USA > Washington > Benton County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 77
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 77
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 77
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Dark, frowning sentinels ye stand, Thro' all the good God's changing years
Unchanged : To ye I lift my hand, And turn my eyes with reverent tears As turns a weary child to rest, Blameless, upon its mother's breast.
The President then introduced R. M. Canaday, who informed the audience he had something particular for them to hear. After arousing considerable interest by his remarks he proposed three cheers for that immortal Declara- tion of Independence. They were given with a will.
Song by the choir, "Marching Through Georgia."
The President then announced the judges on cake and bouquet. On the cake Messrs. Chadd, Wynegar and Elliott were appointed. On the bouquet : J. N. Naylor, J. J. Suver and W. H. Peterson. After announcing these com- mittees Mr. Peter announced to the audience the tables were at their disposal, and later in the day he would announce further exercises from the stand.
The committee awarded the prize for the most tastefully arranged bouquet to Miss M. Roland.
A rush was made to secure seats at the tables, and there not being room enough for all many adjourned to the shade of some tree, and there spread a bounteous collation. At the invitation of J. D. Damman, the editor of the "Standard" dined. It is perhaps needless to say he partook of all the goodies spread out under the sylvan shades by the deft hand of the estimable wife of the aforesaid gent. Excusing ourselves as quickly as possible after dinner, we proceeded in the discharge of duty. We visited, in company with the balance of the committee, numerous little parties. We tasted of all their goodies and cakes, and have not as yet made up our minds as to who had the best. Really all were so good that the committee found it impossible to decide. Some fair hand had covered a small grindstone with nice frosting. It looked very tempt- ing and nice, and we were invited to sample it. We would have been nicely sold had we not a moment before observed that the President of the Day had vainly endeavored to cut a slice from the aforesaid "cake."
Shortly after dinner the crowd was again called to order by the President, who informed them that foot and horse races, advertised for the occasion, would take place on the track, about a mile north of town, and that but a short time would elapse before they would take place.
Two-thirds of those present started for the track. Arriving there, the first race announced was the fat man's race. For this race two entries were made, the distance run being fifty yards. Jacob Becker was the winner over his contestant, L. C. Wynegar.
The second race was a foot race, free for all, 100 yards. In this race there were ten contestants, as follows: H. S. Anderson, G. C. Charlton, J. M.
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Gilmour, M. Willard, R. Billups, J. Grow, B. Coleman, G. W. Elliott, Alva Yokum, and Jacob Becker. The last named gent won the race. Time, 13 sec- onds, and over a bad track. Anderson came in second, and Charlton third.
The third was a horse race, which was announced by Mr. Elliott as a quarter mile race, free for all, for a $20 purse, $5 entrance. Billy Mills entered his yellow mare "Fanny," Barnesy More entered his bay horse "Barney Hagan," and the McEwens and Anderson entered the bay stallion, "Phil Sheridan." The latter was the favorite, and easily won the race by a half-dozen lengths.
This was the last race of note. Bandry and Dix, however, afterwards got up a slow race between two mules in which both were winners. This race created some amusement. After this a majority of the people returned to town, while a few went home.
The day's festivities were closed by a grand ball in the evening at Elliott's Hall. The music for the occasion was furnished by Barnett's string band, and there was a supper at the Valley Hotel. Both were exceptionally good. Dancing was kept up till a late hour the next morning.
To sum up: The Fourth of July, 1883, will long be remembered by those participating as one of the most pleasant events which has happened in our beautiful valley.
*
We may also interrupt the course of our narrative at some length just here to present some correspondence for the "Standard" from Swauk and other places in the vicinity. Such pictures, right off the film, so to speak, con- vey, in the author's judgment, more vivid impressions of the real spirit of the time than more formal and dignified history which has to be warmed over to make it palatable.
