The Klickitat County Agriculturist, Goldendale, WA., April 30, 1910, page 6

TOWN OF MARYHILL

     D.B. Hill, the general agent of the Maryhill townsite and land company, furnishes the following interesting article about Maryhill, and what they are doing. Says Mr. Hill:
     The Columbia River here is 107 feet above the ocean. Maryhill is about 417 feet above the water and free from blowing sand. The soil is black in character and while the strong prevailing Pacific winds necessary to ripen the fruit and berries blow across the land at certain seasons, they do not to materially detract from its desirability as a place of residence. These winds equalize the temperature and scalding of the fruit by winds is unknown. A few miles east the precipitation of moisture is not unlike that of Los Angeles, Cal. A few miles west the precipitation does not differ materially from that of Portland, Oregon, or Puget Sound.
     Living springs and small streams are not infrequently met with. The country immediately behind Maryhill raises rapidly. It is not covered with trees, except where fruit orchards and shade trees have been planted. Pigs, sheep and all varieties of domestic fowls flourish. Cattle and horses do well on the nutritious grasses.
     Fifteen hundred feet above this bench is the southern rim of the basin through which the little Klickitat River flows, fed by streams from the ever lasting snows of Mt. Adams. From this great basin sub-irrigation to the Columbia furnishes moisture to all these lands. Snow-capped Mount Hood rises in the western foreground. Across the great Columbia river are seen the Oregon wheat lands rivaling those of North Dakota.
     In addition to the water furnished by nature, beneath the surface of the ground two reservoirs are in process of construction to insure ample supply of water. Pipes will be laid for domestic and other purposes adjacent to each ten acre tract. A water company will be organized and one share of stock for each acre of ground will be included in the final transfer to each purchaser. This will be spring water, available for fire and domestic purposes under pressure.
     The first building erected in the town of Maryhill was a Friends' Meeting House, which will be tendered to the Indiana Yearly Meeting without cost. Many friends have already signified a desire to locate here. A plain substantial hotel, neatly furnished, supplied with hot and cold water baths, has been opened. No saloon will ever be permitted in this town. No plans for a jail have been made. One schoolhouse is already at hand and a competent teacher in charge. Others will be needed.
     On the north bank of the river passing through a portion of this land, is located the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Ry., owned and operated jointly by the Northern Pacific and Great Northern railways. Over this line also are operated the train of the C.B. & Q. Ry. It is believed that no better railroad has ever been constructed in the United States or elsewhere. Its train equipment is equal to that of the Pennsylvania and New York Central Railways. The national government is developing the Columbia River for navigation. On the south bank of the Columbia River are operated the vestibuled limited trains of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, the Union Pacific Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, giving Maryhill easy access to six transcontinental railways, and one great waterway.
     People qualified to speak say fruit is raised here ten days earlier than at any other point in the Northwest. Newton Pippins, Spitzenburgs, Winesaps, Winter Bananas grow to perfection. Quinces, Peaches, Plums, Pears, 30 variety of grapes, Almonds, English Walnuts, Apricots, Prunes and all varieties of small fruits and berries are un-rivaled and can be examined in the orchard and vineyards now on the property.
     By reason of the southern and eastern exposures, the location and condition of its soil, Maryhill has advantage over Hood River.
     The warm winds which ripen and mature the fruit pass Maryhill before they reach Kennewick, Yakima, Wenatchee, Okanogan, Walla Walla or the valley of the Snake River. Expert geologists and chemists have pronounced the soil, water, and climate conditions of the best.
     It is confidently believed that the spot, though small in area, is all things considered unrivaled.
     No spectators are desired, but homeseekers and fruitgrowers who wish to make their living on the soil are asked to compare prices with those demanded in any other fruit growing section. Terms and conditions of sale favorable. No restrictions except those covering saloons are mad. These statements have been made after careful consideration and the fullest investigation is covered and desired. It is probable the standing and responsibility of the parties behind this enterprise can be ascertained at your bank.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer