75 years ago: Carnegie Library cornerstone laid

50 Years Ago Population 3,179 (U.S. Census 1960 and 1970) Safety Employees Residency requirements for all of the City of Lincoln's safety employees were established by council resolution Tuesday night. The resolution requires all safety personnel such as police officers and firemen to reside not more than six minutes of travel time by auto computed at 55 mph on public roadways outside the city and at the prevailing speed limits on roads within the city limits. The time will be computed driving to the city hall building located at 511 5th Street. Police Chief Robert Jimenez told the council he felt the proposed resolution would be "good" as "all my officers would be within response time." Jimenez stated the obvious advantage is to provide response time and to provide back-up for other officers. "Last week we had a possible double homicide and a bomb scare. In situations like these the officers need back-up." Jimenez noted both incidents were hoaxes. The chief stated he would like to avoid "the sad situation four years ago when we lost one officer and had one injured." Jimenez was referring to the fatal shooting of Officer Les Schellbach and the shooting of Sgt. Robert Barroso during the aftermath of an armed robbery of East Avenue Market in December of 1971. Councilman Dave Curtin, who along with Councilwoman Leah Nevarez cast the dissenting votes, indicated he would like to see a 10-mile radius from the city and not six minutes. He also disputed the propriety of the city establishing the six-minute response time based on driving from city hall to the farthest point of the city at the airport. City Attorney William Holliman answered a question from Curtin in regards to the legality of a residency requirement by stating that state law and constitution prohibits the requirement of city employees to reside within city limits although they may set residency requirements based on distance and response in either miles or minutes. In another question from Curtin, Holliman noted the resolution would "now become a condition of employment" for future employees and existing employees. Councilman Nello Stefani indicated all current officers, when they were hired, agreed to a gentleman's agreement they would move to Lincoln as soon as possible. Curtin contended one officer was currently unable to do so for financial reasons. Nevarez clarified her no vote by stating for the record "if he (the police officer) doesn't make it (move to Lincoln) in six months is he going to be fired from the job?" Curtin, who last month indicated he would go to court to fight the requirements and would seek a restraining order against the city firing any police officer for not complying, tore up the resolution after passage and threw it on the floor of the council chambers. Curtin beforehand charged the "intimidation of this council is being used against the patrolmen." He said the move was "another exertion of power against patrolmen." Chief Jimenez noted the department is currently understaffed by 1.9 positions. 75 Years Ago Population 2,410 (U.S. Census 1940 and 1950) Bond Lincoln residents will be asked to approve a bond issue involving $333,000 in a special election on July 10. The bonds, if approved, will be sold to pay the cost of constructing a new sewage plant, and the repair and construction of a municipal water system. Two propositions are scheduled for the voters' consideration with the first covering the sewage project and the second covering the water system. The sewage plant is expected to cost $88,000, with $245,000 being estimated for the cost of the water system. A two-thirds vote is required to pass either of the two propositions, since both will be financed by general obligation bonds. This is the second attempt by the city to have the municipal work program approved by local tax payers. The last attempt was made January 9, with three propositions going down before the voters. Law requires a lapse of six months before a proposition can be replaced before the voters. The July election will omit the storm sewer proposition which voters turned down overwhelmingly last January. The total asked in the first election about equals the sum requested this time although the storm sewer proposition is omitted. The water system plans have been boosted, covering most of the increase. Approximately $9,000 has been added to the sewer system costs also, although the council hopes to get that back in the form of state aid. City Engineer Art Reitter has submitted plans to the council for both of the proposed projects. The water system will include a filtration plant, planned for the site of the No. 1 reservoir. Swimming Pool It was good news for high school students last Tuesday night when the city council voted a substantial reduction in rates for use of the local swimming pool. High school students, who originally paid .35 cents, may now go swimming for .21 cents. The cut in price is expected to bring more teenagers out. Admission for pre-high school age remains at .12 cents and the adults must pay .50 cents for use of the pool. Library Note: This article was written by late Lincoln Historian Mabel Ahart, 1882-1975. Andrew Carnegie, the great Scottish philanthropist, came to the rescue of Lincoln's library. In 1908, Mr. Carnegie gave Lincoln $6,000 toward the building of the library. Gladding, McBean & Co., as usual, contributed generously and $3,000 was raised by popular subscription. A.D. Fellows was engaged as architect and on April 3, 1909, the corner stone of the Carnegie Library was laid. The laying of this cornerstone was one of the most important events in the history of Lincoln and was witnessed by an immense crowd of people. Many visitors were present from San Francisco, Sacramento and Marysville. The corner stone was laid under the auspices of the California Grand Lodge of Masons, assisted by members of Gold Hill Lodge No. 32, F. & A. M. of Lincoln under the direction and supervision of the Worshipful Master, Hans P. Jansen. At the appointed time, the Grand Officers were escorted to the scene of the ceremonies by the members of the Gold Hill Lodge, augmented by the visitors present. The procession started from the I.O.O.F. Hall. About two hundred were in the line. The procession passed down 5th Street to G Street, thence up 6th and F to 5th, the site of the library building. In accordance with the traditional custom of the Masonic fraternity, the corner stone, including the casket containing the appropriate memorials, was laid in the northeast corner of the library building with the impressive ceremonies which has come down the ages since the birth of Masonry. The ceremonies were interspersed with musical selections by the Lincoln Concert Band which headed the procession, the High School Band and choral selections. The children of the public school also marched in regular file from the school presenting an imposing spectacle. Rev. Joseph Buie of the M. E. church was Grand Orator of the Day, delivering a masterful address which held the rapt attention of the vast audience. The following is the list of records deposited in the cornerstone of the library building: Historical sketch of the library and ordinance establishing same with the seal of the city; copy of the application sent to Andrew Carnegie for $6,000, list of the donors towards library and furnishings, photographs of Andrew Carnegie, Lincoln Carnegie Library, Lincoln pottery (from Gladding, McBean & Co.) and picture postcards of Lincoln; copy of library laws of California, list of trustees, teachers and pupils of grammar and high schools of Lincoln, historical sketch of Lincoln, copy of the Lincoln News Messenger and a copy of the original map of Lincoln. 100 Years Ago Population 1,324 (U.S. Census 1900, 1910 and 1920) Pool The local swimming pool is being very liberally patronized by our people, as well as people from all over the county. People who could not swim a stroke a year ago are now having a lot of fun trying to outdo the veterans. Thank you for reading! MBO