This cache is part of a series of caches dedicated to the reminiscence and admiration of Roseville’s early dwellers. It is part of a series called: CACHE OUT IN ROSEVILLE
Back in the early 1900’s, Roseville was establishing its government and expanding its business district. Developing a cultural base came next . . . and much credit for this went to the WOMEN’S IMPROVEMENT CLUB, established in 1910. Under the leadership of Cora Woodbridge, wife of Dr. Bradford Woodbridge, many improvements took place. She had the nerve and foresight to believe women could contribute to the betterment of her new city of Roseville.
· The club’s first project was to lobby city fathers for modern water and sewer systems. At a kick-off luncheon, their place settings consisted of pieces of clay pipe adorned with brightly colored ribbon to remind everybody of the importance of securing these vitally needed services.
· One of their first efforts was to plant shade trees and shrubs along Roseville’s dusty streets as well as other beautification projects.
· Then the women set out to clean up the streets with the aide of four boys equipped with nail sticks. Then they placed garbage cans throughout the city – the beginning of the city’s garbage program.
· In 1912 they helped establish Roseville Union High School in a renovated railroad workers’ rooming house on Vernon Street. Previous to this, few students were able to pursue their education beyond the ninth grade.
· The club wanted to provide a public library for the growing community. They contacted The Andrew Carnegie Foundation and obtained a $10,000 grant for a library. Two lots were donated. The city provided necessary sewer, electrical, and plumbing connections. Brick and tile came from Lincoln. Granite came from Rocklin. And lumber was from Roseville.
· The ladies thought that culture should come to what was mostly a railroad community. A music series was organized and home talent shows were put on at the McRae Opera House.
· The clubwomen were instrumental in developing the first of what has today become an expansive park system. Sierra Vista Park (today’s Woodbridge Park), had been donated to the city in 1907, but had remained undeveloped. So the club raised money to buy trees and shrubs, which in the early days, they watered by hand.
· Flower shows were held with highly sought-after prizes for the nicest displays. Rose and chrysanthemum shows were the most popular, and these shows created town-wide interest in maintaining and improving yards and gardens.
· During the deadly 1918 flu epidemic, women from the club scrubbed up and mopped an old house and set up a temporary hospital. They scrounged for beds, bedding, and kitchen supplies and equipment. They took shifts 24 hours a day, tending and cooking for patients. That was Roseville’s first hospital.
(Sources: the website of “Women’s Improvement Club” and “The Story of Roseville, California: Milestones & Memories 1850 – 2000” by Leonard M. Davis)