Ukiah

Darline Bergere

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Year: 2009
• Print ISBN: 9780738570402
• eBook ISBN: 9781439638194
• Topic: Historia
• Subtopic: Historia de Norteamérica

Nestled in the Yokayo Valley, surrounded by coastal ranges, Ukiah officially became a town in 1859 when it broke away from being governed by Sonoma County. Spanish settlers put down roots through land grants and brought their rich culture to the area. Pomo Indians who lived in Ukiah wove baskets, which are collectors' items today throughout the world. Vichy Springs Resort, built in the mid-1800s on the outskirts of Ukiah, had many notable visitors, including Presidents Grant and Harrison, Mark Twain, Robert Lewis Stevenson, and Jack London. Today Ukiah is a city where people still ride their bicycles, and the high school has a homecoming parade before the big game. Farmers, ranchers, and vineyard owners work side by side. Summer months bring the annual Sunday in the Park free concerts, and the area is home to an active performing-arts community as well as several art galleries.

Three

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

From a sleepy little inland community to becoming the county seat, Ukiah grew by leaps and bounds. Businesses that sprung up ranged from the hop industry to logging and pear farms. Along Highway 101 in the springtime, both sides of the road would be covered with blooming pear trees. During World War II, local businesses got together and formed the Harvest Service Program to help harvest the pear crop. In the late 1800s, one might stop by A. O. Carpenter’s Home Gallery to have a photograph taken of the family.

During the same time period, Ukiah merchants sponsored a Trades Carnival. Young ladies competed in the festivities wearing costumes representing the local businesses. Ukiah was home to several stagecoach companies and saloons to “wet the whistle” of thirsty travelers stopping in the town. Vichy Hot Springs opened to the east of downtown and boasted of providing rejuvenating mineral baths to such visitors as Mark Twain and Jack London. The elegant Palace Hotel opened along with the Ukiah House. A lady visiting Ukiah might stop in the Emery Millinery shop for a new hat while gentlemen had a drink at the Palm Saloon. Banks, department stores, and other businesses were opened in the small downtown area, sometimes side by side with the local livery stable. A person could find anything they wanted or needed within a few short blocks.

Pictured is the interior of the Palm Saloon in May 1909. The sign with the letters K. R. A. stands for the Knights of the Royal Arch, an organization of liquor dealers and saloon keepers. Their 1909 convention was held in Ukiah. The gentleman pictured in the center is Harry P. Siems, who was the owner of the Palm Saloon, an upscale bar in downtown Ukiah.

This business card is prior to 1902. Mr. Kenyon and Harry P. Siems were business partners in the Palm Saloon from October 1901 to October 1902. The token pictured was good for 10¢ off on the customer’s next visit to the bar. On the opposite side of the token was a mirror. There were several different tokens with beautiful ladies on them. These tokens were discovered in an old toolbox in the 1990s. ...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• One - EARLY DAYS AND THOSE WHO SHAPED UKIAH
• Two - SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, AND GOVERNMENT
• Three - BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
• Four - PARADES AND FESTIVALS
• Five - ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS