – preferably by a railroad to Petaluma and a shipping route to San Francisco. At present Gen. John Walker and the Donahue Railroad Co. are both studying and surveying the situation. The author of the letter continues with detailed discussions of the proposed railroad routes in the county as a whole.
PWA – April 30, 1887 (p3c3) Sebastopol and Petaluma
The writer of this article spent time in the field with railroad surveyors on the proposed Sebastopol and Petaluma route, and describes and provides the financial incentives required for Sebastopol folk to patronize the railroad of their choice, now that proposed railroad scheme between Santa Rosa and Benicia has been abandoned.
PWA – May 14, 1887 (p3c4) Letter from Sebastopol
A. J. Burnett writes another letter to the Argus updating and commenting on the fate of the different railroad schemes proposed for Sebastopol.
PWA – June 4, 1887 (p3c5) Petaluma and Sebastopol
The writer of this article describes the actual field conditions of the possible routes of the proposed railroad between Petaluma and Sebastopol, including a possible route via Stony Point and Bloomfield. The only person opposed to the railroad is Pat McChristian – “a Bourbon who found this country in 1845, and is still a Bourbon who believes in ox teams and the ‘good old way.’” Messrs. Wm. Hill and John A. McNear have been appointed to be in charge of obtaining the necessary railroad right-of-way. Messrs. I. G. Wickersham, John A. McNear and John Dinwiddie recently accompanied the Chief Engineer of the road, George M. Dodge, and concluded that while there were more difficulties than expected, they were strongly in favor of and are anxious to proceed with the proposed railroad between Petaluma and Sebastopol.
PWA – June 11, 1887 (p3c3) Chinese at Sebastopol
This article reports on the necessity of ridding our country of the evil presence of the Chinese. Chinese gambling shops and opium dens flourish amongst moral, sensible people and are being patronized by our young white men and women. Most of the women are from Santa Rosa, but the young boys come from miles around Sebastopol. There are more Chinamen in Sebastopol per square foot than in any other American town and more than one young man has been ruined in the “opium joints.” 6
PWA – June 18, 1887 (p3c4) RAILROAD CONNECTION WANTED
“RAILROAD” reports that catfish and carp are abundant in the Laguna. Mrs. Folger, Principal of the Oak Grove Public School, met with a serious wagon accident between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa and is in a very critical condition. Ben Barnes has started for Yolo County with his threshing outfit. C. Sulivan has suspended his business for unknown reasons. Most of the surplus peach crop can be disposed of in the canneries in Petaluma and in Santa Rosa. S. B. Berry and wife, Wm. Elliott and wife, Dr. Niece and family and Ed. Gannon are vacationing on the coast for a week.
Mr. Dodge is in the field surveying the route of the proposed Petaluma and Sebastopol railroad. The writer offers his own preferred railroad route – alongside of the Donahue to past Page’s ranch (Cotati), thence through the gap by Squire Delaney’s, thence down the Laguna above the high water mark, come into Sebastopol near John Walker’s and have a depot in the back of Fred Jansen’s Hotel.
John Dougherty has been severely afflicted with paralysis and asthma, but is on the streets once more. Sebastopol’s winery will be enlarged and improved. “The new hotel – Barnes’ – is completed and ready for an enterprising landlord.”
Cotati is consistently spelt “Cotate” in the old Petaluma newspaper articles.
PWA – July 16, 1887 (p3c4) “FRUIT BELT RIDGE”
The irregular correspondent, “FRUIT BELT,” reports about C. Sullivan suspending his candy stand business for “causes unknown” and analyzes the situation at length – essentially concluding that Sullivan’s business venture was not economically viable in its Sebastopol location. The correspondent adds that the editor of a hypothetical newspaper such as the Sebastopol Terror could refer to a failed Sebastopol businessman as “one of our enterprising citizens.” Mr. Codler is again inspecting the apple crop. “If Father McGlynn don’t watch out he will wake up some morning to find himself a chunk of cold Irishman.” The correspondent’s comments also include a lengthy description of his book, “Polar Bill,” and states that if he had the money he would spend $2,000 for the services of a scientific man to find out if coming generations can live cheaper than Chinamen, $1,000 to build sidewalks in Sebastopol “so a man can walk from one end of town to the other after sundown without breaking his neck,” $1,500 to improve the sand road to Delaney’s and $50 to pay someone to tell the merchants in Petaluma to “chip in.”
PWA – August 6, 1887 (p3c4) Petaluma to Sebastopol
This article reports on two prominent citizens of Petaluma visiting Sebastopol with an eye to protect the interests of Petaluma. They didn’t get a favorable impression until the vineyards and orchards near Sebastopol came into view. While the owners of most of the farms were too numerous to mention, the nearby farms of Messrs. Parker, Wright, Litchfield, Fine and Soloman are specifically mentioned in this article. “What is 7
remembered as a region of coal-pits and jack rabbits” is now heavily burdened with all kinds of fruits and fine homes realizing $250 to $300 per acre. A railroad meeting was held in Jansen’s hall and many Sebastopol people expressed support for a railway to Petaluma. The authors conclude that Petaluma will miss out of a golden opportunity if it does not support the proposed railway to Sebastopol.
