ARLINGTON CLUB -- TALK OUTLINE -- L.L. HAWKINS, OLMSTED BROS.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2001
RANDOM SHARING OF CONTINUING RESEARCH ON LIFE OF L.L. HAWKINS --1848-1906
WAS ASKED TO SPEAK ON A TOPIC WHICH INTERESTS ME -- FAMILY HISTORIAN --
YEARS OF COLLECTING DATA -- FAMILY HISTORY I0 YRS. AGO --CHET ORLOFF WROTE ABOUT CENTENNIAL OF THE OLMSTEAD PLAN FOR PORTLAND --- CAUSED ME TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER ROLE OF L.L. HAWKINS AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
HOW DOES THIS TIE TO ARLINGTON CLUB?
L.L. HAWKINS, regular member, who signed Constitution and By-Laws in
1882 through 1895 (apparently became a member in 1884), pp.108
(Source- "Arlington Club, and the Men who Built It - Centennial
Anniversary" 1967, by Arlington Club.
pp. 21 - Club used J.C. Ainsworth house, leased by Captain Ainsworth's
bank manager L.L. Hawkins. House was located bet. 3rd and 4th, Oak and
Pine (Ainsworth Mansion moved in 1891 --to 4th and Pine Streets).
Meeting place for planning of Lewis and Clark Esposition of 1905 and for
meeting wtih John Olmsted and later for development of Portland's
Park System.
L.L. Hawkins in 1884 Bank Panic. "In the year of the panic, L.L. Hawkins,
a partner of Captain Ainsworth and manager of the Ainsworth Bank,
offered the bank's safe for the club's valuables and papers."
(pp. 86, "Arlington Club, ....and the Men Who Built It., Centenial Anniv.
CONNECTION WITH JOHN OLMSTED
APRIL 3, 1903 -- John Olmsted arrived in Portland from S.F., telephoned
Ion Lewis, met at offices of Whidden & Lewis, architects
$1,500 fee settled upon (Olmsted suggested fee of $3,000). Contract secured
Ion Lewis had grown up in Boston area and graduated from MIT before
joining Whidden in 1889. became member of
"Lunches were taken at the Arlington Club with members of the Exposition
Committee. He enjoyed but was amazed to be served, a five inch thick
piece of beefsteak."
Also met for lunch at Arlington Cub with members of Park Commissioners
PORTLAND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS,
Authorized by a State Legislatively approved City Charter in 1900
"A victory for Rev. Thomas Lamb Eliot and Lester Hawkins
MEMBERS OF BOARD: Ion Lewis, J.D. Meyer, Thomas Lamb Elliot,
L.L. Hawkins, and Mayor George Williams, Chair.
T.L. Eliot letter to Olmsted, April 29, 1902
Ion Lewis letter to Olmsted, Mar. 14, 1902
December 31, 1903, Olmsted Annual Report to the Park Board (63 pages)
recommended 37 different Park Projects.
April 10, 1903 met in offices with Whidden & Lewis --began site
analysis of Macleay Park with Hawkins --
Purchased "The Flora of the Northwest" by Thomas Howell from JK. Gill Co.
SHOW BOOK
"Hawkins and Olmsted took extensive drive around city to discuss parks
and areas for pleasure drives" (Ken's Guzowski's Thesis on Olmsted).
Olmstead wrote: "Mr. Hawkins and Dr. Eliot, a minister who is a Park
Commissioner, have a scheme for a pleasure drive from the south
end of Park Street, bending a first SE, the bending back NW and passing
back of the City reservoir and climbing the fluff just back of the houses
already existing and which are accessible from below."
(BECAME TERWILLIGER BLVD.)
Visted Glass Hill (BECAME COUNCIL CREST PARK)
"Hawkins envisioned a pleasure drive to Riverview Cemetery and Oregon
City" (BECAME MACADEM EXTENSION AND RIVERSIDE DRIVE)
"Hawkins explained that there was an island in the river above the
City (Ross Island) that should be taken for park use.
"April 23-25, 1903 were spent primarily with Colonel Hawkins driving in
his carriage, the Tally-Ho Jupiter, about the City making investigations
into the existing parks and looking a additional property with an eye
towards the establishment of a unified system of parks and boulevards."
(SHOW TALLY-HO WHIP. PHOTOS OF TALLY-HO)
"Olmsted and Hawkins drove to City View Addition (Sellwood). He
remarked to Hawkins: "It seems desirabe to lay out a parkway along
the bluff and secure the bluff which is wooded and preserve it and to
have a park with some greensward of five or ten acres back of the blufff
and just north of Sellwood (BECAME SELLWOOD PARK AND SELLWOOD
BLVD.)
