The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., May 6, 1909, page 1

ALONG THE STAGE ROAD TO MT. HOOD COUNTRY

     A representative of the Glacier spent the last week in the Upper Hood River valley, known as the Mt. Hood settlement. He traversed the Mt. Hood stage road from Booth hill as far as China hill, now known as Valley Crest, and visited the homesteaders on the east side of the East Fork, and along Dog river. With few exceptions he visited every ranch and homestead. With regret he missed some well-improved farms east of O.H. Rhodes' place and that of C.L. Rogers on the East fork. His time was limited on his return Saturday and this is his excuse.
     Everywhere in the Upper Valley and he found the work of clearing land going on industriously, everybody at work, and all elated over the bright prospects for their sections. He found no iale man, on the other hand there is great demand for laborers. The work of clearing land will go on all summer. At some places he found apple pickers at work, packing for shipment to Portland and Seattle, where apples command top prices at this season. Think of marketing Northern Spy, Baldwins and like varieties in the month of May! These varieties, kept in the ordinary apple house over winter, are now as solid and crisp as when picked from the trees.
     It can readily be seen what a great advantage the apple growers in Upper Hood River valley has over his competitor in other apple-growing sections.
     The different irrigating systems supply an abundance of water for irrigation.
     Many settlers are supplied with pure water from springs and creeks. The ditch companies are supplying water at astonishingly low rates compared with other irrigated sections.
     "Never need an American look beyond his own country for the sublime and beautiful of natural scenery," wrote Washington Irving. Had he lived to be whisked by in an electric car through apple orchards of the lower valley to the sublime and beautiful scenery of this upper valley, he would have been convinced there is nothing of the like to surpass it in America. The grandeur of Mount Hood when viewed in such nearness is unspeakable, and one stands in silent admiration. The snow peaks of Hood, Adams and Rainier are seen from many points in the upper valley.
     The electric railroad projected and now in a fair way to materialize will make this upper valley the objective point of the tourist. No one of the many thousands who will tour the Pacific coast each summer will wish to leave out the trip through the famous valley of Hood River to the snow line of Mount Hood.
     This line is now surveyed and right of way procured through the upper valley as far as a Valley Crest school house where the southern terminus is for the present located. The surveyors are now at work in the lower valley, and the work will not be finished until the survey is completed for the whole line. The road will greatly benefit this upper valley as well as the lower section. Population will double in two years. Land is comparatively cheap, ranging in price from $60 to $250. In this land of great possibilities, the man of moderate means can establish a home. With the advent of the elector line, the large holdings of land will be divided into smaller tracts and a dozen or more families can be located where now there is but one. The wagon roads throughout the upper valley are now in excellent condition, but it is a long haul from the town of Hood River from whence supplies of all kinds are hauled, and for this reason the electric line must come. Besides, the produce from this section sent to market must all be hauled by wagon. Men with capital have recently come here and have planted thousands of apple trees. The clearing now being prosecuted vigorously by these new comers will make room for thousands of trees to be set in the fall or next spring.
     Descending from the Booth hill into the upper valley, the first clearing that meets the eye is that of J.P. Hillstrom. He has 200 acres, 60 cleared; 350 Spitzenburg and Newton trees. Sixty acres of his place is rich bottom land, balance well drained and excellent for orchard. The survey for the electric line passes within 200 yards of his place. He has land to sell to homeseekers, but will not sell to speculators. A hydraulic ram is taking water from the Bone ditch, with which he will irrigate his lands. His orchard land will need no water at least until the trees are of mature age. Mr. Hillstrom has always kept considerable stock and along with others is much hampered now for pasture on account of the herd law. While this law is the right thing in the lower valley, here where there is unlimited range, it works a hardship on the actual settler. Mr. Hillstrom is a native of Finland and came to the United States in 1867, to the Pacific coast in 1869, and settled on his homestead here in 1882.
     O.H. Rhodes, a native of Minnesota, has 160 acres which he has resided upon for the past 13 years. He has been 27 years in Hood River. His 40 acres of bottom land cleared and set to hay brings him a good income. Off 3 acres of alfalfa first cutting he has taken 6¼ tons of hay. He cuts his alfalfa three times in a season.
