History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I, Part 78

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 78
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 78
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I > Part 78

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Good Assays .- Walter A. Bull & Company, this week, received from the U. S. Mint very satisfactory average sample assays from two of their claims in the Cle-el-um district. Number One yielding in gold $301.40, silver $94.00. Total value per ton $395.40. Number Two yielding in gold -$15.07, silver, $.94. Total $16.01. These assay returns are especially gratifying to the owners, since they prove the correctness of previous assays ranging as high as $191.00 per ton. As many as five packages of samples per week, containing twelve to fifteen samples from different mining prospects, are sent by this firm to prominent mining and milling people throughout the world, and through their efforts the character of our mineral developments of last season will be pretty well under- stood in time for intelligent action next season.

Subscription School .- Miss Irene Cumberlin, our county school superin- tendent, and whose qualifications as a teacher are too well known to require any encomiums of praise from us, will commence a term of subscription school at the schoolhouse on the second Tuesday in January. The term will last three months, for which the low price of three dollars is asked.

Third Anniversary .- The Union Sabbath school will, on the second Sab- bath in January, celebrate its third anniversary. A concert and exhibition will be given in honor of the occasion. The programme will be published in the "Standard." Hence keep your paper for reference.

Has an Appointment .- Hon. J. A. Shoudy has the appointment of one free scholarship to the University. He requests us to give notice that all who

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

may desire to avail themselves of the privilege will make immediate applica- tion to him. The choice will be decided by lot.

New Sign .- Coleman, the saddler, has treated himself to a new sign. It is the work of one of our local artists, and is tasty and neat.

To "Nanim."-Would be pleased to answer your inquiries, but you forgot to send your name.

Ill .- We regret to hear of the illness of the wife of Dr. Laurendeau.

Pure drugs. Fresh drugs. Best drugs at Watson Bros.

KITTITAS COUNTY

In response to the inquiry of B. N. Carrier, Esq., a prominent attorney and real estate dealer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and for the information of others who may desire to know, the following facts are stated with reference to Kitti- as County. This county has just been set off from Yakima County by legisla- tive action, is bounded upon the north and east by the Columbia River, upon the north and west by the Cascade Range of mountains and upon the south and west by the boundaries of Yakima County. Its principal body of land available for settlement is Kittitas Valley, fifteen by twenty miles in extent, which being centrally situated, together with other natural reasons, debars any possibility of further divisions. The valley is well settled so far as government lands are concerned, but surrounding it are bunchgrass rolling hill lands that will with- ont doubt prove valuable as grain producing lands when railroad communica- tion shall afford us a ready market for that class of productions. In the foot- hills of the Cascade Range, sloping well up to the summit, are large bodies of half open, half timbered lands, government and railroad, that have been proven to be very productive, and which, during the past season, have attracted and secured many actual settlers. In the valley are many sections of prairie rail- road land, open for settlement, with probability in favor of the settler being compelled to pay $2.60 cash or $4 on credit per acre under the present manage- ment of the Northern Pacific Railway ; or any price future management of that company may ask when the Cascade division of that company's road shall have been constructed through the lands in question. The altitude of this valley is 1,475 feet: snow fall, eighteen inches ; average temperature, Summer. 85 de- grees ; Winter, zero. Climate is exceedingly healthy; no epidemics have ever prevailed. Believed to be favorable climate for people with weak lungs, as dur- ing its twelve years' habitation by whites we do not know of one case per annum of death from lung complaints. Our people are noted for their hale, hearty ap- pearance. Our fruit prospects are up to average in hardy climates. A few years ago it was believed (even here) that we could raise nothing but beef, mutton and horses and that we would have to send to Portland for our white beans. Wheat was two dollars a bushel and the flour used in the valley was ground in coffee mills (an actual fact) and at close of the first season's settle- ment, two of our pioneer agriculturists rode up to the pioneer cabin of the re- maining third with all their worldly goods laden upon two pack animals and urged him to purchase the same on the ground that he had all the agricultural land available in this county within the limits of his quarter section claim. Today

