History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I, Part 60

Author: Lyman, William Denison, 1852-1920
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: [Chicago] S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1134

USA > Washington > Benton County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 60
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 60
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 60

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

John B. Armstrong, formerly of Ellensburg, was the founder of the "Miner," which has continued to be the foremost journal of the coal center. The paper was first known as the "Roslyn Miner" and the first number ap- peared in 1896, September 14th.

With the first number of 1899 Amasa S. Randall became owner and man- ager of the "Miner." A few months later Mr. Randall admitted to partnership his brother, U. M. Randall. They established a printing firm known as the Cascade Printing and Publishing Company. At the same time they changed the name of the paper to "Cascade Miner." Subsequently Randall Brothers acquired the "Cle Elum Echo" and the "Ellensburg Localizer," blending those papers with the "Miner." In 1909 they disposed of the "Localizer" to the pub- lishers of the "Record Press," of which it became the weekly issue.

At present date the "Miner" is edited and managed by Harry B. Averill. It is published by the Miner-Echo Publishing Company.

It is but a short step from Roslyn to its nearest of kin, Cle Elum. They are partners in the fundamental business on which each depends, that is the coal business. But though so near and so intimately related they are very different in appearance.

The appearance of Cle Elum, indeed, has not been determined since the

517

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

destructive fire of July, 1918. But the known energy of the people is an assur- ance that the town will rise from her ashes to a larger life.

The paper at this city is the "Cle Elum Echo." The "Echo" is a most creditable weekly paper. It was founded in 1902 by A. A. Batterson, founder of the "Register" and "Sentinel" at Ellensburg. At present date the "Echo" is under the same ownership and management as the "Miner" of Roslyn. Harry B. Averill is editor and manager, and the Miner-Echo Publishing Company is the Publisher. A great deal of credit is due the manager and publishers for the large service which they render the community in the maintenance of these representative publications. They have done much to make known to the coun- try the resources and conditions of the important portion of Kittitas County where they are located. In politics they are republican.

It does not appear that there have been any papers published outside of those named above, in Kittitas County, with the exception of the "Kittitas Spokesman." This was established at Kittitas in 1912 by George B. Cleland. It was independent in politics. Its publication has not been maintained.

THE PRESS IN THE SMALLER TOWNS OF YAKIMA COUNTY

Passing again through the long and tortuous Yakima canyon we emerge into the Selah country, filled with all the evidences of prosperity. Here, though the population is but small, we find a weekly paper. It is the "Yakima Valley Optimist." We protest that the publisher has taken something too easy. Why did he not take something that would require an effort? Anybody could be an optimist in Selah. The paper was first known as the "Selah Optimist." Then through living in that jewel of a place its optimism became so far-reaching as to include the whole valley. The paper was founded in 1912 by Charles E. Kingston. In politics the "Optimist" follows the doctrines of the G. O. P.

Passing from Selah, at the vestibule of the middle Valley, to the numerous towns of the great country below Union Gap, we find a generous supply of well edited and well managed weekly papers. The oldest of these is the "Sun- nyside Sun." This prominent paper of the largest town on the north side of the river was founded by Yancy Freeman in 1901. At present date A. S. Hill- yer is editor and manager. The character of the country around Sunnyside and the habits of thought and taste of the people in both city and town are such as to call for high-grade local papers. The "Sun," with its suggestive name, well portrayed by its heading with Old Sol beaming joyfully across an irrigated field, seems to measure up to the call. There has been one other weekly paper at Sunnyside, the "Observer" founded in 1906 by Hal S. Smith. It has not been continued to the present.

The "Sunnyside Times," of which A. M. Murfin is editor, was founded by L. W. Miller and George W. Hopp, now of the "Camas Post."

There are two first-class papers at Toppenish, the largest town in the county next to the metropolis. The older of these is the "Toppenish Review," founded by G. A. McArthur, now of the "Zillah Free Press." Both the "Review" and the "Tribune" are owned by F. A. Williams, and conducted by George M. Allen, who came in 1912. We find several recent editorials in the "Review"

518

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

putting certain things so pointedly and fittingly that we are inserting them here. Two of these, it will be noted, deal with local matters, while the others per- tain to the world affairs which are now absorbing all men's attention every- where. From the issue of November 15, 1918, we quote:

FUTURE IS BRIGHT

"Agricultural communities such as our own, were the last to benefit from war prosperity and they should be the last to suffer from its disappearance. We were not helped by artificially created industries and we will not be injured by the shutting down of factories and the discharge of large numbers of wage earners. No enterprise in this whole valley can properly be described as a war industry. Our products are needed in peace just as they were needed in war, and the food conditions prevailing throughout the world, indicate beyond ques- tion that the demand for years to come will exceed the supply. Powder and shot and shell have been dethroned with the Kaiser, but wheat and potatoes and sugar and all other food products emerge from the war with added millions of willing subjects ready and anxious to give them allegiance.

