USA > Virginia > Bedford County > Bedford County > Historical sketch: Bedford County, Virginia, 1753-1907 > Part 6
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APPLES
The altitude, soil and climate of Bedford County make it the natural home of the apple. No country in the State offers better advantages to the fruit grower than Bedford. The possession of an apple orchard, well located, planted with the best varieties and properly cared for, is almost a perpetual investment. There are apple trees in this county one hundred years old, still bearing fruit.
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An agent paid a farmer $500.00 for the apples of five-sixths of an acre, and before the sale was made apples to the amount of $100.00 had been taken from this orchard.
The trees live longer here and produce a better quality of fruit than elsewhere. The excellent quality of the apples grown in this county, as shown at the World's Fair in St. Louis, proved to the satisfaction of a great many fruit growers that this is one of the best apple counties in the State. Of the forty-nine medals obtained at this Fair by the State of Virginia, six are accredited to Bedford County-one gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Apples through this section are as nearly perfect as fruit can grow, and the color and flavor cannot be surpassed by any county or State in the Union. In orchard products of every variety, the Coun- ty of Bedford stood fifth in value as compared with all of the coun- ties of the State in 1900, and a competitive exhibition by all the counties in the State in 1892, on all kinds of fruit raised in the State, Bedford stood second.
The county inspectors report that the San Jose scale has made its appearance in many of the orchards in this county, and it is apprehended that the injury will be great, if not eradicated at an early date. The authorized remedies for the destruction of this dis- ease are being applied and favorable results are reported.
GRAPES
All varieties of these wild fruits can be found in every section of the county, growing in the woods and along the banks of the streams, and it is nothing uncommon to see large grape vines swing- ing from tree to tree, some of them 20 inches or more in circum- ference. To the intelligent observer this luxuriant growth of the vine indicates the adaptability of the soil to the culture of this particular fruit, and on testing the wild grapes he is thoroughly convinced of what this section could do for them under proper culture. The improved grapes have been planted by many on a small scale and success was beyond expectations. At the Horticul- ture Exhibits held at Bedford City for a number of years nothing surpassed the grapes. So close was the competition for the prizes that the judges had to resort to the scale to determine the first from the second and the second from the third. All of the bunches weighed over 17 ounces apiece, and the prize winner was offered 25 cents a pound for his entire crop, which he refused.
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LABOR
There has hitherto been an abundance of accessible labor at prices varying according to the character of employment, but the unusual occurrence of having two railroads built through the county at the same time has made good, desirable labor scarce and high ; our hired farm help is mainly of the negro race and if well managed is excel- lent, but requires firmness and watchful superintendence. Our experience of negro labor varies exactly in proportion to the skill and good management displayed by the employers themselves. The negro as a land owner is tenacious, and seldom lets loose; there are numerous instances where they have been quite success- ful as farmers on a small scale, and command the confidence and esteem of their neighbors.
The white laborer usually works independently, finding it either more profitable or more in agreement with a natural spirit of free- dom, where land is so cheap, not to enter the service of another; in such instances, however, when they do depart from their usual prac- tice, the hired white laborers are generally steady and reliable. Labor-saving appliances are coming more generally into use on the farm, and under the intelligent supervision of the owners the crop will be largely increased and expense of labor greatly reduced.
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DOMESTIC ANIMALS
CATTLE
Bedford County being an elevated rolling section of Piedmont Virginia, with an abundance of pure free-stone water at all seasons of the year, and a great variety of appetizing herbs and grasses, in- cluding the early bud of the familiar sassafras bush, can furnish very nutritious food for cattle and other stock. The pea-vine that grows wild in the woods and mountains is very fattening and much sought after. With these natural pastures to tempt the appetite it is not strange that Bedford was fourth in rank in 1900 in "dairy cows two years and over" and "fifth in calves under one year." It is not uncommon for a farmer to run stock cattle on these natural pastures the entire season, and turn the whole herd over to a valley stock man at the first frost, which comes early in November, and make 100% on the spring purchase of two- and three-year-olds. Some of our most successful and prosperous farmers confine their stock operations to this method exclusively, and it is seldom that they hold a steer longer than six or eight months. The demand for this grade of stock cattle is very great, and no trouble is found in selling all that you can graze on these farms to buyers, who take them off in car-load lots each fall. There is no reason why Bedford should not be one of the greatest stock-raising counties in the State, with all these natural advantages and protected on the entire western border by mountains extending from James to Staunton River, a distance of 31 miles.
