Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • 65

ART UUSIG-CCOXS -COPIES scouts nECREAiTon nan" 1 AT VOL CLXVII OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 1957 CI NO. 49 tmvel noToa JcunnsY autos IICI'ES GARDENS VOItXSIIOP lT0 A IUI IM MIM XII Mill Chronicle's first issues. Our initial thanks State Park," he continues. "Exactly half a mile up from its mouth a smaller stream, formation relative to "diggings" (of which they may not be aware), whether in this Creek ever since has kept to its new channel. The old channel of Kelsey Creek re- mpd.cJic!scd.afd owwm hardly- traced as civilization has cleared, leveled and cultivated it beyond recognition.

Aa monuments this war and as a reminder of the Indian civilization that lived along the unused creek channel are the remains of Indian villages. Although farmed fields, orchards and modern dwellings have leveled off the old village mounds and houses or dance hole pits, there still remains the familiar darkened earth that is a part of Indian village sites." Versatile Dr. Semple The Knave: Recently I visited Benicla and crossed the Carquinez Straits by ferry to Martinez. Both the town and ferry reminded me of their founder, Dr. Robert Semple, perhaps the most versatile and eccentric ofr California pioneers.

He reached California with the Hasting's Party in 1845 and began farming with Johnson and Key-ser on Johnson's Ranch on Bear River. Dr. Semple was six feet, eight inches tall, while Johnson was a bantam. Captain Sutter, seeing them walking together, wrote in his MONG the most prized volumes in Dr. Rockwell D.

Hunt's collection of Californiana are two that per- tajjn. to Jcisco, Jwth om- paratively rare now. "I think they are of special value, speaking histori-'cally," he says. "The short title of the first of these is The Annals of San Francisco, published by D. Appleton Company in 1855.

The authors are Frank Soule, John H. Gihon, M.D., and James Nisbet. The wide scope of this volume isndicated by its subtitle, 'Containing a Summary of the History of the First Discovery, Settlement, Progress and Present Condition of California and a Complete History of All the Important Events Connected Therewith, It's Great City, to Which are Added Biographical Memoirs of Some Prominent It is illustrated by 150 fine engravings. A very useful Appendix includes the story of the Great Seal of the State, the text of the California Constitution of 1849, the Act of Corporation of the City of San Francisco, and a complete roster of the Society of California Pioneers, with dates of their arrival and their places of residence. In no other single book can so much detailed information pertaining to San Francisco during early American years, chronologically found; It may be regarded as indispensable to the researcher.

My copy of this valuable- book, printed well ovef a century agoj-was-acquired inearly-dayfr by my father, a pioneer of 1850. On its fly-leaf appears still, in his handwriting, in pencil, his name and address: 'D. R. Hunt, Oneida Valley, Sacramento On the same page appears the following, in my uncle's 4o Hunt by D. R.

Hunt, Hamilton (New York) March 23, This book has been in our family from my early childhood. My brothers and I enjoyed its pictures many a time on the floor of our 'sitting room' in the Freeport home. Bound in beautiful morocco, with JEuU.gttlLedgests all its handling, is remarkably good. Naturally; Tm proud to be the owner of this" volume. It Is of great value to the student and historian, but to me it possessed a value that cannot be told in terms of dollars.

Shades of San Francisco "The second book," continues Dr. Hunt, "is as colorful as its title, 'Lights and Shades of San written by B. E. Lloyd and published in 1876. The author was duly impressed by the marked peculiarities of San Francisco.

In his words, 'The fnanners, customs, business and pleasure of the people-are opposed to inactivity at all seasons and in all Numerous full-page illustra-. tionSadd to the book's value. Among the interesting topics treated are the newly constructed Palace and Baldwin Hqtels, restaurant life, Sunday in San Francisco, theaters, the early press, the Chinese, Woodward's Gardens, and many others. The graphic description of 'Steamer Day is one of the most gripping stories in' the entire book. 'No calendar for the use of San Fran- ciscans is declares; the author, without the special mention of the "Steamer Days" in each month It is to the business community here; what "First" of the month is in all the Eastern Jt was onlSteamerJPayjJLhat port.

Businessmen prepared their orders, posted their business and friendly commu nications, made necessary remittances, etc. The entire population turned out "The ordinary routine was suspended, and the city -was a scene of animation and excitement. But the arrival of the mail steamer in San Francisco showed even greater excitement. Its approach was announced by the signal on Telegraph HilL 'Everybody expected letters must go to Bruce L. McKinstry of Berwyn, 111., whose grandfather mined at Mokelumne Hill.4uiiR&&851nd 452nd passed jfc these copies of this Mother Lode journal.

