Humboldt County rang in the New Year with a vibrant celebration that marked the beginning of 1926. The Humboldt Times heralded the occasion with a bold headline stating “1926 USHERS IN PROSPERITY.” The festivities kicked off on New Year’s Eve, where residents of Eureka and the surrounding areas gathered to bid farewell to the old year with a grand display of merriment.
As the clock struck midnight, the streets were filled with revelers. The Humboldt Times reported that “whistles, bells, (and) noise bid the old year farewell,” creating a lively atmosphere across the county. The sound of fire sirens and the final blast from the Occidental Mill’s fire whistle punctuated the celebrations, marking the end of a 25-year service.
In Eureka, hotels, theaters, and dance halls were packed with people welcoming the New Year. The State, Rialto, Orpheus, and Strand theaters were at full capacity, each providing party favors like horns, whistles, and confetti, encouraging attendees to join in the festivities.
The advertising in the January 1 edition of the Humboldt Times echoed the community spirit, with messages urging residents to support local businesses. One full-page ad from the United Creamery Association encouraged readers to “keep Humboldt prosperous in 1926 by demanding Humboldt products.” Similarly, Eureka Woolen Mills promoted its goods, urging locals to “insist on getting them — build up local industry — increase pay rolls — make a better city.”
Tragic Events Follow the Celebrations
The joy of the New Year was soon overshadowed by tragedy. On January 2, the Humboldt Times reported the drowning of 15-year-old Hazen Christiansen, who slipped from a boom log while fishing near the Bayside mill. Despite efforts to locate him, the search only recovered his handkerchief, identified by his father, Charles J. Christiansen.
The following day, the community mourned the loss of prominent Ferndale rancher Guy Scalveni, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident. Scalveni’s vehicle skidded off a wooden bridge, plummeting fifteen feet and pinning him beneath it. Dr. O.B. Barron, who arrived shortly after the accident, provided first aid but could not prevent the fatal outcome. Scalveni left behind a wife and three young children, leaving a significant impact on the local community.
Local Law Enforcement and Academic Developments
In lighter news, the police encountered an unusual case involving a local bootlegger named Angelo George. Arrested on January 2 for possession of rum, George candidly admitted his occupation when asked by Chief of Police Leonard Bannister. He was fined $400 and left the courtroom with a casual “goodbye.”
The Humboldt Times also reported the opening of the spring semester at Humboldt State Teachers’ College, with over 160 students enrolled. The previous term had drawn 249 students, indicating a steady interest in local education.
Efforts to enforce Prohibition continued as local authorities conducted raids. A January 7 article detailed the discovery of two 15-gallon copper tanks filled with liquor buried underground on C Street. The proprietor, Joe Belliuomini, was arrested and charged with possession after detectives worked to extract the concealed evidence.
In this mix of celebration and sorrow, Humboldt County commenced 1926 with a blend of joy, loss, and community spirit that will resonate through the year.
