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Local News from Weiser (5/23/1903)

Weiser, Idaho, May 23, 1903—(Special Correspondence.)

I am now in a state where women register, vote, and hold office, and yet the political landscape does not appear any different from other states where only men vote. I am told that the women here take great interest in politics and exercise their right of suffrage. I never saw any good reason why, if women want to vote, they should be denied the privilege, and I presume the women of Idaho wanted this privilege and the men have given it to them.

Idaho Is Growing

The area of the State of Idaho is 84,290 square miles, and in 1890 it had a population of 84,385, being about one person per square mile. Ten years later, by the census of 1900, the population had almost doubled, being 161,772, and during the past three years, the increase in population has been even greater, and it must now number about 200,000. There is room for many more. The great strides made in extending irrigating canals over the many thousand acres of level land have opened to profitable use a vast territory, and this work of irrigation is only just beginning. The soil is very productive when water is supplied, and there is a home market at remunerative prices for all the products.

Weiser Is Prospering

The first town in Idaho after crossing the Oregon line, going east, is Weiser, with a present population of about 2,000, which has now taken its place among the leading towns of the state. It has a productive farming country surrounding it, in the valley of the Snake and Weiser Rivers; a stock-raising territory tributary, and also a most promising mining district, each in its infancy of development. The level bottom lands were almost valueless until irrigating canals were brought in, and now wherever water has been supplied, settlers have located, and green fields have replaced the sagebrush-covered plains. It is the investment of capital during the past few years which has added so much to the productiveness and wealth of Washington County, of which the town of Weiser is the county seat.

Each year, more and more land is being set in alfalfa and in fruit orchards. Three crops of alfalfa are grown in a season, and from one to three tons of hay are obtained from each cutting, with an average crop being five tons. There is a home market for all the crops grown, and an acre of alfalfa will pay at present prices from $30 to $40 each year. The unwatered lands raise crops of wheat and other grain but can be purchased for from $10 to $25 an acre, while lands under an irrigating ditch are so much more productive that the prices asked are from $50 to $75 an acre, and even higher.

There are at least 80,000 acres of land tributary to Weiser, upon which alfalfa or fruit can be profitably grown, including about 30,000 acres across the Snake River in Oregon. Since 40 acres is considered ample for the support of a family, the future rural population of this district may safely be estimated at 10,000. According to the last census, the total population of Washington County was only 6,882, so the implicit faith of the people of Weiser in the future growth of the town is not based entirely on speculation

An Oregon Irrigating Canal

Opposite Weiser, in Oregon, the Malheur-Butte Ditch Company has under construction a large irrigating canal and series of storage reservoirs. This project will divert water from the Malheur River and carry it for 21 miles, covering approximately 30,000 acres of farmland. The company has employed about 100 men and teams, completing about half of the ditch. Completion is expected next year. The plan is to supply farmers with water at $1.50 per inch and also sell perpetual water rights at $12 per acre. When all the rights are sold, farmers will only need to cover the maintenance expenses of the ditch. Covering 30,000 acres means the company will sell all its rights for $360,000.

R. C. McKinny of Weiser, with experience in irrigation and real estate, states: “This part of Oregon, which will become tributary to Weiser, is destined to see a great change in the next few years and become thickly settled. With irrigation, small tracts of land will be more profitably farmed and support more people than at present. There is an opening on these lands for a large colony to make comfortable homes. Land, which can now be purchased for $15 to $20 an acre, will then be worth $50 to $75 an acre, and several hundred families can be easily supported.”

There are several irrigating ditches near Weiser, the largest being the Weiser Water Ditch. Recently purchased by the local farmers who organized into an irrigation district, they paid $40,000 for the property and now have a water supply costing only about 40 cents an acre per season. The ditch is set to be enlarged this year at an additional cost of $20,000. It is proven beyond doubt that irrigating crops in this country is profitable.

