tae ea eee Tee anna ate Pre OES Din E G69 oO gS 7 ts muting subject to recall a Olin/Kroch Library DATE DUE In compliance with current copyright law, Comell University Library produced this replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1992 to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. 1997 CORNELL | UNIVERSITY | LIBRARY ALBERT & CHARLES HULL MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT PASADENA, CALIFORNIA Historical and Personal A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE INDIANA COLONY ITS ESTABLISHMENT ON THE RANCHO SAN PASCUAL AND ITS EVOLUTION INTO Tue City of PASADENA. INCLUDING A BRIEF STORY OF SAN GABRIEL MISSION, THE STORY OF THE BOOM AND ITS AFTERMATH, AND OF THE POLITICAL CHANGES AND PERSONAGES INVOLVED IN THIS TRANSFORMATION. CuyurcHEs, Societies, Homers, Erc. BROUGHT DOWN TO DATE AND FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY J. W. WOOD IgI7 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR All Rights Reserved INDEX TO CONTENTS PAGE FOREWORD—DEDICATION ............. 0.2 c cece eee ee ene ees 9 CHAPTER I. By Way or Intropucrion—The coming of the Padre— The Mission San Gabriel... 1.0.0... cece eee e ee cee eee e ene eaes 15 CHAPTER II. Don Gaspar pe Porous, the soldier of fortune—The native Indians—The pipe of peace—Something about the friars— Establishing the Missions—San Gabriel Areangel—Christianizing the Indian CHAPTER III. Dona Eunatia Perez pe Guisten—A woman of many virtues who lived long—The Rancho San Pascual CHAPTER IV. Cou. Manuet Garrias, a soldier of fortune, and our first lady chatelaime—Love and war CHAPTER V. Tue Rancuo San Pasotian—The new owner and his POPLUNES) «i vai lono gains aie iS ies caeaee ade oa ae Ree ee mie De eae CHAPTER VI. CHRONOLOGICAL SUCCESSION OF TITLES to the San Pas- eual Ranch—The Wilson and the Shorb families CHAPTER VII. As Ir Was In THE Beainninc—The Indiana Colony makes a start—The memorable 27th of January, 1874—The passing: of the. Dome: «dace setass Paes GaN ages SR ee eee CHAPTER VIII. TsHost WHo Were Present—The “first families” of Pasadena Access Steere ¥ mesh saad garde hee rere tages CHAPTER IX. Tue Genesis or THE InpIana Cotony—The origin of the “California Colony of Indiana”—Starting to spy out the land —The organization of the San Gabriel Orange Grove Association — Purchase of the San Pascual Ranch..................2.--0055 CHAPTER X. Germne Busy In THE CoLtony—The first house— Planting—Getting water—The affairs of the association CHAPTER XI. Some Pegsrs!—The cunning gopher, the pestiferous grasshopper and other friendly neighbors—The coyote.......... CHAPTER XII. Procress—A school and a teacher—The San Pascual School District founded—List of colonists, 1874-1875........... CHAPTER XIII. Cxoostna a NAME FoR THE CoLony—Origin of the name “Pasadena” and to whom it is due................2-000. CHAPTER XIV. A Sermon Is PREACHED and a church is organized, the First Presbyterian—Another church established, the First Methodist—Going forward... . 0.0.06... cece eee 21 30 33 38 43 47 50 53 61 74 wm oy 4 INDEX TO CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER XV. NetcHBors—The Lake Vineyard Colony—lIts first settlers—A village center begun, and a postoffice—Settling on Sry? Vans: spicy 4s seco wigs are Gado sek ano lad devia aa w SGuces ives 4 bale ave Oak CHAPTER XVI. Serrtiemenrs Asout Pasapena—The Painter & Ball Tract, Altadena, Oak Knoll and San Rafael..............-.2.. CHAPTER XVII. More Procress—A postmaster, and a scholarly mail CAL VI CY. aysice ites ai5 co Slavia SRS BS SRD iW e Bdaa. OSes, MUR ee. ertee bere Uae yale: CHAPTER XVIII. Socrau anp Frarernau amenities in the Colony— The first wedding— Williams Hall is built..................... CHAPTER XIX. Huistrionic—Characters and properties— Williams Hall and its historic memories............... cece eee eee eens CHAPTER XX. Tue Hunter anp tHE Huntep—Sports and sports- men—The wild cat hunt—Some game—F rank Lowe’s bear adven- Line, ATi OLHCUS seco sg lee oie a eg AA Aer ea SS Ra OO SOMA ee Bie CHAPTER XXI. Some Business Doinc—Two citrus fairs—A stage line—Two hotels built—End of the first decade................ CHAPTER XXII. Tue Boom—Sale of school lots—Advent of a R. R. —Millionaires of a day—An orgy in real estate—A city in two years—F acts and figures—A chapter of interest................ CHAPTER XXIII. Bustep!—The boom collapses—The aftermath with a thousand headaches. ......... 0.20. e ccc e cece cece eee CHAPTER XXIV. ReEnaissance—The funeral of the boom corpse— Forgetting and going to work—A peaceful interval............. CHAPTER XXV. IncorporatTion—Pasadena becomes a city—Candi- dates for office— Organization of the city and official roster to 1902 CHAPTER XXVI. Tur MunicipaL Bapy growing too big for its clothes—New charter urged—Charter beaten—Another attempt and a charter adopted—A mayor and council.................. CHAPTER XXVIII. Pasavena’s First Mayor—M. H. Weight, his appointments—Contention and final agreement—Two parks ac- quired. Mayor Vepper— Weight defeated for a second term— Municipal water voted—Other things accomplished by Mayor Vedder. Mayor WarerHouse— Defeat of Slavin—Municipal water bonds de- elared invalid—The voters stirred up—Municipal light voted. Mayor Eartey—Thomas Earley defeats Waterhouse—Earley makes campaign for municipal water—Bonds defeated twice—The Earley administration. Wiviiam THum Evectep Mayor over R. L. Metealf—Another cam- paign for municipal water—It is accomplished— Other accomplish- ments: by TRUM sas oa qsie ewes eee ad eae vee eee ped eae dete a 92 100 103 111 118 124 136 144 174 186 190 201 INDEX TO CONTENTS 5 PAGE CHAPTER XXVIII. A Commission Form or GovERNMENT ADOPTED —Primary election—Five commissioners elected—Assignment to official departments— Another election—Defeat of Metcalf and election of Creller— Election of Newell over Loughery—Call for a manager form of government—Defeated—A Board of Freeholders —New charter proposed—Discontent of those favoring the city WMAHAPED SYSLENT Ls canis eG edcae et WAG Ak Skee ons aves 5 paler nlaie CHAPTER XXIX. Wuisxy vs. Water—Pasadena’s first saloon—The issue between factions and the end of the saloon—Blind pigs and ordinances pertaining thereto—Incorporation is the result—Ordi- dinance 45, and others—Charter amended—Contest on Amend- ments: Nos. LO said de 33253 ¢ ausveaanase aces eis Seed bade wreracs A eadeevinvee a CHAPTER XXX. Tue Newspaper GAME—Pasadena’s first newspaper and its fortunes—The Union and the Star—The way of the jour- nalist is: hard. 02s g2evess oss des ses teense eee heals she Vee Bo 8 CHAPTER XXXI. Banks anp Bankers—Pasadena’s first bank and its founders—Banks and more banks—Trust companies and sav- ANS ANSLIGULIONS aie ieee Se, Sed Sew Ooh ea Ge Sade She es alta eho Hew eden Sain CHAPTER XXXII. Horers—Pasadena’s first hotel, the Lake Vine- yard House—Isaac Banta—Two new hotels in one year—The Ray- mond—The Maryland—Linnard, the Napoleon of bonifaces—A hotel triuMVivale oe we vase Glens aau Paciies wes S ae eea dasa ees kee CHAPTER XXXIII. A Fire anv a Fire DepartMent— Organization of a fire company—lIts present status..................0..0000. CHAPTER XXXIV. THE Pusuic Lizsrary—Its beginning—Its strug- gles—Acquired by the city—Its growth—Appointment of Miss Russ—Mrs. Dubois’ promotion work...............0. cee eee eee CHAPTER XXXYV. ScHoots anp CoLLEGES—Many public schools... CHAPTER XXXVI. CHURCHES anD ReELicious DENoMINATIONS— Beginnings of the first church—Rev. Mosher and his good work— (Outline history of Pasadena’s religious bodies, ete.............. CHAPTER XXXVII. Transportation—The first railroad—The Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley R. R.