_Questions in endless variety are asked by members about California
and Nevada history. Here are a few selected for their general
interest, with answers from authoritative sources._
_What was the background of Father Junipero Serra?_ He was a native of
Majorca, and held the chair of philosophy at the university there when
he was chosen to Christianize the Indians. Before coming to California
he spent several years in Mexico, teaching in the College of San
Fernando and attaining wide influence among the descendants of the
Aztecs as a spiritual leader.
_How many capitals has California had?_ Five—Monterey, San Jose,
Vallejo, Benicia and Sacramento. Vallejo was capital twice, the first
time in 1851-2 and again in 1853.
_For whom is Truckee named?_ For one of Fremont’s Indian guides.
_When was the old Bale Mill, near St. Helena, built?_ In 1846. However,
the present 40 foot wheel is a replacement for the original much smaller
one.
_When was the Butterfield stage line established?_ In 1858. It ran from
St. Louis to San Francisco, the longest stage line in the world.
_Did the United States make any effort to acquire California prior to
the war with Mexico?_ Yes. The United States offered to buy this
province from Mexico in 1835.
_Where was California’s first railroad?_ Between Sacramento and Folsom.
It was opened on February 22, 1856.
_What was the first American flag ship to sail into California waters?_
The Otter, out of Boston, entered the Bay of Monterey in 1796.
_Was the hydraulic method of mining ever used outside the Mother Lode?_
Yes. The largest of all hydraulic workings, the La Grange mine, is near
Weaverville, and the method has been used in many places outside of
California.
_Who first travelled the route across Nevada taken later by the Pony
Express?_ This route is credited to a party of scouts sent from Salt
Lake City in 1854 by Brigham Young. The route was followed later by the
stages and is approximately that of the Lincoln Highway.
[Illustration: THE BABY PULLMAN, _recently placed on the market in
infant supply stores and some department stores, converts the back
seat space of an automobile into a sleep or play area for infants.
It is a padded platform suspended from the top of the front seat by
two rubber-covered hooks and extending over the entire back seat
when opened out. Two wings fold up to make a cozy padded crib, or
one wing up leaves space for an adult to sit. This information was
provided by The Herrmanns infant supply house, with stores in San
Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose, where the Baby Pullman with pad
retails for $15.93._]