The short bio on Felix Tracy that I began the other day told of his background and how he became Agent for Wells Fargo in Sacramento. Of the Wells Fargo Agents who served in the Sacramento express office, Tracy had the longest career of them all — 32 years.

When Tracy came to Sacramento in 1868, he was already one of the most experienced express men in California and proceeded to take over operations at one of the most prestigious positions in the Company—the Sacramento office opened only three weeks after the first office in San Francisco when Wells Fargo began in 1852.

Tracy ran the Sacramento office from 1868 until his retirement in 1900. By 1883, Tracy had added another title, becoming the Assistant Superintendent of Sacramento County for Wells Fargo.

But Tracy's story is one of service, not only to Wells Fargo but also to the community as well. During his 32 years of service to Sacramento, Tracy was involved in a number of public activities: He was a member of the Sacramento school board in the 1870s and 1880s, fighting against separate facilities for African Americans students, and he was also active in the Sacramento Pioneer Foundation , the Westminster Presbyterian Church  of Sacramento, and the Fourteenth Street Presbyterian Church.

Felix Tracy died in 1902 at the age of 73. In 2007, Wells Fargo celebrated his memory by opening The Felix Tracy Learning Center. The Tracy Center works to support business customer service operations and educates Wells Fargo team members in the Company's 155-year history. The Center helps recognize Felix Tracy's long career with Wells Fargo, but it also recognizes his work toward growth and positive change in Sacramento.

Posted by Greg at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in At Work, Misc, Perspective, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

In Wells Fargo's Sacramento history, the one name that stands out is Felix Tracy. Tracy was widely known for his reliability as an express agent, but that position was only one he held during a life full of accomplishments. He served in public office, was appointed to expand education, worked for civil rights, and was active in community groups. Tracy's life was productive — for himself, his Company and his community.

Tracy was born in Moscow, New York and emigrated to California when he was 20 years old. Working first as a merchandiser in San Francisco, he then moved to the gold fields to take his chances . Soon after, he gave up prospecting and began his career as express agent.

Tracy began with Adams and Company Express  in 1855, opening an office in Salt Lake City. But later that year, Adams and Company went out of business; Felix Tracy was unemployed. Two years later, Tracy started as Wells Fargo's agent in Shasta, California . He was elected Shasta County Treasurer in 1861 and held that position for four years.

One year after his tenure as Treasurer, Tracy was selected to serve on the board that established a location for the University of California. After looking at several places, the board decided on Alameda County. By 1873, classes were being held at the University of California, Berkeley , because of Tracy's efforts.

But his brightest years were yet to come…in Part II, that is! Stay tuned!

Posted by Greg at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in At Work, Experts, Misc, Museums, Perspective, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

The story of Colonel George S.Roberts is one of our faves here at Wells Fargo History. There's a great addition to the story his wife told at a recent event honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.

When Col. Roberts retired from duty with the U.S. Army, he was job hunting and dropped into a Wells Fargo office to discuss opportunities. Roberts got to talking with the Branch Manager who, like Roberts, had served in the Second World War.

When the Manager learned Roberts was part of the famed flying squadron that had protected so many lives, he hired him on the spot. The Branch Manager understood that anyone who had accomplished what Roberts had was capable of handling the pressures of banking. Without a doubt.

Check out the short video piece below. It's from our production, a few years back, on Wells Fargo's 150-year (plus) history.

Share your story with us!

Posted by Charles at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in African American History, At Work, First-hand Accounts, Misc, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

A couple of months ago (October 21, 2007), Wells Fargo helped celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sacramento Public Library . A Wells Fargo Stagecoach made an appearance and the Old Sacramento Museum staff presented a gold panning exhibition. The festivities attracted many visitors, young and old, who enjoyed gold panning   and the other activities. The most important part, however, was the celebration of the 150th anniversary  of the Public Library.

Five years after the creation of Wells Fargo in 1852, the Sacramento Public Library was created. By 1857, Sacramento was developing rapidly . The city had a railroad, city hall, newspaper, steamboat service, ten churches, brothels, theaters and a Wells Fargo Express Office. The citizenry felt it necessary to fulfill their intellectual requirements as well – so in October, prominent residents formed the Capital Library Association.