PICNIC TO SWAUK AND VICINITY
Ed. Standard-Thinking a few notes of a picnic excursion of a party of Ellensburghers, who left here on the morning of July 3d, would be of interest to your readers, I herewith transmit the following: Aurora had scarcely opened the portals of the morning ere we had started upon our intended picnic to the sylvan shades of Swauk. Our happy, joyous party consisted of the following persons : Miss L. Leaming, Miss C. Maxey, Miss S. Maxey, Miss Annie Sallad, Messrs. J. McCloud, G. Hoge, M. Maxey, C. Maxey and J. J. McGrath. The gents of the party had generously procured a four-horse team, two saddle horses and all the luxuries of the market. Merrily we traveled onward, fanned by the gentle zephyrs of morning until we reached Dry Creek, where a bounteous midday repast seemed to reanimate us with an elasticity of spirit unknown to the weary habitat of the city. Again we journey toward the everlasting hills that seem like silent sentinels in the dim distance, pass through Swauk's environed hills, and reach about twilight the clear meandering Teanaway, with its picturesque scenery that amply repays the visit of the tourist. Here we pitch camp and after a pleasant evening spent in song, jest and merriment we enjoyed the sweet embrace of Morpheus in the realms of dreamland. After an early breakfast we journey back to Swauk, and here, by the way, noticed hundreds of acres of good rich, tillable soil that will in the near future be dotted with bright and happy homes. Continuing our journey in the bracing mountain air we soon
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find ourselves once more in the romantic vale of Swauk, encircles by auriferous hills, whose hidden wealth may yet build the fairest city of our Territory in the fertile vale of Kittitas. Proceeding up Swauk Valley, enjoying the beauties of nature and the wild and picturesque scenery that surrounded us on every hand, ere the sun had set in the west, we pitched camp in a beautiful retreat near by the golden sands of Swauk-a fit abode for the gods. Here we spent three bright, sunny days in prospecting, berrying, and visits to the various mining camps. We had here the pleasure of an exhibit of gold nuggets from Mr. Woolery of $145 taken from a piece of ground 12 feet long and 8 feet wide. We also visited the mining claim of Messrs. Pike and Black and found those gentlemen working with a will evidently assured that success would crown their efforts. We also had the gratification of a visit to the famous Homestake quartz ledge, controlled and owned by Mr. Quitsch and company. We found Mr. Livingstone and Mr. Toy in charge of the quartz mill, were received very courteously by these genial, whole-souled gentlemen and were shown everything pertaining to the modus operandi of crushing and extracting the precious metal. With that courtesy characteristic of the true gentleman Mr. Livingstone kindly conducted us to the principal ledge of the company, located on a mountain at an elevation of 3,200 feet above sea level. After a pleasant jaunt over a good wagon road we finally reached this elevated ledge and were amply rewarded by the prospect that greeted our vision. Before us in plain sight lay any amount of gold- bearing quartz that only awaits capital and labor, to enrich and develop all the various avenues of trade. After obtaining specimens we wend our way down the mountain side to the quartz mill where we partook of a splendid supper kindly tendered by Mr. Livingstone, and here, Mr. Editor, we feel that we would be ingrates indeed if we did not return many thanks to Mr. Livingstone for his kind and generous friendship. Once more the shades of night overtake us, the usual camp fire pleasantries are enjoyed, and at early dawn preparations are made to return to home and duty. After a long and pleasant drive with nothing to mar the pleasure of the occasion we arrive in Ellensburgh, proceed to the photographers and have one dozen grouped photos taken just as we were. Thus ended one of the most pleasant picnics that it has been my privilege to par- ticipate in, and no doubt we shall all treasure up in the tablet of memory recollections of the pleasant hours spent together on this occasion.
ONE OF THE BOYS.
LETTER FROM SWAUK
Eds. Standard-Dear Sir: Enclosed please find amount of six months' subscription to your interesting little paper which you will forward to me here by mail until further notice. And although I do not wish to be styled your regular correspondent, will be happy to give you any little news which may be floating around this sadly neglected mining camp, and bring before your readers the name of Swauk once more, in whose unexplored banks is precious metal to amply reward the hardy prospector. Among the tried veterans I will mention Mr. Black, who is running a bed rock drain prior to opening up his diggings. In the last two weeks he has run 60 feet of drain 6 feet deep and 6 feet wide, and walled up on both sides, and two and a half feet in bed rock. Mr. Pike had to quit ground sluicing, as the water has given out on Baker Creek, where he
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takes the supply. Mr. Boxall is running a drain race to tap his diggings, where he expects to get some good sized nuggets. Mr. Woolery is running his main tunnel back to strike the channel. The work has been rather slow, as the cement is down to the bed rock. He is cutting down about three feet of bed rock and expects to be in the channel shortly. Mr. Ramos is running a tunnel above Baker Creek, on the east side of the Swauk. He is now in thirty feet and finds the bed rock pitching into the hill. He seems confident of finding a channel where none was supposed to exist.
