In the mid-1800's, the village of Tomales began to grow...
|
Tomales is one of the oldest communities in Marin County, located in the far north-west corner along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The area was originally inhabited by Coast Miwok Indians, and later by Spanish and European immigrants.
It was originally used by the non-native settlers as a port, and before long grain and potatoes were being farmed on the hillsides. The early dairy ranches featured Spanish longhorn cattle, and, as San Francisco boomed in the mid-1850's, became one of the key areas supplying eggs and butter to the "Forty-Niner's." No, not the football team, the early 49'ers were so named because gold had been discovered in 1848 and by 1849 the 'rush' was on to seek fortune. The village was connected to the rest of the world in the early years only by limited, and sometimes impassable, wagon roads and often dangerous waterways. Railroad fever was sweeping the country when the North Pacific Coast line was incorporated in 1871. The narrow gauge line through Tomales linked San Francisco (by ferry to Sausalito) to Cazadero in the Russian River redwoods, by way of Tomales Bay, Bodega, and Occidental. Built primarily to haul redwood lumber, the largely experimental narrow gauge railroad seeded towns and villages over a wide area, transported agricultural products, and launched a tourism industry. It operated until 1930, the same year the famed Mt. Tamalpais Railroad, "The Crookedest Railroad in the World", ended service as automobiles, truck transport, and buses became popular and widespread. The text of the article from the Press Democrat Number 10, 12 November 1898, is reproduced below to make it easier to read, with the actual article shown below that, as found in the California Digital Newspaper Collection. Thanks to both organizations. |
A longhorn cattle drive (not in Tomales.)
San Francisco in 1851.
A clipper ship advertisement.
|
"AN IMMENSE LOSS Five Buildings Gutted by The Flames in Tomales
Fire Was Discovered at Nine O’Clock In the Morning—Cause Unknown
At 9 o’clock Wednesday morning exciting messages were received at Santa Rosa at the Press Democrat office telling of a very disastrous fire which was in progress at the pretty town of Tomales. The first news stated that the whole town would he destroyed by the flames, as there were absolutely no facilities for battling against the flames. Several people went over to Tomales from here. The fire was a very serious one for the town, the entire northern end being wiped out very speedily after the flre once got hold. On Wednesday night smoking ruins marked the spot where a general merchandise store, a saloon, barber shop and two livery stables bad stood live hours previously.
About half-past 8 o’clock in the morning the fire was first discovered burning between Silvera’s barber shop and Gauy’s livery barn. An alarm was immediately given, and in a few minutes the whole town was out. Nothing could bo done. The fire raged furiously, and the absence of water prevented any check being given. As much property as possible was saved from the adjoining premises. W. R. Fairbank’s grocery and general merchandise store was totally destroyed. A saloon in the vicinity of Silvera’s barber shop, John Gauy’s livery stable, and Mulvanny’s livery stable are all in ruins. The total loss will probably be $lO,000. About half of the damage is covered by insurance. How the fire originated is a mystery. No one seems to know anything about it. A rigid inquiry will be instituted to ascertain whether the fire was the work of an incendiary.
Had a strong wind been blowing at the time the damage would have been far more serious. Further particulars were learned Thursday of the fire at Tomales on Wednesday. It seems that the origin of the fire is still unknown, but a strict investigation will be made at once. The town is entirely without a system of fire-fighting aparatus, and the water supply is limited. The men were powerless to save the property in the doomed block, so every effort was made to prevent the flames from crossing the streets. Twice the building occupied by the Tomales bank was ablaze. The path of the fire after destroying Mulvanny’s property, was north.
The general merchandise store of VV.H. Fairbanks was quickly destroyed, and the livery stable and feed yard of J.B. Guay went up in smoke as did the barber shop of J. Silvera and the Grutli hotel, owned by J. Stout. Three hours after the time the flre was discovered the entire block of business houses was marked by a few smouldering coals. P. Mulvanny, while engaged in fighting the flames, was slightly injured by a falling wall, says the Courier.
The loss is estimated at $20,000. Insurance was small, probably $l5OO. The individual losses are as follows: P. Mulvanny, stable and building adjoining, $6000; W. H. Fairbanks, general merchandise store, $3000; J. H. Guay, feed yard and livery stable, $5000; J. Silora, barber shop and building, $1500; Grutli hotel, owned by J. Stoni, $4OOO."
Fire Was Discovered at Nine O’Clock In the Morning—Cause Unknown
At 9 o’clock Wednesday morning exciting messages were received at Santa Rosa at the Press Democrat office telling of a very disastrous fire which was in progress at the pretty town of Tomales. The first news stated that the whole town would he destroyed by the flames, as there were absolutely no facilities for battling against the flames. Several people went over to Tomales from here. The fire was a very serious one for the town, the entire northern end being wiped out very speedily after the flre once got hold. On Wednesday night smoking ruins marked the spot where a general merchandise store, a saloon, barber shop and two livery stables bad stood live hours previously.