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

the self-same three men have four thousand acres of land under cultivation that will turn off from one to three tons of timothy hay, or twenty-five to sixty bushels of grain per acre. The county has a population of 2,200 inhabitants who have grown this year 125,000 bushels of grain more than is required for home consumption, three thousand tons of hay, and a proportionate amount of other agricultural products in like excess. Today our exports are confined to the fitting of live stock for Puget Sound markets, the same being driven on foot via the Snoqualmie Pass wagon road. Our imports are hauled by wagon from The Dalles, Oregon, one hundred and fifty miles distant, because our capabili- ties and needs have been ignored by the only navigation company plying the waters of the Columbia River, although we have an easily accessible landing upon that stream thirty-five miles distant. Seattle, Washington Territory, the principal city upon Puget Sound, is one hundred and twenty-five miles distant, via Snoqualmie Pass, the lowest and most available route over the Cascade Mountain range. Through Ellensburgh and this county, and via the "Stamp- ede," a pass diverging from the Snoqualmie, the proposed Cascade division of the Northern Pacific Railroad has been located, and some work has been re- cently done upon this location in the Yakima canyon below this town. This work has been stopped, and rumor has it that the Natches Pass (farther west) will be adopted. Should this rumor prove well founded this county will doubt- less be favored by the Northern Pacific Company with only a branch of that railway. During the past season a wagon road has been under construction to Seattle, which will doubtless be completed next summer.

Along the line of this road are magnificent bodies of pine, fir and cedar tim- ber, while adjacent to it, and tributary to this valley, have been discovered large bodies of magnetic iron and copper, assaying as high as 80 per cent. Gold and silver-bearing lodes, assaying by sample selections, $15 to $400 per ton, and last, but by no means least, coking coal, in veins ranging on top as high as four feet in thickness. Under the circumstances, together with the fact that we are situated upon the absolutely direct line to Puget Sound, our valley and the Snoqualmie Pass can not be ignored, when short line and rapid transit shall enter into the railroad prospects, and will increase our population and produc- tions to an almost fabulous extent when railway projectors shall favor us with their consideration. Ellensburgh temporarily (and in all probability perma- nently) our county seat has at a low estimate a population of 450 souls an increase (in moderate figures) of three hundred souls in three years. We have a neat two-story public schoolhouse, erected by private subscription, four large general merchandise stores, each carrying a fifty thousand dollar stock ; two weekly newspapers together with numerous minor mercantile and mechani- cal establishments suitable to the requirements of the population. Adjacent to the town are five grist mills, with a joint capacity of sixty barrels per day. In the county are five sawmills (all water-power but one) ; easily run throughout the Summer season to their fullest capacity.

Gold mines adjacent to the valley have been worked for some six years by primitive processes and inexperienced workers, yielding in that period some one hundred and fifty or two hundred thousand dollars, and prospects now war- rant the enlistment of capital and introduction of complete working apparatus.

HISTORY OF TAKIMLA VALLEY

3 Mange porque e der county slagmy toward the Columbia River. is covered vier a limitant tentegrass, and is seifer to much more moderate snowfall ani degree of Wenter temperature iam the higher portion of the county. Hence == stock-growing fame That we are neither an inhospitable, mor a cetotally Sant pere me hed supported by cor undisputed darm to the taking and gerasing of more newspapers than amy ccher frontier section of the globe mariy situated and populated.

The "Stamcand of December 29. 2863. is an especially interesting issue. Optaining stores of samimy social events, including the Christmas tree. together Parties advertisements worthy of attenticc. Standard" December 29 1583.

Nect-The Party .- As the A. O. U. W. ballen Christmas night it was an- den that a zeck-de party would be given at Elliott's Hall, on New Year's We behere if we are not wrongly miormed. this is the Erst party of ever given bene. If we remember rightly the barbies go dressed in a .D .- de wirhat atron of dress od correspond. The neck-ties must be deposited clube door and are placed = a grat-tag and shaken op The gentlemen are make a induce from the grab-bag for their partners umtil supper Toes mo dosbe will be groupcare of a great deal of fum. We bellere prices for

New Partner -The latest move in francial cindes we bear is that of the do-partnership recently formed between Messrs. Trossem and johnson. in the =g and tumtering business. We recently made notice of the establishment Tem samma and its eligible location in the camyon of Wilson Creek : com cores Le antanncement that !!: Toonson has become a partner in fis ramte is a guarantee of Brandal success and permanency. We near the office of the company is to be located at the store of Mr. Johnson. We wish he bern Eiro success as indeed we do any person who may invest his Fre ceans and energy = the development of cor zew cocosy.