There are two companies of Chinamen working on the creek with fair results. Messrs. Elliott and Devore, below the mouth of Deer Creek, are driving away at their sluices and will be ready for washing shortly. We had a pleasant visit from a party of picnickers, whose names I do not remember, who visited Mr. Woolery's tunnel and were somewhat surprised at the modus operandi of getting at the nuggets, which Mr. Woolery kindly showed them. The party enjoyed themselves on the hills in pursuit of the most luscious of all fruit, the strawberry, and went away no doubt pleased with their trip. Supervisor Allen, of the Swauk district, passed through here last week, on the rampage for men to work on the road, which sadly needs repair. Mr. Whitman, an old Comstock miner, with McCormick's express, passed through here today for Peshastin, in- tending to take charge of the Lockwood-Johnson mine. Should this gentleman take the reins of government at this mine, people will see better results from the Peshastin mines than ever before known. The gentleman is certainly quali- fied in every particular to make the mine a success, which is all that is necessary.
Mr. Wentz took his family down to the valley today, and will leave them down there for a while, his wife not being in the best of health. He will return in a day or two and will then strike out prospecting. Mr. and Mrs. Shroud came up here yesterday on a little pleasure trip and went down this morning. Jansen's pack train passed through for Peshastin this morning, loaded with supplies for the mines. And now, as I have unloaded myself of all that Swauk will at present permit, I remain, Respectfully,
PROSPECTOR.
From the "Standard" of December 8th, we extract a description of the Ellensburgh of that date which contains much valuable matter.
ELLENSBURGH
"Standard," December 8, 1883 .- We are not ashamed of the following statement concerning our town, valley and surroundings, sent by Postmaster Reed to Charles S. Fee, assistant superintendent of traffic, Northern Pacific Railroad, in response to a circular from that gentleman asking for the same:
"First, Ellensburgh is located about one mile north of the Yakima River. Second, population 450, an increase in two years of 400. Third, water-power abundant by using water of the Yakima. Fourth, has two hotels, capacity 150: one National bank, capital $50,000; two public halls, also an Odd Fellows and Ancient Order United Workmen combined, and a Masonic hall, four general merchandise stores, carrying $50,000 in stocks; six retail stores and sundry minor establishments, shops, etc .; two newspapers, two livery stables
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and a fine two-story public school building erected entirely by private subscrip- tions. Fifth, in immediate vicinity are five grist mills of ten to twenty barrel capacity and excellent equipment. Also three sawmills, capacity eight to twenty thousand feet per day. Sixth, in adjacent mountains $75,000 in placer and $100,000 in quartz gold has been taken out by primitive process and during the past season an extensive field bearing copper ore (black oxide) assaying from 50 to 80 per cent. copper and carrying $15 to $1,000 in silver per ton has been discovered. In the same vicinity large bodies of magnetic iron ore of high grade have long been known to exist and in the last six weeks a belt of bituminous coal (pronounced the best yet discovered in Washington Terri- tory) lying in veins of five to eight feet has been discovered adjoining the copper and iron fields and immediately upon the line of the proposed Cascade division of your road. Seventh, Ellensburgh is located in the center of Kittitas Valley and is the county seat of Kittitas County, recently established by legis- lative action. The valley proper, comprises twenty by thirty miles of well watered, highly productive agricultural prairie lands; to the east and south are almost boundless bunchgrass grazing lands, and upon the north and west are half open, half timbered lands extending back into the Cascade Mountain range. Eighth, productions are grain, hay and vegetables of all kinds, crops never fail and will compare favorably in quality and amount, to the acre, with those of any other section in the Northwest (or anywhere else), large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are also grown. Ninth, our shipments are live-stock to the amount of $500,000 per annum, driven chiefly over the Sno- qualmie Pass wagon road to Puget Sound markets ; and wood hauled 150 miles by wagon and shipped to Portland, Oregon. Tenth, in game we have deer, bear, grouse, prairie and sage chickens, ducks, and geese ; while in fish, every stream carries in season fine salmon and speckled trout. Eleventh, our neigh- boring towns are Yakima City, 50 miles, stage fare $5: Ainsworth, 125 miles, stage fare, $15; The Dalles, Oregon, 150 miles, fare $15-daily stages; and Seattle, Washington Territory, 125 miles. To reach the latter the Snoqualmie Pass wagon road is being constructed upon which mail service has been ordered and by which the stage fare will be $12."
The foregoing statement is one every person at all acquainted with our section can heartily endorse and will certainly prove to the world at large that Kittitas County comes into existence with a queenly natural dowry.
In this connection also we shall find much interest in a list of "first things in Ellensburgh," prepared by Mr. Gerrit d'Ablaing.
