Glendale, California Biographies

Arthur J. Van Wie

        Arthur J. Van Wie, Glendale’s efficient City Clerk, was born at Mason City, Iowa, January 15, 1880, a son of Jacob H. and Addie M. (Case) Van Wie. His parents were both natives of New York State. When the call for volunteers was given in 1861, Jacob H. Van Wie was in Wisconsin. He forthwith enlisted in the Nineteenth Volunteers Infantry, serving with the contingent for nearly two years and then was discharged from the service because of disability brought about by prolonged illness. After regaining his health he went to Mason City, Iowa where he was a contractor and builder until he retired and came to Los Angeles in 1911.

        Arthur J. Van Wie received his education in the public schools of Mason City, Iowa. He was a member of the State Militia of Iowa at the time the Spanish-American War broke out, but because of ill health, was not mustered into the regular army with that body of troops. For six years Mr. Van Wie was in theatrical work, playing in stock companies and vaudeville. During the summer months of three of these years he filled engagements with circuses, taking part in sideshow activities. His leisure time, beginning with his school days and for several years thereafter, was given to learning the printing trade, and from 1897 to 1913, he was an itinerant journeyman printer in the west and middle west. He bought the Tropico Sentinel of Ella Richardson in 1913, editing it for three years, during which time he sponsored many progressive movements for the city, chief among which was the construction of paved streets and cement sidewalks. He opposed the annexation of Tropico to Los Angeles and favored its annexation to Glendale during the different annexation campaigns. In 1917, he was appointed City Clerk of Tropico, and upon its merger with Glendale in the fall of the same year, was given a position in the desk service of the Glendale Police Department. Serving in different capacities in the City Hall until October 17, 1921, he was appointed City Clerk, and has since filled that position with courtesy, credit and honor.

        Fraternally, Mr. Van Wie is an Elk. He is a member of Sons of Veterans, N. P. Banks Camp, No. 22, of which he is a Past Commander. At Chicago, Illinois, April 30, 1911, Mr. Van Wie married Dorothy Spencer, of that city. Their two sons are Spencer and Edwin Case. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wie attend the Christian Science Church. They reside in their new home at 620 North Adams Street.

From History of Glendale and Vicinity by John Calvin Sherer. The Glendale Publishing Company, c. 1922 F. M. Broadbooks and J. C. Sherer. p. 414-417.