SHEEP, WOOL AND LAMBS
Bedford County is especially adapted to sheep culture. Climate, native grasses, pure water, and hills all contribute to the health and rapid growth of as good mutton as is found anywhere. Our lambs are from two to four weeks earlier than those west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are nearer markets, and we have the ad- vantage of several competing lines of railroads. Should our supply be greater than the local demand, Roanoke and Lynchburg could be reached by freight in less than ninety minutes. Richmond,
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Norfolk, Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York are all within twenty-four hours time. From the following statements made by a Bedford stock raiser of long experience you will readily see that there is more profit in raising sheep than any other stock : "My stock of thirty Shropshire ewes have produced an average of $7 per head for the last three years. I got thirty-two lambs, which I sold to the butchers in Lynchburg at 51/2 cts. per lb. These lambs weighed 102 lbs., delivered the 15th June, amounting to $5.60 per head. The clip averaged 6 lbs. per old sheep, sold to the Woolen Mills at Bedford City for 25 cts. per lb., amounting to $1.50 per sheep, making an average of $7.47 from each ewe. The next year I got thirty-three lambs ; sold at $5.00 per lamb, wool $1.50, an aver- age of $7.00 for each ewe. The next year I got thirty-one lambs ; sold at $4.50 per head, wool 25 cts. per lb., 6 lbs. per old sheep, an average of $6.81 for each ewe."
These prices were obtained on the farm and from our home buy- ers. Stock men take advantage of the fine grazing on the Apple Orchard during the hot summer months and it is astonishing to see how rapidly an old sheep will recuperate, and in from six to eight weeks will be ready for the butcher.
HOGS
With a soil and climate well adapted to the growth of rye, cow peas, soy-beans, artichokes, fruits, and corn, which are all fine food for hog-raising, and with such railroad facilities and local markets, there is no reason why Bedford County should not stand near the top as a pork producer. With proper care and attention, hogs are the greatest "mortgage lifter" the farmer can raise, and at the same time convert an old, poor, worn-out field into green pasture at small cost, if any. All these conditions are here and only need to be rightly handled to obtain proper results. Brood sows can be wintered at a minimum cost; their litters come in by the first of April. Crimson clover will feed them until the cow peas are ripe enough to turn them on, which can be fed in succession until you wish to harden the flesh with soy-beans and chestnuts in November. By this time your April pigs will be ready to draw the scales at about 200 pounds ; no corn is consumed, and at a cost not exceeding 31/2 cents per pound, the summer and fall pigs can readily be sold at
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good prices, if desired. The fields that have been pastured by the hogs should be seeded to grass or small grain at the proper time. Pork at this writing, April 1st, 1907, is worth $9.00 per hundred pounds. With your capacity to handle stock of this kind you can readily estimate your income from this source on a Bedford farm, be it rich or poor.
ANGORA GOATS
There is no better location for an Angora goat farm or ranch than in Bedford County. Thousands of acres of land are covered thickly with brush of every variety, briers and weeds, and all well watered by never-failing springs, branches, and creeks.
Angora goats are not only the cheapest and best weed and brush cleaners but the most profitable stock on the farms and ranches, as they only need salting and rain-proof sheds and average care to turn their silvery fleeces and brush-fat carcasses into Uncle Sam's golden eagles. They have the greatest and grandest possibility in this section of any live stock on record. Let any thorough-going business farmer try 100 Angora goats on one of these grown-up farms in this county and see if he cannot double his money each year, while he is getting the farm in grand condition for the plough, and at the same time spreading a coat of rich good manure uni- formly over the lands pastured. They will eat cedar, pines, spruces, oak, black-berries, sassafras, hickory, dogwood, ash, poplar, poison oak, briers, and weeds of all kinds. Ten Angora goats to an acre will clean up the densest thickets of brush and briers, pick the leaves and twigs off, and turn them into money for their owners. No land in the world is better adapted to the raising of the "Angora Goat" than our old grown-up plantations in Bedford County, Va. The fleece from a fine Angora goat will readily sell for from $8 to 812, according to the length and firmness of the fiber. The fleece from the doe usually sells for from 30 to 40 cents per pound.