     P.E. Bradford has ten acres partially cleared. All old timers know Flint Bradford. He is the son of an Oregon pioneer, P.F. Bradford, Jr., and was born in Portland during the time of the Indian war of 1856 while his mother was a refugee from the dangers of an Indian raid at the Cascades.
     J.M. Lenz is located on 60 acres of his original homestead. Has 20 acres improved, 400 apple trees, 100 bearing. Mr. Lenz located here 15 years ago. He was born in Wisconsin in 1867. He is a mighty hunter and the walls of the rooms in his large and comfortable house are decorated with reminders of his prowess. His ten-year-old son killed his first deer last summer. He dropped the deer at first shot. Immediately he asked his father the time and then said: "At 11 o'clock August 21, 1908, at 10 years of age I killed my first deer. I will write it down."
     M. Dumas, a native of France has 204 acres; 50 cleared, 5 or 6 in orchard and balance in hay. He spent considerable in draining his land and now has a most desirable home and good income from his land. He is now ditching to irrigate 10 acres on the east side of his meadow. Mr. Dumas came to the United States 25 years ago and to his present location nine years ago.
     John Vauthiers, a native of France, came to the United States 17 years ago and to Hood River in 1896. He sold his 40 acres to Mrs. M.A. Mooney, of San Francisco and now has it leased for five years. In trying to buy his place back he has asked $5,000 more than he sold it for. Twelve acres improved, 8 in Orchard, 1¼ in hay.
     J.R. Steels, a native of Scotland, came to America in 1881 and to Hood River in 1887; located here in March 1902 . He has 20 acres of fine land lying along the stage road and the survey of the electric line; 30 acres cleared, in orchard, 3 of which is bearing. Good house, barn, tool house, workshop, and other improvements. His land is under the Bone ditch. Has a good spring for house use. Fifteen acres he will put in alfalfa next spring. Mr. Steele is agent for the sale of 1000 acres of land in his vicinity, which can be bought at from $60 an acre up to $250. It can be had in tracts from 10 acres up. This land is improved and an improved -- comes with bearing orchards and other improvements.
     W.M. Laughton, of Portland, has 30 acres adjoining Mr. Steele and 40 acres across the stage road. There is 6 acres in 2-year-old trees. The place is cared for by Mr. Steele.
     F.E. Strawhail of Sea View, Wash., has 20 acres, 5 in 4-year-old orchard. Fine spring on the place. In care of Mr. Steele.
     Miller Bros., of Portland, have 40 acres; 6 in trees, nearly all bearing. This was the Paul Aubert place.
     F.M. Ireland, of Portland, has 40 acres, 7 acres in 4-year-old trees.
     Mrs. Anna Lenz, recently purchased 40 acres adjoining the place of her son, Jake Lenz. It has 8 acres cleared, and three men are now clearing more to be set to trees.
     A.J. Hagen, of Portland has 80 acres adjoining the land of J.P. Hillstrom on the south. Forty acres in trees, 2 and 3 years old. He has a reservoir on the highest point of Booth hill to which by means of hydraulic ram he can force the water from the Bone ditch 300 feet through 1230 feet of 2 inch pipe. The ram will lift 42,000 gallons in 24 hours. This place is also look after by J.R. Steele.
     Mrs. I.C. Thomas has a homestead of 160 acres adjoining J.R. Steela. She owns 85 acres in addition and has5acres in trees.
     J. Joss, a native of Scotland, came to the United States 18 years ago and located a homestead 8 years ago. He has 15 acres cleared, 2 acres in trees and other good improvements.
     O.O. Richards, a native Oregonian, came to Hood River in May, 1906. He has homesteaded 160 acres, has 2 acres cleared and 3 or 4 slashed. He will set his land to trees as fast as it is made ready.
     L. Rouke has 170 acres, 65 improved, 10 in orchard. Frank Hanel, recently from Pendleton with his family has charge of this place.
