Los Angeles in the 1900s

November 1905

by
George Garrigues

FIRE LOSS IS TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS

Fire originating from an unknown cause but believed to have been spontaneous combustion totally destroyed the Bimini Mineral Water Company’s bath house located at Third Street and Bimini Avenue and owned by Dr. David W. Edwards of 900 Beacon St. shortly before 7 o’clock last night.

There were 20 employes in the building . . . and one man in the plunge. . . . The loss is estimated at $200,000, while the insurance carried amounts to only $30,000.

So far as can be learned, the origin of the fire was in the engine room. It was first noticed by Israel Miller, head engineer of the bath house. He found the floor above the engine room in flames.

Miller at once notified [foreman] Jacob Gunnett . . . and . . . fire-fighting apparatus, which is said to have been of the highest order, was put into action at once.

But . . . one of the main belts running out of the pumping station was burned in two . . .,

and the employes set about to save what they could of the expensive furniture. . . .

A call was at once sent to engine company No. 11 and hook-and-ladder company No. D, located at Burlington and West 7th streets. . . .

Owing to the condition of the streets caused by the recent rains, the run to the bath house consumed fully 15 minutes. . . .

Another condition which hampered any attempts toward quenching the flames was the absence of pipe lines in that section of the city. . . .

The flames . . . could be seen from all parts of the city. The news that it was the Bimini baths burning spread all over the city with telegraphic speed, and soon the grounds and small hills on all sides of the building were covered with people.

It was estimated that more than 3,000 people from all parts of the city witnessed the destruction of the popular baths.

Passing along one side of the bath house is the Bimini Baths

 [street]car line. As the flames leaped into the air, they burned the insulation from the heavy feed wires.

Thousands of tongues of electric blue flames shot out from the wires. The pyrotechnical display has never been equaled at any Fourth of July celebration in Los Angeles. . . .

The building extended over four acres and contained several hundred rooms.

A new Turkish bath was recently completed. It consisted of 95 rooms and was fitted up in modern style and in accordance with the latest scientific methods. The floors were all of marble and the sides of heavy glass.

A recent installment to the baths was a $1,000 x-ray machine and motor. . . .

Dr. Edwards stated last night that a new structure that will exceed the old one in beauty and quality will at once be commenced.

For the benefit of many of his patients, a temporary structure will be erected at once. . . .
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From the Los Angeles Herald, November 8, 1905

AUBLE IS MADE CHIEF OF POLICE

Commissioners’ Slate Is Adopted
STATEMENT OF CHIEF AUBLE

 

To say the least, I am proud of my appointment. . . . Los Angeles is going to have the best police force in the United States. I am going to put an end to the reckless driving of automobiles. . . .
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As though it had been greased, [the slate appointing Walter H. Auble as police chief] . . . passed through the Police Commission at its meeting yesterday morning..

Scarcely five minutes were required to appoint a chief,

transfer a captain, name two captains and three sergeants, by all odds the record-breaking performance for the Police Commission.

Everything had been prearranged, however. . . . Captain Auble was the compromise candidate selected by the opposing factions. . . . Auble was named as chief of police for one year.

It was at his own request that Captain Bradish was transferred to the University sub-station. . . .

With the rapid growth of the city southward, this station promises in time to become an important factor in the peace of the community, and Captain Bradish sees many opportunity in this field. . . .

Captain Auble became acting chief October 1, when W.A. Hammel resigned.

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Auble image is from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Captain Auble was killed in 1908 as he was attempting to question a burglary suspect.
For that story, click here.
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From the Los Angeles Herald, November 14, 1905
FOR RENT

Six-room cottage, modern, E. 30th St. Arranged for 2 families if desired; rent, $20 with water. Cooper & Cuddeback, 218 S. Broadway, Rm 237. Keyword: Negro

Two large furnished rooms for light housekeeping; kitchen 12x12, living room 12x16; pleasant view; price $10 per month. Apply 227 Laughlin Bldg. Home phone 8321.

Modern flats, water free. $10 three rooms, 204 N. Fremont; $12 three rooms, 334 S. Figueroa; $16 five room 1013 W. Diamond. Wiesendanger, 224 Laughlin Bldg.

SANITARIUMS

Mrs. M. Herbert Sanitarium. Massage, electric, tub, vapor, steam baths, chiropody, manicuring, scalp treatment, facial massage. 225 1/2 W. 1st.

PERSONALS

A lady with a six-room cottage would like to meet a genial, middle-aged lady or gentleman to share the same. 754 Wall St. Call Afternoons.
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From the Los Angeles Herald, November 10, 1905
Our Fall Opening a Grand Success
The Big New Store With the Little Prices
WALTER HARRIS COMPANY
Located Out of the High-Rent District
(Spring near First Street, just south of the Bullard Block, opposite Hamburger’s)
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For a personal look at Los Angeles in the 1920s and 1930s, click for a new book by George Garrigues
He Usually Lived With a Female: The Life of a California Newspaperman
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