—Jewett, Washburn and Crank, railroad builders—Sold to the Sante Fé—Street car lines— The Terminal and Southern Pacific enters—The Pacific Electric, CLCs echo gene Hale ects SAE TS Gee aN SMS Was Ewe shee Baie ee eka Se CHAPTER XXXVIII. Tue Warer Question—Story of water—Dif- ferences between the companies settled—Harmony and develop- MDOT Pe ce Shchewtes cove Wh hs Ge Sactt huge seks acausanla Sous ATE ay ee ans eve ee & eee CHAPTER XXXIX. Municrpan Water—Vote to purchase all ecom- panies—The vote declared illegal—The purchase finally accom- plished—Many improvements. ........ 6-0 cece cece cece e eee eee CHAPTER XL. Muwnicipau LIGHT............... 000 cece eee cee eee 217 222 231 245 257 272 276 286 © 307 329 354 6 INDEX TO CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER XLI. Tue Posrorrice—Story down to date............. 378 CHAPTER XLII. Tue Boarp or Trape—Organization of a body of usefulness—A mighty factor in the progress of the city—Things accomplished—City Planning Association—Merchants Association 384 CHAPTER XLIII. Parxs—Library Park—Central Park—Brookside— —La Pintoresca—Arroyo Park—Busch’s Gardens.............. 392 CHAPTER XLIV. Just Potitics—Who’s who in politics—Some of those who have been and some of those who are—The Americus Club—Rise of the Progressive, Hiram the Great............... 397 CHAPTER XLV. Pasapena’s Historic Fits—The Tournament of Roses—Its origin and its originators—Part played by the Valley Hunt Club—Its growth and purpose......... 2.0... cece cece 437 CHAPTER XLVI. FrarernaL anp AID OrGANIzatIons—Charitable and benevolent societies—The Red Cross, Navy League, Y. M. Ce eg Ve Wis Co Bony JOG iais auras orseetasenays sot asta sei die neat cones ane dae nerte take 444 CHAPTER XLVIJ. Tue Granp Army or THE RepuBLIc—Company I —Woman’s Relief Corps, ete...... 0.2... cee cece eee cee eee 459 CHAPTER XLVIII. Ciuss—The Overland Club, Twilight, Cauldron, Shakespeare Club and others......... 00... eee cee cece eens 471 CHAPTER XLIX. Bustyess—Some industries—Cannery, manufac- turing companies and employers of labor...................... 481 CHAPTER L. TrapEs ORGANIZATIONS AND UNIONS.............0505 492 CHAPTER LI. Hosprrats—Hygienic problems—Sewer Farm—Incin- LATO ax sissies s ciustetuale: agp ae ag Rupee is Satine Suess Saees Rea ceadrs Meeahile See oa 495 CHAPTER LII. Tue Arps or Pasapena—A look from the top of the world—Glimpse of a thousand peaks..............0. eee eeaee 500 CHAPTER LIIT. Mr. Witson Sonar Osservatory—Star gazing—A peep: into vast distantes. cas dessckeseseesokstermesee rence cases 507 CHAPTER LIV. Tue Canyon Trarts—The canyons near Pasadena— Mowingalit, parks iiic 0 Gen io wea Ges Sadie oe eee atu Wa holt 4 514 CHAPTER LV. Tue Rain anp THE SeaAsons—Climate............. 524 CHAPTER LVI. Forest Fires anp REFORESTRATION............... 538 Mill cade tees te eae ooo at Bde gee vos naeades 541 CHAPTER LVIII. Sovurn Pasapena—Our sister city CHAPTER LIX. Tue Becinners—Those who started first lines in NSTC SSE 5 8 des c.0 5 aus! asauns Seed daar dreias nv scsecbede tise w wan earchateiana’ Santee Nartates 556 CHAPTER, LX. ‘Tite FINAL WORDS. 2:06. 055008 - ocsmede see ee kee 559 Dedication To Tuer PIoneER WHOSE HAPPY FORESIGHT AND STEADFAST PURPOSE FOUNDED A FAIR COLONY, AND MADE POSSIBLE THIS HISTORY, THESE CHRONICLES ARE AFFECTIONATELY DEDIC-ITED BY THE AUTHOR PASADENA, CaL., 1917. FOREWORD ea CELEBRATED man once said that ‘‘ History is only | ‘ fp ‘I 2] a recital of lies.’’ Another, that ‘‘History was a lie that had been agreed upon.’’ Now, if these men’s words must be accepted at their own reck- oning, how dubious one must feel when he seeks, by printed page, to lay open the tombs that hold the secrets of the past! Rather do I prefer the greater tolerance of a better sage who more aptly said that ‘‘History is the memory of a race and is to be written.’’ You and I, kind reader, must agree, if we will travel amicably through this volume, that it is a veracious record and must be accepted as such. For indeed, the labors and the patience required need at least that much confidence to make the task worth while. Had I the affluence of imagination and the poetic vocabu- lary of my friend John McGroarty, I could have made this reading more entertaining, I know. But in these plain hands history must have it limitations—at least while its subjects survive! So I cling to facts, dull and prosy as they may be, oft desiring a wider horizon to soar and entertainment to seck. This history was ‘‘wished on me’’ by well intentioned friends who believed in its need. Really, I fear they may find some disappointment at its limitations, for I think they expected an encyclopedia of events. The most difficult task that confronted me was not what to include, but what to omit! Pasadena has had no exciting epochs—hbarring the boom period—no events of wide interest; just the quiet, forward moving life that evolved a fine city from simple beginnings and a plain people. The reader will note that these pages have not given much space to personal eulogies. This may disappoint some who like this sort of writing. But it usually looks suspicious in local history and invites criticism—unjust, often. And then how could I, with due discretion and fair discrimination, be entirely honest! Rather permit a future obituary to record the shining virtues of these distinguished citizens. For my- self, I will content me to attest their qualities and their merits 9 COP 2 i» auszee 10 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL in a recital of their accomplishments—so one may read as he runs. Nevertheless, I cannot refrain from saying here a good word for a very few of the many who gave me such advice and assistance as was within their power. Particularly and most important, was the word that renewed oft flagging cour- age to continue my sometimes faltering journey. First, to Charles H. Prisk, who gave me access to old Star files, without which this accomplishment would have been nigh impossible; Heman Dyer, who was indispensable; and Harry A. Huff, valuable. To T. P. Lukens, to John McDonald, to C. D. Daggett, to W. H. Vedder, to C. V. Sturtevant and to N, G. Felker, I am especially under obligations. May Allah compensate them! And there are others who did their bit. And to Doctor Reid’s History—the wellspring of early facts—I am able to receive that return for once similar oppor- tunity—in a limited way—which through certain old files of papers, was vouchsafed him. Well, it has had its pleasures, has this task, for it has brought me close again to the golden past, when life was young, when the fragrance of nature was shed in its unalloyed abundance over this beautiful valley, when the soft breezes rustled through bending groves, and when the odor of the sage-brush and wild flowers mingled, and filled the nostrils with delight. Years from now, another historian will take up the pen where J have laid it down. Then, perhaps, all these actors will have rendered up their account and passed upon that long road, nevermore to turn back. He may be certain that “Not one returns to tell of the road, Which to discover we must travel, too.’’ If this narrative will help him in his labors, that will be satisfaction in a large way to this writer. I finish this work with relief and with regret—relief that the onerous task is over, regret at the interruption of friendly dalliance with a loved theme. I must, before parting, crave the one favor—that I am absolved from egotism in writing these annals in the first person. I did so deliberately and for two reasons. First, because it is the pleasantest form of narrative; second, because I was thus able to continue an intimate fellowship with old friends all the journey through. PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 11 Finally, then, if I have given my patient reader pleasure enough, interest enough, and information enough, to sustain him throughout these pages and unto the very end of the book—that will bring me content! If not, there is no recourse, for— “The moving finger writes, and having writ Moves on; nor all your poetry and wit, Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, Nor all your tears wash out a word of it.’’ Most sincerely, Tue AUTHOR. BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION OME with me through this welcoming gate which stands open with beckon- ing invitation, and leads to busy thoroughfares, happy homes, and lovely gardens decked with fragrant flowers. Come with me through green lawns, and over sunlit paths whose flowering borders lead to rose bow- ered pergolas and secluded retreats. Come where the golden sunshine sifts in chastened floods upon smiling hill and valley, and fills the land with its happy radiance. Come with me and listen to the mocking-bird singing its celestial peans and everlasting melodies. For I am leading you to a splen- did city, resting at the feet of mighty mountains whose peaks pierce the profound depths of benignant skies. I am showing you a city of clean, spacious avenues, of picturesque bungalows and spacious villas, set in Elysian gardens where soft zephyrs play in amorous dalliance. And I am recording in these pages, the history that made these things possible to us, and to those who follow us. And to the Pioneer I am giving a just mead of praise for his share in them. A GLIMPSE WITHIN The pioneers of Pasadena were not heroic adventurers who sought to face death by flood or field; or who chose, by preference, hazards and privations in that quest whereby they undertook to lay the foundations for new homes in a new land. No Homeric epic may be written upon enduring tablets to note for them deeds of valor or recount for them strange 13 14 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL adventures. Nor may minstrel sing of hairbreadth ’scapes by land and sea—to their glorification. For they were aver- age people; or—we prefer to believe—just a little better than the average, and, consequently, too unpretending to acclaim, or allow to be acclaimed, the modest labors which resulted in the founding of this city. Therefore, I will refrain, in these pages, the indulgence in panegyrics or in over praise. Let the reader observe, as he rambles through them, the mere mention of deeds that were performed by these unassuming makers of history and construe them in his own generous way. In leading up to the actual historical achievements concerning Pasadena, the writer, in order to give a proper record, finds himself compelled to go back a long way into the past, to link together the important chain of events leading up to the foundation of the Indiana Colony, which, in time, became Pasadena. So, out of regard for chronological veri- ties, I have seen fit to include a brief history of the Mission ‘‘San Gabriel Arcangel,’’ one of the finest specimens of Cali- fornia missions now existing, and thus make a perfect connecting link. The excuse for this, while sufficient in itself, lies also in the fact of its neighborly interest and does not need further apology. CHAPTER I San GaBrieL ARCANGEL WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY WRIT- TEN THE STORY OF CALIFORNIA’S FOURTH FOUNDED MISSION AND SOMETHING CONCERN- ING THE PADRES WHO FOUNDED IT AND THE GOOD WORKS THEY PER- FORMED. MISSION SAN GABRIEL, Founded 1771 THE MISSION GARDEN MRS. G. PACKARD-DU BOIS Where once the padres walked in days gone by, At peace, within this quiet, cool retreat, The great white sea-gulls, circling far, and high, The ocean coming, going at their feet, Is silence now. The roses bloom and die With but the soft, salt breeze to breathe their swect. On crumbled wall the lizard basks in heat, And, far away, and clear, the curlews cry. Enter. The spell of time is over all. What wonder if beneath the palm trees tall A shadowy form be seen, a footfall heard, Or breathes again at dusk some whispered word From out that Old World past? The padre’s sleep Beneath the arches gray ts calm and deep. 15 16 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL EARS JOOKS, and other books, have been written about 2D California missions ; about the good padres who founded them; the noble enterprise they engaged in, and the meaning and success of that great crusade. The missions, themselves, are, in most cases, but reminis- cences of a heroic purpose; and their architectural beauties— unique and striking—will be forgotten soon, unless methods are continued to preserve them from the devastating tooth of time. Many now are but heaps of brick and adobe—melan- choly reminders of their day and plan; but, thanks to the Landmarks Club of Southern California, efforts to protect and preserve some of them have been successful; and some, at least, will remain fitting monuments to the self-sacrificing efforts of their founders. If we glance at a map of California whereon is set down the ‘‘Hl Camino Real,’’ we behold a series of black dots, set apart, at more or less regular intervals, but following, in their general trend, the coast line from San Diego in the south to Sonoma in the north—a distance, altogether, of about seven hundred miles. These black dots are linked together by 2 fine line, and one is reminded of a string of black beads, or if more poetic, a rosary, bound by gossamer strands woven by vagrant spider, who, in his meanderings, has affixed his tenuous cables at regular intervals as he strolled on his jour- ney. The slender cable is ‘‘El Camino Real’’—the ‘‘ King’s Highway,’’ and the dots represent the missions of the holy fathers, those evangelizing places established by them in that romantic and eventful pilgrimage, through fertile valleys and over sunny mesas, when they laid the foundations of a lofty and sacred purpose. Over these Highways the King’s soldiers journeyed; and, came with them, the Fathers of the Church, in quest of new realms where they might plant their gonfalons in the name of conquest and their Holy Cause. Over this route Serra and his brothers made well beaten paths, for they traveled it often; and in token of remembrance, they scattered by the way, seed of the yellow mustard, thus bordering their path- ways with a golden token to guide the future traveler. And the while, it may be added, as they set the foundations of their missions, they also gave them well sounding names, bespeak- ing thus ‘the protection of some good saint or other—for that was the custom of the time. As has been said— PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 17 “To name them is to pray; For their names fulfill the chorus Of a thousand saints that o’er us Swing the censers night and day.’’ The Mission San Gabriel lies south of the borders of Pasadena but three miles, in the old town of San Gabriel, now, alas, modernized and deprived forever of much of its once picturesque and sentimental glamour. Desiring to reach it, we, now, instead of as of yore making our pilgrimage by the Camino Real, go by modern trolley car, whose clamorous and rumbling wheels disperse the atmosphere of romance which in the past invested its thoroughfares. Long ago the pedestrian wended between low browed adobes, around whose thresholds clambered blooming Castilian roses over which betimes, passed sandal footed padres droning their litanies. From these casements once peered dark eyed senoritas who, half hid, listened to the strains of gallant troubadour as he breathed his ardour and his devoirs from the calle below. Rarely, now, may be heard the enamored gallant, as in the old time ways. He may twang his guitar, and does so indeed, but it is in the more modern manner, reclining on the door step, on the piazza, or within the family walls, instead of under latticed window and scented bower with a friendly moon looking on. The modern street of San Gabriel—now traversed by noisy cars and ill smelling automobiles—was its chief calle in that time, and the Mission, that was begun before the liberty bell chimed its defiance to king and potentate, was the center of all activities—religious, social and commercial; for within its walls were taught all of these principles upon which the mission enterprise was founded. The adobe of those days has, in most cases, given way to the more modern brick busi- ness place, or the frame bungalow. Happily, however, some remnants yet remain of the days before came the Gringo,* the ‘‘ Yanqui’’ invader. When the Gringo came with his Yankee innovations, the old atmosphere departed forever, the glamour and the pictur- * Charles F. Lummis says ‘‘Gringo’’ is an old Spanish word, current in Spain a century before any English-speaking person ever saw Mexico. It is a corruption of ‘‘Griego,’’ but was corrupted in Spain and not in this country, and not on account of the ‘‘Tenderfeet’’ who came to Mexico. It is recordea in Spanish dictionaries of 1878 and earlier. 2 18 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL esque gave way before the material and practical money maker. Perhaps this was necessary for human progress: that the rattle and bang of railroads and the belching smoke of manufacturing plants displace the romantic and the senti- mental; yet the vanishing of a picturesque period and its people must, nevertheless, not be permitted to pass into the oblivion of forgetfulness without some record being made of that period and of that race. Therefore, let this history do its brief part, and its pages acclaim a noble cause, of which these mission walls stand signal reminders. When the padres invaded California for the purpose of establishing the Holy Cross among the aborigines, they found in them a simple people, living primitive and purposeless lives—a mere existence in fact—just as exist millions of other beings, more luckily born, upon this earth; who live and pass through a process, then die, leaving no excuse as to why. To these Indians, living was a mere routine of lazy indul- gence. True, they sometimes engaged in the milder forms of the chase, when hunger compelled or primal inclinations prompted. They might sometimes bathe, if ablutions meant mere aquatic pleasures ; but not, usually, perhaps, in the desire for sanitation. They have been charged with having some kind of religion—a God to worship—by historians who endeavor to endow them with elevated characteristics and noble sentiments. Perhaps those Indians had some sort of creed, or belief—most Indians have—and the great Father or Spirit had a significance as deep and impressive to their simple minds as does the Christian God to a Christian race. For the primitive mind cannot contemplate great natural phenomena without being impressed by them, as mysteries ever will impress. The power that can send the sun on its daily course, cause thunder and rain and snow, must be a wonderful one indeed, hence should be worshiped. But these people had never before heard of the Christian’s God. It behooved the Church to evangelize this untutored people and bring them into the fold. Thus, when the King of Spain was besought by the Fathers of the Church for the privilege of sending missionaries into the faraway California—so far that even its geography was unknown—there to engage in the rescue of souls—the monarch acceded with kingly gener- PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 19 osity: that is, he gave them the privilege they asked with the added injunction that if they fared successfully, they could help themselves to whatever of the domain that might be found necessary for their enterprise, and annex the same to the Holy Church. So it came to pass that these mission- aries came to the strange land, took generously of its domain and proceeded to instill into the ignorant Indian some new ideas of life—here and hereafter; and also a system of living heretofore inconceivable to him. History has shown how suc- cessfully this was done; how the padres, with a practical comprehension of life, taught the Indian to labor in new ways; to till the soil; to sow and to harvest; to plant fruit- bearing trees, and to plant vines and make rare vintages from them. Cattle and sheep were also introduced into this new existence, to later become the backbone of California products, in their day. Besides these endeavors came instruction in household affairs, new methods of cooking. The tortilla, or frijole, was made known, perhaps, also, chile con carne, to regale with gustatory delight the heretofore unepicurean tastes of the noble braves, whose stomachs were not yet educated beyond such horrific things as-lizards and grasshoppers! Moreover, they were taught exemplary habits and morals—a system of living in accordance with a higher existence. And in a measure they succeeded in their efforts, did these crusaders of the church, and where ordinary mortals might fail, they made their impress deep and _ strong. Whether the subjects also absorbed the spiritual instillations who can tell? But they conformed, in externals at least, to the priestly admonitions, whatever may have been the reserva- tion deep down in their primitive minds. No less than twenty-one missions, in all, were thus estab- lished in California, beginning with that of San Diego de Alcala, whose foundations were laid June 16th, 1769, and ending with the San Francisco Solano, at Sonoma, in 1823— fifty-four years afterwards. As noted before, and as shown by proper maps, these missions are located, as a rule, a day’s journey apart; a day’s journey meaning in those times the distance possible by plodding, patient Fray, afoot; or by mule attached to creaking ‘‘carreta.’’ So arranged, they afforded shelter and provender to wearied traveler at the end of each day’s journey. Design- edly and with characteristic acumen, the missions were built 20 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL in fertile valleys by pellucid streams where the arts of agri- culture could be carried on. They were their own sources of support and more; and in due time the excess crops were conveyed on mule back or in ‘‘carreta’’ to markets—the camps of the soldiers, usually—and there sold at a good profit. Thus from Mission to Mission traveled the Missionary on his errand of civilization, or in the behest of commerce, and never wearied of his purpose. And so the ‘‘Camino Real,’’ or King’s Highway, was established. Over these old roads, even today, so well were they planned, the more modern automobile speeds, guided to its destination by the modern made Mission bells in miniature, recalling to the contempla- tive mind the trails and the trials of Fray Junipero Serra and his noble band of argonauts of the Church. CHAPTER II Tue Jougneys or Don Gaspar DE PortToLa “Once more I see Portola’s cross uplifting Above the setting sun; And past the headland, northward, slowly drifting The freighted galleon.’’ ON GASPAR DE PORTOLA was a man of arms and noted for his adventurous disposition. A few years ago the people of San Francisco celebrated his name, and conferred upon him much fame; and the state of California has written into its calendar of holidays ‘‘Portola Day,’’ in commemoration of his discov- ery of the bay and the sand dunes where the city of St. Francis was later built. Yet this discovery, and Portola’s great fame, was brought about through an error. Hither because of poor maps, poor judgment or good fortune, Portola, who was in reality in quest of the bay of Monterey, stumbled upon the Golden Gate and post-mortem renown. To Don Gaspar de Portola adventure was meat and sus- tenance. He loved romance, for the blood of the conquista- dore was in his veins. He had heard of California,* and had been sent to Baja California (Mexico) to take over the Jesuit missions. The Crown, being desirous of confiscating these properties, wished to expel their Jesuit founders. Coinci- dentally, Fray Junipero Serra desired to adopt these very Missions for his Franciscan brothers, and was engaged in this undertaking also. It is a matter of history, however, that, harsh as was the edict of the Crown, it was carried out by Portola with consideration and mercy. Portola had been commissioned Gobernador to give him authority in his work. His great ambition was to travel north into the land of Cali- fornia on a voyage of discovery. These ambitions fitted well into the plans of Junipero Serra, for this zealous missionary *The name California, or Kali-fornia, is of obscure origin and meaning, but the commonly accepted and most satisfactory origin is that it was applied by an ancient writer of romance to a strange island in the Pacific, peopled by a singular people. At one time California was supposed to be an island and was so called by old time geographers. 21 22 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL desired to bring under the tutelage of the church the Indians that he had heard were there in great numbers. Thus, in the year 1768, we find Portola in Loreto, Baja California com- pleting his work with the Jesuits as magnanimously as the decree permitted. This business finally attended to, he ar- ranged to accompany Fray Junipero on his journey. Portola and his leather coated troops, servants and Indian attendants, started on the first stage of his journey to San Diego, and after many hardships incident to such travel arrived there in due season. To Portola there was also another incentive more urgent than the establishment of Missions. Somewhere in the far north was a bay which was named Monterey by another explorer, who told wonderful things about it. He was desir- ous of seeing this bay for himself, and gathering some of the wonderful rich pearls, said to be lying thereabout in profu- sion, as trophies of his adventure. This was the incentive in his mind when he rendezvoused at San Diego with his little band of forty-four persons, in the year 1768. Some recent historians ascribe to one Jose de Galvez the glory of originat- ing the idea of establishing the California Missions; thus poaching from Junipero Serra his long enjoyed credit. Father Galvez had a history that spells romance from its beginning to its ending. It read from a shepherd boy in Spain, then to Minister to India, with the title of Marquis. From that far land to ‘‘New Spain’’ he traveled, and in conjunction with Fray Serra, established the civilization of the Church. At all events he is entitled to be considered an able auxiliary, at least, of Fray Junipero, the most illustrious of all priests in the annals of California Missions. After two weeks’ rest and recuperation the band of Por- tola departed from San Diego on its new adventures. There were all told sixty soldiers, servants and guides. There were included several priests, among whom were Frays Crespi and Gomez, also Governor Fages, who had replaced Portola as Governor. Luckily, Fray Juan Crespi was the chronicler of this expedition, as he was of others of the kind, and to his imagination and sense of the beautiful and harmonious we owe the euphonious appellations which he thought fit to apply to the places he passed by, and saw, on these journeys. As the historian of these expeditions he conferred the dignity and sentiment they required to raise them into romantic pil- PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 23 grimages. In this capacity he has related, in minute detail, the incidents of travel and the momentous occurrences and adventures attending them. We should thank him in our hearts for the musical and felicitous names he applied to the valleys, and peaks, and streams of our beloved State. True, he drew frequently upon the Saintly calendar for his nomen- clature, but who can deny the propriety and harmony of such names as Santa Margarita, San Felipe, Santa Barbara, or our own Los Angeles and San Gabriel, as compared with their Anglicized congeners? How regretful we are that another Fray Crespi could not have been present, with authority when some streets of Pasadena were baptized; for then we might have been spared such discordant and tuneless examples as Worcester, Wapallo, Muscatan or Punahou! But, if Portola’s expedition failed to find Monterey bay, it did discover a bay of far greater significance in its future importance to the world; for on November 7th, 1769, the beautiful portals of the Golden Gate were disclosed to the soldiers’ gaze, and the bay of San Fransicco was first seen by white men. With this discovery, Portola’s name was written into the pages of California’s history. Portola did not know then of the vastly superior importance that this discovery had above mere Monterey, for once again he essayed to find the object of his original quest. In April, 1770, on his second journey northward, he and his little band for the second time traversed the Valley of the San Gabriel, and upon a fine day arrived and found surcease from travel under the oaks and sycamores of South Pasadena. They found Indians in plenty, living in their primitive villages, and it is said that Portola smoked the pipe of friendly confidence with the head man, or Chief, one Hahamovic, who lived with his followers on the land where, seventy-five years later, was built the hacienda of Colonel Manuel Garfias and which is now the property of George W. Glover. It was the time of