The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-29
ESTES ADDRESS.
He INDUCES In Interesting Reminis-
cenCeS at the First Salon In
Senator Perkins Residence,

The first meeting of the new salon of
Oakland's exclusive literary society was
held last evening at the residence of Sena-
tor George c. Perkins on Vernon Heights.
The beauty and wit of Oakland were well
represented, while not a few people of the
upper class came over from across the bay
The beautiful grounds surrounding the
residence were illuminated by long arches
of Chinese lanterns, and inside dainty
pinks and delicate smilax were used to
advantage.
The address, which is the usual thing at
the regular meetings, was delivered on
this occasion by Hon. NJ. N. Estee He
spoke on "Reminiscences of Early Califor-
MIA Life" For over an hour he held the
large audience which filled the spacious
parlors and hallway. He began in a
very informal way with bit of
humor, telling how the ladies had
come and invited him to talk and how
they warned him against mentioning poll
tics. They were surprised at the way he
needed their warning. The talk was in the
form Of a complete review of early Califor-
MIA life, interspersed now and then with
touching bits of pathos and then again
some grim humor. He said in introducing
his subject:
1t was thirty-eight years ago that first came
TO this coast. l had all the ambition of any
schoolboy. Life was 10 me q sweet promise
but half fulfilled. The newly risen sun shone
gaily on the homely pathway by which sped
and bathed the distant prospect with all the
roseate hopes of youth
remember so well, just as though it were
yesterday, the trip by stage coach from Los
so barren and worthless. Why, did not think
that it was even good enough for post holes.
The speaker went on to tell of the large
population in the gold mines, and how
that there was nothing but gold every
where. He said that Sacramento looked
to be the biggest and busiest place in the
State. The large ocean vessels at that
time used to sail right up the Sacramento
River to the present capital. After giving
few dry facts, he brought in a fish story
that made the eyes of the sportsmen pres
ent fairly leap.
There were lots OF fish in those days. The
sacramento River was SO full that they act
ually crowded each other out onto the land.
only tell this to religious audiences. l had
spunk and youth, but l had no money. If
should live thousand years l could never
forget the way some of those people treated me.
There | was, 5000 miles from home, without G
penny, without an acquaintance, without even
place TO lay my head. A stage-driver with
out money and without price carried me to a
distant mining camp, where thought might
find employment. They treated me well and
came out all right.
He spoke at length on every side of the
miners life, giving most realistic word
pictures. The conclusion was a review OF
the present time as compared with the
days of 40.
Among those present were:
T. J. Harris, Captain Charles Goodall, Edwin
Goodall, Hugh Craig, A. w. Bishop. Professor
]. W. Haskell. A. w. Ravens, Miss Sullivan,
Miss Beatrice Priest, c. D. Pierce, w. G. Evans,
Miss Mary Lambert, W. r. Gleason, Mr.. and
Mrs. Glasscock, Judge and Mrs. Hilborn, Mrs.
Crane, Mrs Caminetti, Mr.. and Mrs. s. C
Mofett, Mrs. o. w. Bishop, Mrs. Gleason, Mrs.
G. B. Pierce, Senator and Mrs. Perkins, John P.
Irish.