Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1880-09-25
Chippewa County at the State Fair.

/ Il
From the Post and Tribune.
The northeast corner of the agricul-
tural building on the state fair grounds
Is devoted to the exhibit of products
from Chippewa county. This is of un-
usual interest because it is the first
which has come from that portion of the
upper peninsula in which Chippewa
county is located. For this reason a
great many people have examined the
exhibit, to learn something of a region
which before they only knew of by hear
say. The exhibit is placed by itself, be-
cause through failure to receive premi-
um lists at the Sault, the rule requiring
full bushel of grain to be entered was
was not known, and only fractions of a
bushel were sent. The display consisted
OF wheat, peas, corn, potatoes, apples,
turnlpS, carrots, beets, ETC., all of which
are very fine specimens indeed. The DO
tatoes especially are large, smooth, clear
ones. There are two Chippewa county
men in attendance, Mr.. 9. W. Pickford
OF PickfOrd's settlement, and I. r. Eas-
terday of Sault Ste. Marie. The former
was the first settler in the community
which bears his name, where he came
three years ago. As he has travelled ex-
tenslyely through Canada and Manitoba,
with special reference to finding the
best place to settle, and was for some
time owner of farm in Canada, his ex-
perlence is of value to persons intend
Ing to change their residence. A repOr-
ter OF the Post and Tribune talked with
him yesterday to ascertain his opinion
OF the comparative merits of Chippewa
county and Manitoba for settlers of
moderate means. This was suggested
by the inscription which appears over
the exhibit, do not go to the far west
for farms when better lands are for sale
in Michigan"
The PickfOrd settlement is located in
the southeast portion of Chippewa coun-
| ty, in what are known as the burnt
lands" Mr.. PickfOrd says he moved
there three years ago last winter. The
nearest inhabitant to him then was %
miles away. In the early part of the
last summer the census showed popu-
latiOn of 492 persons in the settlement.
About 20 families are expected this year
in addition. The settlers there, thus far,
are all Canadians. The country three
years ago was perfect wilderness. 1t
| is found to be easily cleared, and the
soil is clay, which, the more it is work
| ed, the more productive it becomes, and
will not need fertilizing for many years.
| The beech and maple timber on the land
was not burned at the time the forest
| fires swept away so many of the pines,
| and enough are left for an abundant
supply of wood. There are about IA
| townships i'm this vicinity all of the
same general character. 1t only costs
about So per acre, i'm work, to get the
land ready for the plOw and i'm good
shape. The climate is even and fine.
Potatoes can be left in the ground all
winter. Soil and climate are especially
favorable to the production of wheat,
barley, peas and roots. Apples have not
been extensively raised yet, but indica-
tions are good for them. As compared
with Manitoba Mr.. PickfOrd says the
climate where he lives is better, the
water is better, and the facilities for
reaching the market are so immeas-
urably superior that the western regions
are not to be thoughtOf. 1t is now but
short distance to the Sault, where
steamers run constantly during the navi-
| cation season ,and with the completion of
the Detroit, Mackinac and Marquette
road, facilities will be still better. Mr..
| PickfOrk thinks man would do better
to go to Chippewa county with $500 than
to Manitoba with $1,000. There is gov
ernment land to be had, and the land Of
fered for sale by the Detroit, Mackinac
and Marquette company can be had for
81 per acre, One-fourth down and the
balance in nine years. Lumber in Chip
pewa county costs S. to So per m, and in
Manitoba $40tO 60. Other things are in
proportion.
Mr.. Easterday, who is president of the
Chippewa county agricultural society,
confirmed the above statements. He
showed the potatoes, peas, etc., raised
there, and says he cOnsiderSthem pref
ty fair demonstration of what the land
will do. a1 q BIAS -gi1 Ist II yd
| W.0. Strong, land commissioner of
the new railroad company, is also i'm at
tendance at the Chippewa county exhi-
bit, where is large map, showing the
location OF available lands, especially
those belonging to the company. ra' :