The Association sold stock at 25 dollars per share and raised $25,000 to buy books, furnish the library and purchase land for the building. The Library opened in November 1857 to subscribing members who paid five dollars initially, then two dollars and fifty cents quarterly. The first building was located at 5th and J Streets and housed a collection of 800 books.

The following year, another 800 books sailed from New York , around Cape Horn , and through the Delta  to Sacramento. By September 1873, the library had 260 subscribing members and an annual circulation of 4,234 books. Unfortunately, membership started to decline after that.

The Association offered the property to the City of Sacramento to be used as a free public library. In June 1879, the Sacramento Free Library opened with over 6,000 books. Within six months, the number of daily visitors had grown to over 100. Since then library service has continued to expand, with the opening of branch sites throughout the city's communities.

The main branch  of Sacramento's modern Public Library opened in 1992 on 9th and I Streets in a beautiful six-story building. The Library today offers so much more with exhibits, programs, book readings and events. But the 150-year history of the Library is not forgotten: those 800 books that sailed 'round the Horn  in 1858 are still a part of the Library's rare book collection.

Posted by Martha at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in Get Involved, Gold, Misc, Museums, Perspective, Remember, Sacramento, Transportation, Wells Fargo Bank

Thinking about Wells Fargo's beginnings, a few pivotal events come to mind: Henry Wells hiring William Fargo as an express messenger for the Pomeroy Company in 1842 , and the resistance other Directors of the American Express Company had to venturing into California, pushing fellow Directors Wells and Fargo to create their own company. These events are crucial enough that Wells Fargo & Company might not ever have been created without them.

Another key event was the discovery of gold in Coloma, California  by James Marshall. His discovery led to the Gold Rush  — the migration of thousands of people to California in a short time. These events sparked the interests of express pioneers Wells and Fargo to found the Company. Again, it's feasible to say that this may not have happened if Marshall  had not discovered gold that cold morning in 1848.

Marshall was a carpenter and sawmill operator by trade who came to California in 1845. He started working at Sutter's Fort , putting into motion the events that led to the discovery of gold. In 1848, John Sutter  and Marshall started construction of a sawmill on the American River in Coloma.

On the morning of January 24, 1848 , Marshall discovered a small nugget of gold in the millrace. Henry Bigler was working for Marshall that day and left an account of the discovery: "This day some kind of mettle was found in the trail race that looks like gold."

For a short time the discovery remained a secret. Laborers on the project were the first to prospect after the completion of the sawmill. The secret was soon leaked, and word of gold in California began to get out. News of the strike on the American River  was doubted for months, however, until May 12, when merchant Sam Brannan  raced around the streets of San Francisco shouting, "Gold! Gold from the American River!"

Local excitement brought the first influx of prospectors, and the news quickly spread to the East and then around the globe. Christopher "Kit" Carson  brought the first news of gold to Washington D.C., and on December 5th, President James K. Polk  reported to Congress about the discovery of Gold in California. The finding was official and the Gold Rush was on.

Henry Wells and William Fargo established Wells Fargo in San Francisco in 1852. Over the 156 years since, Wells Fargo has continued a tradition of dependable financial service. We at Wells Fargo are proud of our history and our Company, but we also marvel at how James Marshall's tiny piece of gold at a construction site changed the course of U.S. and California history, and also began Wells Fargo's own history.

Posted by Greg at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in At Work, Gold, Misc, Museums, Perspective, Psychology, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

As I wrote last week, and as you see here, I got a new banker's uniform. Here at the Wells Fargo Museum in Old Sacramento, we give tours and dress in the style of the era. My pocket watch gave my get-up a classic finish. It also got me thinking about watches Wells Fargo presented in recognition of heroic work. I told the story of Aaron Y. Ross, but another man comes to mind.

James Wales Miller was a stagecoach driver. While on his route one day he outran would-be stagecoach robbers and saved the Wells Fargo treasure box. Miller was asked what he wanted for his valor and he responded;

"A dame big bullion watch."

