The record-union., 1899-05-08

streets are lined with beautiful and
cosy houses embowered in gardens.
Of course here is the unsightly and
inevitable poor quarter" But distinc-
lions founded ON wealth alone are very
much less ohtrusive than in larger
communities Here are homes large
enough and fine enough for palaces;
costly nesting just by them are little
cottages i'm which the latest bride plays
at housekeeping The atmosphere OF
home Is over all, and the humanizing
charm attend everywhere. AS the lit
tie city lies here under the May sun
shine every idyl of life might be in
terwoven with it.
Competent estimates place the pres
ent population at about 5000. The
| people are patriotic to a marked de-
| gree, and respond with enthusiasm on
all national occasions. Owing to its
| position on the main line from the
north it is a convenient stopover place
for amusement companies on their way
to San Francisco. On this account,
| and perhaps because there is we'll
| furnished opera-house with seating
capacity of 1,200, many first-class en-
tertainments are given in Chico. Hence
a somewhat critical taste has been de-
veloped. transformers find no well
come here.
On the other hand, whatever is really
good i'm art or music finds an inner
circle ready with warm welcome The
better social life is charming, having
! some of the grace with little of the
fat
! itan circles.
The schools are modern in ideals and
efficient in practice. Three commodi-
Gus buildings situated in convenient To-
calities imply house the public schools,
all under the supervision of a very
| competent Principal. The State sNor-
NAL School has it's material abiding
place in a fine brick building surround
ed by elegant grounds. Its work is
efficient, and the attendance of stu
dents constantly increasing. The train
ing school maintained in connection
with it has a warm place in the
hearts of parents having children of
school age.
Chico has nearly all the denomina
| tiopal churches. The Presbyterians
Methodsts of both the main branches,
Baptists. Christians and Catholics all
have commodious and attractive houses
of worship. The Episeopalians are
about to build a church, and the Afri-
| cans already have a chapel. The Free
Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists
and the Salvation Army hold regular
services. UNCONVENTIONAL rivalry is
keen, but for the most part in good
spirit. The influential religious organ
izations of the city have the most de-
lightful fraternal attitude toward each
other. Here again the conservative
character of the people is emphasized.
Chico is a veritable hardscrabble for
cranks, religious or otherwise.
The municipal authority, as in all cit
les of its class, is vested in a Board of
Trustees, the President of which acts
as Mayor. The executive staff is head
ed by Marshal elected by the people.
Under him are several watchmen or
police. The judicial functions are
centered in a Police Court having rank
and jurisdiction similar to a Justice S
Court. The police and sanitary ordf-
nances are wisely. conserved and fairly
we'll enforced. The fire apparatus is
| composed OF a fine steam engine a
nook and ladder truck and several
hose carts, all with modern appliances.
This department of city service has a
most honorable record. The water sup
ply is abundant, being furnished under
the Holly system Of main pressure.
Water is thus so promptly thrown up
on the incipient fame that the engine
is very rarely needed.
Altogether, Chico is a delightful
home, and no inspiration is needed to
see for it an abundant and increasing
prosperity
A CHICO PICNIC.
Chico, May 9th.
The citizens of Chico gave a May
Day picnic to-day at Bidwelrs Grove.
In the morning there was a fine par
ade, composed of the Chico fire COM
pany and carriages occupied by the
business men, all the business houses
being closed
Ihere was also long line of car
riages and wagons occupied by the
residents of the city and the surround
ing country, people coming from will
lows, Nord, Durham and most of the
nearby towns. The carriages were
all handsomely decorated with flowers.
The parade was headed by the military
band.
There were three games of baseball.
The morning game was between the
Red Bluffs and Durhams, Red Bluff
winning by a large score The first
afternoon game was between the Grid
ley ard Willows teams They played
eleven innings, the score being 4 to )
In favor of Gridley. The final game
was between the Gridleys and Red
Bluffs, Red Bluff winning by score
of to 2.
1t was beautiful day for the pic
ME- which was a grand success. end
Ing with a dance at the opera house
in the evening.
There were two accidents during the
day, a Chico young man, Orville G..
GoodSpeed, having his nose broken by
being hit with baseball, and an old
lady having her leg broken by falling
from a bench.
There was a dwelling and contents
Totally destroyed by fire this afternoon
IN Chatmantown, suburb of Chico.
while the family We're at the picnic
Loss about 500. ! The house was
owned by Mrs. st. John.
SENECA JONES.
Pacific Coast