Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-02-15
From the Grand Rapids Enquirer.
NEWAYGO COUNTY.

NEWAYGO COUNTY
When, last week, we referred to the business
of our City and the Grand River Valley, we had
not time to speak of the country lying north OF
and contiguous to this Valley, nor OF the trade
which it brings to our City. We refer to the
section watered by the Muskegon River ana It's
tributaries, and particularly that portion emorac-
ed in the territorial limits of Occanna ana Ne
wavpo counties Since that time, we have taken
pains to obtain, from reliable sources, some facts
in regard to the increase Of population, business,
and prospects of this section, which, we think,
will he read with interest. No section of our
State is improving so rapidly as this portion of
il. nor is there any other which offers such in
ducements for immigration. While the soil is
fertile, presenting the various kinds, from the
open prairie to the heavy-timbered beach and
maple; yet there is no river in Michigan where
such facilities for numbering are offered as the
Muskegon presents. 1t is the longest river in
the State; there being upwards Of three hum
dred miles of river trunk, capable of running
logs; all Of which distance, is more or less tim
bered with pine; which is, also, the case with
several Of its tributaries 1t is considered safe
estimate that upwards Of 100000 feet oflum-
Der has been exported from this river the past
season. There are now upon the river, 10 steam
and nearly as many water Mills capable when
in full operation, of cutting fifty millions of lum
Der per annum The Muskegon is a rapid
stream furnishing large amount of water pow
er at different points. The most important i'm
provement now in progress, is that of the Ne
waygo Company at the village of Newaygo, the
County seat of Newaygo County. They have
damned the river at that point, which furnishes
splendid power, capable of propelling five mills
like the one they are at present constructing
Their mill is sixty by eighty-two feet, with sew
en- gates, and is intended to run one hundred
and twenty saws, in gangs, and capable of cut
ting, when in full operation, serenty-frc thousand
feet of lumber, in q superior manner, i'll twenty
four hours; lumber that will be Of a uniform
thickness and length. This mill it is expected
to have in running order in May next. This
Company will expend, before getting their lum-
Der to market, full $4,000
The present and prospective high price of lum-
Der will greatly stimulate the manufacture upon
the river, and it is not an improbable estimate,
that within five years not less than l00,O0O,00O
feet of lumber will 90 out of Muskegon river
annually. During the past year, some three
hundred men or more, have made interest upon
the river, purchasing, in the aggregate, upwards
of 100000 acres Of pine lands; men too, whose
aggregate capital must be zen or fifteen millions
of dollars.
The population of the valley is increasing in
q ratio which will double its present number in
the course of the next two years. The induce
ments for farmers are very great; as the lum-
Der interest furnishes home-market for an am
cunt three times greater than the present farm
ing interest can produce, and at prices higher
than can be obtained at any other point in the
lower peninsular. Oats are now selling in Ne.
waygo County, at five shillngs bushel; corn,
seven shillings hay, from twenty to twenty-five
dollars per ton; and even higher prices than
these are obtained in the immediate vicinity of
the numbering operations. Nearly one-haf Of
the land in Newaygo has been purchased during
the last year. The assessment roll for 1854 will
probably show an increase of capital on 1853 of
300 per cent.
The village of Newaygo, the County seat of
Newaygo County, gives promise of rapid growth
and becoming one of the most important points
upon the river. 1t presents rare inducements
for mechanics and men of capital and bust
ness.
Go ahead, Newaygo; we rejoice in your pros
perity. Our business interests are intimately
connected with yours, and the more you prosper,
the more shall we be benefited.