100 years ago: Fruit Growers' breaks shipment records

50 Years Ago Population 3,179 (U.S. Census 1960 and 1970) Housing Lincoln's housing vacancy rate is the second lowest in northern and central California, according to a report issued this week by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Only six-tenths per cent of the housing units in Lincoln were vacant in June compared to the northern and central California average of 1.8 per cent. In June there were 1,934 housing units with electricity meter hook-ups and 1,923 of those were active meters. During June of 1975 there were 1,830 meters with 1,801 being in operation for a housing vacancy rate of 1.6 per cent. The only central northern California town or city with a lower vacancy rate than Lincoln was Los Gatos with a four-tenths housing vacancy rate. Included in the PG&E report were such cities as Roseville, San Francisco, Sacramento and various other communities from the Oregon border south to San Joaquin County and from Nevada to the coast as far south as Monterey. Recycle old houses. It might be one of the keys to Lincoln's housing problems, according to city planner Robert Gray. Gray told a sparsely attended meeting of the citizen steering committee on the Lincoln area general plan Monday that recycling or rehabilitation of houses not only improves or removes marginal housing but it also offers a counter balance to lower income housing. The planner told the group of Winter's situation, in which migrant farm workers and other people were investing in older homes by bringing them up to code and remodeling them. Most of the newer construction in Winters is multiple dwelling units. Gray also noted many older buildings are better constructed than newer homes. He also noted such a program would need the cooperation of banks and savings and loan institutions who may have redlined certain areas, making it impossible for people to obtain home improvement loans. The multi-dwelling unit also received the attention of the planning group during its discussion of the housing element. Currently, only eight and a half per cent of the housing units in Lincoln are multi-family. This compares with 30 per cent for Sacramento County, 26 per cent for Folsom and 30 per cent for Auburn. The committee felt additional multi units were needed for senior citizens, low-income people and people of other financial capabilities. They also discussed whether they wanted the multi units to remain scattered or whether they preferred certain areas to be zoned for apartments, planned unit developments, clusters, condominiums, duplexes and so forth. Statistics presented by Gray to the committee on the housing element indicated that 41 per cent of the homes in Lincoln were constructed prior to 1940. Overall, Gray noted 42 per cent of all dwelling units existing in 1970 were either deteriorating or unsound according to a visual survey made for a 1970 general plan. The survey rated each residential structure from "sound" (needing only normal maintenance) to "deteriorating" (needing more repair than regular maintenance) and "dilapidated" - those houses which should be removed from the market. Lincoln's median value of owner-occupied units is $11,700 compared to $18,200 for the rest of Placer. The average contract rent is $74 compared to $111 for Placer while the percentage of rentals going for less than $100 a month totals 54.2 per cent of all rentals in Lincoln compared to 37.8 per cent for Placer. 75 Years Ago Population 2,410 (U.S. Census 1940 and 1950) City Council Councilman Frank Perry commended Howard Mikaelsen for the fine work he is doing in repairing streets and alleys throughout the town. The city is now busy smoothing out rough spots in various sections of the town. It is possible the city will oil the streets later. The city engineer submitted a list of 19 projects which the city could undertake during the coming year. Chief among these was the installation of transit pipe in the water system, which he estimated would cost $10,000, and the construction of 3rd Street from the railroad to M Street at an estimated cost of $9,000. The engineer was instructed to get the costs of a drag broom and a spreader. There was much discussion concerning the so-called loss of water pressure which resulted in the decision to have the water meter removed. The city engineer read several figures which proved of interest. He noted the minimum use of water come from 2-4 a.m., at which time the city uses 4-600 gallons per minute. This, he noted, equals the maximum amount used by a small city of 1,100 population. The high is 2-3,000 gallons per minute in Lincoln, Mr. Reitter said. The city consumes 1,756,000 gallons daily, or 54,000,000 per month. The per capita use per day is 675 gallons, a very high figure. Ravine City Clerk Mabel Ahart read a letter from the Regional Water Pollution Control Board, which stated requirements for sewage effluents from the local plant which is being dumped into Auburn Ravine. The letter pointed out that the effluent must be well oxidized and disinfected before being released into the ravine. The letter went on to explain that the Ravine is used downstream from the plant as a source of irrigation water, a source of drinking water for beef and dairy cattle and for recreation. At the same time, the board turned down a request for a loan by the city. The board explained the denial by saying that Lincoln does not qualify under the financial hardship factor. 100 Years Ago Population 1,324 (U.S. Census 1900, 1910 and 1920) Fruit The Lincoln Fruit Growers' Association has broken all records to date in the shipment of crated fruits from the local packing house. Up to date the company has shipped 125 cars, and by tomorrow they will have shipped 130 cars. Last season the company shipped 124 carloads. This year indications are that about 150 cars will leave the fruit shipping platform. Lincoln is becoming each year a larger shipping point for fruit, and in time to come we expect to see several times the above mentioned amounts shipped. Think what that will mean to Lincoln - more work, more money, more business - just the thing for a thriving and bustling community. Note: Fruit was shipped from the train depot at 5th and G Streets (now Lincoln Blvd.). The Dollar Tree now occupies this property. Lincoln was founded in 1859 by Charles Lincoln Wilson, who brought the railroad here when he owned California Central Railroad. Please visit the Lincoln Area Archives Museum for more information including maps, photographs, and a model of the old depot which was still in use in the 1950's. LAAM is in Beermann Plaza, 640 5th Street, hours are Thurs-Sat 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ask about downtown walking tours, available by appointment. Are you seeking a fulfilling way to spend your time? Volunteers are needed, no experience necessary. It's a fun and interesting experience with an amazing group of people. Ball Everything is in readiness for the Candidate's Ball to be given at McBean Memorial Park tomorrow evening. The management of the dance expects a record breaking gathering of dancers from all over the entire county. Various candidates for County and State offices will be present to meet the people and join them in their night of entertainment. The management has gone to considerable expense to advertise the ball and all the Lincoln people should attend and show Placer County it knows how to greet the candidates in a real friendly way. Thank you for reading! MBO