the year when blooming poppies blazed the slopes and mesas with their golden bannerets, and it was this flaming glory that begat the name ‘‘Copra de Ora,”’ or cloth of gold, which sailors out at sea forty miles away, conferred upon the splendid sight. But these soldiers of Portola gave to this particular land the name which it afterward, in part, retained. It was on an Easter Sunday they arrived, and because of this, and upon beholding the striking beauty of the blooming pop- 24 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL pies, they applied the term ‘‘La Sabinalla de San Pascual,”’’ “The Grand Altar Cloth of Holy Easter’’—hence it was that the Rancho San Pascual received its name. Portola and his followers were perhaps the first white men ever seen by these Indians, and for that reason, and also for the fact that it was then that the desirability of this place for a Mission germi- nated, it later became the domain of the Mission San Gabriel. On the bank of the Arroyo Seco, near where stood the famous Garfia’s hacienda, stands a fine spreading oak which has seen the suns of centuries. Upon the trunk of this tree can be faintly seen the form of a cross, now nearly overgrown and obliterated. It is given upon the best legendary authority that this cross was cut upon a day when the first religious services were held in this valley, these services being held beneath this spreading oak, the cross being made by one of the soldiers of Portola upon the visit above referred to. Just a few yards away is the ‘‘Garfia’s spring,’’ where the family sought libations on occasion; where children played, and romance dwelt, long years ago. It was in September, 1771, that another expedition, consisting of ten soldiers, some muleteers and servants, in command of two priests, Fray Pedro Cambon and Angel Somero, traveled north from San Diego and arrived in a few days on the banks of the Rio Temblores, a branch of the San Gabriel. Here it was decided was the place to establish a Mission, the fourth of the Cali- fornia chain. This was done, and it was named the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel; later, when it had been abandoned because of damage by erratic floods, known as Mission Vieja, or ‘‘Old Mission.’? When the storms of winter came and mountain streams flooded the valley, it was found an undesir- able location, and after four years a new site was sought. The ruins of the ‘‘Old Mission’’ may yet be seen where originally founded 146 years ago. Lo tHe Poor Inpran I have said that Portola exchanged a smoke or two with Chief Hahamovie and received proper courtesies at his hands. I cannot say that it was good tobacco that was smoked, for it is doubtful that the true Virginia weed was extensively known to the Indians, but probably a wild variety. What kind of conversation was carried on and the subjects discussed can be conjectured, for the Indian knew not the white man’s lan- PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 25 guage and had little, in fact, of his own, and the worthy sol- diers certainly knew nothing of the aboriginal’s dialect. It must have been a ‘‘Quaker Meeting’’ conversazione—so to say! However, the red man deserves that respect due to an antiquity of ancestry which some families gladly pay for! No one knows the origin of these races of California Indians; all information is but guesswork. There were numerous villages of them scattered throughout the valley, and, in fact, all over Southern California. Each clan had its head man, or ‘‘chief,’’? usually an hereditary dignity, and a simulation of laws prevailed. One of these ‘‘clans’’ was located on Ray- mond Hill, one at Oak Knoll, one near Devil’s Gate in the Arroyo Seco, one in Millard’s Canyon, and the one which Hahamovie was head was located at Lincoln Park, in South Pasadena. The chief, Hahamovic, was taken into the bosom of the church, became baptized under the name of Pascual, afterwards married a Spanish woman named Angela Seise, and ‘‘lived happy ever after’’—or at least to a very old age. In 1775 another Mission building was begun—a few hun- dred feet north of the present Mission. The new building was also built of adobe. Then, in a few years came a temblor or earthquake, which wrecked the newer edifice and rendered it unfit for permanent use. Persistent in their purpose, the indefatigable Frays began the construction of a larger and more substantial Mission, this time using burned brick and stone to fortify its walls. This is the Mission San Gabriel as seen today, differing little except that in the original there was a belfry, or tower, and the roof was of burned tile. An earthquake in 1804 destroyed the tile roof, which was then replaced by shingles. So it stands, modernized, yet still bear- ing the conspicuous features of the original Mission archi- tecture. When the Holy Fathers settled down in earnest to their work of proselytizing, they lost no time. The Indians were pressed into the labors of the day, and there being no trades unions, accepted the conditions offered, which were hard work, something to eat, and_prospects of their souls’ salvation—a new vista for them! They were instructed in manual labor and their hands built the Mission, under the guidance of more competent Spanish instructors, of course. Thus they were taught to serve the Lord and their new masters at the same time. Seeds, plants, vines and trees were brought from Spain 26 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL or from New Spain (Mexico) and those neophytes (‘‘Chris- tianized’’ Indians) were taught to plant and care for them. Gradually, the Aboriginal was led from his primitive habits and customs. In the past labor with them had been done mostly by proxy, ie., by their wives, they looking on in satis- fied content. But as they lived the simple life, subsisting upon berries, the cactus pear, succulent roots or nuts, which the trees in paternal beneficence dropped at their feet, the labor was not arduous or prolonged. Game was abundant and fish to be had in the mountain streams, if the ‘‘buck’’ was unusually zealous. Even, the festive grasshopper added much to the delight of a meal; and the meat of the rattlesnake was the piece de resistance of epicurean festivities. Of any higher culture there was no evidence. Metates, or mortars, and pestles are yet turned up from the soil which in their day served to grind grain and nuts they used for food. Little clothing was worn, especially by the men. In winter, some- times a mere coating of mud served to protect from unusual cold. In later years, perhaps under the instructions of Span- ish hands, the women of these tribes became expert in making baskets, whose artistic design and figuring have made them of great value to the collector. Some of these collections, particularly those made by Mrs. Belle Jewett and Mrs. T.S. C. Lowe, were of exceptional merit, but have scattered since the death of their collectors. CHRISTIANIZING THE INDIANS It required time for these novices to become sufficiently familiar with their new arts to make themselves really useful. Also, it required time to inspire confidence in their new mas- ters—for they became Masters—and the process was not always through affectionate persuasion; but it was coming. An irrigation system was built into the canyon back of Mon- rovia (Sawpit) and water brought down. Fields