Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-06-20
PROGRESSION IN THE GRAND RIVER VAL

siness now transacted, far exceeds that of any
former period; thus showing, conclusively,
that the march of progression is rapidly on
ward through the entire length of the Grand
River Valley, in all its varied interests; COM
mercial, mercantile, manufacturing, mechani-
cal, and agricultural. The very large invoi-
ces of goods, of every description, and the
vast amount of machinery landed at this port,
destined to various parts Of the Valley, eve
ry week, show conclusively that we are be-
coming at least great commercial and man
ufacturing people; and the number of yari-
Gus agricultural implements of the most APP
proved patterns, continually exhibited to the
view, ready for distribution among our spirit
ed farmers, proves that we are by no means
behind any portion of the west in agricultu-
raj progression.
People from abroad in search of western
homes, are beginning to understand that the
Grand River Valley is inferior to no locality,
as respects its many attractions to indus
trious settlers. The soil through the entire
Valley is teeming with almost the fertility Of
Eden, watered with innumerable rills, whose
flowing waters afford the sweetest music to
the ear of the happy farmer, and cause the
earth to yield her richest frits-an ample
reward for his summers toll.
AS regards fruit, no section Of the West
can be more prolific. But few years elapse
after the earth receives the germ of the APP
pie, pear, peach, Or plum, ere the trees will
bend under their lucious burdens, inviting all
to reach forth the hand and partake plenti
fully of the rich repast.
Another evidence of progression, and one
quite important to the settler is found in the
increasing interest manifested by every COM
munity in the improvement of our primary
schools. Almost every village in the Valley
can boast of as fine school houses, erected
with as much respect to the wants of its citi-
zens, in an educational point of view, as can
be found in any Eastern village of equal size.
A determination seems to prevail in every
township to provide school edifices on the
most approved plans, and sustain therein, du-
ring the greater portion of a year, school
where all who choose to avail themselves of
its advantages can obtain at trihing expense
an education that will enable them to act
well and efficiently their part on the great
stage of life. Our churches, too, are numer-
Gus, where all may enjoy privileges equal to
those enjoyed in their native State.
AS respects health, we venture to assert
that no portion of the West, for few years
past, has been more highly favored than the
Grand River Valley. 1t is true, that for
merly the diseases to which those are incident
who leave older settled States for the newer,
prevailed in our midst to considerable extent
but now, as the Valley has become more set
tied, and the giant trees of the forest have
been forced under the vigorous strokes of the
hardy pioneer to give way to smiling fields,
supporting on their bosoms the luxuriant corn,
or the gracefully waving wheat, smiling with
green verdure, thus affording the comforts
and luxuries of life in the greatest abundance,
and as the public mind has become more en-
lightened in relation to the laws of health, and
the course necessary to ensure vigorous con-
stitution, we are comparatively healthy peo-
pie. Our ladies can boast of cheeks as fair
and blooming, countenances as animated, and
intelligent, as any of the Eastern bellies; and
our merchants, farmers, mechanics and arti-
sans Of limbs as vigorous, and minds as clear
for the successful prosecution of their various
avocations, as any in the Union.
The most casual observer among our citi-
zens can but be convinced, by an occasional
visit to our wharves, that the tide of emigra-
ton, hitherto SO strongly setting westward of
us, is now beginning to direct its course hith-
erward-as the advantages here afforded to
settlers are becoming better known. Since
the opening Of navigation, many families
have directed their course hither as perma-
nent settlers; many others are on their way,
and still there is room
The weekly arrivals Of first class propellers,
at this DOrt from Ruffalo afford those re-