Washington Standard

Notes of Travel.

A TOWN IN THURSTON COUNTY.

Chehalis is situated on the Northern Pacific Railroad, about equal distance between Kalama and Tacoma, the total distance being 105 miles. This place is also located about the heart of the county, and not only from its naturally favorable situation, but the rich surrounding country, which even at present puts a number of well-cultivated farms with comfortable dwellings, commodious barns, and carefully arranged fences, all of which argue that men of energy, taste and industrious habits have made their homes there.

The advantages to be derived from the Northern Pacific Railroad, as well as the laudable enterprise that projected the Olympia Railroad and runs it with satisfaction to the public, so far has infused a proper spirit into the inhabitants of Lewis county generally and Chehalis in particular, the future seat of empire of this portion of Washington Territory. Dull, indeed, must be the traveler who cannot see the silver lining in the clouds for this future city. It is true that for a quarter of a century Schuyler Saunders exercised "squatter sovereignty" upon the present site of Chehalis, and notwithstanding he has passed to the bourne long since from which no traveler ever returns, yet his family still inherit the benefits of the foresight of the brave pioneer. We need not dwell upon the early struggles, the hardships, the annoyance from the savages of early days nor the beasts of the forest as they often made not only midnight hideous, but noondays dangerous. These reminiscences are familiar to a large number of the inhabitants of Washington Territory still extant.

Where was once prowling ground of the bear and panther, is now the town of Chehalis. Here is found a good, substantial court-house, where justice is administered, and accommodation given at intervals for divine service, lectures, meetings of societies, and to-day the inward part of Lewis county Fair. A neat school house stands favorably situated, where the youth of the place are disciplined and taught the rudiments of an English education. The village doctor, J. W. Herndon, is spoken of as a gentleman of ability and character as is the attorney-at-law J. E. Willis, and Henry Miles, Justice of the Peace, who holds the scales with an even hand, and while maintaining the dignity of the law, tempers justice with mercy. The County Officers are: H. J. Brooks, Auditor, John Urquhart, Treasurer. Mr. Urquhart is also storekeeper and ticket agent, and Messrs. H. C. Tullis and Son are general storekeepers, while the hotels are kept by Messrs. J. B. Berry and J. M. Reynolds, and Mr. Moses Heroux, is saloon keeper. For the purpose of carrying on the Land Office and conveying business, Messrs. Brooks and Willis have formed a copartnership and have on their books numerous choice lands for sale upon favorable terms. They also impart general information to intending settlers. Altogether the prospects of Chehalis are favorable, provided the owners of the town-site do not hold the land too high and thereby drive parties who seek lots elsewhere. Far better deal liberally with persons proposing to locate and let the increase of population enhance the value of land retained. This has proved the success of other town-sites and cannot fail to be beneficial to Chehalis.

THE FAIR.

The Third Annual Fair for Lewis county opened at Chehalis on the 24th, and notwithstanding the threatening weather of the past few days, preparations are going on to make the show a success. The President, Mr. Tullis, the Secretary, Mr. West, and the other gentlemen in charge are busy preparing for the opening, and already the wagons are arriving with the people, articles of display and stock for the exhibition. Visiting the Exhibition Hall we found the articles displayed highly creditable to the ladies and little misses especially.

The fancy quilts, mats, socks, etc., (especially the diminutive stockings by a little girl of six years,) attest the popular interest taken in such matters.

As to the substantial display of grain, vegetables and dairy products, we were sadly surprised, for certainly the exhibit of wheat, oats, corn, fruit, vegetables and the like would not disparage any Eastern States. The people of Lewis county have the right spirit and are bound to go on improving until their climate and soil will be recognized as second to none. We will not attempt to particularize, as the report of awards or premiums by the Committee will, no doubt, soon appear in your columns and do justice to all concerned. We only wish that the parties south and east who are seeking homes in this part of the world could witness the display here to-day and judge for themselves.

VISITOR.

Chehalis, Sept. 24, 1879.