of grain, vineyards and orchards, sprang up and bloomed where here- tofore the cactus and chaparral snugly harbored the long- eared jackrabbit and the horned toad. It is said that no less than four thousand Indians submitted to the new régime, became members of the priestly family and useful beings with a new purpose in life, under the domination of the Frays of San Gabriel. PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 27 It was a raw but willing, or at least obedient, material, and thrift and prosperity followed the labors at the Missions. This transformation came not in a day or a year; but the padres were patient and time to them had no significance, for upon the death of one, another took up his labors without interruption. Aside from the agricultural pursuits taught them, the women were initiated into heretofore mysterious things regarding morals and household craft. The use of the needle was made known. With the soldiers from Mexico had come some wives of them, who made their homes about the Mission and became useful instructors for the Indian women in new ideas of domestic life. Some of these soldiers estab- lished permanent homes and raised families whose descend- ants are now good California citizens. Thrice daily, at the sound of the Mission bells, the neo- phytes bowed their heads in token of submission to the new creed and their new masters. In the evenings, when the last regular meal of the day was eaten, they gathered within the Mission walls and listened to the admonitions of the padres, repeated their aves and sang a salve to their new God. Per- haps they had but faint comprehension of the meaning of all these things, but, at least, they were better fed and had more interest in life than formerly. The wise priests, after the usual religious services, permitted them to engage in amuse- ments. Dancing was one of these—no tangoes, of course! Thus were the childish minds captured and their hearts con- tented, and thus they were held in useful control. Doubtless there were occasions when more strenuous, even seemingly cruel, methods were indulged in. Fray Zalvidea, who assumed charge of this Mission in 1806, was one of the kind who displayed—according to repute—less gentleness and more severity of discipline. Perhaps conditions demanded this; at any rate, Fray Zalvidea proved himself a good admin- istrator, if a hard taskmaster, and greatly advanced business affairs at the Mission. Los Angeles—nine miles distant—had been growing into a somewhat important pueblo. It was the western terminus of the great Santa Fé trail, over which traveled hosts of adventurers from the East who dreamed of fortunes out where the sun set, and journeyed with their ox teams, their mules and their horses, to the land of promise. The wharves of San Pedro were, even in those early days, important, and from 28 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL them sailed ships laden with the products of the fertile valley. Hides, tallow and wool from the sleek, fat cattle and sheep that browsed upon the verdure of the sunny hillsides; vintages from the vines that clustered on valley and mesa. From the dimpling grain fields was sent loads of wheat and barley; and from the olive groves oil equal to that from the hills of Sicily. In time the Mission San Gabriel gathered about it families from Mexico and Spain, who set up their lares and penates and the Mission prospered. When the weary traveler by the Santa Fé trail came upon this fertile, smiling settle- ment, where wine and food was offered him in generous quan- tities, he halted and partook of the hospitalities that greeted him. The newcomers gladly exchanged their gold for the fresh fruits and other highly satisfying provender, and halted for a time in the smiling sunshine. So the Mission and its people reaped prosperity therefrom. Thus matters continued for many years, until about 1813, in fact. The prosperity of the church and the fertility of the land had become known. The Junta in Mexico became desirous of possessing the rich soil of upper California. An edict was passed and the church deprived of its entire landed possessions. This was called ‘‘secularizing,’’ and although this decree was not strictly put in force until twenty years afterwards, its effects were immediate, and in the end disastrous. Under the decree the Missions became mere parishes, the Indians being given small parcels of land for their own uses and homes were provided for them. The result of this new dispensation became demor- alizing, for these simple people could not manage themselves, the Missionaries foreseeing their authority gone and their control over the Indians lost heart. All their achievements had come to naught by a stroke of the pen! It was easy to see that these aboriginals, bereft of any strong authority, would readily revert to their original condition—or worse. For they had a taste of civilization! Parishes were to replace large land estates and the incomes thus be lost to the Missions. Without adequate income, what could be done? And this is what did happen. The author- ity gone, the Indians gradually dropped back again to their primal condition and became like sheep without a bell- wether. The tribe of Hahamoviec, of the Isanthcognas and the Arvignas became scattered and were known thereafter as but PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 29 a memory, and the years of labor of the Missionary Frays were annulled and their wards scattered and lost to them for all time. But the Mission San Gabriel still rears its walls and asserts its purpose, as sings Bret Harte— “Bells of the Past, whose long forgotten music Still fills the wide expanse, Tinging the sober twilight of the Present, With color of romance!’’ CHAPTER III Dona Euvauia Perez pe GUILLEN CONCERNING A WOMAN OF MANY VIRTUES WHO LIVED TO AN EXTRAOR- DINARY AGE, DOING MANY BENEVOLENT THINGS THE WHILE. AND HER CONNECTION WITH THIS STORY. F7JE are approaching the link that connects the San Gabriel Mission and its lands with our own Pasa- dena; and in telling the story must of necessity, as well as by disposition, introduce a remarkable and worthy lady who was noted not only for her chari- ties and benevolent deeds, but for the remarkable length of life she attained. Her fame still lingers about the Mission walls, and the remembrance of her strong personality is told, even now, by some of the older residents of San Gabriel. This noted lady was Dona Eulalia de Guillen, born Perez. The Dona de Guillen was not of ‘‘noble’’ blood, but of good Span- ish extraction and was born in ‘‘Lower”’ California in 1735. She came to San Gabriel with her husband, who was a soldier of Spain, about the year 1800, being then sixty-five years of age. She then began her career of practical benevolence, which included nursing the sick, teaching the ignorant Indians housewifely arts, and acting as midwife upon occasion; and by these acts ingratiated herself into the notice of the padres, who fully appreciated her meritorious deeds. When the Junta of Mexico took steps to secularize the mission lands, Fray Zalvidea was in charge of the San Gabriel Mission, and foreseeing the consequences, decided to show his appreciation of Dona de Guillen’s activities while he had the ability to do so. In this way came about the presentation to her of a deed to no less than 14,000 