And that’s what Miller got. Wells Fargo presented Miller a silver watch and chain that together weighed approximately two and one-half pounds. The watch alone was approximately three inches in circumference, and one inch wide.

Although such watches as Ross's and Miller's were presented for valor, heroism was not the only reason to Wells Fargo bestowed watches. Non-employees who helped the company were presented with these exclusive watches on occasion. Thomas W. Davies was one such man. A treasure box was dropped from a stagecoach near San Diego, "carrying 10,000 worth in gold from the Golden Chariot Mine ." Davies found and returned the treasure box to Wells Fargo—intact. Superintendent John J. Valentine sent Davies a presentation watch with an inscription that read:

"As recognition of his integrity in protecting and restoring the Treasure Box, with valuable contents, lost from the Julian City Stage , near San Diego, October 1, 1873."

The loyalty, courage and honesty these men showed paid off for them in the end. Wells Fargo appreciated their integrity, and presented them with some of the finest watches of the time.

Posted by Greg at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Found in Artifacts, At Work, Crime, Gold, Misc, Museums, Perspective, Photographs, Remember, Sacramento, Stagecoach, Wells Fargo Bank

I just got a new period costume for my work here at the Old Sacramento History Museum. I added a pocket watch to finish off the the banker's uniform and give it a classic feel. It is a nice but humble watch, and goes well with the 1860s garb, but it is positively shabby compared to the watches some people received in recognition for valor while working for Wells Fargo.

The first person that comes to my mind when I think about these presentation watches is an agent named Aaron Y. Ross. Ross received the watch for defending an express rail car January 23, 1883 in Montello, Nevada . It was a winter night when bandits accosted the train on the Central Pacific Railroad  line. Ross was holed up in the Wells Fargo express car as the thieves attempted to rob the train. The men ordered Ross out of the car but he refused

The badmen opened fire on Ross. He was wounded three times in the crossfire, but he remained defending the car. Ross returned fire and killed one of the bandits. The others attempted to burn Ross out of the car but were unable to set the car ablaze. The gang eventually gave up and Ross was victorious in defending Wells Fargo's treasure.

Ross defended a Wells Fargo shipment of only 600 dollars, "but next door in the postal car was $500,000 in currency," which was also saved thanks to Ross's valor. The gang escaped but was arrested five days later in Utah.

For his courage, Wells Fargo presented Ross a gold watch and chain valued at 650 dollars, along with 1000 dollars in cash. All his medical bills were paid, too. The presentation watch read:

"From Wells, Fargo & Company to MESSENGER Aaron Y. Ross. In token of his courageous and successful defence of the EXPRESS CAR against Highway Robbers at Montello, Nev. JANUARY 23, 1883."

Next week, I'll tell you about another fine watch or two, presented by Wells Fargo to its bravest defenders. Happy New Year!

Posted by Greg at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in Artifacts, At Work, Crime, Misc, Museums, New Year's Day, Perspective, Prepare, Railroads, Remember, Sacramento, Transportation, Wells Fargo Bank

Looking for a topic (ANY topic!) to write about today, I came across a bit about "Pony Bob" Haslam  and his career as Pony Express rider, Wells Fargo messenger, and entertainer.

The adventures of "Pony Bob" Haslam—so named for his fast riding  for the Pony Express—made him the hero of a novel, Pony Bob, the Reckless Rider of the Rockies, a title rarely found today. Haslam rode 120 miles while wounded, in his Pony Express days, and was best known for covering 380 miles in 36 hours.

The Pony Express lasted only eighteen months, but a guy like Haslam is an asset anytime. Wells Fargo had acquired the Pony Express in its final months and kept Haslam on as a rider between Virginia City  and Sacramento. By 1887, Haslam was ready to show his derring-do in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show , which took a grand European tour that year. The Wild West Show performed before the crowned heads and Haslam was part of that show.