Next our thanks to Judge J. A. Smith, columnist for the Calaveras Prospect of San Andreas to whom McKinstry loaned his precious mementoes, and last but not least, thanks to publisher L. R. Petti thomme of the Calaveras Prospect for permitting us tor repeat Judge Smith's report.

"At the masthead of Vol. 1, No. 1," Judge Smith tells us, "appears this announcement: 'The Calaveras Chronicle, Published Every Saturday Morning at Mokelumne Hill by Hamilton Ayres Co. Subscription for one year $12. For six months, $6, and for three months, $3.

Single copies, 25c. Advertising, one square of 10 lines or less, first insertion, $4. Each subsequent insertion, $2. All kinds of job work neatly executed. H.

A. DeCourcey, The following salutatory also appears. 'The first number of the Calaveras Chronicle is this day presented to the public with a prospect not excelled by any newspaper enterprise ever before taken within the borders "of the State of California. It is a matter of no little surprise that a county embracing so extensive an area of territory and" boasting so large a population as is conceded to Calaveras should have been so long without a printing press to proclaim to the world assert, advocate and defend the inalienable rights and privileges of her people. Bounded -on the south by the Stanislaus River, an immense territory of mining and agricultural land is traversed before the northern limit is reached, far above the North of the Mokelumne, jyhile on the west the fertile and almost illimitable plains furnish their quota to the making up of the variety of country and interests embraced within the boundaries of Calaveras, while being enclosed on the east by the state line, which waytffrough" everlasting snows beyond the summits of Talked counties north of Mariposa can boast a greater extent of continues editor DeCourcey.

'None can" claim with justice more natural resources as re- gards the wealth contained within its borders, nor that can supersede or outstrip the citizens of Calaveras in indomitable perseverance, energy and public-spirited enterprise. We have good and sufficient reasons for making these assertions. Calaveras is known and talked about, both far and near, and its wealth the subject of discussion. Of the generous and liberal spirit of its inhabitants we can speak at, length. No more substantial encouragement was seldom given, perhaps in the history of newspaper establishment, than that which has been extended toward the Chronicle.

Taken by the hand like brothers when we arrived at this place, every assistance! we needed was given us thanks to; the citizens of Mokelumne Hill, we are enabled to issue our infant sheet, established upon a permanent basis A disinterested public spirit is the natural characteristic of a printer. The very nature of his profession has a tendency i 7io mane mm iuvujih uoi- hjemmunityjmay be benefited by his pursuing a course that may not be positively consonant with his own views; although if he be conscientiously disposed and upright and honest in disposition, nought but 'truthful arguments and plain matters from his press. As such will be our earnest en- deavor to meet the views of the community upon every subject affecting the public weal. When praise is merited, we shall in our columns award it irrespectiyejpjl TKIclTstirictibn. AndTwhen abuses-come within our observation, it will be.

our aim or dislike, and if possible, point out the means by which they may be Honest Sentiments Politically sentiments upon any subject no matter by what party advanced, and adopt the views of neither unless they coincide with our own, oras they may tend to for good or ill the interests of the, common" country. As a journal of general gence, said editor DeCourcey, 'the Chronicle will carry in its tolumns correct statements of the markets at the different mining posts of the county, in such form as, will make them acceptable to merchants and other businessmen. In point of mining intelligence no exertion will be. spared to render our sheet essentially acceptable to the miners as a medium of obtaining in- Cole Creek, loses its i identity by flowing larger Kelsey Creek. This blending ng of the two creeks is a comparatively recent occurrence.

It is thought that the first white men to arrive in our country came about 1810, and just before that date it was Cole Creek alone that flowed through this common channel. Kelsey Creek then came out of the mountains and followed its regular course to the present Eutenier place two miles downstream from Kelseyville. From there it ran in a northwesterly direction through the present Cookson, Timonthy, Pardee, Fultz, Morrison and Blower ranches to McGaugh's Slough and on to Clear Lake. The reason for Kelsey Creek changing its course is told by local Indians who insist that the following incident took place. The Kulanapo tribe of Indians were around Lakeport and in Big Valley tip to Adobe Creek.

The Habenapo tribe took in that territory from Adobe Creek to and through Kelsey Creek and to a point between the latter stream and Cole Creek. Both these tribes were members of the Porno stock, whose territory included most all the drainage area of the Clear Lake basin. For some unknown reason the Lileek tribe, a branch of Napa -and- Sonoma- Counties- lived- a.t Soda Bay and on Cole Creek, from. Clear Lake to and including that part of that in consequence was entirely surrounded by Pomos. A Matter of Fish "The choicest fish of all were the hitc, or hitch, which ran up Kelsey Creek," continues Mauldin.