White Samling -Many people are preparing to fence their lands with wire 2 ting to the gravistice of the law relating to that character of fence. The phent: covering ie manufacture of fencing wire having expired or in other ramalare Gone away with and the most of fencing greatly reduced. Under these -ramstadtes many attes of desde land will shorn'y be enclosed and ='timately placed ander ouformation. the material in use in the old style rall and post fences og the needed cimber for enclosing much larger trauts of land by the

Dobagretalle -- Ormig :: an incorrect impression having been put in circa-

a peber of the creditors of Smith Bros & Co. last week sud- Dowe got ir ar appearare = the scape of an attachment moon their property

= te " the rescue and the creditors departed satisfied. We Some fully as well and perhaps preserved a customer for having gone a "leerle" ale er on the water Smith

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

Bros. & Co .. are too well known for their rastling procurities to make it neces- sary to add that the people want to see them pull through.

Discharged .- For some time there has been considerable petty thieving going on around town. Finally suspicion rested on a man who suddenly left here week before last for Yakima A warrant was sworn out and be was brought back here and examined before Justice Craig on Friday morning There not being suficient evidence to warrant conviction the prisoner was discharged. The costs were taxed partiy to the county and in part to the complaining wit- ness.

Watson Bros .- The above-named Erm have a well established irng basi- ness three doors west of First National Bank and keep a complete and well assorted stock of wallet articles, pure drugs and best medicines Prescriptions carefully compounded, day of night. Their store is a model one. and is Etted with the finest and the best goods to be Found in the markets of the world. It is. in fact, a complete drug establishment and a credit to any city.

New Firm-As indicated sometime since. Messes. Diloc & Wake- have joined their fortunes in the plain and fancy carpenter and joiner bosiness at the Dillon shop in Smith's addition to Ellensburg The gentlemen are both reliable. accomplished workmen as the various specimens of their handiwork will testify. and with a well equipped shop and seasoned lumber we predic: E :: the new firm plenty of work and satisfied patrons.

Change .- The Valley Hotel having been leased by David Mormay, has been place. we believe under the management of Mr Tal Thompson, recently with Smith Bros. & Co .. and formerly of Chil. where we moderstand him to have been an experienced hotel keeper. We wish him success in his new role.

Social Dance-A social dance was given by Mr D. W. Dillon on Saturday night at the opening up ci his new shop. We regret a prior engagement fre- rented our attendance, but hear it was a pleasant afair.

A: Cost-Shoudy & Stewart have marked down at cost all kinds of war goods. such as scaris. nubias. boods. cardinal jackets, etc.

Fine Beer .- We are indebted to John Blomqvist for a keg of his ine beer. I: is first-class in every respect

Going Up .- In defiance of the weather Martin Sauter works away on los new building on Main Street

For drugs. medicines. &c .. &c .. and physicians' prescriptions go to P Laurendeau's City Drugstore. Main Street.

I: is a well known fact that the right place : get your groceries, provisions and tobaccos is at Laurendeau's.

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

As per announcement the programme of the Christmas tree entertainment was carried out to the letter on Monday evening at the schoolhouse. A raised platform had been constructed in the rear end of the hall and before which slid- ing curtains were drawn, preventing the large audience which had assembled, from observing how well things had been arranged upon the stage. A few mo- ments before the curtains were drawn aside at the invitation of one of the mem- ber of the Literary Society we stepped behind the curtain and observed how well and tastefully everything had been arranged, showing conclusively the ladies had exercised their usual good judgment. Two large trees had been provided, and these were laden from top to lower limbs with numerous presents. Between the trees and in the center of the stage the organ was placed at which Mr. A. W. Engel presided. At eight o'clock the curtains were drawn, and the president of the society stepped forward and announced the song. "Happy are We to Greet You." This was well rendered by a full choir. An appropriate prayer was given by Mr. T. H. Look, followed by another song by the choir, "Merry Christmas." The president, Mr. J. B. Davidson, then stepped forward and delivered the opening address. His address referred particularly to the origin of Christmas, and the good to mankind which has resulted in the establishment of this Christian holiday. At the conclusion of the address the speaker was warmly applauded. The subject of Mr. D. G. C. Baker's essay was "Christmas." As he was called for he stepped forward and in a clear and forcible manner read his essay. It was replete with sound and practical suggestion in reference to the holiday. The song by the choir, "Christ Our King_" was in good time and appropriate. The recitation of little Nellie Steele, though in a low voice, showed the little lady had been well instructed. The select reading by Miss Emma Look, "Christmas, 1883," was excellently rendered in a clear voice, and with a clear understanding of the subject chosen. The song of little Cassie Barnett, "Earth is Fair," brought down the house. This was followed by a select read- ing by S. L. Blumauer, "The Painter of Seville." The piece was rather long, but was well read. The declamation of Mrs. Kitty Bonebrake, "Kissing." brought down the house by its many laughable allusions. "Gone with a Hand- somer Man" by W. O. Ames, Miss S. Blumauer and S. C. Davidson, in which the former took the leading character, was a most laughable dialogue. The reci- tation of little Cassie Barnett, "A Merry Christmas to All," showed the little one had been thoroughly instructed. The musical talent of this girl should be carefully fostered. It was then announced that Santa Claus would distribute the presents. Some delay occurred before the appearance of this noted person- age, which was probably caused by the heavy storm prevailing. As soon as Santa Claus made his appearance, which was announced by the merry ringing of sleigh bells, the fun began. As the presents were distributed many were the sounds of pleasant laughter and merriment heard over the hall. Altogether the entertainment was a most pleasant affair and a perfect success. Long life to the Literary Society.

GRAND BALL, NEW YEAR'S NIGHT, JANUARY IST, 1884.

Proceeds to go toward finishing the Schoolhouse Hall. Tickets, including

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

supper, $2.50. Grand supper at Valley Hotel. The best of music has been secured and the managers will spare no pains in making this the most enjoyable dance of the season. Committee of Arrangements: S. L. Blumauer, Geo. H. Smith, J. J. Souver, Jake Becker, Dr. I. N. Power, T. J. Watson. Floor Man- agers : J. T. McDowell, Tom Haley, J. J. Souver, C. B. Reed. Don't forget that this is a benefit ball and the proceeds are to go to build up our public school. Sleighs will transfer all to and from supper free of charge.

Crockery sold cheap at Watson Bros.

MISCELLANEOUS

"SAM" Washing and Ironing Ellensburgh, Kittitas County, W. T. Best Laundry for everybody. Family clothes washed. The best China Sam Yo Ching, Proprietor.

starch and ironing.

VALLEY HOTEL.

Corner Main and Third Streets. Ellensburgh, W. T. Smith Bros. & Co., Proprietors.

The Leading Business and Family Hotel of Ellensburgh. Stages arrive at 6 P. M. and depart at 6 A. M.

Fire-proof safe for the accommodation of its patrons.

Smith Bros. & Co.

We may note several events of marked importance in 1883-84. In the former year the Ellensburgh Hook and Ladder Company was organized, the town was designated as the seat of the newly created county of Kittitas. On August 29, 1883, came the first of several fires which have wrought great loss upon the city. The prevailing dry climate and liability to wind, with the usual construction of wooden buildings, have made Ellensburg somewhat peculiarly subject to these visitations. In this fire the chief sufferer with Thomas John- son, whose loss was $45,000, only partly insured. Consideraing that the town was relatively so small at that time, that amount of loss denotes a large stock of goods. Mr. Johnson seems to have been the most considerable of all the early merchants.

An interesting item in business history is found in the fact that the first bank in Ellensburg and the Kittitas Valley was organized in 1884. It was known as the National Bank of Ellensburgh. A. W. Engel was in charge of this bank. He had been cashier of the first bank in old Yakima City, a bank which was moved to North Yakima in 1885.

The Bank of Ellensburgh was located on the north side of Third Street, between Main and Pearl street, in a two-story wooden building. The first floor of that historic building was occupied by the bank and the office of Dr. Isaac N. Power. The second story was occupied as a hall, known as Elliott's

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

Hall, usually employed for dancing. It afterwards became the first superior court room for the court presided over by Judge George Turner.

In 1884 the Northern Pacific Railroad was in progress of construction through the lower Yakima. There was of course great interest in Ellensburgh as to whether or not the railroad would pass through the town and make its principal depot for the valley there. General C. B. Lamborn, land manager for the company, with engineers Bogue and Huson, visited the Kittitas Valley in 1884 in order to determine the question of depot sites. It became evident to the railway officials that no other site had the advantages of Ellensburgh and they therefore decided against the frequent railway policy of building a new city.

