Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-08-18

COUNTY BoYs--THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF
THE TOWN AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY.
GRAND FoRKs, OAK, Aug. ., 1882
Grand Forks is situated on the west bank
of the Red River of the North, about 500
miles from its mouth, at the head Of nav
igation for heavy vessels, and is town
of some more than 1900 inhabitants. Until
within three years, at which time the St.
Paul and Manitoba railroad company extend
cd their road to this place, its inhabitants
numbered less than 500, and the place was
comparatively unknown. The advance from
that to the present time seems not to be
transitory, but a steady, healthy growth,
based entirely upon a solid foundation, with
no indications of an ephemeral growth so
common to many western towns. 1t is 20
miles from the Dominion or boundary line
between the Provinces and the United States,
and about 800 miles farther north than
WindhAm county yet the seasons are less
severe than our New England winters. Al
though the thermometer runs much lower in
the winter, the atmosphere is so dry and in
vigorating that the sense of discomfort is
much less. As an illustration, am told that
Mr.. Bosard, of the Vermont Loan and Trust
company, had little daughter eight years
old that was accustomed to go after the fam
lily supply of milk to one of the neigh bors,
few blocks from their house. One morn
ing, year ago last winter, before Mr. Bo-
sard went to his office, she won't as usual,
without extra clothing, and returned without
complaint. On going to the Office Mr.. DO
! Il Al.
mometer indicated 549 below zero.
The seasons are about the same length as
they are in Vermont, with less snow than
there and less sleighing. The ground, which
| is entirely free from rocks or stone, freezes
to depth of six to eight feet. Crops are
somewhat later than at the East, perhaps
two or three weeks, and that is occasioned
by the late seeding, which is a necessity
caused by the ground not thawng out
Fruits are not yet grown, but it is thought
that all the fruits grown in Vermont would
do well here. The great staple production is
wheat Of an unsurpassed quality for patent
Aours. Corn, barley, rye, oats and potatoes
do we'll. The pototo bug is unknown. The
average yield Of potatoes is about 275 bush
els per acre, that of wheat being 20 bushels,
barley 40 and oats 60. This average dates
back to the first years of sowing and during
| the time since. BY skillful and careful farm.
ing the average would be considerably in
creased. The indications are that the pres
ent crop of wheat will be simply enormous,
the country seeming to be one unbroken sea
of wheat that is now about ready for the
harvesters. This Red River valley extends
south as far as Wharpton, about 12O miles
from here, and west some 25 miles, where
we find slightly rolling land, which becomes
more so the farther we 60, with a good soil,
yet not quite equal to the valley proper.
This entire valley is all settled up and,
what is favorable for its future, by small
owners, this being much better for the pros
perity of the country than TO have it owned
by land kings. Water is easily obtained and
very clear and cold. well can be bored
and cur5ad ready for use in about au hour.
There is no timber on the prairies, building
timber all being shipped from Minnesota.
Wood comes down the Red Lake river, which
is a tributary Of Red river emptying into it
at this place, and is sold for about So cord.
There are some good wells of water in the
town, but most people prefer to use the river
water filtered.
Grand Forks has already some good brick
buildings made from home. made brick.
Among the public buildings are a school
house costing SIS, 900, a court house costing
about the same sum, and a city hall costing
SIS, 900. The religious denominations now
having places of worship are the Roman
Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and Lu
theran. The town has city government
and is as orderly as a New England town Of
like size. The trade is ably represented in
all its branches by thrifty, enterprisng mer
chants. The professions are among the pi
oueers. Among the Vermont men we fnd
j. II. Merrifeld, Marion Sherman and Geo
B. Clifford of the Vermont Loan & Trust Co
This firm seem to be doing a substantial and
prosperous business in the way of placing
loans for parties east. As whole we regarC
this section of our country as one destined t
| experience a great future. W.