Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-10-11
SACRAMENTO AND SUBURBS.
SOMETHING ABOUT THE CITY AND ITS
SURROUNDINGS.
Things that We are Not Apt to Notice
Unless Our Attention is Directed
to Them.

your city after an absence OF twenty years.
/ thought perhaps your readers might be
pleased to hear what an old former resident
had to say in reference to it and its sur
roundings. I arrived here from the East a
few days since, and am well pleased with
its present and much improved appearance,
and 1 must say that I was not a little as
tonished to see the great and permanent
improvements that have been made dur
ing my absence, as had heard from time
to time of my old home as being on the
stand still, and therefore was not prepared
to see the great changes that had been
made, and was, therefore, to say the
least, agreeably surprised. Of course those
who have. been living in the city, amidst
all the changes and Improvements that
have been going on, do not realize them,
but these things readily strike one who has
been absent while these changes were tax
ing place.
A stroll around the city convinced me
that Sacramento was having healthy
growth and gradually putting on city airs.
Let me suggest a few of the many things
tudt CfAuCnCCQ SlOWtl, lluptONclucul dllu
prosperity. Improvements and changes
at the railroad shops. the solid improve
ment of the streets, the many new and
beautiful residences and the numerous new
and substantial public buildings gave IN
mistakable evidence that Sacramento was
surely coming to the front. The new street
railways and the large shipments of
merchandise, especially the shipments of
vegetables and green fruits, looked like
prosperity. Among the public buildings
that were particularly noticed were the
bank at Fourth and streets, the castle of
the knights at Ninth and l, the Cathedral
at Eleventh and K, the Pavilion at Fiji
tenth and N, and the Buffalo Brewery at
Twenty first and r. Also several new and
substantial school-houses, and scores of
new and costly private residences. The
street railways were also noticed as import
ant improvements. On visiting the old
fort we found that portions of it still re-
mains, and were much pleased to learn
that this old land mark had fallen into the
hands of the Native Sons and was hereafter
to be taken care of. Bat of course it is IN
necessary to enumerate all of the many
proofs that we saw which convinced US of
the steady growth of the Capital city.
Having spent one day in viewing the
city We concluded to spend the next one
in the country, although this is not the
season of the year to behold Nature in her
most captivating attire, therefore on the
following morning we procured team and
started. The weather was as pleasant as it
well could be and thrilled me with pleas
ure, and the mind was active in bringing
up "reminiscences of former days. We first
drove to Highland Park and were forcibly
struck with the changed aspect. Where
used to stand the old slaughter-house, fill
ing the air with its obnoxious odors, we
found flourishing suburb of the city, with
graded streets and street-cars plying to and
from the city. From there we drove to
Oak Park, and again witness the same as
pect. Pursuing our way we pass the
Catholic burial ground, but must say that
in this consecrated piece of ground we did
not observe any material change. Further
on we arrive at the residence of the old
pioneer milkman, William Curtis. For
years he has resided here improving and
accommodating. 1t was pleasing to see the
line trees. evergreens and eucalyptus that
are tourishing on either side of the road.
How much more beautiful would the
country appear if every farmer would do
likewise. 1t shows thrift, good taste, and
adds comfort as we'll as profit.
Right opposite his place is observed the
cosy home of Mr.. Pritchard, known in
early days as mick of the Woods" Next
we arrive at the old home of Mr.. Messick,
who in his lifetime was lover of the fast
horse. This old landmark has become
valuable piece of-property and still belongs
to his former wife. Adjacent to his prop
erty is the old Louisiana race track, which
long ago was one of the noted places in the
State, where now molder the remains of
the first noted fast horse ever brought to
this State-Wisconsin Chief; but we were
astonished to learn that this large tract of
land had been cut up into parcels, of one to
ten acre-lots, streets laid out and graded,
trees planted, and almost on the spot
where the "Old Chief was buried stands
windmill, which was pumping water to
lrrigate the grape vines and other shrub
berry, which were growing over the resting
place of this famous old horse. Already
many parcels of this tract have been pur-
chased and some handsome dwellings
erected thereon. Trees, ornamental and
fruit, together with vines, shrubbery and
flowers now show the work of man and
the transformation that is taking place.
Passing south, on the lower Stockton
road, we noticed the fine residence and
other buildings of James Coyle, and still
further on the beautiful home of Mr.. Slos-
oSh' OPPOSlNC W LIS uhCllluR hdS lOIIl6TIY
the Catholic burying-ground, which is now
subdivided into small tracts, and several
pretty residences have already been erected.
We understand that the remains of several
who were buried there still repose in the
old place-the Lloyd brothers, noted young
men IN their time, and a few others.
Leaving the Stockton road and journey
ing east, passing the residence of John
Beck, we arrived at the home of an old
iriend-E. Greer, now Supervisor. To his
beautiful place he has given the name of
Oak Ridge" a few years ago he left the
city and moved on to this apparently bar
rem piece of land, and now the place would
surprise and astonish the Oldest inhabjtant.
All l can say is that if you want to see
what can be done visit Oak Ridge Next
we pass the pleasant home of an old timer.
IL. 0. Morgan. Having now reached the
upper Stockton road, we travel south again,
passing the farm of Mr.. Cornelius, who de-
votes his attention mostly to the growing of
strawberries, in which he is successful. He
has shown great enterprise in leveling
piece OF portland TO suit his purposes
Nearly opposite his place, we notice the
former home of Henry Grisel, now owned
by Mr.. Shell. The house is located on a
Knoll, and has fine driveway, planted on
either side TO trees, rendering ii a superb
place. On our way we come to the noted
ranch OF George Y. Rich. His residence is
also situated on knoll, with a beautiful
driveway. His dwelling is surrounded
with almost every kind of tree and shrub
conspicuous among which are orange trees
Mr.. Rich was formerly associate editor of
the Sacramento Valley Agricailtuyist This
is surely pleasant place TO visit.
In few minutes we arrived at the resi-
dence of George E. Duden, and he being an
old friend easily persuaded us to halt and
take a look around. We frequently meet
persons so agreeable and genial in their
nature that their society is sought, and in
the presence of such we forget the cares of
life and enter into the happy atmosphere
IN which they move. Mr. Dnden is a man
OF this character. In 1852 he lost heavily
by the flood in Sacramento, and not feeling
like investing any further in city PROPERTY
he located where he now is. and he has ono