The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-07-17

VANCOUVER, July IA, 1879.

VANCOUVER, July IA, 1879.
| EDITOR INDEPENDENTS:
Since my trip up the Washougal l have
spent about two weeks in the northern part
of the county visiting schools, and noting
our progress, especially in matters pertain
ing to our educational affairs. 1t is safe to
say that the Lewis river country represents,
at the lowest estimate, hundred thousand
acres of good farming lands in this county
Not less than four-ffths of this lies along
either side of, and of convenient access to,
the east fork of that river; and as this
branch is navigable up several miles from
it's mouth, it is evident that town properly
located and established at or near the head
of navigation must ere long assume the pro-
portions of city. Such are the location
and prospects of the town of La Center.
For more than year two fine steamers have
been making tri-weekly trips between that
point and Portland, both of them OCCASION
ally running to Stoughton, two miles farther
up the stream One of these steamers has
recently left the route, and the Ldtond,
owned in that section, and the peoples ia
vorite, has since been making daily trips be-
tween the two points
The town is yet small. The La Center
house, kept by j. H. Timmen; Mr.. Barrs
steam Touring mill; J. C.. Miller's dry goods
store, and DIR. r. S. Davis drug store the
blacksmith shop run by Mr.. Lyons; the
butcher shop of Mr.. Lishan; the wood yards
of J. H. Timmen and j. d. Banner, and the
warehouse, represent the principal business
departments of the place. But these do
not constitute the only proof of the basis of
fourishing town. About a quarter of
mile to the north, and on a pleasant and
slightly spot by the roadside stands fine
new two story school building, whose ele-
waited position and comedy appearance are
but emblems of the character of its mission.
While living there how oft have heard the
inquiry from the land seeker, "What are
the prospects of good SCHOOL," and on re-
ceiving an unsatisfactory reply have seen
him leave, never to return. Thus hundreds
of the most enlightened, moral and enter
prising class of immigrants are annually
driven from our midst to seek homes in
some more favored locality. But this is no
longer the case with La Center. The basis
asm shown in educational matters at the
present time, we have reason to hope that
the future is secure While there l spent
day in the school found fifty names on
regularity and system that is creditable alike
to both teacher aud pupils. The school is
taught by Miss Brown, who seems to be
giving good satisfaction to the people of the
district.
On the following day visited the school
in the Bartlett neighborhood This is a
new district cut off from that of La Center
only last winter yet they have erected quite
a neat and comfortable school building, and
are now holding their first term of school.
1t is taught by Miss Vanbebber of Cowlitz
county, and judging from the order and
mental activity manifested, it is in pros
porous condition. The United Brethren
have quite nice little church in this neigh
borhood, where they hold services every
four weeks. 1t is also occasionally occupied
by other denominations From here went
| to the Spencer district, ON the south side of
the river, and about three miles southwest
of La Center. Crossing the river at the
| Ceroly farm | was soon on the hill, and for
the first time l got view OF this beautiful
claim. The fine orchard and garden, the
comfortable buildings and the large well
cultivated and well fenced fields are strik-
ing examples OF what can be accomplished
by industrious hands. On the opposite side
of the river. little above and below, are
the farms of J. L. Banner and Mr.. Jamy.
The former is an old residents has opened
up fine farm, and now in his old age is en-
joying the fruits of his labors. Mr.. Jamy
is also an old resident, but unlike Mr.. Ban
zer has chosen life of celibacy, and is
journeying ON alone toward the end of the
rugged pathway of life. This, however, has
not prevented him from preparing home
and large clearing; and an abundance of
grapes, berries, apples, peaches and other
fruits attest long and industrious career.
Leaving here l was soon at the school,
The building is small, but equal to the
/