Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1871-05-30
FACTs kBoGT EAST, TENNESSEE.
Notes about our Towns and Cities,

V------s
No. xxIL
We give as our article on East Tennes-
see some communication from different
points East Tennessee, showing the
spirit of imprisonment being developed,
and the -feelingsJwitht which our people
write on this: stbjetIo emigration. We
know many sections where the people are
now fully aroused as to the necessities Of
more populations and we believe it will be
manifested in heartierl welcome being
extended to,immigrants. 20 Z. Iss - g 's'
Our first letter below is from Athens, q
point About IS miles west of this city,
Riceville is a few miles further west, both
in a rich and fertile section: a
IMPRoyEMENT-LETTE FROM ATHENS.
Evidently where the spirit of improve
ment, iberality and enterprise is mani
tested. those manifesting the same are en-
titled to cOmmendation and encourage
ment.- The public generally take an in
terest in hearing of the country being de-
veloped, villages and towns growing, and
the Communities prospecting; and Judging
from the general tone of the CHRONICLE,
j suppose that its editors are not only not
indjffereht on this subject, but really and
deeidetlly hold this as one of the most inn
pSrtant objects Of their journal. To lend
a helping hand, or rather show a willing
hand, and that credit may be given where
it is due, Il wish now to speak of Riceyiller
and surroundings. '---- --'--f'
Justa little south of Athens the hills
and ridges separate and spread out what
is known as Dry Valley" This valley
60ffa6 xxyifl, rS1oncinnc an6 nv
tends to the the town of Calhoun on Hi
wassee q distance of twelve miles. Per-
haps theaverage width is something more
than one mile. The East Tennessee and
Georgia Railroad winds through the CEN
ter. The soil is not as highly productive
as the Sw eetwater valley and some other
portions of East Tennessee, but perhaps
is better adapted to all kinds of produce,
very fine crops of ALI kinds are procured
annually from every field-an entire fail
ure almost unknown-andl those engaged
in reultivatingr the soil, are t'well-to-do
farmers" It truly desirable section.
But about equally ydistant from each
extremity of this valley, and Immediately
on the line of Railroad, is situated the
town of Riceville.' Five years ago five
or six houses composed the place
Now there are between fifty and seven.
ty-five buildings and perhaps thou
IIuttDftttlhS.~T a lfoi0 =tttte l0W Ola VI
seven stores, a lanyard, a number of hand
some, superb dwellings, Tan academy of
commodious dimensions called the "Rice-
vile Institute, ~ church now in progress
of erection by the members of the M. E.
Church, and also one spoken of by the M.
E. Church South. The citizens are also
discussing thematter of building a college.
The new M. E. Church occupies an eleva-
ted position though convenient to all, and
xr-l,o ,Fofo will ha fho ref OH
erected in the place, and credit to the citi-
zens. 1t ,UiU be completed. The energy
of the Ricevillians alone would justify this
prediction, but in addition to this, Esq
Parkinson and Mr.. Stanfield, two of the
most enfluential men of the town--truLy
cHizens-have bound and pledged them
selves that it shall be accomplished. The
energy and liberality of the people would
justify the same. prediction, as to the M.
proposed college.
l was assured by a leading man that
when an individual desiring to purchase
building lot, a dwelling or business
house, with the intention of locating
among them, and was man of energy or
would be an advantage in any way he
tOotlJd sbc accommodated as some aOGy.
Not only do they tUelcon,e Immigrants in this
,Ody but they do so 6y their naag,sd,sinsity u.
ToytsftC W Cfey O.USTtItCto " OJlHttOftS LtCtC
may necessarily erist and by their ge,,erosi-
ty and soci06itity. The recent Sabbath
School picnic, report of which you have
already had, was the very strongest evil
dence of this Those ofldifferent political
proclivities, those Of different denomi ma |
tional predictions, old and young, saint |
and sinner, all mingled together in the |
mirth and festivity of a picnic, having for |
its ultimate object the advancement of an
institution alike beneficial to all. The day |
was. delightful. Every one was in holi-
day mood. The good people had preparedl
refreshments "plenty and to spare"
There was holiday social rejoicing. One |
could almost observe the true spirit of So
ciability, eleyating the people above any,
thing like prejudice and hatred.
If Riceville makes such rapid strides of
progress in Coming years asshe has i'm the
past five what is she destined to be ?
Evidently rival of Athens, if not that
already. Ifthose who hold the real estate
and capital of the latter place do not be-
come a little more inspired with the spirit
of enterprise and improvement, and not
only encourage it but actually make sacri-
fees for the same they need not be sur
prised in few years at having to attend
the courts of justice for McMinn county
in the town of Riceville. Be that as it
may, the future of this rapidly growing
town is Ominous1y prosperous one. The
Riceyillians deserve honor for their efforts
N .thif direetion.E q Il @ MIN xEl
ATHENS, May 9th, 1871.
BIG VALLEY, UNION Co. Tenn,
May "a, 1871.
EDITORS Cbr011icle:. ra z1
DEAR sIRs 81 Jam mitch pleased with