"There should be no fear of the future for the Yakima Valley. Prices doubtless will be modified with the passing of time and the return of normal conditions. But there should be steady and satisfactory profits from every phase of agricultural industry for an indefinite number of years to come.

"Generally speaking, business in the valley was never better. Conditions growing out of the early boom times have been liquidated and the valley is in a firm financial condition. Nearly everyone has money invested in government securities, and the future, in every respect, is bright with promise.

"This part of the country has carried its full share of the war burden and has given generously of its men and of its money. It has performed its duty to the country and by humanity and has every right and reason to look forward to a splendid era of happiness and prosperity."

NEW DEVELOPMENT

"Interest in the war has served to turn attention from the importance of the development work now in progress on the reservation. A large era of new land, probably not less than 20,000 acres, is now being brought under ditch, and most of it will be ready for crops next spring. The funds for this work were appropriated by the Government as a direct result of the effort made by the commercial organizations and citizens of the reservation. No other project in the country has received like recognition by the Government during the war period, a fact which speaks in no uncertain way of the high regard in which this district is held at Washington. The new land is coming under ditch pri- marily as a war measure, for the purpose of increasing the national food sup- ply. It will be needed, however, in peace equally as in war."

RUNNING TRUE TO FORM

"Germany runs true to form even in the midst of adversity. The ink scarcely was dry on the armistice papers when a plea for food was addressed

HIGH SCHOOL, TOPPENISH

CENTRAL BANK, TOPPENISII

519

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

to the United States by the Germany secretary of state. There was nothing in the plea in belialf of Turkey, Bulgaria or Austria-Hungary, all of them dupes and victims of German perfidy. Germany has no further need or use for her former tools. The war is over and they all are hungry. But Germany would eat at the first table and allow her companions in crime and misery to shift for themselves. The allies will doubtless see to it that the Germans do not starve, but it must be remembered that all of Europe and much of Asia, are just as hungry as Germany and Germany is primarily responsible for that condition.

"When the needs of England, France, Belgium, Italy, Serbia, Roumania, Russia and all the rest of the world that is in want are fully met, let Germany have any surplus that may be left. If there is not food enough in the world to supply everyone, let those who created the starvation conditions take the con- sequences of their own crimes. Generosity should not come ahead of justice."

The other paper at Toppenish is the "Toppenish Tribune." This paper was established in 1910, by T. J. Marony and Mrs. W. G. Fulton. At the pres- ent time Clara L. Hutchinson is business manager. We find in the "Tribune" of November 12, 1918, so readable a report of the event celebrated all over America and a large part of the world, the Victory Celebration, that we are incorporating it here as a sample of its numberless counterparts throughout the land :

"Toppenish gave full vent to a long repressed desire to stand up and yell on Monday morning, when the news flashed over the wire than the Germans had surrendered and the war had come to an end. Previous peace reports, which set other communities by the ears were discounted locally. The fake report sent out by the United Press was received in full by the "Tribune" last Friday, but a careful analysis of the text indicated its fishy character and no attention was paid to it.

"Monday morning's news, however, was of a sufficient character. The first bulletins were given full credit and when the confirmation came officially the town turned loose, and from 4 A. M. throughout the day the celebration of the downfall of the Kaiser and the return of peace continued.

"By 5 o'clock in the morning the streets were filled with an enthusiastic crowd brought to the center of the city by the ringing of bells and the sounding of the fire siren. An impromptu parade was formed, and autos with horns blowing and every possible noise making apparatus in operation, drove up and down the principal streets.

"The 'Tribune' appeared on the streets with an extra at 9 o'clock and the hundreds of copies printed were eagerly snatched up and there was much dis- appointment when the edition had been exhausted.

PEACE CELEBRATION

"Citizens got together early in the morning and arranged for an impromptu peace celebration at the depot park to take place at noon. An auto parade pre- ceded the program of singing and speaking which brought out almost the en- tire population.

