For the Love of Pete - A book review

Because of various things I do I seem to have gotten on some lists concerning books that have to do with history. I get contacted on occasion and offered a copy of various books. If it is something that looks interesting I agree to take a copy. If I like the book I might tell you about it. What I really like about the these books is that I would have NEVER known about them otherwise.   They are self published or published by small independent publishers. So while they may have nothing to do with Jurupa history, they do have to do with history. I like the idea of helping the little guy. I hope you don't mind!

As you have probably guessed, I love history. I also enjoy reading children's literature. I admit it, I am a "Little House" addict! Happily, my two loves came together in a very enjoyable fashion in Ethel Barker's "For the Love of Pete."

The book is about three children who are living on the streets of New York. They are eventually taken on the Orphan Train to live in Iowa. There are lots of details about their lives in both places, the difficulties they go through, and there friendship with each other.

This book was obviously a labor of love for Ms. Barker. I really enjoyed the way it was written in three different voices: Rosie, her sister Iris, and their friend Pete. The children had to endure some hard times but, with a surprise twist at the end, the three stories were resolved nicely by the conclusion of the book. I plan on passing my copy on to my 10 year old goddaughter. I think she will enjoy it just like I did!

Crossing the River was Dangerous

On May 3, 1884 One of the local Riverside papers mentioned that Clarence Stewart of West Riverside had had an accident while trying to cross the Santa Ana River. He was in a light wagon and had three ladies and a ten-month old child with him. One of the singletrees on the wagon broke causing the wagon to tip over. All of the occupants of the wagon were thrown into the water which, the newspaper said, was hub deep and very swift. Thankfully everyone, including the baby, only received a soaking. All got out of the river safely.

Just so you know, because I sure didn't, a singletree is a piece of wood that attaches to the front of a wagon. It prevents balance problems by insuring that the cart is pulled from the center and insures a smooth pulling action by absorbing the left-right-left-right pulling movement of the animal pulling the wagon. If you want to see what they look like just google "singletree."

This Day in History - January 15, 1903

On Thursday evening, January 15th, the Jurupa band gave a reception and social at the school house. The reception was in honor of the ladies who had helped them with their recent concert in San Jacinto. The evening was spent listening to music played by the band and in various games. Delicious refreshments were then served. The remainder of the evening was spent playing games outside by the light of the moon. The moonlight lent enchantment to the scene. All those present reported having a delightful time.

Upcoming History Event

Since folks who check out this blog have to be interested in history (!) I thought I would tell you about an upcoming event in San Bernardino. Information is below. And by the way, Happy New Year!

This Day in History - December 29, 1917

Miss Ida Sargent of Glen Avon was married on December 29th, 1917. She and Mr. W. Verley were married in the parsonage of the Highgrove United Methodist Church by Rev. J.C. Livingston. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Ida Sargent of Glen Avon.

The bride attended school in South Dakota as a child and knew her groom then. She visited her old home last summer and because reacquainted with Mr. Verley at that time. Since then the two have been corresponding and Mr. Verley recently moved to the Riverside area. He was employed a the Glenwood Garage in Riverside shortly after moving to the area.    

Chain Gang Road Improvements

On December 20, 1899 the Riverside Enterprise reported that the chain gang had been employed the day before graveling the road "near the Wilson place." The chain gang had worked on the road leading west from the bridge and north along the river from the bridge. The Enterprise reported that the work had made "both of those thoroughfares excellent ones." The paper also noted that the ranchers who had to haul their crops to Riverside were very pleased with the work.

Poor Mr. Contreras

According to the Riverside Enterprise on August 23rd, 1902, A. Contreras was a resident of West Riverside who worked on the canal. He returned home on the 22nd to eat supper and discovered someone had broken into his house. What did they take? His best set of clothes! He went the following day to inform the the Sheriff's department of the burglary. Unfortunately, with no clues to go on, the Enterprise said chances of recovery were not good.