The chief owners of the city lots, Messrs. Shoudy, Schnebly and Smith Brothers, made very liberal grants of land for depot grounds, and the whole question was amicably arranged two years in advance of the arrival of the rail- road.

In 1884 Rev. James A. Laurie, the Presbyterian minister, with associates of his church, undertook the establishment of an academy. About $800 was subscribed by the Presbyterian board and $500 by citizens interested in the project. The educational features of the academy, like those of other schools, will appear in the chapter on schools. We are concerned with it here as mark- ing a stage in the progress of building the town.

CITY CHARTER

During this period the progress of the town was so gratifying that its builders felt that the time had arrived for incorporation. In response to the representations of the delegation from the county to the legislature, that body passed an act providing a city charter.

With the feeling that many readers of this chapter will be glad to read this, we include at this point the major parts of this organic law of the city.

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE CITY OF ELLENSBURGH AND TO DEFINE THE POWERS AND BOUNDARIES THEREOF.

Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington :

Chapter I.

SECTION 1. That the inhabitants of the town of Ellensburgh, Kittitas County, Washington Territory, within the metes and bounds hereinafter pre- scribed, shall be and they are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate in fact and in law, by the name and style of the "City of Ellensburgh" and by that name and style they and their successors shall be known in law, have per- petual succession, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended in all courts of law and equity, and in all suits and actions whatso- ever, -may purchase and acquire, receive and hold property real, personal and mixed for the use of the city, may lease, sell and dispose of the same for the benefit of the city, and they shall have and use a common seal and may alter and amend the same at pleasure.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL BANK, ELLENSBURG

FARMERS BANK, ELLENSBURG

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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

SEC. 2. The corporate limits of said city of Ellensburgh shall be as fol- lows: Commencing at the northwest corner of section two (2), township seventeen (17) north, range eighteen (18) east of the Willamette meridian; running thence due north one-fourth of a mile to the northwest corner of the southwest quarter (1/4) of the southwest quarter (14) of section thirty-five (35), township eighteen (18) north, range eighteen (18) east; thence running due south one mile to the southeast corner of the northwest quarter (1/4) of the southwest quarter (1/4), section one (1), township seventeen (17) north, range eighteen (18) east ; thence due west one mile to the southwest corner of the northeast quarter (1/4) of the southwest quarter (1/4) of section two (2). township seventeen (17) north, range eighteen (18) east: thence due north one-fourth of a mile, to the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter (1/4) of said section two: thence due west-one-fourth of a mile to the southwest corner of the northwest quarter (1/4) of said section two (2) ; thence due north one-half mile to the place of beginning.

Chapter II.

SECTION 1. The city of Ellensburgh shall have power to assess, levy and collect taxes for general and municipal purposes not to exceed three mills per annum upon all property, both for territorial and county purposes ; Provided, however, That the indebtedness of the city must never exceed in the aggregate the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000) and any debt or liability incurred in excess of said sum of two thousand dollars shall be invalid and void.

SEC. 2. The city of Ellensburgh shall have power to make regulations for the prevention of accidents by fire, to organize and establish a fire department, and make and ordain rules for the government of the same, to provide fire engines and other apparatus, and to establish fire limits.

SEC. 3. The city of Ellensburgh shall have power to purchase or condemn and enter upon and take any lands within or purchase any lands without its ter- ritorial limits for public squares, streets, parks, cemeteries, hospitals, grounds, or to be used for work-houses or houses of correction, or any other proper and legitimate municipal purpose, and to inclose, ornament and improve the same, and to erect necessary public buildings thereon. The city shall have entire control of such buildings, and all lands purchased or condemned under the provisions of this section, and of all streets, alleys, highways, squares and other public grounds within its limits, established or appropriated to public use by authority of law, or which have been or may hereafter be dedicated to public use by any persons or person, and has power, in case such lands are deemed unsuitable or insufficient for the purposes intended, to dispose of and convey the same ; and conveyances of such property, executed in the manner that may be prescribed by ordinance, shall vest in the purchaser all the right, title and interest of the city therein.

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History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. I, Part 78

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