The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1875-09-04
Union Ridge.

1t was our good fortune tn have the
pleasure of trip to Union Ridge last
Saturday. Riding over the quiet roads
through the woods is very pleasant
pastime, provided one is we'll mounted.
The dust had been we'll laid in the roads
and washed from the trees and brush
which line the road sides.
The smoke which had so long prevail
ed had disappeared, and in its place,
was the clear atmosphere, bracing and
healthful; upon the vegetation the
first tints of Autumn, were visible, and
the lonesome cricket chirped from his
home among the leaves.
Two miles and a half north Of Van
couver we pass Alki, where the la
meutcd Scllnbcn once designed to
found a suburb, the "bye and bye," Of
which, as the name indicates, is farther
off to-day than it was six years ago.
Passing over the bridge we come to
the worst hill on the road to Lewis
River. Sand ten inches deep, it is i'm
possible for loaded wagon to pass up
with less than three or four span Of
horses to draw it. 1t is a pity this road
canno: be put in decent travelling con-
ditior. Will the people Of Vancouver
expect the people of Lewis River to
market their produce and do their trad
ine at Vancouver with such roads as
are provided between the two points
This hill should have the attention of
the Supervisor. Being of a sandy char
acter. the rains may improve it, but
some work could be done there to adj
vantage, at least so says farmer who
has had occasion to pass that way sew
eral times lately.
Passing through the purling waters
of Salmon Creek, the road narrows and
the trees grow so tall and thick as to
render the ride from this on almost ap-
prcssivcly lonely. You arc thankful
for an occasional stray sign of life, as
the whirr ola partridge or quail, or the
startled cry of the bright-eyed squirrel
as he leaps to the side Of his guardian
tree by the road.
For six ar seven miles the road winds
along and not habitation is to be seen,
and then comes Union Ridge, fifteen
miles north of Vancouver.
This is the name given to this section
Of the county, but originally only meant
small ridge lying between Lake river
and a small creek known as Gee creek.
1t was first called Union Ridge during
the Rebellion, because all the settlers,
save one were outspoken Union men.
Hines Chapel, the building of the
Methodist Church, dedicated to tha,
eloquent teacher Harvey X. Hines, is
the rallying point Of the ncighborhood
lin Union there is strength, this
community is we'll named, for they are
we'll united in forts for the promotion
oftcmperancc and good morals. Among
the many industrious and reliable citi-
Gems mention may be made of L.ndlcy
Mecker, II. II. Burr, Esquire Spencer
and the family of the late Rev. Mr..
Rounds. A good school is taught there
by Miss Rounds. A Lodge Of Good
Templars constitutes neuclcus for the
promotion Of unity and good feeling
among all the young people.
Originally all timber land, great
deal has been burnt off and cleared and
the new houses scattered here and there
with the substantial barns and other
improvements indicate how mother
earth has rewarded the hand of toll.
The crops are good, fruit is plenty, and
but little, if any, sickness prevails.
The rain had not done any damage,
but some apprehension was entertained,
if the showers should continue.
After pleasant visit, we turned re-
luctantly away from this rural district
and headed for Vancouver. Riding
through the sombre forests, many were
the thoughts of the simple wants
humble ambitions and quiet rcpose of
these happy farmers. Bank failures do
not trouble them, Ophir and Central
Pacific Stock may be worth one dollar,
or one thousand dollars per share, but
it is all the same to them, they depend
upon the honest hand Of toll, have no
failures, sleep soundly, and glide peace
fully down the river Of life without 4
rifle to disturb its quictude.
We arrived at home at dusk, tired, bu,
rccreated and resolved to go again and
take some friends next year.