About half-past 8 o’clock in the morning the fire was first discovered burning between Silvera’s barber shop and Gauy’s livery barn. An alarm was immediately given, and in a few minutes the whole town was out. Nothing could bo done. The fire raged furiously, and the absence of water prevented any check being given. As much property as possible was saved from the adjoining premises. W. R. Fairbank’s grocery and general merchandise store was totally destroyed. A saloon in the vicinity of Silvera’s barber shop, John Gauy’s livery stable, and Mulvanny’s livery stable are all in ruins. The total loss will probably be $lO,000. About half of the damage is covered by insurance. How the fire originated is a mystery. No one seems to know anything about it. A rigid inquiry will be instituted to ascertain whether the fire was the work of an incendiary.
Had a strong wind been blowing at the time the damage would have been far more serious. Further particulars were learned Thursday of the fire at Tomales on Wednesday. It seems that the origin of the fire is still unknown, but a strict investigation will be made at once. The town is entirely without a system of fire-fighting aparatus, and the water supply is limited. The men were powerless to save the property in the doomed block, so every effort was made to prevent the flames from crossing the streets. Twice the building occupied by the Tomales bank was ablaze. The path of the fire after destroying Mulvanny’s property, was north.
The general merchandise store of VV.H. Fairbanks was quickly destroyed, and the livery stable and feed yard of J.B. Guay went up in smoke as did the barber shop of J. Silvera and the Grutli hotel, owned by J. Stout. Three hours after the time the flre was discovered the entire block of business houses was marked by a few smouldering coals. P. Mulvanny, while engaged in fighting the flames, was slightly injured by a falling wall, says the Courier.
The loss is estimated at $20,000. Insurance was small, probably $l5OO. The individual losses are as follows: P. Mulvanny, stable and building adjoining, $6000; W. H. Fairbanks, general merchandise store, $3000; J. H. Guay, feed yard and livery stable, $5000; J. Silora, barber shop and building, $1500; Grutli hotel, owned by J. Stoni, $4OOO."
|
|
What was Tomales Like to a Visitor in 1899?
Roughly three months after the fire, this feature on the town was published.
Source: Marin Journal, Volume 39, Number 2, 23 March 1899
"A VISIT TO TOMALES A SUBSTANTIAL TOWN
Building Operations/Plenty of Rain and Never Failing Crops.
A Journal man visited Tomales last Saturday and had s pleasant chat with a number of the business men. It was our first visit there. We had been told that Tomales was surrounded by an excellent country and we found it to be true. It is a very pleasant little town of 300 people and prosperous business men. The town is located in the northwestern part of Marin County, on the North Pacific Coast railroad, about forty miles from San Rafael, not far from Tomales Bay, four miles from the ocean at Dillon's beach, six miles from Vailley Ford, six miles from Bloomfield, and sixteen miles from Petaluma.
Has a public hall; two good churches - Presbyterian and Catholic - good schools with W.N". Taylor and Mrs. D.B. Lawton as teachers; secret societies are represented by the Odd Fellows, Foresters, Druids, Chosen Friends, and American Guild. Tomales is located in one of the best dairy and farming sections of the State. The chief industry of the people in the surrounding country is dairying. About two miles north of town is located the large Fallon Creamery, hut many of the dairymen manufacture their own butter. It is almost universally of a superior quality and is shipped to market by local dealers where it commands a good price. The Tomales country has never had a crop failure. Even last year - a dry year —that section had a rich harvest. One of the merchants told us that more hay was shipped from that place last year than was ever known before in the history of the town.
Tomales is also quite a chicken country, many of the ranchers having as high as 50OO or 6000 chickens. The birds seem to be healthier and do better than they do further in from the coast. East of town there is quite a little general farming and fruit growing - apples, pears and plums doing the best. Since the fire last fall there has started quite a building boom.
Since the fire last fall, there has started quite a building boom. P. Mulvenay has erected a large livery stable which he is now occupying. James Griffin has also erected a new livery stable and is now ready toaccommodate the public, having moved into his new barn last week. Work is progressing nicely upon the new store building for J, Silvera. He will occupy part of it for his barber shop, and the other part will be rented for a grocery. Some ot the lumber is now on the ground for a new hotel building to be erected by A. Ostini to take the place of the old Swiss hotel, the Grutli, which was recently burned.
Father Rogers has already begun his campaign to raise money for building a handsome new Catholic church. It will probably be built of stone, substantial and ornamental, similar to the one recently erected at Sebastopol. Work will probably be commenced about July. The old church is to be turned into a hall and gymnasium. A St. Patrick's day entertainment was given by the members of the Catholic church on Friday evening. An interesting literary and musical program was rendered and a pleasing talk was made by Rev, Father Riley of San Francisco. A dance was enjoyed to a late hour. The proceeds will go toward the expense of building the new church. A dance was enjoyed to a late hour. The proceeds will go toward the expense of building the new church.