     E.C. Miller, a native of Illinois, came to Hood River 20 years ago. Since homesteaded 160 acres; has 20 acres cleared and 7 or 8 in orchard, a part of which is bearing. Has three acres in strawberries, balance in hay and pasture. He has 14 goats and will use them for clearing brush land.
     D.E. Stanton, native of New York state, has 12 acres, 4 improved and 300 trees. Came to Hood River 3 years ago. Mr. Stanton is an old soldier, having served in the 8th Wisconsin during the civil war. This was the famous Eagle regiment, that carried a live American eagle through the war. The eagle was named by the soldiers "Old Abe." Later he died and was mounted by a taxidermist. When the Wisconsin state house was burned several years ago all that was left of "Old Abe" was lost in the flames.
     G.M. Wishart, a native of Scotland, came to America with his parents in 1871 and to Hood River in the fall of 1889. He has 20 acres, 6 acres improved and 30 bearing trees. Free water for irrigation. A $2000 house with modern conveniences. Mr. Wishart is road supervisor of district No. 8. He has a one-fourth interest in the Mt. Hood Saw Mill Co.
     S.A. Helmer, a native of Detroit, Mich., came to Hood River 10 years ago. Is established in a paying general merchandise store. Has a complete stock and reports business fair. Has forty acres, nearly all improved; 30 acres in hay. Is now putting in a creamery and meat market. The machinery for the creamery is ready to set up. Part of the building, 26x50, will also be fitted up for ice cream parlors and ready for the tourist trade that will come later in this season. On 3½ acres Mr. Helmer raised 500 sacks of fine Burbank potatoes and has them stored ready for market in his frost proof potato and apple house. This building is to 24x40, three stories.
     Jesse Davidson, a native of Ohio, came to Hood River in 1903 and homesteaded 160 acres. Has 10 acres cleared; 600 trees, 150 just coming into bearing. Has good a variety of all kinds of fruits for home use besides his 600 trees. Has 6 inches of free water. Good house, barn and other improvement. Mr. Davidson is "batching" along with his two sons, J.C. and W. B. He has a wide reputation as an excellent cook and housekeeper and will challenge all bachelors in Hood River valley to compete with him in bread making at the next Hood River fair. He has filed on a good spring on land adjoining that is now the government reserve.
     Chas. Helmer is proprietor of Helmers' saw mill at Mt. Hood. The mill has a capacity of 85,000 feet daily. He reports a good business for the spring trade. This company is prepared to deliver lumber to all parts of Hood River valley. Phone number, Odell, 66.
     J.L. Langille homesteaded 160 acres. He has 30 acres improved, 820 apple trees, 3 acres in strawberries, 6 in hay, and a good variety of home fruit. He is the owner of 80 inches of water in the Mt. Hood Water Co. The cost of maintenance in this ditch has never been more than 25 cents an inch for the number of inches made use of, making it the cheapest water sold in the state. The survey of the electric line passes through his place on the west line of the east 40. He is located on the stage road, convenient to the stores, postoffice, and schools, and his location is one of the best in the upper valley. Mr. Langille is a native of Nova Scotia. He is a pioneer, coming here in 1882, the second man to locate after Baldwin and Tieman.
     W.S. Gribble was the first to open a store in the Mt. Hood settlement. His store is well stocked with general merchandise and it would be hard to ask for any necessary article without being supplied at his store. Mr. Gribble is postmaster, and his store is headquarters for all who desire information in regard to the country. He has 170 acres of land, 20 improved, 2 in trees, balance in hay. He came to Hood River in 1893 and is a native of Clackamas county, Oregon.
     J.A. Fawcett, a native of Illinois, came to Hood River in 1906. He has a 10 acres, 3 cleared.
     R.M. Gribble has 37½ acres, 5 cleared and 130 apple trees, part bearing.
     W.L. Gribble has 62 acres and 2 or 3 acres in bearing trees.
     W.M. Jones, a native of Wisconsin, came to Hood River in January last and has started a blacksmith shop near Gribble's store. He reports business starting off in good shape. His family arrived here from Crawford county, Wisconsin, April 23.