While there were numerous coal mines in the early county, “coal-pits” in this article refers to the pits from making charcoal – often commonly shortened to “coal” at the time.
PWA – August 6, 1887 (p3c4) Swindle at Sebastopol
I. Kaufman of Sebastopol supposed that he had sold his store, but when he and the new owner took in $100, the supposed new owner went off with the $100 “to see his sick child.”
PWA – October 8, 1887 (p3c3) Railroad to Sebastopol
This article states that Sebastopol will soon have a railroad. The people of Sebastopol have complied with every requirement of Col. Donahue for a SF&NP branch line from Santa Rosa. If Mr. Donahue fails to build the railroad connection to Santa Rosa in a reasonable time, the Petaluma and Sebastopol Co. will build their railroad. The block known as the “Joaquin Homestead” near the winery at the southeast part of town, has been purchased through Thomas Beacom for a train depot and the Donahue line has purchased all of the necessary right-of-way between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa. Sebastopol will soon be able to load rail cars in town and unload their freight at the cannery and warehouses in Petaluma.
While quite correct in many ways, the writer of this article was very optimistic. The process of Sebastopol being connected to a railroad would continue for over three more years before a branch train of the SF&NP railroad from Santa Rosa arrived in Sebastopol. This article refers to Col. James Donahue who became a principal in the SF&NP – the Donahue line, when his father, Peter, died in San Francisco in November 1885. The southern section of the Donahue line had terminated in Tiburon since the spring of 1884 and would be completed north to Ukiah in the winter of 1889.
PWA – October 29, 1887 (p3c3) Roads to Sebastopol
This article reports that the roads around Sebastopol are in horrible condition. The road through Walker’s Lane is dusty and full of chuck holes and the road to the bridge across the Laguna is about as bad as it can be. The heavily traveled sand road section on the road to Petaluma does not look “as though one good day’s work had been done ... [on it] during the past twenty-five years” and if improved, much business would come to Petaluma for the creek route to San Francisco.
The town of Sebastopol is improving. The new school house is in use and is a credit to the town. The capacity of the winery has been doubled, but its proprietor will pay only $14 per ton for the highest quality grapes. Mr. H. Bennardel’s 20-acre vineyard 8
near town produces large grapes of splendid quality. Messrs. Veale and Roach of Petaluma are doing well in their Sebastopol branch store and their patrons are highly pleased with their goods and prices. The Chinese settlement in the heart of town will not remain there much longer since the town’s citizens have determined to move Sebastopol’s Chinatown to one of the back streets.
PWA – December 3, 1887 (p2c4) “FRUIT BELT RIDGE”
The irregular correspondent, “FRUIT BELT,” reports that Messrs. McClellan and Griffith canned and dried their own fruit and are shipping it to Nevada where those “sage brush chaps enjoy it very much.” Mr. Wm. Hill has apparently rented his large vineyard. “The Chinese have all left this neighborhood, but where they have gone nobody knows. Nobody cares.” Four years ago the old Myer place was a “howling wilderness,” but is now one of the finest vineyards in the neighborhood. The new owners of the Talmage place propose to work it with white men. “FRUIT BELT” agrees with the Sebastopol Sun’s opinion that Sebastopol business men with their big prices and loud talk, have scared off the “geese that were about to lay golden eggs.”
PWA – January 21, 1888 (p3c6) Fire at Sebastopol
This article reports that the store of J. Kauffman at Sebastopol was destroyed by fire, but the loss is thought to be covered by insurance. The building was owned by Mrs. A. Barnes and was totally destroyed, but the adjoining building occupied by a barber shop was saved.
PWA – January 21, 1888 (p3c4) Grand Jurors
This article lists the Grand Jurors drawn by the county supervisors for each township in the county for the year 1888. The Grand Jurors for Analy Township were; H. E. Lawrence, Anton Meoer, E. C. Hinshaw, W. C. Andrew, Patrick Carroll, W. P. Hall, Martin Eitchfield and A. Limebaugh.
PWA – March 10, 1888 (p2c4) FRUIT BELT RIDGE
Unlike his earlier article (December 3, 1887) in which “FRUIT BELT” simply agreed with an opinion expressed by the Sebastopol Sun, the correspondent more clearly describes the Sebastopol newspaper in this article and wishes that the journal will long circulate. The correspondent opines that the Sun had outdone the Chronicle and the Examiner and is “the greatest literary production of the age,” with solid editorials, grand descriptive articles, terribly interesting short stories and carrying mammoth ads for Sebastopol businesses such as Wilton & Andrews, Dougherty & Parsons, Veale & Roach and Morris & Son, as well as numerous small ads. Mr. Sam Berry tells the public in big 9
type that he has just refitted and restocked his Pioneer Stables and can better than ever furnish the business of pleasure and courting rigs on short notice at favorable prices – telephone 428 before going on foot.
Roadmaster M. O’Leary is aware that another man is seeking his office and “he will no doubt do his best to make the roads a thing of beauty and joy forever.” “Opposition is the life of politics.”