FIRST IN THE CITY OF ELLENSBURGH, KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
1868 The first settler that took up a claim where Ellensburgh now stands was a man by the name of William Wilson, known as "Bud" Wilson. He started the first log cabin.
1869 Wilson sold out to A. Jack Splawn and he finished the Wilson log 1870 cabin and started a trading post in 1870 and called it the "Robber's Roost."
1871 Splawn sold out to John A. Shoudy and he built another story to the log cabin and carried more merchandise in it; most of the merchandise at that time was brought in on pack horses; a man by the name of
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Cooper hauled the first load of merchandise from The Dalles, Oregon, by wagon.
1872 John A. Shoudy built the first frame store in Ellensburgh.
1875 John A. Shoudy and his wife Ellen, platted the first 80 acres of land called "The Original Town of Ellensburgh." The town was named after Mrs. Shoudy.
The first Postmaster was John A. Shoudy in 1882.
Ellensburgh became the County seat of Kittitas County November 24, 1883.
The Northern Pacific Railroad was finished to Ellensburgh in 1886.
The first City Election was held February 26, 1886.
The first City Councilmen were elected February 26, 1886. They were Fred-
erick Leonhard, Mathias Becker, Thomas Johnson, George Elliott, and F. S. Schnebley.
The first Mayor was Austin Mires, February 26, 1886.
The first City Officials were all appointed on February 26, 1886.
The first City Clerk was Samuel L. Blumauer.
The first City Treasurer was Henry Rehmke.
The first City Assessor and Surveyor was John R. Wallace.
The first City Street Commissioner was L. Pool.
The first City Marshal was Moses Boleman.
The first Hotel was "Shazer House," owned by George Shazer.
The first Livery Stable was owned by E. N. Lyen & Sons.
The first Blacksmith shop was owned by Jacob Becker Sr.
The first Drug store was owned by A. Lawrence.
The first Newspaper, called "Wau-Wau," was by Bell & Bryant.
The first Candy store was owned by Bell & Bryant.
The first Barber shop was owned by George Elliott.
The first Millinery store was owned by Mrs. Schnebly (A. M.)
The first Harness shop was owned by Church & McCloud.
The first Bank was owned by A. W. Engle, cashier.
The first Fruit store was owned by L. Herman.
The first Lumber yard was owned by F. Leonhard.
The first Planing mill was owned by Pressey & Sprague.
The first Restaurant was owned by W. B. Price.
The first Saloon was owned by J. W. Jewett.
The first Billiard table was owned by Humboldt Packwood.
The first Church was the Presbyterian church.
The first Minister of Presbyterian church was Rev. J. R. Thompson.
The first Physician was Doc. M. V. Amen.
The first Creamery plant was owned by Jas. Gass.
The first Lodging house was owned by Crout.
The first Law office was owned by S. C. Davidson.
The first Carpenter shop was owned by Dillon.
The first Building contractor was Martin Sautter.
The first Real Estate office & Insurance, F. Leonhard.
The first Music teacher was Mrs. Van Dussen.
The first Painter and paper hanger was Wm. Beans.
1
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
The first Automobile built here by Leveridge.
The first Brick layers were Hegel & Son. The first Bookstore was owned by Harry Arment.
The first Schoolhouse was The Ellensburgh Academy. The first Notion store and second hand store, owned by E. A. Willis. The first Auctioneer was Wolff.
The first Tin shop was owned by W. B. Starr.
The first Shoe store was owned by John R. Wallace.
The first Bakery was owned by Rehmke Bros. The first Jewelers were Rehmke Bros.
The first Cigar store and factory was owned by Frank Nagler.
The first Furniture store was owned by Thos. Howe.
The first Hardware and implement store was owned by Frank Williams. The first Shoemaker was Elliott.
The first Music store was owned by W. A. Privett. The first Photographer was Frisbee.
The first Sewing machine agent was H. C. Ackley.
The first Telegraph operator was A. C. Parks.
The first N. P. train dispatcher was N. V. Stevens.
The first Express agent was A. M. Hall.
The first Men's tailor shop was owned by John Geiger.
The first Dressmaker was Miss Ada Jude.
The first Dentist was Doctor Cutting.
The first School principal was J. S. Bingham.
The first Gun and locksmith was Andrew Stevenson.
The first Undertaker was W. L. Webb.
The first Brewery (Ellensburgh Brewery) was owned by Becker & Shang.
The first Dance hall was Elliott's Hall.
The first Dancing Club (Friday Night Club), I. N. Power, pres. ; H. Thielson, treas. ; G. d'Ablaing, sec. The first Court room was at Elliott's Hall.
