davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
xc24N4u
Lowest Mark Reached.

Relative to the present conditions and
future prospects of California farm lands,
the sale and exchange of which has been
my speciality for years, 1 would say that
there has been great depreciation in
values during the last three years, but now
l believe the lowest mark has been
reached, and as the general depression
throughout the United States is passing
away, / believe real estate, and particu.
larly farm lands, will take turn upward
again. do not expect any sudden or
great rise though until money can be had
upon easier terms.
Cheaper money and the adjustment of
the mortgage tax-which falls heavily
upon the farmer-would help to restore
former values more than anything else.
Money is cheap enough at what the own
ers get, but it passes through SO many
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Home-OwnerS increasing.

The ambition to be the owner of re-
atty so emphasized and stamped with
approval by the nomenclature of civil
lied nations finds wider scope for
qualification in California and espe-
cially in San Francisco than perhaps in any
other American community. The newness
of the State. the original cheapness of the
land, the ample opportunity to save
money, the rapid growth of our City, ali
these and other conditions incidental to
the history of this commonwealth furnish
ready explanation of the fact that the pro-
portion of freeholders to population is
greater here than in any other city in the
Union. All classes of our society is repre-
sented among our real estate owners, from
the merchant prince and millionaire
banker to the humble bootblack or scav-
enger, and nearly all purchase for specu-
lative purposes. Under normal condi-
tons, as they existed, for instance, from
1880 to 1890, such speculation proved sell
dom Improbable, but in 1890 the real
estate market entered upon a season of ar
rested growth not only, but in some cases
at least values receded, and from that time
until to-day the question which is almost
daily asked OF every dealer in realty is,
What is the outlook of the future?"
There have not been wanting those who
have in every spring since 1890 announced
that lively times would return next
fall, and assured US every autumn
that the revival would be due
next spring. But those who have care
fully observed the fluctuations in real es-
tate affairs in San Francisco for the last
forty-five years knew that in the past
active periods covering from five to seven
years have been followed by seasons of
equal length of dizziness, hence they appre-
hended the true situation in 1891, and pre-
dicted then that which has since become a
verify, viz: that the depression period
would be likely to continue for FIVE or six
years. That period has now passed and
optimists and pessimists alike begin to see
the dawn of better day.
The trend of a settled policy once
entered upon commercial confidence is
sure to return, followed by renewal of
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

resources of this portion of California are
now becoming better known throughout
the Eastern States through the medium
of lectures and advertising matter leads
me to look for an increased immigration
from the East to the central portion of
California, which has the foundation for a
greater prosperity, comparatively speak
ing, than it has enjoyed. First-class land
there is now selling at prices to attract
purchasers.
The operation OF the San Joaquin Valley
Railroad next year will certainly enable
the farmers of that valley to market
their products at lower rates, and enable
them 70 make some money, which will
naturally create greater demand for
property in that section.
The purchases during the past year of
Market street and other downtown prop
critics indicate that capitalists are seeking
real-estate investments in preference to
other securities, and shows faith in the
future of San Francisco that may be we'll
entertained by people of smaller means.
feel that prices have now about touched
bottom, and that gradually property will
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
The Light Shines Brightly.

The outlook has not become bright
enough to localize very much, for it is only
as we consider the great causes which are
at work-in other words, survey matters
in general-that we can see improvement.
Backsets such as the business of this coun-
try has experienced recently cause men to
consider their methods of business, the re-
sources of their city and State, and to
investigate the advantages of other locali-
ties. Thus the light of Central California,
which has been hidden under bushel
for time, shines more brightly
now than ever before. The great
variety of our soils and the equable eli
mate, producing matchless variety of
fruits, vegetables and flowers, are fast
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

tirely to the transfer of real estate-num-
bered 1885; in 1891, 1s,96S; in 1892, &c.
337; in 1893, IA 1855; in 1894, 14,404.
The worst year, it will be seen, was the
last. In that year the real estate business
seems to have reached its dullest period in
five years. The first seven months of this
year, for which the figures have been COM
piled, show decided improvement. Up
to August l the number was 8744, and at
the same ratio the total for the year will
be 5000. AS matter OF fact, as every
body knows, the ratio for August, Septem-
Der. OCTOBER, November and December will
be increased.
The real estate transactions of city are
an index to the condition OF its business.
The recording OF deeds indicates that people
are buying property, and the recording OF
mortgages that they are procuring money
to improve it or go into business
l feel that l am safe in saying that all
kinds OF business, and particularly the
real estate business, will be better in 1896
than in any year for long time.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

small holdings of our country lands and
we want varied farming such as is carried
on so successfully in our Eastern States.
The farmer is the backbone of any state,
and the sooner our citizens realize that
fact and get out of our crowded cities into
the country, the sooner will prosperity
come. But it wants intelligent and earn
est effort on the part of those trying.
There is no country on the face of the
globe that presents such inducements in
soil and climate as our own California.
And the man who cannot make a good
comfortable home and living on twenty
acre farm, judiciously selected, deserves
to starve. Go to the country, young man !!
Go to the country!
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Bright Promises for 1896.

