Two 1895 Western Gun Control Documents, Santa Ana, California

Item Details

1895

Here are two original documents related to gun control in the “Wild West”, specifically Santa Ana, California. Apparently the city had a problem with people shooting their guns and blowing their whistles at random.

• The text of 1895 Ordinance #214, which amends the 1886 Ordinance #12, stating that “It shall be unlawful, without first obtaining permission from the Board of Trustees for any person to shoot off, or discharge any pistol or gun, or other firearm, not in necessary self defense, or in performance of official duty within the corporate limits of the City of Santa Ana, or to use the watchman’s whistle, except when it is necessary to call to his aid a peace officer. Also discussed is the publication of the new ordinance in the newspaper (Evening Blade), which relates to the second document. With original signatures by “Aye” votes of 5 trustees, as well as the president of the board and the city clerk, and with a “Filed” stamp on the back.
• Stapled to #1 is “In the Matter of the Publication of Ordinance 214”, which states that the Evening Blade did indeed publish the ordinance, signed and notarized. Also with an original clipping from the newspaper pasted in.

With some wrinkling and fold marks.