     Oscar Fredenburg is the well-known Mt. Hood stage driver. Winter and summer through rain and snow, summer or heat, he brings the mail on time. He is a native of Marion county, Oregon, and came to Hood River in September, 1884. He has 40 acres he homesteaded, 6 cleared, 540 trees part bearing. Plenty of free water, 7-room house all complete; good barn with stone foundation.
     A.M. Kelly is part owner in the Mt. Hood River Milling Co. and has charge of the mill now running. The company has another mill in the middle valley. The mill in charge of Mr. Kelly has a capacity of 10,000 feet daily. He reports business good. The lumber is sold and hauled away as fast as made. The company is now putting in a new edger. Eight men are employed at present. Mr. Kelly has 10 acres near Jack Lenz' place which he will clear and set to trees in the near future.
     Prof. L.J. Murdock is principal of the school on the east side of the district and Miss Laura Purcell teaches at the primary. In the west end of the district Miss Edgington has charge of the school. Sixty-six pupils are enrolled in the district.
     H.C. Rush, a native of Ohio, came to Mt. Hood six years ago, having been on the coast since 1875. He has 100 acres, 25 well improved. He has 5 acres in strawberries, which promise good yield; 500 apple trees, 100 bearing. His place fronts the stage road to Cloud Cap Inn. The electric road will pass along his west line. Mr. Rush is a veteran of the civil war, having served in the 16th Illinois.
     Paul Aubert homesteaded 160 acres and five years ago sold. He then bought 100 acres of John Vauthiers, which he is now improving. He has 26 acres cleared, 4 in trees, balance in hay. He harvested 60 tons of haying last year from 15 acres. He has a fine location opposite the postoffice and near the line of the electric survey. Mr. Aubert and his wife are natives of France. He came to America 18 years ago after living seven years in Australia. He came to Hood River valley in 1892.
     T.H. Larwood, a native of Iowa, came to Hood River in the 1900. Has 50 acres, 12 cleared, 4 set to trees that are bearing. He has 66 inches in Mt. Hood Water Co., besides 25 inches of free water. He has a fine dwelling house, large barn, and other improvements. Many campers erect their tents on his farm the during the summer months.
     G.B. Welch, a native of Vermont, came to Hood River 15 years ago and homesteaded 80 acres. Of this he has 40 acres left in a very desirable location of the stage road. He has 2 acres cleared and 50 fruit trees. Plenty of spring water to irrigate his garden. Mr. Welch is a pioneer of Oregon, coming here in 1857. His wife came in 1852.
     J.T. and P.L. Beal, natives of Ohio, came to Hood River last year and bought 80 acres of D.R. Cooper. They have 10 acres improved, bearing orchard. They will build a dwelling house this summer.
     David R. Cooper and wife, both natives of Scotland, are pioneers of Upper Hood River Valley. After a number of years spent in Douglas county, Oregon, they came to Hood River in 1882 and preempted 160 acres on part of which they still make their home. They have 71 acres, 32 cleared, 21 acres in hay and a good orchard. Mr. Cooper was the first to set out an orchard in the upper valley. Recently he shipped 1000 boxes of apples to market. Last year's crop amounted to 4600 boxes. He has 200 inches free water. Mr. Cooper was the first guide to Mount Hood from the north side. Cooper's Spur takes its name from him. He is now advanced in years and is somewhat feeble in health, and it is his wish that when he dies his remains may be laid to rest on Cooper's Spur of the grand old mountain he loves so well.
     O.F. Jones, native of Douglas county, Oregon, came here recently and bought 10 acres. He has 2 acres cleared, and all the balance slashed.
     Elmer Gribble, has 15 acres on the stage road. Good house and barn, but only a small clearing.
     J.W. and O.T. Jones, natives of Iowa came to Hood River in 1906. They have 15 acres, 3 in strawberries, 500 apple trees 3 and 4 years old; 8 acres in meadow. They will clear 9 acres in busier and set to trees, and will build a good dwelling house this fall. They have the 100 inches in free water.