PWA – April 7, 1888 (p3c2) The Sebastopol Road
This article is an Argus evaluation of making an improved wagon road between Sebastopol and Petaluma – especially the section from Delaney’s by way of the Macedonia church. Sebastopol and its vicinity presents the appearance of a new country and everybody the Argus staff met was in favor of improving the road, which will cost several thousand dollars. Pleasant Hill and the highlands of Green Valley have changed astonishingly in the past few years and have been cleared and laid off in small tracts planted to orchards and vines. The population of the Sebastopol area is rapidly increasing and they must be able to take their produce to market. There are two extensive wineries in Sebastopol that can handle the present grape production, but will not be able to handle the immense future production. Roadmaster E. F. O’Leary is willing to do the work on the road from Sebastopol to Petaluma, but the necessary money must come from Petaluma.
James Delaney’s property and the Macedonia Methodist church clearly shows on the 1877 map of the area (Thompson, 1877) near where present day Llano Road (referred to in old 19th century deeds as the “road to Stony Point”) meets the main road between Sebastopol and Petaluma. However, the stretch of “sand road” has not yet been identified.
PC – April 11, 1888 p3(c2) From Petaluma to Sebastopol
This article reports that preliminary arrangements have been made to macadamize the sand road section of the road between Petaluma and Sebastopol. An enthusiastic meeting of citizens elected John Walker, “one of the best known and most respected men of the county,” treasurer to raise private funds to match the $2,000 approved by the county supervisors out of the Analy road district funds. When completed, the funds and volunteer work will make the drive to Sebastopol one of the most enjoyable and attractive roads leading out of Petaluma.
PWA – May 12, 1888 (p2c5) Ad NOTICE TO ROAD BUILDERS
The Sebastopol Road Committee seeks bids for construction of a Macadamized road from the Delaney house to the Blucher Valley Bridge on the Petaluma to Sebastopol road. Signed Mr. C. Wightman, Superintendent and Chas. Soloman, Secretary. 10
PWA – October 13, 1888 (p3c1) Editorial Note
The new road between Petaluma and Sebastopol will need a great deal of more work to make it passable after the first rains. The southern few miles looks like it would stand the rains, but the wheels of a heavily laden lumber wagon with a six-horse team were recently seen cutting through to the sand on the Sebastopol division of the road.
PWA – November 24, 1888 (p2c2) Official Vote of Sonoma County
While the county as a whole voted for President Cleveland (3295:3400), like most of the precincts in Santa Rosa, the majority of men in Sebastopol voted for his chief opponent, Harrison (152:102). However, the race for a county supervisor was won by a Republican candidate (Clark).
PWA – December 29, 1888 (p2c1) ANOTHER RAILROAD
This article reports that the current talk of Petaluma is to build a railroad through Sebastopol to the redwood logging region of the Russian River, especially now since overtures have been made by capitalists to build a deep water sawmill near Petaluma. “Men of Petaluma ... will you let this golden opportunity pass ... [or] see your section stand still?”
Curiously about this time the Argus contained other articles encouraging readers to plant trees for many reasons, including concerns that the redwoods would be soon cut out.
PWA – January 5, 1889 (p3c3) COUNTY NEWS
This column contains a note from Santa Rosa’s Republican that Colonel James M. Donahue will visit Sebastopol regarding building a branch railroad line from Santa Rosa to Sebastopol. “It is probable that [the track] will continue on to the sea.”
PC – January 6, 1889 p2(c4) DONAHUE AT SEBASTOPOL
This article begins with the New Year’s Eve celebration of the 25th anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. L. O. Coon of Sebastopol. Sebastopol friends present at the Coon celebration were; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. D. Litchfield, Mr. and Mrs. A. Got, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. F. Kauffman, Mr. and Mrs. J. McKenzie, Mr. and Mrs. C. Wightman, Misses Sophia and Vina Litchfield, Miss Nellie Wightman, Miss Minnie Kauffman, Miss Ellen Griffin, M. Kauffman, E. Shaw, S. Landerwood, F. D. Coon and H. Griffin.
The Sebastopol meeting of the railroad men included Colonel Donahue, Judge Overton, Charles Roose and several others from Santa Rosa. Charles Solomon was made secretary 11
of the Sebastopol meeting and James Gannon was made chairman. Colonel Donahue said he would build the railroad if he could get money enough, but while the people of Sebastopol still want a railroad to Petaluma, “there has been so much humbuggery,” the local people don’t subscribe to a railroad like they used to.
PC – January 23, 1889 p2(c3) FROM SEBASTOPOL
Special correspondent to the Courier, “W. H. Wilson,” reports that the town is very quiet except for railroad talk, but the railroad meetings have not amounted to much so far. Sebastopol people are going to have a railroad even if they have to build it themselves.
Judge Beacon’s court was in full blast last Saturday when two Chinese were fined $10 each for battery resulting from their handling of another Chinese participant of a gambling game in a Chinese wash-house. Dr. Pierce has bought a lot from Joe Morris & Son and will build on it next summer. Sebastopol will have another grocery and dry goods store soon. Roadmaster Fairclo is looking after the bad condition of the roads in this district. Mrs. S. B. Berry has been very ill, but is recovering. Ex-Roadmaster O’Leary has gone into ranching. Fred Janessen, the popular landlord, killed several head of fine hogs last week. Mr. Parsons has been appointed Sebastopol’s postmaster.
