Loma Linda Messages

Original Agreement to Buy the 85 Acres, Aug. 7, 1911

Loma Linda, Calif.,
August 7, 1911.

Regarding the agreement entered into for the purchase of the 85 acres west of Loma Linda drive and south of the Colton road, Elder Burden wrote August 7, 1911 as follows: LLM 578.4

Our original arrangement or agreement was as follows: LLM 578.5

Know All Men by These Presents: That we, the undersigned, do hereby agree together and with each other to purchase the balance of the Kelly tract of land, about seventy acres lying west of the ... (left out) ... thousand dollars (18,000.00), or two hundred and seventy-five dollars ($275.00) per acre. One thousand dollars ($1,000.00) cash to be paid down, four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) to be paid in thirty days on showing of clear title and completing of legal papers, balance to be paid in two yearly payments. Provided, however, that satisfactory rights can be secured for the use of the waste water now being used to irrigate the same; and to hold the same, not for ourselves, but for the College of Medical Evangelists. To be taken over by the corporation without profit to us whenever the action of the Board can be secured, on or before September 1, 1911. Or in case the Board does not see its way clear to receive the property by that time, we agree to sell off that portion lying along the Colton Avenue in small tracts at a reasonable advanced price to our brethren only who desire to purchase, subject to reasonable building restrictions. LLM 578.6

We further agree to hold the balance of the land subject to purchase by the College of Medical Evangelists, for a reasonable price, to May, 1912. It is distinctly understood by us and with each other that this purchase is not for speculation or private profit, and shall only ask that we individually be reimbursed for actual money invested, including interest, taxes, etc. But if not purchased by the College of Medical Evangelists at the time specified we shall be at liberty to dispose of the property as (956) may seem best. We invest the amount set opposite our names. LLM 578.7

There were eighty-five acres and a fraction at $275.00 per acre, making nearly $23,500.00 that we had to pay. Of this amount $5,500.00 was paid in cash, and the balance, $18,000.00 is on three years' time at 7% interest. LLM 579.1

So far crops have turned out very good. It looks now as though they would pay the interest for this year. The only ones who have become obligated financially in the matter are your mother, Elder Luther Warren, Dr. Shryock, Sister Gotzian, Dr. Burrows, Brother Scott, and myself. Others offered to help, but so far have not done anything. LLM 579.2

I feel sure that the college should purchase and hold at least for the present, the entire tract. I do not believe it would be wise to begin to sell it off at this time. Such a move I believe would be unfortunate. I could give reasons for it, but still forbear at present, LLM 579.3

The other piece of land across the road from it, forty-seven acres is still holding for our decision. I think they are quite anxious to sell to us, although they pretend not to be. LLM 579.4

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