Mill Valley's early growing pains
Four significant events in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought more people to Mill Valley, yet with the growth, specific inconveniences would plague the growing town. Yet, with community spirit and civic leadership, Mill Valley prospered in many ways.
On May 31, 1890, more than 200acres were sold, valued at $300,000, at a land auction held near Reed's sawmill in Old Mill Park. These areas included Throckmorton, Cascade, Lovell, Summit and Miller avenues and extending to the west side of Corte Madera Avenue. Permanent and summer homes were built; some owners erected summer cottages or assembled tents on their land. By 1900, Mill Valley's population was approximately 900. In August, elections were held for incorporation. Prominent citizens were chosen as town trustees, and organized city government began. In 1903, the electrified rail service made travel to San Francisco more efficient. And, in April 1906, the San Francisco earthquake hit and many San Franciscans retreated to their Mill Valley cottages — and never left again.
Despite the increased population and incorporation, the town lacked amenities including sidewalks, electricity, telephones and cars. Complaints about sidewalks and roads were a long-term concern in Mill Valley. Resident Kathleen Norris wrote in her diary, ”Mud, mud, mud. Some of the women must have wondered why they ever thought life in the new community would be so wonderful.” On Dec. 1, 1905, the Mill Valley Record reported that sidewalks were in “short supply” in Mill Valley. At that time, building sidewalks was the responsibility of property owners, but not many took on this task. In 1907, the Record wrote, “The old stunt practiced nightly by so many Mill Valleyites, of walking on a 6-inch sidewalk constructed of soft mud, is not conducive to chaste
language, clean clothes or tranquility of mind.”
Yet, in spite of these aggravations, it was an enjoyable time in Mill Valley. Residents spent time at Mill Valley's first restaurant, built in 1891: a two-story clapboard building known as the Mill Valley House on Miller Avenue. In addition, it was also one of the town's first
hotels. Owners Jesse and Lotte Bundy were known for their tasty veal stew and berry pies. In addition, the ice cream and lunch parlor were frequented often. In the evenings, silent movies were shown in a hall built with a plank floor. After the movies, the local children would fish for any coins that might have slipped between
the boards.
The townspeople also enjoyed outdoor parties lit by lanterns, church on Sunday and trips to San Francisco, which were convenient by train and ferry. The town held all-day Fourth of July festivities, the Night in Mill Valley gala event, opera performances and May
Day festivals as well as the
Mountain Play and Dipsea Race. Numerous clubs were formed, including the Masonic Lodge No. 356, the Mill Valley Social and Athletic Club and the Outdoor Art Club, which is credited for collecting subscriptions for the first plank sidewalks on the streets near the train station. The first City Hall was built in 1908 and the Carnegie Library followed in 1910. Bridges were erected over creeks, dirt roads were oiled and cement sidewalks were (finally) built. By 1920, the population was 2,554. Over time, sidewalks became a more common sight in residential neighborhoods, particularly after 1920, when they were required for mail delivery.
History Watch is written by Lane Dooling, marketing and social media coordinator at the Marin History Museum, marinhistory.org. Images included in History Watch are available for purchase by calling 415-382-1182 or by email at info@ marinhistory.org