Unless there were two “W.H.Wilsons,” the use of the initials or the full name as in this article, of a deceased business man and prominent resident of early Sebastopol, appears to be a clever “nom de plume.”
PC – February 6, 1889 p2(c1) THE RAILROAD TO SEBASTOPOL
The Courier breaks silence in this article on the proposed railroad between Petaluma and the Russian River via Sebastopol and Forestville since behind the scenes negotiations now warrant a public discussion. A sawmill will only be built in Petaluma if there is a guaranty of the freight rate for logs. Messrs. Litchfield, Barnes, Gannon, Hayden and others from Sebastopol will come to Petaluma today to have a railroad conference.
PC – February 6, 1889 p3(c1) COURIERLETS
This column contains a note that the Sebastopol railroad committee meeting in Petaluma today includes the Sebastopol people mention in the previous article with the addition of Mr. Morse.
PC – February 20, 1889 p2(c3) THE RAILROAD
This article is subtitled “Progress of Affairs for the Past Week” and states that over 100 thousand dollars in stock has been sold for the proposed railroad company between Petaluma and the Russian River. The stock holders will hold a meeting tonight to elect a temporary board of directors. Messrs. Walker and Solomon of Sebastopol have not yet 12
liberally subscribed to the proposed railroad. The article continues at considerable length describing how the railroad is to be financed.
PC – February 20, 1889 p3(c1) COURIERLETS
This column contains a note that C. T. Gannon and family of Hancock county Ill., relatives of Supervisor Gannon, left for home a few days ago after spending a few months visiting in the vicinity of Sebastopol.
This article erroneously refers to James Gannon as a supervisor. James Gannon was elected as a Republican supervisor in the in November 1882, but he appears to have served only one term. He is correctly identified in the following article as an ex-county supervisor.
PC – February 27, 1889 p2(c3) THE RAILROAD
This article reports on the incorporation of the Petaluma and Sebastopol railroad company with the intention to build, maintain and operate a broad gauge railroad from Petaluma to Guerneville and Duncan’s Mill. Members of the initial board of directors of the new company include ex-supervisor Gannon and A. Barnes of Sebastopol as well as numerous prominent men of Petaluma.
PC – March 6, 1889 p3(c5) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W. H. W.” reports that except for railroad talk which continues to keep a “white heat,” the village of Sebastopol is quite quiet. Colonel Donahue’s men and others from Santa Rosa have been hunting stakes of former railroad surveys near the winery. “They can’t bluff our town any more.”
Mr. Rauf lost a valuable horse recently. The horse was hitched to a plow, but would not start and Mr. Rauf took him out of the plow and tied the horse to a tree. But the horse threw himself down and broke his neck. Mr. Janssen, our popular hotel keeper, has erected a new porch in front of the place. Grandpa Joe Morris carries his hand in a sling because of a sliver. Mrs. Ella Sheridan has returned from a visit to Red Bluff, where she went with her brother (P. T. Gannon) and his family on their way back to Illinois after visiting in Sebastopol.
PC – March 13, 1889 p2(c3) THE RAILROAD
This article updates the progress that has been made on the Petaluma and Sebastopol railroad. Director James Gannon has been selected superintendent of the route from Sebastopol to the Russian River, but the final route of the Petaluma to Sebastopol section has not yet been decided. A proposed route for this section goes from Petaluma to the 13
“Cotate” ranch via Penn’s Grove and Page’s Station, then to the Blucher creek country and thence to Sebastopol.
PC – March 27, 1889 p2(c3) THE RAILROAD
This article updates the corporate activities of the Petaluma and Sebastopol railroad company. Messrs. Barnes and Gannon of Sebastopol have been re-elected directors of the corporation for a term of one year, but all the other directors were prominent citizens of Petaluma. The survey work on the railroad is being rapidly pushed forward.
PC – March 27, 1889 p3(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that the railroad surveyors are out and that J. H. P. Morris & Son have completed their new building in the burnt district. W. Kimball is on crutches from a lame back. Mrs. Ella Sheridan has gone to Duncan’s Mills to look after her property there. A surprise 13th wedding anniversary party was sprung last week on Mr. Graham in Green Valley. T. J. Welter is in the city buying goods.
PC – April 10, 1889 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that J. H. P. Morris & Son have moved into their new butcher shop – “quite and improvement over the old burnt one.” H. J. Thompson will move into his new store this week. J. W. Kimble has moved his tin shop into A. Barnes’ building. Mr. and Mrs. George Hardin, a prominent Sebastopol fruit grower, are visiting relatives in Petaluma. F. A. Janssen, our popular hotel keeper, is in San Francisco attending the grand council of the order of Chosen Friends – a flourishing order in Sebastopol. An old fashioned quilting party is in full blast today at Mrs. Janssen’s. Railroad surveyors have gone to work in earnest and were in Ludolf canyon last night. Many new dwellings are to be built next summer in Sebastopol and a cannery is almost a sure thing.
PC – April 10, 1889 p4(c5) OUR OWN PEOPLE
This article includes testimonial letters for the Golden Gate Medical Syrup of Dr. Roberts in Santa Rosa written by two Sebastopol residents – Mrs. Ellen Walker, “wife of John Walker the millionaire,” and by Stephen C. Morse.
