The herald., 1894-06-03


making more rapid strides toward per-
manent development, not only as
summer and health resort, but as place
OF commercial Importance. than any
other place on the coast. OF this fact
there is no doubt, as q visit to this
charming little city, situated on the
coast l6 miles west Of Los Angeles, will
readily disclose. Activity in all lines is
observed. New buildings of q substan-
tial character, both for residence and
business purposes, are being constructe d,
new establishments are being located,
development Of fruit properties are be-
ing put forward, the water system is be-
ing improved, q system of sewerage con-
templated, and score OF other improve
ments proposed which will add very
largely to the wealth OF the people and
aid very materially in inducing greater
population. Particularly is this notice
able in the number who are about to
settle here for the summer season about
to open. OF the class who make prac'
tice of a pilgrimage to the cooling
breezes OF o seaside resort, more will go
to Santa Monica by several Thousands
this year than on any previous season.
As o matter Of fact Santa Monica has
pretty nearly captured the summer Wis.,
itors bag and baggage. Nor is this at all
surprising. The attractions there are OF
a most varied and pleasing character and
the opportunities for genuine enjoy
ment, in all ways more complete than
is usually afforded at resorts by the sea,
and especially 80 of any town on the
coast. Santa Monica, in addition to being
one OF the most charmingly situated
places on the coast and endowed by ma
ture with many picturesque surround
ings has been fashioned by its citi zens
into thoroughly modern city as it is
easy to Imagine. Take for instance Its
woHIEn OF Hover gardens, nfre homes,
and generally thriving aspect, and il
would be difficult, indeed, to find its
equal. Originally the gently sloping
plain, upon which the town is situated,
belonged to Col. r. s. Baker. Suisse
quently three-fourths of the tract, en-
bracing some 10000 acres, extending to
the foot hills to the north, and includ-
ing the greater part of the present to wn
site, was sold to Senator John p. Jones.
Up until a few years ago but little was
done by these owners to improve their
interests. Finally. when the senator
selected the place for his home and
built magnificent residence, it began to
take new start. and resulted in
the interest which the latter holds in the
town being segregated from those OF
Baker, and the consequent inc provement
OF the town. Many sales were after.
ward made, and an impetus given to the |
hitherto quiet place that has since kept |
constantly on the increase. The Jones |
interests were unable. however, all this |
while to segregate the outside lands, and |
they have, as q result, been kept intact,
much to their regret and the regret OF |
others. This will likely be remedied
now by segregating the entire holding,
and cutting it up for actual settlers.
Santa Monica can therefore look to see
very great Improvement in its farming
wealth in very short while, as the
Jones interests have great personal in.
terest in the permanent improvement Of
the place, and they have outlined a
most liberia. policy. As an evidence OF
this 1t can be stated in this connection
that they have alone expended over
100000 this season in their effort to
Drlng Santa Monica into prominence.
The town of Santa Monica, or that
portion within the corporate limits, ex-
tends along the ocean front for nearly
three miles, including that part which
10 known as South Santa Monica and
sast for IL blocks. The front OF the
main part of the town is faced by a
broad avenue fully 100 feet wide, known
as Ocean avenue. This skirts the high
bluff overlooking the broad Pacific. o.
me outer side OF this avenue. between it
Ind the edge OF the bluff, ia strip of
and quite as wide as the street, which
,as been formed into an eucalyptus
.rove or park. The effect of this ar
angement is extremely pleasing and
orms one Of the most attractive prom
,nades in the whole town. At the foot
II this bluff roll the white crested
waves OF the ocean. and from this point
IN unobstructed view can be secured of
he mammoth wharf of the s. P. COM
ANY to the northward. mile or go
way, the Catalina island to the south
yard, and Immediately below ones feet
me OF the largest and most elaborate
'ath houses ever built; little further
long are other bath houses, booths OF
arious kinds and amusement resorts,
Tut in order to speak with more dis
inctness, the subject will be treated
nder seperate heads.