"The address of the day on 'Peace and Its Meaning,' was delivered by

520

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

Rev. C. E. Miller, pastor of the Methodist Church. Mr. Miller spoke eloquently of the deep significance of the gathering, which he pictured as typifying an out- burst of joy world-wide in its scope. He gave due praise to the men who had carried the war to a successful conclusion, and reminded his hearers that the end of the war brings great and added responsibilities which must be faced by every citizen.

"In concluding his address the minister called the roll of the four Toppen- ish boys who have answered the last call in the performance of their duty, the list including Malcolm Crabtree, Walter Wade, John Tomlinson and Frank Boyle. The audience uncovered and stood with bowed heads as the names were called.

MUSICAL PROGRAM

"A musical program, hastily arranged but of unusual excellence, was a feature of the occasion. Mrs. Wright sang the 'Star Spangled Banner' most effectively, and Mrs. Woodard, musical instructor in the public schools, ren- dered a patriotic number, 'Emblem of Liberty,' in a manner that made an in- stant appeal. Mrs. Woodard also sang 'Keep the Home Fires Burning,' with the audience joining enthusiastically in the chorus. Mr. Anderson sang a pa- triotic number in his usual splendid voice.

"Rev. Curtis gave the invocation at the opening of the exercises, which con- cluded with the benediction pronounced by Father Fisser.

BONFIRE AT NIGHT

"Mayor Ruffner issued a proclamation during the morning calling on the people to observe the day as a holiday, and thereafter the stores and other busi- ness places were closed. In the evening a big crowd assembled at the open square opposite the Hotel Washington and enjoyed a big victory bonfire ar- ranged by Sam Kiefer with a committee of assistants. The crowd lingered about the streets until a late hour, apparently reluctant to see the day that had witnessed the windup of the war come to an end."

Turning from Toppenish to its next sister on the east we find a paper at Mabton which has reached the age of fourteen. This is the "Mabton Chronicle," also republican in politics. This excellent weekly was the off- spring of Bernard C. Pacius in 1904. At the present time W. F. Fowler is editor.

As an example of what is taking place all over country, we are preserving a record from the "Chronicle" of November 8, 1918, of the Mabton boys in the service of their country and the part of the town in war work contributions.

ONLY $1,500 FOR SOLDIER MORALE

THAT IS ALL MABTON IS ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WAR WORKERS IN THIS DRIVE

"The drive for financing the United War Work Campaign will begin next Monday. Charles D. Donnelly is manager of the local work and Mrs. Nathan Sohn will have charge of the part the women will take in the drive. A meet-

521

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

ing was held Thursday to complete arrangements and organize teams for soliciting.

"Mabton's alloted share is $1,500, and it is planned to raise that amount or more the first day. The purpose of the campaign is to raise the sum of $170,500,000 for the combined use of the American Library Association, the Jewish Welfare Board of the United States Army and Navy, the National Catholic War Council, the Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army, the War Camp Community Service, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Young Women's Christian Association.

"Now that the war is apparently nearly over, the necessity for the activities of these various organizations has increased. It is thought that it will take two years before the vast armies are demobilized, and during that time the boys will need more than ever the ministrations of these patriotic societies.

"The people have been investing their dollars in bonds that bear a small rate of interest. Now they are asked to give a few dollars without the expec- tation of momentary gain, but which will bear a big return in good accomp- lished. Nothing is too good for our boys. Give the glad hand to the solicitors and show them that we can give as well as invest."

MORE STARS FOR MABTON'S FLAG

"The list of soldiers from Mabton has grown to 102 names, as the re- sponse to the call for additions and corrections was prompt. It is desired that the names be only of boys whose home is in Mabton, who enlisted from Mab- ton, or whose parents reside in Mabton. A soldier in Camp Lewis sent the editor several names, some of which, however, could not be used as they did not come in any of the above classes. If you can correct or add to the present list, please do so.

