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