Year: 1878

to the doer of every inhabitant; a
fine, commodious bath house has
been built on the beach; a beauti-
full park has been laid out and
beautified, while thousands Of trees
have been planted along the
streets. They also paid three
fourths Of the cost of a $4,000 public
school house. The whole expend-
iture Of the company In the i'm
provement Of this place has not
been less than 5000, ,000-a pretty
liberal outlay, all must admit.
At first there was great rush Of
people to this place, and the build
ing operations were very rapid.
Many came here with inflated no.
tions in regard to its immediate
future-just as people have done
In many other new towns on this
coast. Many of these left, reduc-
ing the population. But after that
the town assumed a more healthy
progress. Those who came to stay
at once began substantial improve
ments, which have continued to
the present time. AS a result, we
now have many beautiful resi-
dences. At times it appeared as If
we were standing still, the pro-
gress of improvement has beeu so
gradual; but those who absent
themselves for time always note
many evidences of advancement.


At present the population of the
town Is about 700. Every necessa-
ry branch of business is represent
ed; we have ample hotel accom-
m0dations; large, fine public
school building;l two churches,
and, in fact, everything that con-
stitutes the machinery Of a well
regulated tewn-all the work of
three years.


In speculating upon the future
of Santa Monica, there are many
contingencies that will affect the
place in different ways. There are
some points, however, that are
now definitely settled. 1t is a rec-
ognized fact that the climate, the
location. the natural excellence of
the sea- bathing, and the accessi.
bility Of the place, both by rail and
ship, make this, par excellence, the
most attractive seaside resort on
the Pacific Coast. 1t must also al
ways continue a shipping point Of
considerable Importance. AS a To-
cation for great educational GEN.
ter, its merits will also commend
themselves to the judgment of all
who will take the pains TO note the
many advantages.


If the immediate back country
q handsome valley embracing
thousands of acres-can be pro-
vided with al ample supply of
water, the settlement of this terri
tory will at an early day contribute
to the business advancement of
this town. The situation is
inviting in the extreme for subur-
ban homes, gardens, orchards and
small farms. 1t Will simply re-
quire sufficiency OF water to con-
vert the territory between Santa
Monica and Los Angeles into
compact, thrifty settlement. Moth
ing more is needed. The natural
attractions-the climate, soil and
beauty of situation - and no
change. And no one can now say
that there is not plenty of water if
it was only developed. No test has
ever been made. But it does seem,
when the inducements are so great,
that movement i'll this direction
cannot be much longer postponed.
In other portions of the county we
hear of artesian water being found
even upon the high lands.


Whether this place will become
an extended shipping port, depends
upon the settlement of the country
and the future railroad movements.
The resources of this county are
such as to render it certain that il
will in time support a large popu-
lation. And if we are ever to have
an important overland railroad ter
minus at the ocean In this county,
it is apparent to any one that this
is the most suitable point. 1t is
true breakwater will be needed to
make perfect harbor; but the
demands of commerce will secure
the nceessa-yY appropriation to build


Whatever may be the issue,
Santa Monica will continue to
grow in popularity as a seaside re-
sort-during most any season of
the year. In this respect it eau
have no rival. 1t will always be,
during the warm season, the recu-
peratiDp pOint, the breathing
place, the lungs as it were, for this
southern country, extending from
Bakersfield to Yuma. But its pat.
rons will by no means be confined
to these limits. The fame of this
place has already gone abroad
through tho media of the thousands
Of visitors who have acquainted
themselves with its incompatible
climate and other natural attract.