Hence Walker and Eleanor avenues. 14
PC – April 17, 1889 p2(c4) BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
This article reports on the many activities of the county supervisors, one of which was creating a pound district out the Sebastopol road district and appointing Alfred Dupont as the poundmaster for the new district.
PC – May 1, 1889 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that “Sebastopol is growing slowly, but surely.” Hunt Bros. are building a cannery on the lot adjacent to the winery. Dr. Pierce is building a handsome residence and A. Folger is his contractor. Mr. Coates is putting a new coat of paint on F. A. Janessen’s hotel. Aaron Barnes is laying pipes from his large tank above town. Mr. Ray, one of our oldest citizens, sold his farm a few days ago and has moved to Santa Rosa. Mr. Gill has sold his Green Valley ranch and has opened a real estate office in Sebastopol. The future coming of the railroad works – local real estate is flourishing at good prices. Mrs. W. H. Wilson spent last week with friends in Santa Rosa. We now have a poundmaster, pound laws and a pound. Everything in Sebastopol is solid except for our sand roads. Even postmaster Parsons caught a catfish this season.
PC – May 22, 1889 p1(c3) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that Sebastopol real estate is booming and two railroad surveys are coming this way. A drug store will be coming in a few days in the Post Office building. Mrs. Parson auctioned her entire stock of dry goods and groceries since the building she occupied is being overhauled. Vacation for the school children will last through the rush of fruit picking and give our boys and girls “a pocket full of change” to start the next term. A party of railroad surveyors and a couple of our young men are temporarily boarding with Sheriff Colgan after drinking to much wine and beating a Chinaman almost to death. The order of the Chosen Friends will give a picnic at Morris Grove and a ball at night at the end of this month.
PC – May 22, 1889 p3(c1) A Sebastopol Affair
A story from the Democrat states that four young men: Wm. Dale, Jerome Gossage, J. F. Meyers and J. Meyers, are in the county jail awaiting the results of injuries to a Chinaman named Chung Gow. They were all apparently drinking on the grass plot in front of the Methodist church in Sebastopol when a party of Chinamen passed by and Chung Gow was knocked insensible with a fence picket in the melee that followed.
The Chinaman, Chung Gow, was reported to have recovered and returned to work a few weeks later (June 5), but the fate of the four young men was not reported. 15
PC – June 12, 1889 p2(c1) NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
This column includes a note that John Dougherty, postmaster of Sebastopol and one of the oldest resident of the county, died on June 2 at the age 79.
PC – June 12, 1889 p3(c1) COURIERLETS
This column contains a note that Sebastopol has raised $120 for the Johnstown people.
PC – June 19, 1889 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that S. B. Berry is remodeling his livery stable. Dr. Pierce will soon occupy his new residence and L. O. Carr will occupy the doctor’s last residence. There is not a vacant house in town. The street sprinkler collapsed after only running for three days. Glynn’s four-horse team ran away yesterday. H. B. Morris was elected school trustee. The friends and schoolmates of Miss Nancy Wilson gave her a surprise party on June 14 for her 14th Birthday. Those present at her party included; Misses Cora Johnson, Flora Woods, Lulu Berry, Mamie McChristen, Nancy Wilson, Addie Gat, Eva Gat, Laura Lawton, Amanda Litchfield, Mary Litchfield, Messrs. Bert Espley, Sidney Espley, Walker Munrai, George Owens, S. H. Wilson, Charles Wilson, John Plunkett, Willie Wilson, Frank Cohen and George Huntley.
PC – June 19, 1889 p3(c1) COURIERLETS
This column contains a note that Sebastopol has a street sprinkler.
PC – June 17, 1889 p2(c1) Editorial
The comments of the editor of the Courier include noting that the Santa Rosa newspapers seem to think that the proposed Petaluma and Sebastopol railroad is a sort of joke and not a bona fide enterprise.
PC – August 7, 1889 p2(c4) NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
This column contains a note that the cannery in Sebastopol is booming. Some 70 hands are employed and have already put up 2,500 cases and it is intended to can 8,000 cases of fruit by the end of the season.
While it is highly probable that the winery in Sebastopol had discharged its wastewaters directly into the Laguna, it is certain that the new Hunt Bros. cannery in Sebastopol discharged its industrial wastewater directly into the Laguna. Cannery wastewater has a very high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) due to its heavy organic load, and when combined with other sources of pollution such as the cannery wastewaters dumped into Santa Rosa Creek, in modern terms, the Laguna was on its way to being an “impaired” waterway by at least the late 1800s. 16
PC – September 4, 1889 p3(c1) COURIERLETS
This column contains a note that the Sebastopol Times – “a neat seven-column sheet,” appeared on the newspaper horizon last week.
This note clearly establishes the date of the first issue of the Sebastopol Times – August of 1889 and confirms an earlier deduction that the early issues of the Times are not currently available on microfilm (Cummings, 2003). Subsequent references to the Times in the Petaluma’s Courier are to the Sebastopol Times, indicating that the word, “Sebastopol,” was included in the title of the initial newspaper.