The first Brick building was the Geddis building.
The first Steam laundry was owned by S. S. Rhinehard.
The first Foundry was owned by John Cornthwaite.
The first Abstractor was Judge James G. Boyle.
The first Hothouse was owned by Joseph Clymer.
The first Plumber was Edw. C. Ferguson.
The first Soda works owned by Freiberger & Baskins.
The first Plasterer was R. R. Morrison. The first Opera House (Lloyd Opera House), Coply Lloyd, manager. The first Band leader was Reed.
The first Brick veneer dwelling house was owned by Renfro. The first Butcher shop was owned by Salsbury.
The first Librarian at the Carnegie library was Mrs. J. B. Davidson. The first City water works was owned by B. E. Craig. The first City electric light works was owned by John A. Shoudy. The first Free mail delivery was August 7, 1908.
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
From the issue of the "Standard" of December 8th, already used, we take an interesting local item referring to the return of J. A. Shoudy in triumph form his success in securing the passage of the bill providing for the creation of Kittitas County. From the issue of December 29th we take several locals. Following this series of locals, is an account of the county. This account might very fittingly appear in the chapter on the county, but by reason of its connec- tion with other items we include it here.
December 8, 1883.
Returned-On Tuesday evening the Hon. John A. Shoudy returned from the field of his legislative labors at Olympia. Coming upon us without notice 'twould be folly to say that a large concourse gathered to congratulate him upon his successful mission and safe return, but we do venture to say that the gentle- man has no charge of lack of heartiness to bring against his numerous friends who, before the intelligence of his arrival had grown cold upon the lips of their informant, began firing anvils, guns and side arms, had a huge bonfire lighted and were making the welkin ring with "Hurrah for Shoudy," "Come out and show yourself," etc., etc. Responding Mr. Shoudy stated his gratification at being able to once more greet his friends upon their own "De-late-close-Il1-a- he" and briefly recounted the most important episodes attendant upon his leg- islative trip assuring his hearers (to which we've yet to hear a dissenting voice), that he had done all in his power to faithfully advance and protect their inter- ests in the late Legislative Assembly. Being greeted with three cheers and a tiger, Mr. Shoudy retired, and Mr. J. T. McDonald "said something" to the assemblage that led them to adjourn to The Corner with avidity.
December 29, 1883.
TOWN AND COUNTY
The Tjossem Flume .- The flume projected from Tjossem's sawmill to the mouth of the canyon below is estimated to cost thirty-five hundred to five thousand dollars. This we understand the mill owner is determined to build, and it will prove a thing of convenience and profit and hence satisfaction to all concerned, as much difficult hauling by wagon over bad roads will by use of this flume be avoided. From the mouth of the canyon to Ellensburgh, or any other central point upon the east side, this flume may be constructed at a much less proportionate cost per mile than that from the mill to the mouth of the canyon. Mr. Tjossem offers, we believe, to join means and forces with interested citizens and extend the flume to some such central point, making the flume a co-partnership or joint stock affair, entirely independent from the saw mill business. By such an arrangement the flume would be available for the carriage and delivery at any point along the line of lumber, fencing, wood, etc., regular tariff rates being established, based upon the distance from the head of the flume to the point at which freight might be discharged. Such a project should certainly commend itself to any community similarly situated to that of this locality and scarcely requires particular notice at our hand. Cheap lumber, fencing and fuel will settle and build up quickly any country that has other qualities capable of development, and it is only necessary to look into the work-
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ings of flumes in other sections to quickly perceive that by such means building material, fencing and fuel is much more cheaply and quickly transported than by any other available method. This is true even where flumes are in the hands of monopolists, and the acquaintance our people 'have with Mr. Tjossem is doubtless a sufficient guarantee that a flume or anything else with which his name may be connected will be run upon a "live and let live" principle.
A. O. U. W. Ball .- According to the posters this was "the affair of the . season." Indeed, the Committee of Arrangements worked hard to make it so. For weeks before the event they were making preparations for it. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and with emblems pertaining to the order, while a decided improvement had been made at the head of the stairs by closing them up with the exception of a door. This had a tendency to make the hall more comfortable, and kept the bummers out. The hall was crowded -some ninety-three numbers being sold. At an early hour dancing commenced, and notwithstanding the large number present we believe all had all the dancing they wanted-as many as ten sets being on the floor at once. The music in the early part of the evening was good-not so in the latter part when a change in one of the musicians was made. Still later, however, this was rectified. The supper at the Valley Hotel was very good. Finally the ball was a success in every respect.
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