     Robert Leasure, a native of Minnesota, came to Hood River in 1872. He homesteaded 160 acres here, but 40 of which he has retained. He has 16 acres cleared, 15 in hay, one acre in orchard, all bearing. Mr. Leasure has been dairying but now is selling off his cows and has but 5 left. He has 53 inches of water in the Mt. Hood Water Co. This company is about to increase its capital stock from $2,000 to $10,000.
     George Jacob Wenner, a pioneer of Upper Hood River valley is now the oldest settler. His age is 73. He preempted 160 acres, but has since dispose of it all. During the civil war he served in Co. K 7th Ohio, in the armies of the Potomac and Cumberland.
     William Edick, native of Illinois, has 40 acres and 1200 trees, nearly all bearing. He has 7 acres in hay. Came to Hood River with his parents, Oscar and Alice Sandman, in 1884. He has 200 inches of water in a private ditch with D.R. Cooper.
     George Dimmick, a native of The Dalles, Oregon, came here 25 years ago. He has 52 acres, 15 improved, 650 trees, 100 bearing. He set 150 pear trees this spring; has 7 or 8 acres in hay. His land is finely located on the stage road and near the line of survey for the electric railway.
     Burt Sandman, native born, has 40 acres, 5 in hay, 700 trees, 200 bearing. On one acre and one-quarter he grew 200 sacks of potatoes between the apple tree rows. He is a pioneer of the Upper Hood River valley, coming here 27 years ago. From 5 acres of hay he sold last year 15 tons besides feeding his own stock. His place has good improvements.
     Mrs. S.M. Baldwin has 80 acres of the 160 homesteaded by her late husband, S.M. Baldwin. There in 160 in the estate. The land lies along the road for a while and runs one-quarter mile east. Twelve acres improved, 600 apple trees, mostly bearing, small fruit in plenty for home use. Plenty of free water from living springs. Good house and barn and other improvements. The land is among the best for fruit or hay. A very desirable and home like place.
     George Perkins, a native of Dorcestershire, Eng., has 60 acres of the original homestead, 6 improved, one acre in prunes. He has small fruit for home use. Most of his land is in clover.
     Gassman & Klein, contractors and builders, have bought the Dr. Shaw place of 100 acres. They have 10½ acres in trees, all bearing, 2 acres in strawberries. They will clear 5 or 10 acres yet this year. Plenty of free water on most of their land.
     J.M. Hallowell has 80 acres, 12 in orchard, which is cared for by E.L. Rood.
     E.L. Rood, a native of New York state, homesteaded 160 acres. He had 3 acres cleared and 30 fruit trees, all doing well. He has raspberries, blackberries and strawberries and a good garden. Radishes and lettuce grown in the open have been served on his table since April 26. He has rhubarb by the 20th. Has a good claim and for earlyness is not much behind the earliest in the lower valley. Mr. Rood is an expert paper hangar and finds plenty of work at his trade.
     B.F. Gray, a native of the Parkersburg, West Va., came here from Illinois in 1904 and about 160 acres. He has 35 acres improved, 15 in orchard, eight bearing; planted 10 yellow Newtons this spring. He is now shipping his Baldwin apples to Portland market. This year he will put in 5 acres in field corn, 3 or 4 in potatoes and 2 acres in carrots. He has 600 strawberry plants and other small fruits.
     E.R. and A.P. Manning, natives of Illinois, came here from Portland two years ago. They have 60 acres of the Knight homestead, 25 improved, 8 in bearing trees. They will clear 15 acres this spring.
     Arthur and F.W. Putman, natives of Vermont and descendants of Israel Putman of Revolutionary fame, came to Hood River from New Hampshire last January. They have 80 acres of the Foss place, 12 well improved, and will clear 30 between now and next spring and plant to trees. They have 600 bearing trees. They will build a dwelling house on a fine building site next fall.
     O.C. Ruff has 160 acres, 60 improved, 20 acres in orchard, 7 bearing. He is planting 500 trees this spring and has 20 or 25 acres ready to plant when he can get the trees. Last year his orchard, a small portion only old trees bearing produced 150 boxes. He has 12 acres in Spitzenburgs and Newtons, two year old, that have made a phenomenal growth. He is now hauling to market his Baldwin apples. His Newtons shipped to Portland last June retailed at 10 cents apiece. Mr. Ruff considers the Newton the best apple to grow in the upper valley and says this is the real home of this splendid fruit. The stage road is being straightened through his place, and he is setting Anchor wire fence both sides of the road, which will greatly improve his place. W.G. Palmer and wife have charge of the place.
