he subject of a name for Redlands was discussed at length by all of us," writes L.M. Holt, of Los Angeles, in a recent letter to a prominent citizen. He continues: "Many names were suggested, and all were rejected, until one day I went over from Riverside and met Mr. Judson and Mr. Brown and possibly one or two others. Myself and Mr. B. and Mrs. J., however, are the only ones I distinctly remember at that meeting. Mr. Brown spoke up and said that Mr. Judson had found the name. I asked what it was and he said 'Redlands,' because the soil of that section was of a reddish hue and was in such contrast to the soil across the Zanja in Lugonia. The name struck me favorable at first. We discussed it a few minutes and decided to adopt it." So sure of this is Mr. Holt, that he concludes his letter as follows: "I am as clear on this statement of the case as I am of the fact, that 17 years ago what was considered worthless Government land has been converted into the garden spot of Southern California, and that the young settlement that was then advertised as the second Riverside, has ceased to require being thus introduced to public attention."

Frank E. Brown, writing from Chicago, also says: "Redlands was named essentially in the way that Mr. Holt mentions. I do not remember just who were present, but I know number of us were talking as to what would be a good name to give the colony. We wished to covey the idea that the soil was good for oranges and similar to that of Riverside, and distinct from Lugonia's gray. All at once Mr. Judson broke out with 'Why not call it Redlands?' and in less than two minutes after Mr. Judson suggested it, it was unanimously adopted by all present as just the name. I remember that it was not long afterwards, a letter from the Sandwich Islands was received, simply addressed to 'Redlands, Cal.,' and we were all pleased that it came direct via San Bernardino, without detention en route, to where we were, showing that Redlands was becoming known."

The above statements are very conclusive, and it is beyond peradventure that we are indebted to an inspiration of Mr. E. G. Judson for the magical name. "Redlands it was, Redlands it is," and Redlands it always will be, a name beloved of its people.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 6)