John Scott

William Cash

Robert Browning

Robert Scott

Carl Herold

J. Harvey Green

Lester Kauffman

Rollie Berry WV. L. Gray

Raymond Serles

Earl Dwinnell

Earl McGinnis

Henry Piendl

Edward Bartlett

Edwin P. Snyder

Bruce Beckett

Edward Sellers

Herman K. Flower

Cecil Winnie

Harry Wells

Camillus F. Flower

Clayton Winnie

Wesley Clark

Gordan Meldrum

Harry Smyth

Austin Warner

Claude Brallier

Harry Kimble

Arthur Perusse

Virgil Wommack

Gerald Hall A. J. Bush

Albert Perusse

Verne Cooke

Edward B. Brewer

Eric Lundy Edward Denend

Bert V. Hagle

James Cleman

Ralph Thomas

Colin A. Fowler

Walter Berg Oscar Halverson

Lestock Des Brisay Earl Finley Hobson Finley

George W. Fowler

Joe St. Hillaire Clifford W. Allen

Stanley Ross

William B. Fowler James G. Fowler Earl Young

Adam Livingston

Ward Burfield

Gerold Manning

Albert Roy Hagle

522

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

Arthur Dustin Willis Nelson

Melvin Langdale

Ervin N. Erickson

George Des Brisay

C. H. Bunch

Rufus Des Brisay

Dale C. Smith

Ona Zyph H. W. Hare Hugh Grey Ona Smith

D. M. Buffington

Earl Bradford

Raymond Kays

Ralph Orlando

Howard Crow

Robert Doane

Charles F. Story

Harry Hedemark

Albert Doane

Clyde Rogers

Elza R. Dunnington

Wheeler Pratt

Frank Davis

Clarence Tweetin

Ivan Pratt

Elmer Davis

Marvin Tweetin

Oscar Barron

Alger Dilley

Ernest Wright

William Barron

Earl Bradford

Victor D. Wright

Henry Barron

Allison C. Presson

Roy Allison

Ted Sparks

John Zyph Harold Aiken

Clinton Winnie

Paul Otey

Roy M. Wandling

Floyd Leach."

OVER THE TOP THE FIRST DAY.

RED CROSS NOTES

"Twenty convalescent robes have been sent to the Mabton Red Cross to be finished by November 15th. The work rooms in the city hall are open daily, where the ladies, properly masked, are endeavoring to complete the quota in the given time.

"The Yakima Red Cross has received an allotment of 1,600 pajama suits to be made from a pattern cut by the surgeon general, for relief of the American wounded soldiers at home and abroad. The Mabton chapter will aid in filling this order."

"Mabton has sad hearts and gold stars for its service flag. Virgil Wom- mack, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. Wommack and a grandson of C. Muller, Sr., has been reported killed in action. He was a mere boy when he enlisted early in the war. Ray Kays, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kays, died suddenly of pneumonia last week in a training camp. Henry Barron has made the supreme sacrifice, and fears are entertained that Henry Piendl has been killed or is seriously wounded. More will be printed of these boys later."

The next sister of Toppenish is Wapato toward the north. Here we find the "Wapato Independent," founded in 1906 by William Verran. In 1909 William Verran became editor, and is acting as manager at the present date. The "Inde- pendent" is republican in its political proclivities. It is worthy of special com- mendation for its ambition and energy in publishing matter descriptive of the section in which it is located. The "Development Number," of December 15, 1911, is worthy of a metropolitan journal. We have made much use of this number in our chapter on the Reservation. As giving a view of the aims and the spirit of the publication we are incorporating here the editorial announce- ment of the special number.

523

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

OUR SPECIAL

"This issue of the 'Wapato Independent' is one intended to exploit Wapato and the Reservation. We have been to much time and expense to make the issue one that will be of value to all seeking information pertaining to this lo- cality, and have been successful in obtaining all matter printed from an absolutely authentic source. In this respect we are under deep obligation to S. A. M. Young, Indian agent at Fort Simcoe, J. W. Martin, resident engineer of the Indian Bureau, Alex E. McCredy, O. S. Gossard, C. W. Higgins, and the many others who have contributed to make the issue of December 15th what we be- lieve to be one of the best exploitation numbers ever issued in the Yakima Valley.

"To these gentlemen for their many courtesies we are thankful.

"It was made possible through them to give our readers information per- taining to the reservation and its industries practically impossible to secure from any other source. We trust our readers will appreciate this fact as well as us, for it is seldom that so much valuable information is contained beneath one cover and which can be referred to at any time in the future.

"The issuing of this special number of the 'Independent' has not been under- taken as a money-making proposition. It has cost all and possibly more than can possibly be received to get the paper out, but we believe this immense area of irrigable land embraced in the Yakima Indian Reservation well worth exploit- ing at whatever cost. To undertake such an edition in a town the size of Wapato required some courage, but the local merchants, always loyal, have come forward generously in support of the exploitation number and it will be seen that nearly all of the advertising matter is confined to the town from which the paper issues. For this spirit we are also indebted.