In my judgment the real estate and bust
ness prospect for the year 1896 is very
bright This opinion is not the result of a
hopeful inspiration. but is based on more
or less close study of the statistics of con-
veyancing in this City during the past five
years. The California Title Insurance
and Trust Company, with which am con-
nected, keeps an accurate account of all
instruments which go on record in this
City. Comparisons are made by the COM
pany monthly and yearly, for the purpose
OF determining the state of its own bust
ness as well as the general condition Of
things.
The company's records show that in
1880 the recorded instruments in this City,
exclusive of releases and chattel mort
gages-those, in short, which pertain en-
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

business life and that by strengthening
of real estate values ali over the country.
Our section will benefit by this general re-
action, but there are additional causes
which will especially apply to Cal
ifornia. such as the completion of
the Valley road, the determination to
push the Nicaragua canal the cooperation
of the better elements of all parties for the
purifying of our municipal politics. All
these are events full of promise, but fur
ther, our orange crop of last year was the
heaviest in the history of the State, it is
estimated that the crop of the present year
will exceed it by Is per cent. Wheat which
sold last year for less than cost of produc-
ton has risen to figure that will be re-
munerative to the farmer. Grapes and
wine have doubled in price within twelve
months. All these are indications tending
to show that once more history will repeat
itself and that the year 1896 will mark the
beginning of another era of prosperity
which will last at least to the end of the
present century.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

mond will be thickly settled community
in few years, and all the intervening
space compactly built up. The triangle
included between Market street and Van
Ness avenue and Suffer street without
doubt will be one of the finest retail Sec
tions to be found anywhere, with struct-
ures appropriate to its character.
The City is growing southwark, and the
manufacturing interests will in time ex-
tend along the water front to the County
line. Even in the business portion of the
produce quarter improved housings are
giving more dignity to that branch of
trade.
The development northward depends
largely upon the Fair estate, and may be
rapid or very slow, according to the pleas
ure of the owners of that estate.
The future of San Francisco is assured.
Its destiny to be great City is manifest
The great valleys of the San Joaquin and
Sacramento and all of the smaller valleys
contiguous, which, fan-shaped, converge
on a water level toward San Francisco,
whittier ali their products naturally tend,
and whence they would derive all their
supplies, insure that result. There is no
such good ocean harbor north or south for
many hundred miles.
say its future is assured. The question
really is, "When?" it certainly has not yet
accomplished its destiny. Every little OF
it, indeed" ambitious San Franciscans
think. But when the rest? Must the
prosperity of the City be left to some
future generation or will it be achieved
by the present one? Advantages alone
do not create success. The advantages
must be utilized for success, whether of
an individual or of City.
We should not depreciate good work,
even if it be necessary to cond emn any bad
work coupled with it. We should applaud
the great benefit the Southern Pacific
Railroad has done for this State. We
should applaud the great undertakings
inaugurated and carried out by Claus
Spreckels, and likewise honor the good
work of any other deserving citizens. In
plain terms, we should join hands and
pull heartily and with a will for the best,
broadest and highest good of our City and
State
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

prising community. The new railroad
promoters are the business saviors of the
central and northern portions of this State.
Another movement, the effect OF which
would be by no means local, but benefit
the whole State, would be the establishing
of sugar retineries in the San Joaquin VAL
ley to utilize sugar beets. 1t would be one
more step in the diversifcation Of our in
dustries.
firmly believe 1896 will witness great
improvement upon the result of this year S
work in all lines OF business.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
A More Active Market.

Certainly there is no question which
more concerns us as we approach the
threshold of the new year than the out
look of the real estate market.
l think more active market is probable
during the coming year, with fair prices
prevailing, for the reason that money can
not be as safely invested in any other
channel at present Good real estate offers
prime security and usually produces fair
and sure returns on the investment.
The low prices prevailing for country
real estate are beginning to attract atten-
ton from Eastern people, some of whom
are making purchases. The fact that the
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
.LR1AzAZ
Glorious Possibilities.

Considering the appalling disadvantages
under which the City has labored we can
but marvel at her determined progress
Now, with all barriers removed, with every
precaution that advancing civilization can
afford, with most advantageous location
at the western gateway of the Union in a
region OF great fertility and mineral
wealth, with delightful climate attract
ing thousands of tourists who invest in
California enterprises, with new railways
running to other portions of our land, and
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Manufactures Wanted.