PC – September 11, 1889 p1(c7) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
A special correspondent for the Petaluma Courier reports that since last reporting, Sebastopol has a new hotel, a jewelry store and a printing office publishing a neat and well edited weekly newspaper (the Sebastopol Times). The editor of the paper is a young single man with some ability. Mrs. Parson continues to improve her property. Miss Ann Wilson is back as a post office assistant. Mrs. A. Barnes is going to erect a two story building on her lot on Main Street, which will be occupied by a millinery store. F. A. Janessen has built a small shop to be occupied by Dick Cabel for a barber shop. The Chinese have built a Joss house in town. The Hunt Bros. have closed their cannery for the season.
PC – September 25, 1889 p5(c1) NEIGHBORHOOD LOCALS
This column contains notes that G. P. Rowland’s barn and a quantity of hay were destroyed by fire near Sebastopol. The people of Sebastopol have purchased three acres of the Brown tract opposite the winery between the town and the Laguna, which they will donate to the SF&NP for a railroad depot.
The above column refers to the John A. Brown tract. John A. Brown owned most of the land at the time that is now northeast Sebastopol including the Youth Park and Laguna Wetlands Preserve. Hence Brown and Depot streets.
PC – September 25, 1889 p5(c2) PEGGY’S PENCILINGS
This column contains notes that W. P. Morse and Chas. Solomon of Sebastopol were in Petaluma on Wednesday.
ST – March 1, 1929 1890 Photograph of Sebastopol’s Business District 17
ST – February 7, 1941 IN YE GOODE OLD DAYS – 1890 Letter to Times Recalls Sebastopol of Mid 19th Century
An “OLD TIMER” writes that 30-odd years ago the M. Cody property, now known for its splendid variety of table grapes and commanding such a beautiful view of the valley, was owned by Thomas Sebring. Mr. Sebring is still ‘hale and hearty’ and over 80 years of age. At the time Mr. Sebring owned the land it was mostly covered by a heavy growth of black oak timber, but is now cut into many small tracts owned by a number of “well-to-do” farmers. The land to the south of Sebring’s property was once covered by a thick growth of firs and known far and wide for its large camp meetings, has also been divided into many profitable small farms – including the portions now owned by G. W. Huntley and James McChristian. Those well-tilled farms with comfortable houses, orchards and vineyards to the south that are now owned by C. Wightman, Martin Litchfield, E. W. Hayden, S. Schirmer, A. Wiley and others, were also once covered with a thick forest of young firs and home to wild animals. Mrs. Calder, now advanced in years, still resides on the old farm where she and her husband settled about 40 years ago. The land on the opposite side of the road was owned by Levi Johnson, M. C. Johnson, and Miller and Walker. Mrs. Chas. Solomon, Mr. Levi Johnson’s daughter, and her family still reside on the old farm. Mr. John Walker and family have changed houses on their old homestead. Joaquin Carrillo, who located here and built the first adobe house some time “before Columbus discovered Missouri,” once owned the property where the depot is now.
Staging it to Petaluma with Bill Tibbetts was often walking half way and carrying a rail on your shoulder to pry out. Compare it with the present iron horse which comes snorting into town every evening. The building that was once the town’s only hotel and presided over by John Bowman, has long since been reduced to ashes and has been replaced with two good hotels. The school house is a credit to the town and is presided over by two young ladies, with an average attendance of about 100 pupils. Compare that to the old 12x14 clap board shanty that was later converted to a pest house on the ground where F.
A. Janssen now has his cabbage patch. Who does not remember the teacher, Prof. Guill, with his flowing hair and otherwise untidy appearance, presiding over ten ragged urchins. The teacher named M. D. P. V. Ogan followed the professor and had nine gold rings and three watch chains.
Do you remember the village blacksmith, Jack Howland, who only washed his face once a year? Ask James McChristian if he remembers lame Jimmy? Just think there are now five stores in town with one managed by a lady. Compare that with the Pennsylvania store keeper, J – D –, of whom it is said that when he spoke to a child, the youngster would be so scared that he would run for his life. Ask John Walker or Joe Morris if they remember selling the dried apples brought around the Horn in 1849 that cost 35 cents per pound?
The weekly Sebastopol Times is an excellent paper. How different from long ago when the fine old English gentleman, Isaac Todd Stobbard Mason, would post the days news on a bulletin board in the morning and made mulled ale in the evening to satisfy the 18
thirsty traveler, at a time when there were still a few familiar faces to be seen on our streets. “Old Father Time ... has been stalking through your land.”
Thomas Sebring’s property was a relatively large tract of land east of George Ragle’s farm and ran east towards the Laguna (Bowers, 1867). Since the permanent Laguna “lake” north of Sebastopol was locally known as Lake Sebring in the late 1870s (Cummings, 2004), it was assumed that the Laguna was the eastern boundary of Sebring’s property. Reference to Mrs. Calder in this letter refers to her husband, Alexander Calder, who settled immediately south of the area that became Sebastopol in the early 1850’s. Hence Calder Avenue and Calder Creek. The Pennsylvania store keeper, “J. – D. – ,” refers to John Dougherty. A “pest house” was used for isolating those with communicable diseases.
