From the Historical Society archives: Downey almost wasn't Downey

Photo by Joan Anderson, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

DOWNEY – There was a story printed in February 1969 about how Downey was almost not called Downey.

In 1876, there were citizens of Downey who were disgruntled with the inconveniences caused by the name Downey, and a change was suggested. One of the unhappy residents was G.B. Fagan, the postmaster.

On Wednesday, March 22, 1876, a number of citizens met in the Odd Fellows Hall to consider the feasibility of changing the name of the town. Dr. Rives was chosen as president of the meeting, Mr. H. Gray vice president, and Fagan secretary.

Fagan stated the purpose of the meeting: “Mail matter frequently miscarried on account of Downey City, Downieville, Darwin City and Denver, Colorado being somewhat similar, with mail intended for those localities coming here and Downey’s going there created a great deal of confusion.

Mssrs. Benbrook and McDonald argued in favor of postponing the meeting until a fuller representation (they were not favoring the change). Mssrs. Smart and Bailey wanted immediate action, thinking another meeting would not bring a larger crowd, and favoring the name change. It was agreed to hold another meeting and Governor Downey was requested to be present.

On Saturday, April 1, the citizens met again to express views on the name change. Governor Downey did attend, and being called upon to give his views, stated the only way a change could be made, “and it would cause considerable trouble and expense especially to the incorporated companies, lodges, etc…was through the legislature, who only had the power to make such a change.

So, the name of the city was preserved more-or-less by one of its co founders.
Bobbi Bruce, Downey Historical Society