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Archive Item: October 1977 Factual Report of the Ramona Town Hall

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The following is a factual report regarding the use and purpose of the Ramona Town Hall and the changes it has undergone since its inception. According to the original record book of the Ramona Town Hall dated February 19, 1894, Augustus and Martha Barnett, husband and wife, of the County of San Diego, State of California for a good and valuable consideration perceived, do grant  to Irving F. Winnick, George A. Telford, Thomas Jerman, Jeff A. Verlaque and Edward C. Foreman as trustees of an unincorporated association, known as the Town Hall of Nuevo and to their and each of their successors in interest as hereafter provided. The following described real property, situated in the County of San Diego, State of California, particularly described as Lots Seventeen and Eighteen, Block 40 in the town of Ramona, as per the official map on file in the office of the County Recorder  of San Diego County, in Trust for the following named uses and purpose to wit:  All of said property and the building situated thereon to be held , used, rented and the business pertaining thereto, to be forever conducted for the general benefit of the residents of the town of Nuevo and all the country now embraced in the Santa Maria Judicial Township.   That a public hall in the building thereon shall be for the use of the public, under the direction and control of said Trustees but upon equal terms and conditions to all and every person, persons or corporations desiring to use the same for public meetings, whether religious, political, social, theatrical, operatic, or literary without preference to sect of party, except in this:  The  said Trustees shall have the right to fix the rent to be charged for the use of said building for the various purposes aforesaid, making such regulations and distinctions between said uses and purposes as they may deem proper but the charges fixed for each of the uses aforesaid shall be uniform in each separate case.  That a public Library shall be kept and maintained upon said premises in which a selection of books and literature shall be kept and used without preference given to any religious sect or denomination, political party or and religious or literary thought, excepting, only that all vulgar, obscene or other literature demolishing in its effects, shall not be allowed or kept therein. That the aforesaid Trustees shall rent, lease or permit to be used said property and all improvements thereon from time to time as they may deem proper and for a reasonable consideration and shall apply the net proceeds arising therefrom to the named purposes to wit: 1.  To the payment of all taxes and assessments lawfully laid, assessed or levied upon or against the same or any part thereof. 2.  To keep said property insured, also in good order and repair. 3.  To pay for books and other literature necessary for said library and the expenses necessary incurred in taking care of them. As of record in the original book of the Town Hall minutes up and including the year 1958 there had been a total of 30 people who had served as board members.  The first board members appointed by Mr. Barnett were Irving F. Winnick, George A. Telford, Thomas Jerman, Jeff Verlaque and Edward C. Foreman, all who were appointed February 22, 1894. Thomas Jerman served the longest time on the board.  He passed away February 7th, 1920.  He owned what is now the Rexall Drug Store at 7th and Main Street, known at that time as “Jermans Drug Store” which had within its confines, drugs, hardware, soda fountain, horse collars and other items used by ranchers. The first meeting of the board of Trustees was held on February 26, 1894.  the first order of business was to elect their officers as follows: President:  J.F. Winnick Vice President:  Thomas Jerman Secretary:  E.C. Foreman Treasurer:  J.A. Verlaque Trustee:  Geo. Telford A committee was formed to write a set of Bylaws and set up a Library.  $2,500 was decided upon.  Insurance $2.04 per year.  $2.00 per week was decided to charge for a dancing school that was to be established.  The following month it was decided to hire a janitor for $5.00 per month.  Duties included policing the dances, sweep all the buildings, keep dust out of the windows, stay till all performances were over and put out the lights. Dr. Halbar was appointed Librarian and for his pay he would receive free rent for his office on the west side of the main hall entrance. On August 27, 1894 a piano was purchased for $200.00 from Mrs. Pierce.  January 15, 1895–Three churches wanted to rent the Hall.  The Town Hall Board had to divide their time equally.  The rent to be paid in advance at $1.10 per Sunday and to be paid promptly.  The Library was set up and books and magazines were ordered which totaled 17 in all. February 22, 1895 — The first annual meeting was held, open to the public with 20 Townspeople attending. Total cash received —————$581.85 Warrants Drawn by Treasurer –$509.60 Cash on hand ———————–$72.25 March 1, 1895 –The upper part of the Town Hall was leased to the High School for two years.  A total of 20 students were in attendance.  No price was reflected in the minutes of the board. July 17, 1896 –James A. Jasper, publisher of the Sentinel newspaper, is appointed by unanimous vote to replace Trustee Edward C. Foreman, (removed from Ramona.) The Foresters Lodge rented upstairs room for $1.00 for each meeting night, including chairs but furnished their own lights.  February 27, 1897 –A new Librarian and Janitor was hired for $15.00 per month. March 29, 1897 –Rent was set at 35% of door receipts if they didn’t want to pay regular price of $5.00 per night. March 29, 1897 –Room on east side of building was reduced from $200.00 per year to $120.00 per year which was a general store.

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