PC – April 30, 1890 p7(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that with two trains per day, Sebastopol is quite lively and that everybody is getting ready for the barbecue on which no pains will be spent to make it a great success. Aaron Barnes has commenced building two new cottages on Bodega Avenue. Mrs. Parsons’ business block has received a new coat of paint and the school is being repainted and its grounds improved. George Harden, who wears the star, keeps busy hauling freight. Mr. Beeson, the popular blacksmith, and his wife will visit her relatives on the coast. Alfred Jacobs “of habeas corpus notoriety” is once more on our streets. Campers are passing through town with fish poles and blankets. Catfish and carp furnish good sport in the Laguna. Mrs. W. H. Wilson spent last week visiting in Santa Rosa, but Mr. and Mrs. Jenessen spent only one day in Santa Rosa. A. Folger, a contractor and builder in Sebastopol, is building the Hunt Bros. cannery in Santa Rosa. Mr. Mathie, the poundmaster, drove quite a herd of cattle through town on their way to the pound. Morris & Son are shipping veal twice a week to San Francisco. Our friend Harry Gossage makes a good deputy postmaster. S. B. Berry stopped running the stage to Santa Rosa and the mail is now carried by the railroad.
The big barbecue referred to in the above article was to celebrate the arrival of the SF&NP branch line from Santa Rosa (see next article). The coming of the branch line from Santa Rosa terminated pursuit of the Petaluma and Sebastopol railroad.
PC – May 7, 1890 p2(c3) The Barbecue
About 5,000 people came to the barbecue celebrating the coming of the railroad to Sebastopol on May 3, 1890. Excursion trains from Santa Rosa and San Francisco each brought more than 1,000 people and wagons from the surrounding towns brought about an equal number. In addition, some 1,500 people living in the immediate vicinity of Sebastopol assembled for the barbecue. Everybody seemed bent on having a good time and there were no lengthy speeches to tire the children or disagreeable characters to mar the pleasure of the old folks. The barbecue was a great success with freely given sparkling wine, toothsome meat and pleasant bread. Appropriate remarks were short, sharp and to the point. “There was no excuse for looking sour.” 19
PC – May 21, 1890 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL NEWS
An unsigned special correspondent to the Petaluma Courier reports that the town of Sebastopol with two trains per day from Santa Rosa, is quite lively but full of strangers. The three cottages built by Aaron Barnes are nearly completed and have already been rented. Our good looking butcher, T. G. Wilton, sprained his thumb falling from his wagon. L. V. Howell of San Francisco, our express agents’ father, visited Sebastopol last Sunday. Miss Ella Morris is spending a few days with her father, J. H. P. Morris. Harry Gossage, one of Sebastopol’s business men, sold his interest in the merchandizing business to his partner, Ed Gannon. Mrs. Dale is visiting in San Francisco.
Ed (James Edward) Gannon was the son of James Gannon (McClure, 1995).
PC – July 23, 1890 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that there is considerable complaint about the railroad freight rates and many farmers in the vicinity say that they will haul their freight to Petaluma before they will pay the railroad prices. We have no train depot yet. S. B. Berry and Wm. Berry have gone camping on the coast with their families. Thomas Goodfellow and family have moved to Santa Rosa. Chas. Saleman is canvassing for county clerk on the Republican ticket. W. H. Farmer and family of Fresno were the guests of W. H. Wilson last Wednesday. Mr. Roberts, bug inspector, was registered at Janssen’s hotel yesterday.
PC – August 13, 1890 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that “Sebastopol is quite lively. Farmers are happy with their big prices for fruit. Peaches are in demand.” G. W. Huntley will start his dryer in a few days on plums. Messrs. Farrel and Sholwater have finished a large drying house for Mr. Pitts. Aaron Barnes will soon be building another fine dwelling house on one of his lots. Charles Hotle is buying fruit for the Porter Bros. Judge Coleman is busy in the matrimonial line. T. G. Wilton, Mr. Sherman and several other solid citizens of Sebastopol started for Sacramento this morning. Chas. Solomon is busy electioneering as a Republican and running against Louis Julliard, but is on the wrong side. Ed Walker, our 200-pound native son and a good Democrat, is a candidate for high sheriff of Analy Township and running against a Republican candidate, Louis Howel, who is also a native son. Chas. Fairclo is the Democratic candidate for roadmaster. Mrs. W. Nelliot has been quite sick, but is better today. W. J. Beeson, who has been quite unwell for some time, is taking a trip to Mendocino County for his health. Mrs. Henry Yeagler has gone to San Francisco to attend the funeral of her mother. Mr. Blalyer, the good looking blacksmith of Sebastopol, spent Sunday in Santa Rosa and Mrs. C. C. Amos went to Santa Rosa on business today. Mr. and Mrs. John Stroud of Petaluma are visiting their son, George Hardin. Mrs. Nancy Owens of Santa Rosa visited her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Wilson, in Sebastopol. Mrs. S. B. Berry and family and Mrs. Ella Sheridan also visited in Santa Rosa. Miss Annie Wilson, one of Sebastopol’s bells, is visiting in San Francisco. 20
PC – September 3, 1890 p8(c3) SEBASTOPOL NEWS
Special correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that they have commenced building the railroad depot at last. Aaron Barnes is building another cottage, which will be occupied by a newly married couple. Miss Katie Allen of Sebastopol and Mr. Woodward of Santa Rosa, were married yesterday and will make their home in Sebastopol. About 300 Chinamen arrived by train this week and will join numerous white families to pick hops. Mr. Julliard is getting his winery ready for the coming vintage. Mr. Cramer of Fresno arrived to be principal of our school and will be assisted by Miss Laura Litchfield. Mr. Coltrin is dangerously ill at his home in Sebastopol and Mrs. Amos has been confined to her bed with rheumatism. Rev. Mr. Sheldon preached his farewell sermon last week and will move on. Politics are booming. W. I. Beason, our popular blacksmith, is a candidate for county clerk on the Prohibition ticket and could beat both the Democratic and Republican candidates. John Mulgrew, our next sheriff, spent a day in town. O. Barry is in charge and doing good work with the street sprinkler.