acres out of the north- west corner of the Mission lands. One might call it a hand- some gratuity indeed, when it is known that these lands embrace the very soil upon which Pasadena stands; and much adjacent land as well—the entire San Pasquale Ranch, as known to map makers. This gift was made in 1826, just prior to Fray Zalvidea’s departure to San Juan Capistrano, to which place he had been ordered. Now one might think that 30 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL 31 with such a benefaction as this the good lady would have been blessed and forever relieved from fear of need. Not so, how- ever; she was ninety-two years old at the time, and without money. It was the law that gifts of crown lands must needs have certain conditions complied with, to confirm them. The important one that the Dona de Guillen could not comply with was that it must be stocked with cattle. The gift was duly ratified on Easter day, 1827, and because of the day was named ‘‘Rancho San Pascual,’’ or ‘‘Easter Day Ranch,’’ the meaning it had in English, as heretofore explained. Perhaps it was because of indifference, but most probably because lacking financial ability to stock the land as stipu- lated by law, the proper requirements were not carried out. No cattle, sheep or horses were placed upon the lands, and also, she even failed to place upon record the deed of convey- ance. No trace of it can be found in our County archives. Nevertheless that the gift was made is a fact. Perhaps the old lady, knowing her inability to stock the ranch, felt also the uselessness of recording the title thereto. The law was doubtless a good one and prevented promiscuous land grabbing. So for these reasons, the good Dona lost her broad domain, although a putative husband of her later years unsuccessfully endeavored to revive the title. When greatly advancing years incapacitated this lady from following her usual pursuits, she became very poor. At one time—in 1876—she appeared before Judge O’Melveny of Los Angeles, in charge of a daugh- ter, who claimed for her a right to appear at the Centennial Exposition, at Philadelphia, as an evidence of the effect of California climate on health and longevity! The old lady was then 141 years of age and still sprightly. The Judge reprimanded this daughter, and another one appearing with Attorney Stephen M. White to oppose the request, the first daughter was compelled to give a bond of five hundred dollars to insure the order of the Court ‘‘that the mother be kept at her home and properly cared for,’’ which agreement was duly entered into then and there, and probably kept. Old residents visiting San Gabriel will remember this old woman as an object of curiosity because of her great age. She looked the part, too, being much wrinkled and withered, her face like a russet apple, gnarled by keeping overlong. But her bright and friendly eyes, as well as her simple words 82 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL of greeting, indicated a lively intellect to the end, almost. She died at San Gabriel, June 8th, 1878, being then 143 years old, and lies in the little cemetery there beside her first hus- band—who died in 1816—and the many friends whose birth she attended and at whose funerals she had given kindly assistance. Four daughters survived Dona de Guillen, one marrying one Ora Lopez, son of Claudeo Lopez, builder of the Old Mill; another Michael White, an American, and another a Mr. De la Ossa. Some persons may be skeptical about the age of this good lady, but the records in San Diego County show the date of her baptism. Instances of extreme age are well known among Spanish people. There used to live in an old shack in the arroyo near the Devil’s Gate, a Spanish woman named Lugo. She was known as ‘‘Old Francesca,’’? and when she died— about 1896—she was said to be 107 year old and was active unto the end. Another old lady who died at San Gabriel some years ago claimed to be 110. Peace be to the bones of Dona Eulalia, the first white owner—nominally at least—of the Rancho San Pascual. It is the duty of all loyal Pasadenans to remember her in their prayers! CHAPTER IV CotoneL Don Manuva GaARFIAS AND Our Lavy CHATELAINE THE ROMANCE OF A GALLANT COLONEL AND A LOVELY LADY AND WHAT RESULTED THEREFROM. THE RANCHO SAN PASCUAL’S NEW OWNERS AND THE STORY OF THEIR VICISSITUDES OF FORTUNE. jE have seen how the own- ership of the ‘‘Haster Day Ranch,’’ the Rancho San Pascual— or Pasquale—was forfeited by its first owner. Now comes a gallant son of Mars, fresh from the wars, handsome and poor; as of course must ever a romantic hero be. I am introducing Colo- nel Manuel Garfias, of the staff of one Gen- eral Micheltorena, one of the governors of California. It had come to pass that Micheltorena had decided to visit South- ern California and pay his respects to Governor Pio Pico, who ruled the destinies of that section. Perhaps he was jeal- ous of Pico’s popularity and growing power. At all events he gathered together a little army, and with a gallant staff surrounding him, proceeded southward to the pueblo of Los Angeles to look into the affairs of Pico, the renowned. Need- less here to relate, there were no ‘‘battles,’? nor was gun- powder burned on this occasion. Battles in those days, compared with modern battles, were pleasing episodes of merriment. Micheltorena landed in San Diego, making his headquarters there, and found things apparently all right and the occasion resulted in an exchange of agreeable ameni- 33 RUINS OF THE GARFIAS ADOBE 1874 3 34 PASADENA—HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL ties between the two governors and their supporters. The land barons of Southern California, the noble Dons of their time, opened their doors in hospitable generosity to the offi- cers of Micheltorena. Instead of exploding gunpowder, they opened bottles, ate chile con carne and other comestibles. The tinkling guitar was heard, and in lieu of battle cries, sounds of revelry prevailed. Love passages were an agreeable sub- stitute for belligerency to these brave troopers. They were the good old times, when life meant a succession of pleasures each day, and ‘‘manana’’ was its slogan. The Dons had the means and inclination, and their fair daughters and gallant sons were glad to open the gates of the great ‘‘haciendas’’ to the ever welcome visitor, who was never asked for the where- withal to pay, even were he a stranger to the house and a wayfarer in the land. Contemporary annals say the Span- iards of California in those days were gallant, chivalrous and care free; the Senoras hospitable and good natured; the daughters beautiful, gracious and coquettish. Into this charmed life came Colonel Garfias, poor, handsome and brave. He became a favorite everywhere and fell a victim to the allurements surrounding him. It was natural. The toast of the pueblo Los Angeles and all the country- side was one Senorita Luisa Abila, whose beauty was cele- brated, even among the many charming belles of the day, and for whose hand many gallants had sued, but as yet, unsuccess- fully. It was not strange, then, that the soldierly figure of Colonel Garfias, with the halo of romantic interest that ever surrounds a warrior, should attract the fair Luisa and cap- ture her attention. Nor, on the other hand, that the son of Mars should fall a victim to her lovely charms.