Just before he was hired on with Buffalo Bill's tour, Haslam was out West selecting a few bison for Buffalo Bill's show. By that time, American Bison herds had decreased by millions in a short time, and from 2 million to 2 thousand in only ten years. One newspaper lamented: "What a sad criterion on the wantonness and heartlessness of the American hunter!"

So this post ends on a strangely sad note, as history often does. It shows all these ironies or paradoxes (take your pick!) that keep Historians combing the books for answers. Here's a guy, Haslam, whose strength and courage landed him fame. Here's the Pony Express, an enterprise doomed to fail but capturing a special place in American lore. Here's Buffalo Bill, whose Wild West Show pretty much laid out the mythic story of the West that we all recognize, even though it's largely false. All these things wrapped up in a moment's tale of Haslam joining Buffalo Bill's show.

Hey, it's what I do!

Posted by Charles at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Found in Animals, Artifacts, Environment, Hollywood, Misc, Perspective, Pony Express, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank, Westerns

Time is falling back  and the sun is setting earlier on all of us. Old Sacramento  uses replica historic street lamps to light the town, and the only difference between now and the mid-19th century is the use of electricity instead of gas.

As I leave the museum on fall evenings, watching the streetlights come on reminds me of Wells Fargo's acquisition of the Sacramento Gas Works Company, who used to power the street lamps that lit "The River City." There is an interesting story of how a Wells Fargo Agent, Angus Frierson, "misappropriated funds" and made Wells Fargo proprietor of that utility.

By 1852, Sacramento's population was growing at a feverish rate. Wanting the civic prestige of San Francisco, Sacramento was in need of modern gas-powered street lamps. William Glen offered to take on the task of providing gas service to the city.

On May 29, 1854, Glen was granted a contract to power the new streetlights for 15 years. Shortly after he sold stock in his new Sacramento Gas Company, Glen formed a "group of five trustees" that would help run the company. One of the trustees was Wells Fargo agent Angus Frierson.

From his portion of the stock, Frierson gained the title of "President of Sacramento Gas Company." At that time he was also the Agent for Wells Fargo and Company's Express, in charge of operations in the Sacramento office (positions he held until he died suddenly on February 20, 1855). Shortly after his death, Wells Fargo discovered that Frierson had embezzled a significant amount of their money for his own use — the Sacramento Gas Company.

Wells Fargo filed a claim against Frierson's estate, claiming he "had custody of large sums of money...appropriated to his own use...to the sum of one hundred and ninety-five thousand dollars." The Sacramento Gas Company stock was sold at a sheriff's auction to help pay debts. The details are a bit vague, but Thomas M. Janes, Wells Fargo's Treasurer, bought Frierson's portion of the Gas Company. A "joint stock company would be formed to include the former stockholders," and another portion of Gas Company stock was later given to Wells Fargo as repayment for "42,000 in bonds and coupons."

From then on, Wells Fargo was a major shareholder — or more specifically, owner — of the Sacramento Gas Company.

In October, 1855, the first lamppost went up at 2nd and K Streets , one block from today's Wells Fargo museum. Two months later, construction was completed and gas delivered to Sacramento, lighting the lamps throughout the city.

The relationship between Wells Fargo and the Sacramento Gas Company continued for another 20 years — the utility saw many prominent Wells Fargo employees on its board of trustees, including President Louis McLane and Sacramento Agent Samuel Knight.

Posted by Greg at 01:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Found in Misc, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

Alonzo Delano was born in Aurora, New York  in 1806, and headed to California in 1849 – not for the gold, as did thousands of other people, but for his health as his doctor advised.

Delano set out as a writer also. He chronicled his journey to California, and then started writing stories about the lonely, hardworking miners and settlers once he had arrived. His use of local color, humorous characters, and sensitive stories are contained in his books , Life on the Plains and Among the Diggings, and Pen-Knife Sketches; or, Chips Off the Old Block. Delano acquired the nickname "Old Block."

Writing was not Old Block's only claim to fame. He was one of Wells Fargo's finest agents. He began his career with Wells Fargo in Sacramento, serving under Isaac Hubbard for a few months in 1854. Although his stay in Sacramento was short, he came to believe that being a Wells Fargo agent was something special, with obligations and a reputation that should not be taken lightly.