PC – October 1, 1890 p2(c2) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” writes a long letter which begins with “the town is still booming” and the hotels are full of strangers, etc. The winery is buying grapes for $12 per ton. Burk Fernel, contractor and builder, has just completed a fine residence near Sebastopol for Mr. Frederick. Mr. Burroughs is building an addition to his residence in town. Aaron Barnes, our enterprising citizen, is planning a brick block in town. T. G. Wilton, a bachelor, took a flying trip to Monterey. Mr. Palmer, the lumber man, is selling lumber as fast as it arrives. John Brown is dividing part of his ranch into town lots – cheap lots between the town and the depot. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey and Mrs. Ella Sheridan visited Petaluma today. The little child of Henry Gregson received a painful kick in the face from a horse, which cut the child’s tongue almost in two and Dr. Pierce took several stitches to fasten his tongue back together. John Miller and family of Santa Rosa spent Sunday with Mr. Frederick.
PC -- October 15, 1890 p2(c3) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that Sebastopol is still growing. Aaron Barnes’ brick block will be one story high and will contain three stores. He will also build another cottage and he is talking about another lumber yard for the town. Some 56 wagons of grapes waited their turn at the winery last Friday noon. S. B. Berry, Frank Peatross, Al Burns and our old friend and great bear hunter, Shoalwater, recently returned from a hunting trip with several racks of venison and some fine buck horns looming up in their wagon. Politics are getting warmer. Charley Mulgrew knows how to work roads, is a good Democrat and is in the lead of the fight between three candidates for roadmaster. Mr. Solomon thinks he will be elected county clerk, but he will think differently when the votes are counted. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Gannon returned yesterday from their wedding trip to 21
San Francisco. Miss Cora Boswell returned from her sojourn in the city. The Sebastopol base ball club downed the “Dry Goods” of Santa Rosa on Sunday.
PC – October 15, 1890 p3(c1) Election Officers
This article lists by townships and precincts the election officers appointed by the county supervisors. The election officers for the North Sebastopol precinct (polls at Coleman’s real estate office) were: Alanson Folger and George N. Sanborn, inspectors; Ira Miller and Wm. H. Wilson, judges; and H. B. Morris and James McMenamin, clerks. Officers for the South Sebastopol precinct (polls at the Sebastopol Times office) were: Alex Wiley and James Moran, inspectors; E. W. Hayden and W. Barnes, judges; and T. W. Gill and
E. Moll, clerks.
Other Analy Township precincts were at Bloomfield (polls at Le Febyre’s Hotel) and at Forestville (polls at Foster’ hotel).
This article indicates that there were two males named W. H. Wilson in early Sebastopol.
PC – November 19, 1890 p8(c1) COURIERLETS
This column contains a note that the four-year-old son of Geo. Hardin of Sebastopol, was recently badly injured while playing near a burning stump.
PC – November 26, 1890 p5(c5) SEBASTOPOL ITEMS
Correspondent “W.H.W.” reports that the town of Sebastopol is still improving. Mr. Burriss is building a large store on his property in town. Aaron Barnes’ brick block is progressing. John Brown has three cottages nearly finished. Mr. Sholwater and Bert Fenwell will build two nice cottages on their lots in town. “Republicans are sick. J. H. P. hasn’t laughed since the polls closed.” Mr. Calder lost a child with croup last night. W. I. Beeson and wife are visiting the coast. Louie Howell spent Sunday in the city. Postmaster Gannon is better.
The reference to “J. H. P.” in this article is undoubtedly to J. H. P. Morris and the reference to “Postmaster Gannon” is undoubtedly James Gannon.
PC – December 4, 1890 p5(c1) PEGGY’S PENCILINGS
This column contains a note that Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Walker and S. B. Berry of Sebastopol, relatives of the late James Lawrence, attended his funeral in Petaluma. 22
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bowers, A. B. 1867. Map of Sonoma County. 2nd Addition. New York – Mutual Life Insurance Company. Cummings, John. 2003. “Crystal Laughing Waters” – Historical Glimpses of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. 20 pp. Cummings, John. 2004. Draining and Filling the Laguna de Santa Rosa. 25 pp. Cummings, John. 2005. A Big Puddle – The Early Laguna de Santa Rosa. 28 pp.
McClure, Evelyn. 1995. Sebastopol California – History, Homes and People. Belle View Press. 159 pp.
McClure, Evelyn. 2000. Sebastopol’s Historic Cemetery. Belle View Press. 165 pp.
Thompson, T. H. 1877. Historical Atlas of Sonoma County, California. T. H. Thompson and Co. Oakland, California.