"The Indians called Kelsey Creek Hitc-bidame, or Hitch Creek. A less desirable fish but of about the same size thejt and the natives called this stream Tcai-bidame. Neither fish would go in the other -atreamTherewa8 stornTioverTlow channel from Kelsey Creek which ran from the torn in the stream at the Eutenier place ahd followed down where the present bed of the streani Is, to its junction with Cole Creek. The Li'leeks proposed to the Habena-pos that a part of the water of Kelsey Creek be diverted at the Eutenier place, and by dam or other method be made to run down the storm channel, so that at spawning time the hitc run both ways and thus give the Li'leeks a supply of the better quality fish. The Habenapo refused.

Up to this time the only way the Li'leeks could get a supply of hitc was by permission or trade. This was not to the liking of the Cole Creek Indians, and on refusal of the Kelsey Creek natives to allow the engineering project, words waxed warm between the tribes. No activity regarding the diversion took place until a big storm came up and Kelsey Creek was more than bank full. At this stage the Li'leek, without knowledge of the Habenapo, took their digging sticks and loosened the earth at the desired point. The flood waters soon t00k advantage of the loosened ground and 6 w.v ww ii tore a great hole in the bank, which opened up the old flood channel more than was ever dreamed of.

The entire stream flowed into Cole Creek. Gaining Their Point "Soon spawning time tame and the4ii teas well as the tcai" came up the smaller streams. As all of the Kelsey Creek, flow was now going intcTClear Lake by way or Cole Creek the supply of hitc for the Kelsey Creek Indians came that way. To add insult to injury, the Lileek put a dam or weir across Creek just above its junc- 4 supply of hitc to the Habenapos. War was The Kulanapo from Lakeport "ilmWfhw-assist the tribe from Kamdot (Anderson Island) came to help the Li'leek.

A battle line was drawn up along Kelsey Creek and fighting -went on for some time. Estimates for the Our Clear Lake Indians were not noted for their blood thirstiness nor warlike tendenciesrTo take great toll of life from the opposing tribe did hot seem to be their aim. According to custom, the war was conducted with much yelling and noisemaking, and rests would be taken during which small ioys were sent into the battlefield to retrieve arrows, each to be returned to its own tribe. Casualties amounted to only two orjhree men. The Li'leeks were driven back to Cole Creek, ijhe Habenapos did not push their gain and the battle, ended.

No further trouble developed, between these tribes and lived in peace within its own territory. Although the Li'leeks lost the war they, gained their point, for Kelsey county or in other sections of the state or se w'h wntmaTfft from the Atlantic Board, Europe and other parts of the world will be given at every new arrival. Thus making our satisfactory bow to the public, we respectfully solicit its countenance and favor for the future numbers of the Chronicle. Little more than two years have elapsed since we first trod California soil, and in that time there has been scarcely a spot within its limits that has not felt the imprint of our footsteps; and yet, in all that period, we have visited no place that gave greater evidence of, greater "or more permanent prosperity than the hill-built City of Mokelumne Hill. Two years ago Mokelumne Hill and its adjacent placers were known and spoken of as extremely rich, but of small extent; and friends ridiculed each other when they spoke of going to placers where "all the claims worth anything were worked out or permanently taken up'f Frequently, however, new and large strikes were made and those who before thought lightly of those placers began to avince an interest in them secondary to no other consideration.

The result has been the discovery of diggings unparalleled in richness earth -paying the-miner well for his labor1, even in the surface soil of the i hillsides, while others bodily the bowels of the earth, have astonished the world not more than themselves at the vast success which attended their arduous and preserving labors. Gay Christening "'Differing from the coyote diggings of any other section of the mining district of California, here at Mokelumne Hill, if one's hole will pay at all, he can always secure "lumps" sufficienyp while the earth in which the finer gold is contained is laid up in piles to jawaitthe rains, biggins such as these are numerous and almost inexhaustible in the vicinity of Mokelumne HilL These are stubborn and facta and with them stand-, ing baldly forth lively and bustling town cannot fail to become one of the most progressive and successful mining points in California, as long as mining will be made the principal branch of the business of mining. For the development of all these resources which surround us so abundantly the Calaveras Chronicle will be found standing boldly forth, not as an advocate of sectional opinions, but as its name indicates, identified with the interests of the whole county. It will be an exponent of its ad- vantages and a zealous defender of its rights and privileges. Tie Chronicle, the first number of our paper is now before the public.

We can make no apology, kind readers, if it does not meet your expectations. It is always "a vexatious and difficult task to open any business and a commencement cannot really be looked on as true "specimens" of what is to follow. As we progress wc encouragement from your approval. Also from this first issue was the following: 'Large numbers of our friends learning that the work upon the first -number of our paper was so advanced as to enable us to 4ssue4t4his-moming-niad-our-offie--up-to-- 12 o'clock last night the scene of a drawing room level. Wines of every description flowed in generous abundance and complimentary words and responses broke forth in eager tones of fondly impulse.