Delano moved to the small Sierra foothill community of Grass Valley, where he served Wells Fargo and his community. During the financial panic of 1855 , as banks closed in droves, Old Block kept the Grass Valley office open. His dedication and reliability renewed the community's confidence in Wells Fargo.

Shortly after the financial crisis Grass Valley was almost completely destroyed by fire . Again Old Block did not let his community down. He walked through the smoked-filled air and smoldering embers with a large Wells Fargo and Co. banner, announcing the company was still open for regular business.

Alonzo "Old Block" Delano died on September 8, 1875, but due to his wonderful writings and dedicated service to Wells Fargo and the Sierra community, his legacy lives on.

Posted by Martha at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Found in Fires, Misc, Perspective, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

Construction has been non-stop for the past few months in Old Sacramento . Half a block down from the Wells Fargo Museum, building has begun on a replica of the Orleans Hotel . The Orleans was originally built in 1850, only to be burnt down in the great fire of 1852. After the fire the hotel was rebuilt in only twenty-one days and six hours, and cost $176,000. The second building stood from 1852 until the mid-20th century, changing ownership and purposes several times. The building was torn down over 10 years ago and the site stood empty. But now, construction on a replica of the Orleans hotel has begun.

How does this historic hotel have ties to Wells Fargo?

Three of Wells Fargo's express agents in Sacramento were involved with the Orleans hotel. Captain William Simmons, Sacramento agent from 1858-60, built it in 1849. His title of "Captain" came from his shipping line that transported freight from New Orleans to California. Simmons bought and shipped a prefabricated building to Sacramento, which became the New Orleans hotel. He was the owner and operator of the hotel until 1852, when he sold it prior to the great fire , which destroyed the original structure.

Samuel Knight was the Sacramento express agent from 1857-58. Three years prior to his appointment as Sacramento's agent, he was in charge of the Orleans hotel. The Orleans at the time was a popular stage stop and neighbor to Wells Fargo's new express location in the B.F. Hastings building two buildings down.

The third agent to work for the Orleans hotel was Alexander Hayden. Hayden was the Sacramento express agent from 1863-66. Ten years earlier, he worked as a clerk at the Orleans hotel under Samuel Knight. His work at the hotel lasted only two years before he left to learn the express business.

The connection between these three Wells Fargo men and their prior occupations working for the Orleans hotel is uncanny. But the neighborhood relationship lives on: The latest version of the hotel will be open in the summer of 2008, and Wells Fargo will be right down the street just like we were 1852.

Posted by Greg at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in Gold, Misc, Museums, Remember, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank

Old Sacramento  will be bustling with excitement tomorrow. The Pony Express Re-ride  is scheduled to arrive at 11:30 a.m. After a 10-day journey from St. Joseph, Mo. , the final rider will bring mail to the corner of Second and J streets—right across from the Wells Fargo History Museum. The National Pony Express Association  has been putting on the Re-ride for 30 years, and this year marks the 147th anniversary of the Pony Express.

The Pony Express  is the most widely known short-lived piece of Americana. It lasted only 18 months, from April 3, 1860, to Oct. 25, 1861. Established by the Kansas express firm of Russell, Majors, and Waddell , the Pony Express was in its time the fastest way to get mail to California. It was also the most expensive. In 10 days, riding across 1,966 miles, smallish young men (usually in their early teens) would bring 20 pounds of mail from St. Joseph to Sacramento. The cost to send a letter via Pony Express in those days was five dollars per half ounce, which to the average person was a lot of money. (That’s approximately 120 dollars today.) Due to high expenses and the lack of government subsidies, the Pony Express was going broke a year after its creation.

In April 1861, Wells Fargo took control of the Western portion of the Pony Express. Wells Fargo carried letters from Salt Lake City to Sacramento and San Francisco for the last six months of the Pony Express' existence. Wells Fargo helped reduce the cost of postage from the hefty five dollars to just two dollars a half ounce, then reduced the cost even lower, to one dollar, in July 1861. At these prices the Pony Express became more affordable to people and businesses.

Even with the low rates that Wells Fargo offered, the Pony Express would last only a few more months. Technology would put an end to the legend: The telegraph delivered messages faster than anyone on horseback and for a very low cost. On Oct. 25, 1861, Wells Fargo ended its involvement in the Pony Express, marking the end of the 18-month adventure.

Yet the Pony Express lives on in American lore . And for 10 days each year, riders bring letters from St. Joseph to Sacramento, just as they did 147 years ago. All of us here at the Wells Fargo Museum in Old Sacramento are awaiting the Re-ride  and will let everyone know the legacy that Wells Fargo has shared with such a great piece of American history.

Posted by Greg at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in Animals, Events, Museums, Participate, Pony Express, Remember, Sacramento, San Francisco, Wells Fargo Bank

Did you feel the excitement in the air this week? No? Well, this wasn’t broadcast live on television.  It wasn’t made into a musical.  The winners probably won’t throw the first pitch  at a major league baseball game. But, for a select few, this week was the highlight of months of effort, and a time they’ll likely remember for years to come. I won’t keep you in suspense any longer—it’s National History Day! 

For lack of a better comparison, think of a science fair only starring young historians doing original historical research and interpretation. Students choose topics relating to a broader theme, conduct research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews and historic sites. After organizing the research and drawing conclusions, students present their work through categories such as original paper, exhibit, and performance. Students proceed through local and state competitions, hoping to make it all the way to national. The National Contest just finished this week. Even Ken Burns—a historical interpretation celebrity(!)—was there.

I had the pleasure of judging history day for the first time a number of years ago, and look forward to it every year. (I am proud to support a home team, and mention Sacramento County  has two contestants at nationals this year.) Considering our company history, it is no surprise that other Wells Fargo employees enjoy supporting National History Day in some way. Some of the Wells Fargo History Museum  curators have judged and recruited large numbers of other employees to participate at local or state competitions. Wells Fargo has sponsored local and national prizes for special topics. And, the Wells Fargo History Museums serve as teaching environments to support parents and students.

So if this has piqued your interest, or you can think of a young aspiring historian or curator to share this information  with, find out more and be part of the excitement  next year!

Posted by Anne at 07:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Found in Events, Experts, First-hand Accounts, Get Involved, Holidays, Misc, Museums, Participate, Perspective, Sacramento, San Francisco, Wells Fargo Bank

Old Sacramento  comes alive at the end of May. Aside from the droves of fourth graders on their end-of-the-school-year field trips, there are two huge festivals that bring a variety of people into Old Town. The recent Pacific Rim Street Festival , an annual one-day event that consumes the entire Old Town area, celebrates the cultures and peoples from the Pacific Rim.

One of the biggest sponsors of this event is Wells Fargo, which has been involved in the festival since 1993. By sponsoring this festival, Wells Fargo helps increase awareness and understanding of Asian Pacific heritage. This year, Wells Fargo had a stage near the waterfront boardwalk, hosting a variety of musicians, artists and dancers. Sponsoring the festival is just another step in the long history of Wells Fargo promoting diversity in the community.

The other huge festival that happens in May is the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee , a four-day event starting tomorrow and lasting through Memorial Day. Every year since 1974, Old Sacramento has hosted the jubilee. Looking over the roster of sponsors on the jubilee website , I was not surprised to see the red and gold Wells Fargo logo. Every year, Old Town's Wells Fargo History Museum is packed with jazz enthusiasts; the sounds of every variety of jazz music fill the air. Old Town is closed to automobiles, and bands set up on every street corner. Being a pseudo-musician and Wells Fargo team member, I appreciate seeing Wells Fargo give back to the community—especially to music events that promote a culturally diverse genre of music that has had a huge impact on American culture.

Both of these festivals are fun for the whole family. All of us here at the Old Sacramento History Museum will gladly remind anyone of the 155-year history of one of the proud sponsors of these two great festivals: Wells Fargo.

Posted by Greg at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Found in Events, Museums, Participate, Sacramento, Wells Fargo Bank