POULTRY
This word is a comprehensive term, meaning domestic birds or barnyard fowls, which includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, taken singly or collectively ; this industry has a fine opportunity to be successfully conducted in this section of Virginia. The local
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buyer is at your door paying city prices, or you can ship to far-off markets in twenty-four hours after leaving your home station. This industry is in its infancy in Bedford County, though many people are devoting much time and attention to the furtherance of this most profitable business ; and nearly all the breeds known to the fancier can be found here. A few years ago, to say that you paid $5.00 for male birds would have made some of the natives pronounce the buyer a lunatic; now they will admire a $25.00 "bird" and intelligently discuss his "fine points" and "praise the bridge that carries them over," for without the "hen" what would our currency have been when times were harder than they are now? One dollar for a pair of geese was common. A gosling last fall that weighed 17 pounds sold for $3.40. Formerly, $1.00 for turkey hens and $1.50 for gobblers ; from 15 to 20 cents per pound gross is now standard price. An old "dungle" hen did not dare put a higher price on her head than 25 cents, but now when dressed she would call for 80 cents to $1.50, just according to the amount of flesh she had taken on.
The poultry product of this county is no smaller factor when you compute the annual income from this source. Of the one hundred counties in the State of Virginia, Bedford took the sixth stand in the production of eggs in 1900. Starting on a small scale, a profitable industry could be established in a few seasons, which could be carried to big proportion in coming years.
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GAME
The mountain streams of Bedford County are well supplied with beautiful spotted trout. The water being clear and in many places quite rapid in its descent, it is most difficult for an expert angler to land any number of these toothsome mountain fish. James River on the north, Staunton River on the south, Big Otter and Little Otter Rivers and Goose Creek running diagonally across the county, all these large streams and their numerous tributaries combined, furnish every section of the county with ample facilities for an- gling at the proper seasons of the year for suckers, white, silver and sun perch, carp, pike, horned and southern chub, mullet, eel, black bass, cat-fish and many other varieties.
The configuration of the surface and the abundance of the free- stone springs and branches make it quite a simple matter for farmers to have their own ponds stocked with fish from the government hatcheries, which are located only a short distance west of the county on the main line of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. Many farm- ers have availed themselves of the privilege, and own ponds stocked with fine fish.
Of wild animals, there are found in the county, rarely, bear and deer ; frequently lynx, mink, weasel, beaver, muskrat and others; in great abundance the fox, red, and grey squirrel, raccoon, opos- sum, and hare. The last named is a conspicuous and abundant arti- cle of local commerce in winter and furnishes a large portion of the negroes' meat diet. Rabbits found ready sale last season at fifteen cents each, and large shipments were made to the western coal fields in Virginia and West Virginia. The wild fowls consist, in their scasons, of wild geese and ducks along the numerous water courses in the county, and cranes near the branches and low wet places; snipe and woodcock in almost every section of the county, and wild turkeys, which are sometimes seen in large flocks in the early fall. It takes an expert hunter to bag a wild turkey after he is in his second year, though some men have the art of imitating so perfectly these most watchful of wild fowls that they can "scatter" the whole flock for miles apart, and then "call" each one up singly to his hastily constructed "blind" and often bag eight
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or ten at a "setting." The "blind" must always be promptly con- structed right on, or very near, the spot where the turkeys were "flushed" or "scattered," which is usually made of pine brush and leaves. The pheasant is found in the mountains or dead-wooded hollows and is difficult to shoot. Throughout the entire county that most beautiful and appetizing of all game birds, the partridge, is found. The law protecting the quail is quite rigid and is en- forced by the "game warden" in each county; no trapping is allowed and no birds can be shot until after November in each year, and then only for a short period. The individual farmer can "post" his land, and keep off all hunters, trappers and fishers, if he so desires.
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BEDFORD COUNTY, VA.
BEDFORD CITY
This town lies in Bedford County, Virginia, of which it is the seat of justice. It is beautifully situated on the main line of the Norfolk & Western Railway, nearly midway between the cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke, being twenty-five miles from the former and twenty-eight miles from the latter. Viewed from any of the eminences by which it is surrounded, the town appears to nestle peacefully among the richly wooded hills and fruitful valleys which characterize this lovely region and render it almost unique in its picturesque beauty. So dense is the foliage, by which the streets and houses are sheltered from the ardent rays of the summer sun, that it is difficult to find a spot from which a fair view of the town can be obtained, or to realize that beneath the grateful shade thou- sands of busy lives are daily running their appointed course of toil and love and duty. The area within the corporate limits of the town is about six hundred acres, and its population is estimated at 3,500.
