HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb14SLOWhatWith the inauguration of first newspaper in 1868, tracing the early history of San Luis Obispo becomes
a bit easier although local news was not a major part of the issues. This in itself tells us most residents
knew just about everything of importance happening around them. If they wanted to
know who was building what, they talked with the builder (most likely in one of many
saloons). The Marshal (or Sheriff) had the latest crime information (usually a drunk)
while everyone knew about the latest fire. Those consigned to eternity (including those
buried in the rural countryside or backyard) were mostly friends and neighbors.
Nonetheless, community life received a boost from another town newspaper. Contrary
to his promise, editor/owner Rome Vickers declared the Pioneer staunchly Democratic.
Vigorously promoting the national election (Ulysses S. Grant, a Republican, won), his
major accomplishment was instigating the inauguration of the second newspaper, the
Tribune – avowedly Republican - in August 1869. Soon after, Vickers simply stopped publishing and
headed for other potentially promising journalistic opportunities.
However, with the preserved municipal Minutes, local history becomes increasingly documented and
makes the swim through the historical canal even thicker! Following the evolution of the community through
elegant penmanship is a journey through the issues of importance in the small settlement.
There was an election and the first meeting of the then Board of Trustees was called to order on Wednesday
night, May 4, 1870. The elected official included Dr. William W. Hays, the “physician and surgeon”
according to his advertisements who was elected chairman by his peers. Other politicos include Henry
Francis (owned the livery stable) and Lazare Landecker, an inventor and merchant who moved to Ukiah
and was murdered by an employee in 1879. Horatio B. Palmer (an owner of the flour mill) and former
community assessor, John J. Simmler, an immigrant from Germany who went on to become postmaster
(1874 to 1890), justice of the peace, and a banker in Cayucos complete the
elected roster. Charles W. Dana, a son of William Goodwin Dana of Nipomo
fame, was appointed City Clerk. He will eventually become the community’s
sixth mayor in 1881.
Besides attending official meetings, Trustees served on at least one of three
committees: Finance, Streets, and Lands. They were the staff.
George W. Barnes was appointed Marshal as well as Tax Collector for one year.
Seemingly he was paid from collected taxes. He also was the sole appointed
staff member as any community project was directed to him for completion. The
treasurer was an imposter posing as a dentist: William J. Marcus. The Trustees
received requests for two town lots from Rafael Valencia and Juan Castro (more
on this critical issue later), addressed several Ordinances including a $5 license
fee for “opera or concert performances” and “caravan menageries”. In the next year, the group would
meet 23 times and, unlike other Trustees, never adjourned for lack of a quorum.
Rudimentary compared to todays near epic length meetings, the first preserved Minutes are a small
preview of much yet to come.
Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com
The first year of History of San Luis Obispo is available on the T drive here.
History of San Luis Obispo By: Joseph A. Carotenuti
City Historian/Archivist, Admin Volunteer
William Hays