Business Is Increasing

There are two banks in Weiser, one organized in 1886 and the other in 1899, the latter becoming a national bank last month. Both banks are doing profitable business, doubling in volume over the past three years. In the next 60 days, more than $500,000 will come in as deposits from the sale of wool and stock sheep. Five years ago, the salary at the Weiser post office was $1,100. Now, Postmaster Bruce receives $1,500 plus $600 for an assistant. Three years ago, the new form of money order was adopted, and since then, 21,261 orders have been issued. Last month, the business of the Weiser post office amounted to $733.83

There is one rural delivery here now, and another route is shortly to be established, These facts show conclusively that Weiser is growing in wealth as well as population.

Higher Education

In addition to a high school and public school in Weiser the Congregational denomination maintains an academy where eight teachers are employed and a very thorough course of study is carried on, and the institution bears an excellent reputation. On a plat of high level ground overlooking the city and the Snake River Valley, dotted for miles with the green alfalfa fields, are the academy buildings and campus, about one mile from the business center of town. About one mile further from town are the buildings of the Idaho Industrial Institute, which is conducted on quite a novel plan. The present capacity is 25 boys and 25 girls, all over 15 years of age, and a four-year course in English branches is given, the only charge being $3.50 a week for board, room and washing, which the students can pay themselves by working. There are 1000 acres of land. and farming, dairying, cooking, dressmaking, millinery, blacksmithing, carpentry, knitting of socks, making of brooms, care of hot house, etc., are taught. Funds are now being raised for extensive storage reservoirs so as to bring into cultivation the whole 1000 acres of ”

Seven Devils Copper District on Snake River

A smelter with a capacity of 150 tons was built ten miles from here on the line of this road, intended to process rich copper ores from the Blue Jacket and other mines in the Seven Devils district. However, work was discontinued. Several thousand tons of very fine-looking copper ore were hauled to Council for shipment over the road for smelting, but litigation among the mine owners ensued, and the ore still lies there. The company’s original plans seem to have changed, as they now intend to extend the road this summer about 20 miles almost due north to Meadows. This extension will tap an extensive timber belt and the newly discovered and very promising Rapid River mining district, bringing it closer to the Thunder Mountain mining district, which has been receiving much attention.

The Thunder Mountain gold district lies south of Salmon River, while the famous Buffalo Hump country lies north of the river. Travel over this road is quite heavy as it is the shortest and best route to the mentioned mining districts. It is also frequented by people locating timber claims in the area. An article with more detailed information regarding these rich mining districts of Idaho will be published later in The Oregonian.

Mining Districts Tributary

There are six well-known but only partially prospected and developed mining districts adjacent to and tributary to Weiser: the Washington district, located near the town of Mineral; the Heath district, on Cuddy Mountain; Seven Devils district, on Snake River; Rapid River district, in the northern part of Washington County; Warren district, near Warren City; and Thunder Mountain district in Idaho County. Thunder Mountain district can be reached from the terminus of the P. I. & N. R. R. by traveling 136 miles, while from Boise it is 185 miles, and from Grangeville, 196 miles.

This is a vast territory, largely unprospected, with great stores of wealth awaiting development. Rapid River and Thunder Mountain districts are said to be very rich, and the fact that hundreds are going there daily proves its already established reputation. The Washington, Heath, and Seven Devils districts have copper and silver ores, while Rapid River, Warren, and Thunder Mountain have gold, with rich ledges and placers. The P. I. & N. R. R. will soon be extended into each of these districts, making Weiser the distributing point.

Weiser Development Needs

Weiser is in need of a foundry and machine shop. The extensive surrounding area that would rely on such a facility suggests that this business would grow steadily year after year.

While it seems a creamery would be profitable here, past attempts have failed due to farmers’ reluctance to supply the necessary milk. They claim that raising alfalfa and feeding it to stock cattle is more lucrative than engaging in dairying. However, the day will come when several creameries will operate successfully in this valley.

A Railroad Junction

At Weiser, the Pacific, Idaho & Northern Railroad connects with the Oregon Short Line. This standard-gauge road currently operates for a distance of 60 miles up the fertile Weiser River Valley, with its present terminus at Council. Over 20 miles of additional grading have been completed beyond Council, extending further into the valley.

What Weiser Wants

Weiser has long needed water works and electric lights, but this want is soon to be fulfilled. The city has $40,000 from the sale of bonds, and work on installing water and lights has already begun. A brick power house is being built on the riverbanks, and water will be pumped to the hills behind the town, approximately 200 feet high. The town is also being wired for lights for both city and private use.