     A. Hutson, a native of Wisconsin, came to Hood River in 1899, and has a homestead of 160 acres. He has 20 acres cleared and will have 100 trees set when done planting this spring; 50,000 strawberry plants. His land is mostly brush and not the most difficult to clear.
     Babson Bros., S.G. and R.E., natives of New Jersey, came to Hood River in 1908. They have 80 acres, 35 improved, 30 acres set to trees last year and this. They have a handsome bungalow, and all the clearing and improvements have been made in the last year and a half. They have five acres in hay.
     Phillip D. Atwater and Harvey E. Lyon, natives of East Orange, New Jersey, came to Hood River in February last and moved on to their 30 acres here 21st of March. They have since cleared 5 acres and have more slashed, and will have 2 acres cleared and ready for trees by fall. They will build a dwelling house in the fall and winter. These young men are much pleased with the country.
     A.T. Allen, a native of Nebraska, came to Hood River in 1907. He has 25 acres, 8 improved and in orchard; 3 acres bearing, 1 acres of strawberries. Mr. Allen has Dad Fouts' old Sailor, 16 years old. He was a pup when Dad's boy Fleet was a babe.
     J.S. Pieronnet has 20 acres all cleared; is planting part to trees this spring and the balance next spring. He is building a handsome bungalow; Louis Baldwin, contractor.
     Chas. Stanhauser, native of New York, has 30 acres, 25 cleared and the balance is being cleared. Will set 10 acres to strawberries this spring; 10 acres in potatoes. Louis Baldwin is building a bungalow for Mr. Stanhauser.
     E.O. McCown, native of Indiana, has homesteaded 160 acres. Together with W.M. Keeling he has filed upon 600 inches of water from Dog river. They now have a ditch that will carry 400 or 500 inches. Though lying high his land is fine for fruit and garden. He is nine miles from Cloud Cap Inn. On his claim is a curious rock that rises on the side of the steep hill to the height of 100 feet of the lower side. The rock is about 15 feet in diameter at his base. On the summit is an egg-shaped cap weighing probably a hundred tons. His place is known as the Monument ranch.
     W.M. Keeling, a native of Kentucky, came to Hood River 6 years ago from Kansas. He has filed on 40 acres and will contest 120 acres adjoining all lying along the East Fork. His place is known as Riverside farm. About 60 acres will be available for cultivation. He moved to his claim last October. He has a good house and some clearing.
     S.B. Sutton, a native of New Jersey, came to Hood River from Mason City, Iowa, in 1905 and homesteaded 40 acres, upon which he resides with his family. He has 4 acres cleared and a comfortable home. His land is under the Glacier ditch and also the Middle Fork. Mr. Sutton has good success in trapping the pocket gopher with steel traps. When he finds a hill of dirt thrown up by the gopher he digs down until he finds its hole, and setting the trap he covers it with a light board. The gopher will just push up dirt to shut out light and manage to get in the trap.
     James McCown has 80 acres on the east side of the East fFrk. Mr. McCown is an old-time printer and is now a proof reader on the Portland Oregonian. His wife and daughter and son make their home here. The place is delightfully situated. Mrs. McCown is a daughter of the late Justice Chenowith, pioneer of The Dalles. Chenowith creek takes its name from him. His brother, Judge Chenowith, was a well known character along the Middle Columbia river. Before the Cascade massacre and Indian who had taken the name of Chenowith had taken a leading part in that bloody affair, accosted the Judge saying "You big Boston man; no big ingin; both Chenowith." The town of Chenowith, Wash., takes its name from the Indian.