To "ouFf riend, Newall CoTandTJ. F. BrusHT we were" indebted for sundry bottles of champagne of the "Nightingale's" own brand, and for a sumptuous collation with the regular amount of Heidsick accompany- LaForge. One circumstance among -the reminiscences of the evening is worthy of struck off ofUhe Calaveras was put up at auction and sold for $3.75." Under the caption, the Chronicle reported: 'In this town by Judge S. D.

Ball on the evening of the 16th of OctoDer7185ir Aragalus A. French to. Jane" Gambol. This TTthe first rnSrriage1 that has been legally solemnized in this place. May they long live to enjoy the blessings of hymnal next Lake County History "The waters of Kelsey Creek pour into Clear Lake less than Hi miles northwest of the settlement of Soda Bay," Henry Mauldin of Lakeport reports.

Mauldin has been compiling the history of Lake County for some years now and welcomes data on all phases of 'arly-day life in that region. "The last quarter mile of Kelsey Creek's course lies within the present Clear Lake diary the sight; wasjudnJJjjLJas sisted that Johnson, by stooping slightly. could walk between Dr. Semple's legs. spring of 1846 Dr.

Semple joined the group and at Sonoma was placed on the committee to interview General Vallejo and secure his surrender. Among the hot-heads, the tall doctor was a sobering force. Later ha enrolled in Colonel Fremont's California Battalion and was prominent in California'! liberation. Dr. Semple was a dentist, typesetter, farmer, editor, presiding officer, city and ferry organizer; in fact, seemed handy at any employment.

With Walter Colton he -started the firsta1ifoTnTanewspaper," setting the type and editing the pages. When the State Constitutional Convention was MM9fB Semple, who had been elected one of the convention members, was made the presid ing officer, ahd he was an efficient one. With General Vallejo and Thomas Larkin he planned and organized the City of Be-nicia. It was his dream that his new town would become the chief port and metropolis of the West Coast. And it could have happened, if the doctor had been a little more judicious.

When the City of San Francisco burned again in 1851 its business men became discouraged and interviewed Dr. Semple with a plan to move to Benicia. But Dr. Semple was adamant in his demands which were unreasonable, and the plan was abandoned. A Solano County his- iorian wrote that Dr.

Semple built a house in Benicia with an inverted roof. The sides were high while the low eve ran down the middle of the building. The historian did not explain, if he knew, why Dr. Semple tried this unusual style of roof. The doctor also built a steamboat while living in Benicia which was to.be driven by two equal power engines.

Since he was unable to get two such engines he bought one large engine and one much smaller. Presumably the boat was a sidewheejer, as the doctor geared the engines together, but found that when he started his boat. the big engine over- powered the small one and made it run backwards. Thos the ship moved in circles. Somehow he managed to reach Colusa with hdiscarded the ehginesnd Jon-verted the boat into a barge.

He had other grand plans for developing the country A in 1854 at the age of 48. Thus his-unique but eccentric life came to an untimely close. John W. Winkley. -m "Years ago," Arthur R.

McPhail tells us, tion out here in California, and a group of young Oakland carriers formed a drill team. We practiced formations and drills around Lincoln Park after 6 p.m. when 'traffic problem were-ltghtrif not entirely erased V4or jithe day. An excursion was given over the old Ocean Shore Railroad. Its terminal in San Francjsco was at 11th and Mission and we young carriers gaily went to strut our stuff.

As I remember, the roadbed went through the Mission District of San Francisco 4 on out through th artichoke country and down the isolated shore of the ocean by Montara, Pidgeon Point, etc. There we proudly did pur drilling in an open space. Tables were set up with picnic food, and a responsive crowd applauded our efforts. The Ocean Shore Railroad has been gone many years now; but the memory is left of a wonderful day and a ride through what was. then just .1 -THE KNAVE Many looked for relatives and friends.

It the long lines of eager humanity that radiated from the sacred precincts behind the post office windows. There they patiently waited, often for hours, for their turn to ask for letterk onlytoo'often to hearthe grim reply, "No letters for you." The memories of Steamer, Day and the arrival of-steamers in San Fiandsring- to m)nd some of the most picturesque sometimes most poignant of all days in the history of the fabulous city by the Golden Gate." Calaveras Chronicle On the surface it would seem there are pangs Involved whatsoever when a news-" paper is born. It is all joy." At least, such was the outward- appearance in October of 1851 when Hamilton Ayres Company gave birth to the Calaveras Chronicle at Mo- kelumne Hill. We are indebted to three persons for this story of the Calaveras.