Weiser has also wanted a bridge across the Snake River, opposite the town, to bring trade from the Malheur River Valley in Oregon. This need is likely to be met soon, as funds have been secured for constructing a $30,000 steel bridge. The Idaho Legislature appropriated $15,000 on the condition that Weiser citizens would subscribe $15,000 more. The money has been pledged, and work will commence soon. This initiative demonstrates the commendable spirit of enterprise among Weiser residents.

Weiser needs a wool-grading and scouring house and a woolen mill. Last year, 2,300,000 pounds of wool were shipped from here, and this year it is estimated to exceed 3,000,000 pounds. Weiser leads any town in Idaho as a wool center, making a good investment for establishing these enterprises. Three machine wool-shearing plants operate in the county with a total of 100 machines, each man averaging 100 sheep per day, with the best record being over 230 sheep in one day. The county’s sheep population is estimated at 300,000, with some cattlemen claiming there are 1,000,000 sheep on the ranges. One resident owns 58,000 sheep, and a “trailer” reported driving a band of 19,000 sheep into Oregon for grazing. The hills are lush with natural bunchgrass, and the stock on the range is thriving. The country looks its best now.

Weiser also needs a custom fruit dryer and cannery. A syndicate of fruit growers currently operates a large evaporator, drying 230 tons of fruit last year. However, this company prioritizes drying its own crop before assisting small growers. There is enough business for another evaporator and a cannery for fruits and vegetables.

A Railroad Division

The Oregon Short Line Railroad owns a sizable tract of land adjoining the depot in Weiser, which it refuses to sell. The P.I. & N. Railroad also has extensive terminal grounds. Many locals speculate that these companies may intend to establish repair shops and other facilities here, potentially providing employment to many additional workers.

Leasing Public Lands

The State of Idaho has a policy of not selling any of its public lands for less than $10 an acre. Instead, these tracts of land are being leased out, with the rental price set at 12.5 cents an acre. Pats Waterhouse, the County Treasurer, mentioned that a significant number of five-year leases have recently been made to stockmen. These lessees will fence the land and use it for grazing purposes.

Lines of Business

Weiser is home to a variety of businesses and services, making it a bustling community. The town has three general merchandise stores, four grocery stores, and two dry goods stores to cater to daily needs. There are three drug stores and six churches for healthcare and spiritual needs, respectively. Additionally, six saloons, one wholesale liquor store, and two banks (one state and one National) provide financial and social amenities.

The town also features two hardware stores, two lumber yards, and two hotels, both housed in brick blocks with a combined total of 140 rooms. Transportation and industrial needs are met by two railroads (the Oregon Short Line and Pacific, Idaho & Northern), two plaining-mills, and one brewery. Other businesses include two furniture stores, one undertaker, five barber shops, three blacksmith shops, three livery stables, and two newspapers (one weekly and one semi-weekly).

Additional amenities include two cigar stores, one ice cream saloon, two tailors, two second-hand stores, two photograph galleries, three millinery stores, and two dressmaking parlors. The town is served by three dentists, six doctors, two lawyers, four real estate agencies, two civil engineers, three insurance agencies, one electric supply house, two harness shops, and three shoemakers. For recreation, there is one bowling alley, and the community is supported by 12 secret societies.

Weiser also boasts one flouring-mill, one wool warehouse, and one brickyard, which has orders for over a million bricks. The town has a telephone exchange with nearly 200 subscribers, one fruit evaporator, two butcher shops, two lodging-houses, five restaurants, and two jewelry stores. Other businesses include one bicycle repair shop, two bakeries, one opera-house, three public school buildings with ten teachers, an academy with eight teachers, and the Idaho Industrial Institute with 11 instructors.

Old and New Weiser

When the Oregon Short Line Railroad was projected through this area, the original town of Weiser was asked to donate a right of way and depot grounds but refused. Consequently, the railroad was built about a mile to the west, and businesses relocated near the railroad station, leaving Old Weiser, with its $80,000 brick courthouse, off to one side. Although the two towns are incorporated under one name, this division makes the town of Weiser about one and a half miles in length.

From The Oregonian – Portland Oregon – May 23, 1903

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