Bedford City is the seat of important industrial and commercial interests ; in the manufacture of tobacco it holds a high rank among the towns and cities of Virginia ; it possesses a large woolen mill, whose perfect equipment and large capacity are hardly equal to the demand for its excellent products ; two secure and prosperous bank- ing institutions, with ample resources for all possible requirements of the local trade; two flour and grist mills; numerous mercantile houses representing all branches of business; two weekly news- papers, each having a large and wide circulation; "the American Asbestos" factory with its powerful machinery and capacity for 30 tons of the common and 15 tons of the finer fiber daily; three large wood yards ; two coal yards ; two ice plants ; one Baptist, one Presbyterian, one Episcopal, one Methodist, and one Roman Cath- olic Church. A large brick court-house was built in 1834; the heavy iron railing and the porch and steps and the massive hinges to the large window blinds were forged by hand by the noted smith of the day, Solomon Lindsay. Some of his relations now living in this county still adhere to his early teachings and their hand- made wagons have such a reputation for durability that orders have even been received from Australia. This neat and flourishing town
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NEW LONDON ACADEMY
MAIN RITILDING
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is the admiration of travelers, being surrounded by a beautiful roll- ing, fertile country, bounded by a background of great sublimity. The Blue Ridge Mountains running to the right and left across the horizon for many miles, here tower to the height of 3,875 feet. The Peaks of Otter, which although ten miles distant, appear in the immediate vicinity. These peaks, knobs, and mountain ranges which form the western boundary line of Bedford County are, with a few exceptions, the loftiest mountains in the Southern States. Bedford City is fair to look upon, presenting an air of health, com- fort, and cleanliness, which is well sustained by statistical facts. Two hotels and more than a dozen private boarding houses and res- taurants are taxed to their utmost capacity to accommodate the trav- eling public and railroad employees. Merchants have been un- usually successful ; not a failure has occurred for a number of years. Handsome brick and frame residences, models of architectural beauty, are numerous, while others of an earlier date are suggestive of that perfect, though secluded, comfort which proclaim the happy home. The large and conveniently arranged new brick opera house is the pride of its owners; the dense shade and expensive grounds make it an attractive location. The four large, well equipped livery stables are rarely able to accommodate the demands made upon them by the traveling public and pleasure seekers. Our large eight-room graded school and the two flourishing private schools will be treated under separate heads. The two large to- bacco warehouses have done a flourishing business this season, some high prices for the "weed" having been obtained. The numerous leaf and plug dealers employ a number of hands, and have facili- ties for handling millions of pounds more than the Bedford farmers are now raising. The cigar interests are well represented by local factories, and Bedford's fine plug and fragrant cigars are being offered to the markets in most of the states of the Union. The Bedford Mill Company when in full operation employs about seventy- five operatives. They manufacture a variety of cloths, principally indigo blue, cadet greys, and prison goods ; they also manufacture blankets, skirts, and knitting yarns. Our natural advantages sur- pass those of many other milling districts, for the water is quite soft and comparatively free from chemicals. The present superin- tendent says : "Having travelled Illinois in the capacity of Govern- ment Textile Inspector, I am convinced that we have the finest water for dyeing, scouring, and fulling purposes that can be had."
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SCENERY
A place of much resort, one-half mile south of Bedford City, is Wingfield's Mountain, altitude 1,299 feet above the sea level. Reservoir Hill, a lower knob of Wingfield's Mountain, commands a fine view of three-fourths of the county. The surrounding country presents every form of romantic and picturesque scenery. The view of the far-distant southeast, where Staunton River abruptly breaks through Smith's Mountain, 2,043 feet high, running north and south, and the almost perpendicular break, where the water rushes through, presents a scene of remarkable grandeur. To the north and west the view is bounded by the crest, saddles and knobs of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which appear to terminate within six miles of the town in the lofty and majestic Peaks of Otter. The western horizon is closed in by the bold spurs and broad valleys of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains, while to the south and east an undulating sweep of hill and dale seems to lose itself in the purple distance where it blends with the sky. As the eye wanders beyond the immediate surroundings, and rests upon a sketch of cultivated plantations, or rich meadow, or upon a rem- nant of primeval forest, or travelling upward lights upon the soft blue summits of the everlasting hills, which like stepping stones lead into the mysteries of space, there is nothing left for the poet painter's loftiest aspirations.