The real estate market is far from active
and the questions are often asked: when
is it to be .better?" and "Do you think
prices will advance?" There are several
reasons for the sluggish condition of this
State.
think that one great trouble here is
that too much money is deposited in our
savings banks, instead of using it in some
industrial enterprise. The mechanic can
not carry on large manufacturing bust
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

With a view to offering some useful
suggestions on the real estate outlook for
the new year. THE CALL presents herewith
q series of communications from the brok-
ers. whose experience and judgment
qualify them to discuss the topic intelli-
gently. The opinions viii be found I'M
usually interesting. dealing as they do
with living issues, while their conclusions
will have all the weight that comes from
intimate knowledge of the subject under
consideration.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

consumer now pays for them. The. best
remedy 1 can see is "open markets not
only-as some are now talking of-in this
CITY. but open retail markets, with regu-
lar market days, in every town OF
over 1000 people, such as have studied IN
so many places in Europe, in which "a
farmer sells $40 worth OF stuff. not only
making more profit than by selling three
or four times as much under the system
here, but also selling to the consumer at
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

less advance on cost production; and be-
ing able to do with less land and smaller
capital; two very important items.
could explain the benefits of these two
kinds of open markets more fully, but
space forbids. 1 will say, however, that it
is to small farms we must look to build up
the State, and if something is not done to
make them pay better, the signs already
visible of California drifting back again
into the large cattle ranches will take def
mite shape.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Demand for Residences.

Although the recent advance in the rate
of taxation affected the real estate market
to some extent, now that the first feeling
of depression has worn off the market is
recovering and a steady, healthful tone has
been infused that bids fair to continue.
The low rate of interest paid by banks on
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Small Farms the Hone.

have been in the land business here
over twenty years, and believe that small
farming would pay well. if farmers could
only get fair percentage of what the con-
sumner pays for their products. The
"overproduction" cry, sometimes heard is
only true in one instance, j. e., an over.
production OF "middlemen," who skim
the cream from the farmers profits. Few
things are raised which would not pay the
farmer well at considerably less than the
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

enterprise can be started by a savings
bank because the laws of the State do rot
allow them to loan on the kind of security
which the manufacturer has to offer. The
manufacturer draws from the mercantile
banks and the mechanic deposits in the
savings banks. and these loan in such
places as will draw the highest interest in
order that the banks can pay the highest
dividends, regardless of rebuilding up of
our own State.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

the persistent laudation with which these
same localities cover up multitude OF
deficiencies.
The building of local railroads, the
development of irrigation systems, the
demolition Of inflated prices 81 city and
country property, the liberality of the daily
press and the forced energy and economy
are evolving new and better conditions,
hence the outlook is promising.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
An Active Movement.

After few years of sluggishness, owing
to the financial condition of the country,
real estate is now taking more active
movement, and prospects warrant the be-
lief that the coming year will be good
one. The most notable improvement the
past year has been in purchases for small
homes. Building for the past eleven
months has greatly exceeded that of any
year since 1891, the increase over the same
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

the country, and as it is the foundation of
all security and the basis of the welfare of
our country there is every reason for con.
graduation at the return of National pros
perity.
With money easy it is apparent to even
a causual observer that an active market
is near at hand here. Our foremost CAPT.
talists-men who have made their fortunes
by their foresight in their respective bust
nesses-are now buying while real estate
is comparatively cheap. This is a good
indication of steady appreciation of val
ues and should pressage good, sound
market
To sum up, believe that if California is
true to herself, and her citizens cont ine
for her advancement, the wave Of return
ing prosperity now passing over the East
ern States will not only reach here soon,
but will bring with it permanent blessings
for both State and City.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

period for 1894 being fully So per cent. The
work now IN the architects offices and the
steadily increasing demand for building
lots show that we are entering upon an
era of home building in San Francisco.
While the demand is greater for small
homes. where the cost comes within the
means of the wage-earner, there is also an
increasing number OF more expensive
homes being built.
This demand for homes is the best indi-
cation of healthy market; there is no
speculative element in it, no boom, and it
puts savings into circulation, whereby
mechanics and artisans may find employ
ment. Its effect on the general prosperity
is quite marked, and saying that the COM
ing year Is to be one of home building is
equivalent to saying that it is sure to be a
year of very general prosperity.
w1>z~>e
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

hands before it reaches the farmer that
it costs him too much. I expect great
things for California from the new rail-
road, as when people see how profitable a
railroad can be new crop of railroad
builders will spring up. and some compe-
tition in freight is greatly needed. 1t is
an old saying that competition is the
soul of trade"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
The City Is Growing.

AS to the future of San Francisco-the
City is growing; it has grown while we
slept; it has grown even in hard times
and grown well. Also the number of
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
THE OUTLOOK
FOR CALIFORNIA COUNTRY AND
CITY REAL ESTATE.
rost of the Take Optimistic View of Things
and and Sound Increase in Values Based
Upon Actual Worth-rlany Improvements of
City Property Expected During
Coming Year.

increase IN value. expect to see better
result from the operations of 1896 than for
the past three or four years.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25
Profit i'm Real HOLDINGS.

San Francisco is to-day the greatest City
on the Western coast of North and South
America; as seaport it has no rival on
The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-07-18
c1YIC SOCIETIES.

~r,SoN1c ANTIQUITY LODGE, No. VI, a:
M RS A. M. Irregular meetings on .nG !, 20 .so
and Sd Wednesday in eacn noun @ ~
o'clockp L. DOrnberg, W. NJ
Dickinson, Secy. a, S..+od
REDWOOD CHAPTER NO 81, a.. a n.nt NJ. month
Convocations the "a. Frl9au VI Race,sec.
d +, Dornberg, NJ. e. H. r. D >. naoo,sou
p,,voonFA1I CoMMANDERY, No. 10, k:I.
statad cnncayes first Monday OF eacn non.n' mt
.atSP.M. H. n Bell, E. c. EN-. HOLMES
CHARITY CHAPTER, No. 35. o: E. >. negu'af u af
meetinas I'd and 4th Wednesday evenings rI9s =,
Rem w. NJ; Miss Charlotte schmahl' sec
q q. F.-REpwooD LODGE, No. 6S. meets meets
i. every Saturday night, at I:oo '.oS otSto IN
BROTHERS from a distance cordlaiiH iaister invi
attend, A. S Kenney. N g.; y. oui
II. S. ~
ENrERpRIsE ENCAHPMENT. No. 80. heguias
,,,ee,in~s Ist and I'd Tuesday evenings OF eacn
month at 1880 9 clock at L q = y. Moon max s.
"A, B. Truesdell e. P. A. II. "ooh' :" ~
CRYSTAL LODGE, No. 25, D. of R-Reguiarr ar
meanings I'd and 4th Wednesday evenings VI
each month, at 1880 p. IN. MISS SuI" "
warck. N. G. Mrs. Luella Moon, KS.
A O. NV WILDWOOD FALLS LODGE. no.
n. 6S. meets every Monday evening" at tnGir
slan Visiting brethren maze aSar welcoinr "
Rvram Nj. w: S. 0. Mason, Rec"r"er.
II P.-REDwooD FALLS LoDGE, NO in ~ ~
IA. meets every Tuesday evening, IN ;Sn- Ack-
monn,s Hail. Visiting brothers are c0rdlally
invited. c. w. Mead c, c.. H. NJ Aune' n H. %
CA R.-John S. Marsh Post, NO; eo,heg St!
V.ular meetings every first ana tnlru TIL IL
s1avs of each month, at it's hail. Az one cio:n :.
Pm. H. E. Baker, Com; Geo. Buxton AoJ''
woMEN's RELIEF CoRrs-Meets secona ana q
yeourth Tuesdays of each month mrs. BESSIE
Newton. President; rs.Ellzape'n ho"e'0e'
The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-07-18
THEY ARE WE'D.
Charles LusCher and Miss IneZ
Baldwin Form a Life
Partnership.
The Contract Approved at the
Church of Communion
Yesterday.

Mr. Charles Luscher, junior mem
Der of the firm of Kuenzli & Luscher
was united in marriage to Miss Inez
Baldwin, youngest daughter of Hon
and Mrs. H. D. Baldwin, at the Epis-
copal Church of Holy Communion
commencing at 8. o'clock yesterday
morning. Rev. Henry Beer, rector OF
the church. was the officiating clergy
man.
The interior of the church was hid
behind a mass of flowers. The dec
orations were the work of the mem
bers Of the St. Agnes Guild, of which
both the bride and the groom have
long been prominent and active mem
bers. There were pots of flowers
house plants and garden beauties,
there were ferns, creeping vines OF
smilax, of ivy and morning glories
There we're forget-me-nots, mar
guerites, daisies, narcissus, huge bridal
and Marechal Neil roses, all sending
out a, sweet perfume that made the
very air on the exterior smell the
sweeter. The chancel was transform
ed into wedding bowery and never
had the interior of the church pre-
sented such gala and marriageable
appearance. Even the aged minister
seemed to have been century plant
moving in the floral labyrinth.
The church was more than filled
with friends of the bride and groom
1t was packed and when the church
organ, hidden under flowers ano
plants, pealed forth the first note an
nouncing the arrival of the brida
party, friends were standing outside