"Olmstead insisted that a park at the summit of Mt. Tabor was desirable
for the views it would command of the city, river plain and Cascade
Mountain range (BECAME MT. TABOR PARK)
"The two men toured St. Johns and Olmstead made verbal recommenda-
tions for 29 acre Columbia Park (BECAME ?)
"Olmstead gave particular consideration to the enlargement of
Macleay Park so that it might connect with a scenic drive from the
Park Blocks, at the city center to City Park, in the west hills."
(MACLEAY PARK ENLARGED, CONNECTED TO CITY PARK)
"It is too bad that the fronts of the hills and the ravines could not have
been with the woods on them as a natural park and background for
the city.... It is hoped that some steep slOpes can be taken by the city
and preserved. Mr. Hawkins wants to do something along this line and
I shall look into it and report in some shape favorably and I hope my
report may help" (Note Marquam canyon, Canyon Drive, Burnside, are
PRESERVED WITH NATURAL SLOPES)
April 25, 1903:Olmsted: " "I have had a pleasant time with Mr.
Hawkins. While he has opinions he is not opinionated and he is very
fond of children so I have had no friction and he has been very helpful.
He is a retired banker and rich 'they say" but very modest and simple."
L.L. also promoted the preservation of Forest Park
LIFE OF L.L. HAWKINS -- HOW TO RECONSTRUCT A LIFE -- story of Frank Branch Riley
and Miss Bickel -- research for George McMath's book "A Century of Portland Arch."
1848 - BORN in Cleveland, Ohio -- 14 lbs. Parents: John and Mary (McKee) Hawkins
1851 - TREK WEST with 60 wagons . Incidents included giant buffalo herds, cholera,
massacre by Indians, cyclones, prairie fires set by Indians.
1851 - ARRIVED IN SALT LAKE CITY. Built first house in Salt Lake City --
then continued to Mormon Station (Genoa)
1856 - SAMUEL CLEMMENS IN GENOA --
1856 - EST. RANCH NEAR FRANKTOWN -- 1857- W.J. born on property purchased from
Alexander and Eilley Cowen -- W.J. born in log cabin of Cowens.
1857 - Brigham Young issued proclamation "calling all the wandering members of the
tribe to Salt Lake City." Hawkins family remained in Washoe Valley, along with
Sandy Cowen. She (Eilley) refused to follow her husband back to the home of
Mormondom. Married Sandy Bowers, later Nevada's first Comstock millionairs.
W.J. and L.L. later supported a destitute Sandy Bowers in San Francisco.
1858 - Samuel Clemmens (Mark Twain) founded Territorial Enterprise in Genoa.
Twain knew L.L. and W.J.H. "well."
1860-61 - L.L. Pony Express (Ben Holladay) rider with Col. Dosch.
1866 - Began college at Oakland College School, later University of California
Spent summers "break horses, split posts, drive logging teams, work in sawmill.
- graduated in first Class of University -- 12 apostles (Included George J.Ainsworth
Clarence Jesse Wetmore, and rhomas Patterson Woodward , both later govern.
of California).
1870 - Trip to Yosemite with Joseph LeConte, Met John Muir on this trip- life-long
friends -- two years of graduate work?
1873-79 - Taught mathematics and civil engineering at Oakland College.
1875 - Joseph LeConte published "Ramblings of the University Excursion Party."
1879 - L.L. came to Portland, representing Capt. J.C. Ainsworth's business interests
- Worked "knocking out bottom os Snake River," at Monumental Rapids
- Changed 14 miles of narrow gauge to standards from Dalles to Celilo
in 5 hrs. 20 minutes.
1881 - Brought brother ( 24 yrs.)W.J.H. to Portland -- Worked for O.W.R. & N Co. as
keeper for graders. Est. Ainsworth, Hawkins & Co. -- bank in Eagle City, Idaho.
brought 5000 Chinese to come to U.S. -- handled payments to them.
Ainsworth, Hawkins & Co. continued in Portland as Ainsworth National Bank
L.L. first President of Bank in 1884 (1885-1895)
later the U.S. National Bank. L.L., W.J.H and Capt. Ainsworth equal partners.
1883 - L.L. President of the Portland Hydraulic Elevator Co.