The roads radiating from Bedford City are intersected by cross roads in such a manner as to enable the pleasure seeker to take eight o1 ten different drives from ten to twenty miles in length, each one varying in scenery until the circle is complete by returning to the starting point. During these numerous drives over the improved thoroughfares that are being constantly worked by the convicts one can get fruit in season growing wild along the roadside in the fence corners and in shady spots, such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, dewberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples.
There are several large streams and many small ones near enough to Bedford City to enable a whole family to spend the day fishing or seining, and return to the city before night, a little tired out, but much improved in health, strength and vigor. After you have once tried this altitude you long to come back again, and again, until finally you become one of us, for with continued health there
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is contentment, which begets love and happiness under your own vine and fig tree. The scenery attracts the eye, the water and atmosphere invigorate the body and gives an appetite; food assimi- lated gives strength, and fresh, rosy cheeks bespeak health; a drive or walk develops and hardens the muscles. Such a combination means prolonged life.
HYGIENE
All of Piedmont Virginia (except in limited localities in and near certain water courses, where malarial diseases prevail to some extent) is an especially healthful region, perhaps as favorable to longevity as any part of America. To this statement may be added the singular and important fact that on no occasion have infectious or contagious diseases of any kind gained a foothold or assumed an epidemic form in Bedford City or its vicinity ; sporadic cases have, of course, appeared from time to time, but they have never been known to spread; indeed it would seem that the climate of this favored region is fatal to nothing save only disease and pestilence, while to all else its effects are eminently stimulating and wholesome.
A lady from Illinois with her satchel full of medicine and ex- plicit directions from her doctor how and when to take these drugs came to visit her daughter who had only been here for a year or more, and had reported to her home people the improved condition of her general health. The mother after a while bought property in town, though unable to walk as much as two squares at a time; in less than twelve months time she had ceased to use drugs of any kind, can now walk anywhere without fatigue, and says she hasn't a pain or an ache.
ELKS' NATIONAL HOME
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was first organized in the City of New York in the winter, 1867, with a membership of thirteen names. It now has about one thousand lodges and over two hundred thousand members. The principles of "charity, jus- tice, brotherly love, and fidelity," upon which it was based, have been firm foundation for a magnificent structure. The order is purely American ; every Elk must believe in God, and be an American citizen ; there is no preference of wealth, rank or distinction. The
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primary object of the order is to succor those in distress and to help the weak and unfortunate. Resolutions were adopted setting forth the desirability of establishing a National Home for the aged and moneyless members of the order at a meeting of the Grand Lodge in New Orleans, in 1898, and a committee appointed to con- sider its feasibility. At the annual session of the Grand Lodge held at St. Louis, in 1899, the committee was reappointed, being authorized to work in conjunction with other prominent members of the order and to negotiate for and secure a site suitable for a National Home. At Atlantic City, N. J., in 1900, they reported that they found it impossible in the short time to personally visit all of the numerous sites offered. A new special committee with Past Grand Exalted Ruler, Meade D. Detwiler, of Harrisburg, Pa., chairman, was appointed. His activity was marvelous, and it is to his indomitable perseverance and energy that the National Home owes its existence; numerous sites located at the most noted health resorts in different sections of the United States were visited and considered, but no selection was made at the Grand Lodge held at Milwaukee, in 1901. The committee with addition was continued. Shortly after the adjournment of the Grand Lodge the attention of the committee was called to the Hotel Bedford property in the town of Bedford City, Va. This offer was investigated, and appear- ing to possess all of the requirements, was finally purchased at a public sale June 16, 1902, which was reported to the Grand Lodge of Salt Lake City, in August of that year. This property was originally built at a cost of about $120,000, which included the fur niture and carpeting, but was bought by the committee at a ridi- culously low figure, $12,500, with all improvements, additions and refitting, which were made immediately after the purchase. The total cost to the order was less than $50,000, giving a commodious home of ample size, elegantly equipped throughout, which could not be duplicated for three times the amount expended. The Elks Na- tional Home was dedicated May 21st, 1903. Elks from all parts of the nation and their friends attended and over five thousand people were given a free dinner after the exercises were brought to a close. The home is situated in the western suburbs of the town of Bedford City, Va., in the center of a plat of eight acres with a wide sloping lawn in front, which extends to the N. & W. R. R., and a beautiful
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