In the years just prior to 1900, a familiar sight on the downtown Eureka streets was Rev. C. A. Huntington, then in his late 80s, riding his bicycle.

Determined as he was to learn to ride a bicycle, he never mastered it. However, the S. F. Balcom bicycle shop solved his problem by framing two ladies bicycles together in parallel. This contraption proved to be rather awkward, and definitely hard to ride, especially for his young grandsons, Tom, Joseph and McDougall Monroe.

One or the other would always be drafted to ride with the old gentleman who would urge the child to greater efforts by saying: “Push, push harder on the pedals!”

The Carson Block, now known as the Home Furniture Store building, extended from Third Street north to the alley and from F Street east to the middle of the block. Adjoining the Carson Block on Third Street was the office of Belcher & Crane. Above it were situated the rooms of the Humboldt Club and the office of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce.

The G street portion of the block was filled by the Russ Meat Market, above which was Russ Hall. This hall was extensively used. Early moppets of Eureka around 1900, learned to dance there. Others learned to skate, when a roller skate rink was installed. Many civic, patriotic and political meetings were held in Russ Hall.

The Pioneer School, a one-room building, was on the southeast corner of Third and G streets.

This story is centered on the wide and long stairs of the F Street entrance to the Carson Building. At that time, the ground floor was occupied by Crockers Dry Goods Store. The two upper floors contained various offices and the Ingomar Theatre. The stairs led to the foyer of the Ingomar Theatre and was the only entry or exit, other than the stage entrance.

One afternoon the Rev. Huntington, who was then approaching the age of 88, climbed the stairs to call on Dr. Cook, whose dental office was near the head the stairs. His young grandson, McDougall, accompanied him. They had arrived on the old gentleman’s bicycle.

After leaving the dentist’s office, Rev. Huntington, on descending the stairs, lost his balance, rolled and fell from near the top to the bottom of the stairs, his bowler hat and cane along with him!

At the bottom of the stairs he was assisted to his feet by several men who were loitering in the cigar store across F Street.

The old man was furious, but unhurt. He brushed off his hat, took his cane, and still sputtering, walked to his bicycle and with his grandson, pedaled home.

His prominence in the community made this incident a conversation piece for several weeks.