1885-1906 - Treasurers of the Boys and Girls's Aid Society.
1887-94 - Treasurer of the Portland electric Cable Car Railway
1890 - Promotional of Portland with Ainsworth National Bank.
1893 - Death of Captain J.C. Ainsworth, also National Recession -- Portland
Savings Bank failed, not Ainsworth or U.S. Bank. L.L. lost $250,000
and his 500 shares of Ainsworth National Bank
J.C. Ainsworth, the Captain's son took over the bank forcing L.L. to pay all losses
to bank from Recession --
1894 - Founding officer (Treasurer) of Mazamas. 1895 Photo of first outing,
1895 - Director of Portland's Mechanics Fair
1898 - Founding of the Portland Free Museum (1891 collections began) --
met in study of Dr. Roland D. Grant, Pastor of 1st Baptist Church
attending were Mr. Gorman, Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Drake. 8000 specimens
Museum disbanded in 1936 - with collections dispursed.
1898 - Member of Oregon Emergency Corp. (Spanish American War) -- made an
honorary Colonel --
1898 -- Mountain climbs with Edwin Curtis other Mazamas
1900 - Portland Board of Park Commissioners
1903 -- Tours of Portland with John Olmsted.
1904 - Plan for scenic drives and trails, published in Oregonian
"Skyline Trail Commanding Magnificent Views Proposed for Portland Hills,
L.L. Hawkins Plan for Driveway to be Constructed at Small Expense."
1905 - Founding member of Oregon Academy of Science. "aims to encourage
scientific research and learning, to promote scientific knowledge among its
members, to aid in developing the resources of the State, and to work in
harmony with other institutions."
1905 - "Along the Wildwood Trail of Macleay Park" in Lewis & Clark (Expos.) Journal
1906 - Jan 10 - Last of settlement with with Ainsworth National Bank
"Void: all these papers aare now dead D& void, but must be kept for a possible
reference." This is the last of the "Ainsworths" Thank God." LLH
1906- March 11, Died after returning from a trip Buried in Riverview Cemetery
NAMES CONNECTED WITH LIFE OF LESTER LEANDER HAWKINS:
SAMUEL CLEMMENS
BRIGHAM YOUNG --
JOSEPH LECONTE (L.L. organized expedition to Yosemite in 1870)
Le Conte described L.L. as "strong, thick-set, almost herculean in build." When
L.L. deparaated the group, "everyone was sincerey affected. He had been the soul
of our party. I don't believe we could have gotten along without him. So generous, so
efficient, so thoroughly acquainted with camp and mountain life, he scents out a trail
with the instinct of a bloodhound. As he turned we all waved Hurrah! Hurrah! His
face flushed and his eyes filled: I know he was gratified with the heartiness of our
salute." (Ramblings of a University Excursion Party")
JOHN MUIR: L.L. met Muir on the Univsity tour of Yosemite. Hosted him in Portland on his
various lecture tours -- undoubtedly influenced founding of Mazamas. Visited Portland
in 1880.Conservation efforts in Portland included Robert Moran, Judge John Waldo,
L.L. Hawkins, William Gladstone Steel, and Phidlemon Beech Van Trump. Included
efforts to save Crader Lake, as well as protect Mt. Rainier.
Muir lectured at the Portland Mechanics Fair -- a local scientific and industrial group
Muir and Hawkins joined efforts to retain the Cascade Range Forest Reserve and
protect Mt. Rainier between 1895 and 1905 (Sierra Club and Mazamas)
GOVERNERS NEWARK AND BOLTON (classmates of LL at Oakland Collection, part of
group of 12 Apostles)
Graduating address: "With these external rites let us strive to perpetuate the old
spirit of the scholar, the spirit of labor and self-sacrifice, the love of learning and
culture, the desire to gather up the experience of the past for the benefit of the future.
