Despite being early in the 20th century, the 1910s brought new inventions, now-historical landmarks, and notable San Joseans into our world.
Let’s turn back time with another decade of San Jose’s history and peek into the great 408 during this era.
📈 Population : 28,946
🗳️ Mayors: Thomas Monahan (1910-1914), Fred R. Husted (1914-1916), Elmer E. Chase (1916-1918), Charles M. O’Brian (1918-1920)
1910 — The first motor bus line in California started at Mt. Hamilton. The current SJSU Tower Hall was built to replace the previous one damaged by the 1906 earthquake.
1911 — East San Jose was incorporated into the City of San Jose. Heavy rain overflowed Penitencia Creek, which flooded most of downtown San Jose. McDonnell Hall , the original home of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Chapel, was built.
1912 — Charles David “Doc” Herrold began the first radio broadcast in the then-Garden City Bank Building. Charles’ wife, Sybil, played music from her husband’s broadcasts and is considered one of the first radio DJs.
1913 — Palm Haven was established as a planned project of 130 residences.
1914 — The Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish was established. Santa Clara County Library was founded on the corner of Market + St. James streets.
1915 — Collection of artifacts for the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum began .
1916 — The Native Daughters of the Golden West built the Pioneer Cabin in Alum Rock Park. The oldest building at Bellarmine College Preparatory, Polhemus House, was constructed .
1917 — The historic Twohy Building, located on Paseo de San Antonio, was built.
1918 — Shirlie Montgomery, one of the most renowned pro-wrestling photographers from the 1930s-1950s, was born . San Jose voted to go “dry” before Prohibition as a war measure.
1919 — The completed Five Wounds Portuguese National church was consecrated .