In April of 1905 a group of local business-
people gathered to organize a society for the
promotion of the general interests in Gilroy and
the surrounding area. They called themselves
the Gilroy Promotion Society, and by 1912
the group became the Gilroy Chamber of
Commerce. Their entry in a local parade that
year refers to membership — their goal being
250 members for 1915. The Eigleberry house,
the first single-family dwelling constructed in
town, can be seen behind the Woodmen
of the World bulding in this photo.
(Courtesy of Gilroy Museum.)
Promotion Society. Local philanthropist
Caroline Hoxett was appointed President,
Nettie Ingham, Vice President, and Nettie
Whitehurst, Secretary. Mayor Dunlap
appeared at their bond issue rally and
received the group’s full endorsement.
“The Advocate is pleased to see the ladies
of the community take such an interest
in the town...Every proposal asked by
the Council and Promotion Club should
be passed,” the June 10, 1905 Advocate
proclaimed. The following week, the
June 17, 1905 issue stated that the ladies’
endorsement would “be of benefit to the
city but will show to the world that Gilroy
has become awakened and proposes to
thrive and grow as it never has before.”
Matters moved quickly. Within two
weeks attorney E.D. Crawford praised the
Woman’s Auxiliary Promotion Society,
noting, “The entire state is watching Gilroy.
We have the opportunity to move forward
and make our future a success, or we can
drop back into the old grooves and finally
disappear from the map of the state.”
In early August 1905, enthused Gilroy
citizens held a rally at the Music Hal on
Fifth Street. Voters were elated over the
speeches and town boosting efforts.
The bond election drive, although
reduced to $51,000, was a huge success,
passing in an overwhelming majority. The
August 12, 1905 Advocate reported that an
increased capacity water reservoir vote came
in at 372 for, and 37 against; funding an
electric power plant passed at 370 for and
38 against; and completion of the long-
awaited city hall won an overwhelming
368 for, 31 against. The most votes went
to addressing health warnings over Gilroy’s
obnoxious backyard cesspools, and a bond
to establish a citywide sewer system received
379 votes for, and 37 against.
For the little farm town, the modern
leap into the Twentieth Century wouldn’t
have been the same without the enthusiastic
support of the female citizens. As yet
voteless in the election, they still joined
in the efforts to make Gilroy a modern
community. At last, homes would have
enough water running in their taps, and the
community would possess a flush system
for its sewage.
Nettie Ingham, President
Women’s Auxiliary Promotion Society
Nettie Whitehurst, Vice President
Women’s Auxiliary Promotion Society
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
MARCH/APRIL 2016
gmhtoday.com
73