     G.M. Kirkpatrich, a native of Ohio, left Canton four years ago, and after traveling over the Pacific coast, located on a homestead of 160 acres east of the Middle Fork in 1905. He had 6½ acres in cultivation. In partnership with his neighbor, E.V. Gramps, he is taking out a ditch from Cat creek. He has 200 trees set. He is well pleased with his location and the prospects for the east side. The road that is being built up the east side of the East Fork will give the settlers here close communication with the main settlement.
     E.V. Gramps, a native of Minnesota, has 80 acres. He came to Hood River last September. He is now clearing land with a Faultless stump puller and doing good work. He has about six acres cleared, 600 trees.
     J.F. Peeler has a homestead of 40 acres, 2 acres cleared. Both himself and wife are natives of Iowa, coming here from Cerro Gordo county in 1904 and located in 1905. They have been best of land for fruit. They have 30 fruit trees, mostly apples. Their place is under the Glacier and Middle Fork ditches.
     Henry H. Hardman, a native of Kansas came here in 1904 and homesteaded 160 acres lying on both sides of the East Fork. His family followed in 1905 and they have established a good home, building on the west side of the river. Mr. Hardman has built a good road down the bluff and bridged the river, his work being helped by Ed. McCann and W.M. Keeling, their places lie beyond on the east side of the river.
     Valley Crest school house is a modernly constructed building, 26x40. It has an organ and up-to-date furniture. Sunday school every Sunday and preaching twice a month. The southern terminus of the electric line is here.
     M.W. Shearer came here from Jewell, Kansas, in 1904, and homesteaded 160 acres. He has 8 acres cleared, 30 young trees. Good house and barn and other improvements. Grand view from his place.
     D.M. Shearer has 6 acres, with a small clearing. He is a native of North Carolina, and came to Kansas with his parents in 1858. He still owns his homestead in Kansas.
     G.W. Hanneman, native of Wisconsin, came to Hood River in 1906 and homesteaded 40 acres. He has 3 acres cleared and a few trees set.
     R. Gobin, a native of New York state, came from Wisconsin to Hood River in 1900. He has 40 acres, 5 cleared. Mr. Gobin spent last winter at his old home in Wisconsin. He brought back with him his nephew, Albert Gobin, who will clear land for him this summer. Other relatives are expected to follow. He has the means of inducing Wm. Jones the blacksmith to come to Mt. Hood. He has 58 trees set.
     F.C. Blackman, a native of Iowa, came to Hood River with his family last month. He has 80 acres and is just started clearing. He will clear 20 acres and set to trees next spring.
     Joseph Grott, native of Illinois, came to Hood River in 1901. He has 160 acres homesteaded, 12 acres cleared, 500 young trees, 30 bearing. He is having 15 acres cleared for orchard. He has a good house and other improvements and a slightly location.
     George Monroe, native of Missouri, has 40 acres, 3 cleared and 225 young trees. He has one acre in strawberries.
     J.F. Candee, native of Kentucky, came here from Clayton county, Iowa, in 1907. He has 40 acres, 8 cleared, 200 apple trees and is planting 4 acres this spring. Good house and other improvements and a comfortable home.
     Miss Susie Mohr, has a homestead of 160 acres. About one acre cleared, a good house and comfortable home.
     Joseph Michael as a homestead of 40 acres, ½ acre cleared on which he is planting trees.
     Peter H. Mohr has a homestead of 10 acres at the Elk Beds. On his place is the famous cold water spring. Theodore Dalles at one time located this claim.
     McPherson Rush, lately married to Miss Anna Mohr, is located on his wife's homestead of 160 acres.
     Peter J. Mohr is homesteading 160 acres adjoining the claim of his sister Susie. He has a small clearing and house.
     The Misses Nellie and Alice Roberts have claims of 160 acres each of Valley Crest. Their improvements are about the same as the neighboring homesteaders.
     Mrs. M.C. Huckabay nine years ago homesteaded 150 acres in Valley Crest settlement. Eden Valley Ranch is the appropriate name of her place. It is one of the prettiest among the beautiful ranches in the neighborhood. She has 30 acres cleared, 400 trees, mostly bearing apples, one acre in strawberries. Mrs. Huckabay is noted for her hospitality. The writer was fortunate to call at her house at the right time to partake of an excellent dinner.
     

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer