With the exception of Sofia, all of the schoolchildren are portrayed by the real life children of cast and crew members.
Farnum's speech for mayor is comprised mostly of anti-Semitic tropes and insults almost too transparent to be labeled dog whistles. But in his usual presentation, often wind up too clever for understanding, based on the reactions shown on faces in the crowd. Sol humorously begins his speech with a reference to Moses parting the Red Sea.
The real George Hearst was known to be a philanthropist as well as a man with integrity. He was a self made man and successful miner/prospector who had a natural ability to find gold, silver, copper, etc. The local Indians called him "Boy the earth speaks to". It was said he didn't change after he became rich and got along with all walks and types of people.