"We wish to urge upon our readers the many good points in this issue. The authentic information it contains may be just what your friends in other states would wish to read. If you do not care to forward the regular copy of the paper you receive to your friends, come to the office and purchase as many as you like. We will have a liberal supply, but it is wise to come early as the demand will be great. Remember that from no other source would you be able to secure as much information pertaining to the reservation and the authenticity of such information can not be question.

"Again thanking those who have assisted us in making this edition all that we aimed to have it, we hope that all our readers will appreciate our efforts."

From the towns on the Reservation we retrace our steps and cross to the north side of the Yakima River. Here we find three more towns in addition to the metropolis, Sunnyside-each the location of a newspaper, Zillah, Granger and Grandview.

The representative of the press at the first-named is the "Zillah Free Press." This was founded in 1910 by A. S. Hillyer, now editor of the "Sunny- side Sun." The "Free Press is republican in politics. G. A. McArthur be- came editor and proprietor in April, 1918.

At Granger we find another typical weekly, the "Granger Enterprise." George P. Eaton was the founder of this newspaper and the year of its birth

524

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

was 1912. It has been active in promoting the interests of the splendid region of its location. The "Enterprise" is an independent in politics.

Passing by Sunnyside, the journals of which we have already noted, and reaching that most attractive little city of Grandview, we find a bright, active. well-conducted weekly paper, the "Grandview Herald." This exponent of the public life of its section came upon the stage of action in 1909, C. D. Foster being owner and manager. Mr. Foster still retains the ownership, while the publisher is Fred R. Hawn. The "Herald" belongs to the independent in politics. As preserving an interesting glimpse at local conditions and spirit, which can hardly fail to be of interest to future readers, we are including here a few extracts from the pages of the "Herald" of September 6, 1918:

PLANS COMPLETE FOR REGISTERING

ASSISTANTS AND PLACES OF REGISTRATION NAMED BY REGISTRAR HOWELL

"Following are the registrars appointed by Chief Registrar T. W. Howell for his district, which comprises 12 precincts, together with the place of regis- tration :

Alfalfa-A. J. Harris, Alfalfa schoolhouse. Glade-E. L. Mace, Mace schoolhouse. Wheatland-W. H. Masty, Smith schoolhouse. Byron-E. E. McMillan, McMillan store. Mabton Rural-C. B. Cox, Mabton high school. Mabton-J. W. Crow, City Hall. Wendell Phillips-H. E. Hager, Wendell Phillips schoolhouse. Belma-N. J. Miller, Belma schoolhouse. Wanita-J. H. Fry, Wanita schoolhouse. South Grandview-Farwell Morris, Euclid school- house. Grandview-Emery Morse, D. O. Robertson's office. North Grand- view-R. R. Wardall, A. E. Lowe's residence. Thursday, September 12, from 7 a .m. to 9 p. m., is the day. Register."

PATRIOTS WILL REGISTER. OTHERS MUST

LIVELY DEBATE DEVELOPS AT BUSINESS MEN'S MEETING

"There were things doing at the meeting of the Business Men's Association Tuesday evening at the Central Hotel.

"The largest crowd the members had seen in months sat down to the table and took an active part in the discussion which began with the matter of pro- viding a sprinkling wagon for the town and ended two hours later with a few brief remarks from newcomers to the community and a motion to adjourn.

"It was explained by Frank Ames, local manager for the Standard Oil Company, that his company had a number of tank wagons, replaced by auto- mobile equipment which could be purchased reasonably and equipped without mnich expense. It was voted to refer action on the matter to the town council.

"Messrs. Parchen and Morris reported that they had brought the matter of the enlargement and betterment of the road east from the Murray corner to the Grandview pumping plant lands to the attention of the county commis- sioners, who made no promises for immediate action. The consensus of opinion was to the effect that if this road could be improved the matter of keeping in touch with this district would take care of itself.

525

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

"E. J. Haasze reported that an average of ten campers every day had made use of the public camping ground and also submitted a proposition, which was unanimously carried, to have photographs made of the camp grounds for dis- tribution, through the kindness of A. F. Wehe, state executive committeeman of the Yellowstone Trail, and Samuel Hill, president of the Evergreen Highway Association, to all parts of the country. The register placed on the camp grounds by Mr. Haasze showed names ranging from West Salem, Ohio, to Spanaway Lake, near Tacoma, Washington.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I, Part 60

Author: Lyman, William Denison, 1852-1920 Publication date: 1919 Publisher: [Chicago] S.J. Clarke Number of Pages: 1134

Author: Lyman, William Denison, 1852-1920
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: [Chicago] S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1134