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.

Brass Band

In December 1901 it was announced in the local paper that a brass band was being formed in the West Riverside area. New instruments were ordered for the band, all of which were nickel plated. To be known as the "Jurupa Band," it initially had 11 members comment to the weekly practices. G.W. Greene was the director. It was planned that they would be having a concert soon for the community.

E-Book Available

I am happy to report that Wicked Jurupa Valley is available as an e-book. It is (or will be) available for sale via Amazon (on the Kindle), Barnes & Noble (on the Nook) and Apple’s iBookstore (on the iPad). I feel so hip and up to date knowing you can read Wicked Jurupa Valley on all of these devices! Whoo hoo!