With this high commission, the University of California sends you forth the first of its
four year classes. You are twelve in number: be jurors, sworn to declare the truth as
you find it to be: be apostles, bearing everwhere the Master's lessons
CAPTAIN JOHN AINSWORTH: BECAME PRESIDENT OF AINSWORTH NATIONAL BANK
(later U.S. National Bank
PLATES FROM FANNIE AND JOHN AINSWORTH
R.R. THOMPSON
COMING OF THE WHITE MAN AND THOMPSON ELK
HENRY PITTOCK: MAZAMAS AND OREGON BICYCLING - pall-bearer at service
DR. THOMAS LAMB ELIOT: " Dr. Eliot closed his eulogy by reading the 104th Psalm, one of
those of which Colonel Hawkins was fond. 'Good citizens are indeed the riches of a
city,' said Dr. Eliot in his sermon. ' Portland is indeed poorer for his absence. Let a fresh
sense of the priviledge of public service come to us all, and especially to the young men
of the city. The spontaneous esteem of this whole community in following our friend to
the grave would amaze him if he could see it, for his sevice sprung out of his very
nature. He could not do otherwise and asked for no commendation, only that others
should see the beauty he cared for and help him bring the good things of God to the use
and appreciation of others. Mr Hawkins' comradship was a delight to all who shared it,
whether in work or play, in efforts for the welfare of the community or in the joy of
exploring woods and mountains. He foreever shared with others in noble feelings and in
kindly good wishes leading to humble services. Nature never did betray the heart that
loved her, and our friend's life reflected the constancy and cheerfulness which he saw
in creation and which he strove to share with his fellowmen."
WILLIAM G. STEEL: founded Oregon Alpine Club in 1887 -- first known mountaineering club
in west --Steel promoted with L.L. preservation of Crader Lake.
EDMUND P. SHELDON : "Your brother was one of the most eminent scientific men in the
West and he was one of the originators of this Academy. I am sure that every member
joins me in feelings of the deepest regret at this loss, not only to our Academy but to
the City and to the State." (Edmund P. Sheldon, President, March 12, 1906)
RODNEY GLISAN: " Resolved, that in the death of Colonel Hawkins everyone who came
under the influence of his selfless, unassuming, cheerful life -- a man ever thinking of
others, never of himself -- feels a deep personal loss and that we, as a committee,
express the sincere sorrow of the Mazamas in the sudden death of a friend a man of
rare sentiment, endowed with a love of nature and Nature's handiwork; and further
resolved that the Mazamas attend the funeral in a body, that these resolutions be placed
on the records of the club and that copies be sent to his relatives. (HH Northrup,
Chairmn, M.C. George, Rodney Glisan, Mark O'Neil, E.H. Thomas)
EDWIN CURTIS: PHOTOGRAPHS OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBS - pall-bearer at service.
ABIGALE SCOTT DUNIWAY: Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, My beloved and Valued Friends: -
This morning in looking over the list of my personal friends to whom the management of
a reception to be tendered my humble self on the evening of the eighteenth instant, has
accorded me the right to extend invitations, I find not only your envelope already
addressed for mailing, but that of our mutually beloved friend and brother, Col. L.L.
Hawkins, who was so suddenly called higher yesterday morning. I therefore enclose
both invitations in another envelope, that addressed to our risen brother being
probably the last social function to which he was bidden while in the body.
I know the futility of words to convey consolation at such a time, so can only say with
Longfellow: "There is no death; what seems so is transition. God Bless and comfort
you, is the loving prayer your faithful friend, Abigail Scott Dunniway.
THOMAS C. DEVLIN, AUDITOR OF THE CITY OF PORTLAND ...." We recall his indefatigable
seal in behalf of good parks, the beautifying of the city, the public welfare, the upbuilding of the Museum of Natural History which remains as his noble monument, and other unselfish service to this city and state, for the care of its dependents, or the development of its great natural features of beauty and for every kind of human good.
To all these we desire to add our sense of personal bereavement, as his friends who have become attached to him for traits of character of the highest order; and chiefly for his noble ideals of citizenship, and for the conception of the obligation to generous service which inspired his soul. The impress of his radiant personality is left upon this Park System and his memory will have an endearing charm for those who have been priviledged to service with him, as members of the board and its co-operant work."
Yours very respectfully, Thomas Devlin, Auditor of the City of Portland.
DR. ROLAND GRANT: "The sequoia giganteas about the city will grow to be his nature
monuments, and may his benediction fall on us, who tarry at the base of the mount he has climbed. I say this in lovingmemberance of one of the rarest of men: a true disciple of nature."
As Centennial of the Olmsted Plan approaches, it is an opportune time to reflect on the City's magnificent parks -- of the Olmsted Plan which represent the first sound planning in the development of our Park System, around which our citizens then and later can rally -----and of those Portlanders of the first Park Board who so vigorously brought Olmsted to Portland. L.L.,
I have heard that whenever L.L. ascended a mountain top, or came to a particularly impressive and beautiful view - he let out a deep, basic yell of pleasure, which rattled the mountains and sent the elk scattering.
You can hear it now, if you listen carefully.