The various business interests are well represented in Tomales. The bank is a solid institution with Warren Dutton as president; George W. Burbank vice-president, T. J. Ables cashier. It has a capital stock of $lOO,OOO and a reserve fund of a like amount. There are two hotels, the Plank House, under the management of F. A. and Fred F. Plank, and the United States House, run by Mr. Mulvenay. M. Hagerty, one of the pioneer merchants, is closing out his stock of goods, but there are two other good general merchandise stores. One is owned by F. W. Holland and J. B. Cauzza, under the firm name of Holland & Cauzza; the other by H. T. Ables, L. Dickinson and C. W. Thompson, Mr. Thompson having recently returned to Tomales and taken an interest in the business.
L. C. Guldgar and E. Bean are the proprietors of the two meat markets; Virgil Caporgno is the tinner and plumber. The medical profession is well represented by Dr. Kurt Urban and Dr. A. C. Winn. In addition to the hotel business Fred Plank is interested in photography. He has many fine landscapes and other photos on exhibition. C. J. Flinn and Louis Guldgar are the village blacksmiths and M. L. Murphy the wheelright. Bakeries and other business interests are represented."
Source: Marin Journal, Volume 39, Number 2, 23 March 1899
"A VISIT TO TOMALES A SUBSTANTIAL TOWN
Building Operations/Plenty of Rain and Never Failing Crops.
A Journal man visited Tomales last Saturday and had s pleasant chat with a number of the business men. It was our first visit there. We had been told that Tomales was surrounded by an excellent country and we found it to be true. It is a very pleasant little town of 300 people and prosperous business men. The town is located in the northwestern part of Marin County, on the North Pacific Coast railroad, about forty miles from San Rafael, not far from Tomales Bay, four miles from the ocean at Dillon's beach, six miles from Vailley Ford, six miles from Bloomfield, and sixteen miles from Petaluma.
Has a public hall; two good churches - Presbyterian and Catholic - good schools with W.N". Taylor and Mrs. D.B. Lawton as teachers; secret societies are represented by the Odd Fellows, Foresters, Druids, Chosen Friends, and American Guild. Tomales is located in one of the best dairy and farming sections of the State. The chief industry of the people in the surrounding country is dairying. About two miles north of town is located the large Fallon Creamery, hut many of the dairymen manufacture their own butter. It is almost universally of a superior quality and is shipped to market by local dealers where it commands a good price. The Tomales country has never had a crop failure. Even last year - a dry year —that section had a rich harvest. One of the merchants told us that more hay was shipped from that place last year than was ever known before in the history of the town.
Tomales is also quite a chicken country, many of the ranchers having as high as 50OO or 6000 chickens. The birds seem to be healthier and do better than they do further in from the coast. East of town there is quite a little general farming and fruit growing - apples, pears and plums doing the best. Since the fire last fall there has started quite a building boom.
Since the fire last fall, there has started quite a building boom. P. Mulvenay has erected a large livery stable which he is now occupying. James Griffin has also erected a new livery stable and is now ready toaccommodate the public, having moved into his new barn last week. Work is progressing nicely upon the new store building for J, Silvera. He will occupy part of it for his barber shop, and the other part will be rented for a grocery. Some ot the lumber is now on the ground for a new hotel building to be erected by A. Ostini to take the place of the old Swiss hotel, the Grutli, which was recently burned.
Father Rogers has already begun his campaign to raise money for building a handsome new Catholic church. It will probably be built of stone, substantial and ornamental, similar to the one recently erected at Sebastopol. Work will probably be commenced about July. The old church is to be turned into a hall and gymnasium. A St. Patrick's day entertainment was given by the members of the Catholic church on Friday evening. An interesting literary and musical program was rendered and a pleasing talk was made by Rev, Father Riley of San Francisco. A dance was enjoyed to a late hour. The proceeds will go toward the expense of building the new church. A dance was enjoyed to a late hour. The proceeds will go toward the expense of building the new church.
The various business interests are well represented in Tomales. The bank is a solid institution with Warren Dutton as president; George W. Burbank vice-president, T. J. Ables cashier. It has a capital stock of $lOO,OOO and a reserve fund of a like amount. There are two hotels, the Plank House, under the management of F. A. and Fred F. Plank, and the United States House, run by Mr. Mulvenay. M. Hagerty, one of the pioneer merchants, is closing out his stock of goods, but there are two other good general merchandise stores. One is owned by F. W. Holland and J. B. Cauzza, under the firm name of Holland & Cauzza; the other by H. T. Ables, L. Dickinson and C. W. Thompson, Mr. Thompson having recently returned to Tomales and taken an interest in the business.
L. C. Guldgar and E. Bean are the proprietors of the two meat markets; Virgil Caporgno is the tinner and plumber. The medical profession is well represented by Dr. Kurt Urban and Dr. A. C. Winn. In addition to the hotel business Fred Plank is interested in photography. He has many fine landscapes and other photos on exhibition. C. J. Flinn and Louis Guldgar are the village blacksmiths and M. L. Murphy the wheelright. Bakeries and other business interests are represented."