The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-11-29
SUN RIVER SIFTINGS.
Something About the Pleasantest and
Wealthiest Valley Tributary to
Benton.

think, is the Sun river valley. In ex-
tent, fertility of soil, Improvements; the
wealth, intelligence and culture Of its
people-and all that go to make up
thrifty, prosperous, progressive settle
ment, we question if there is any in the
territory that equals it.
Of course, all the desirable land has
been taken, long since, and from one end
Of the valley to the other and along the
south fork are valuable ranches, We'll
watered, and having in almost every in
stance Improvements Of the value OF
thousands of dollars. No better crops
are produced anywhere, and as most OF
the farmers are prepared for irrigating,
such thing as crop failure is quite un-
known. But in addition to farming,
most of the residents of the valley are
interested in cattle, having accumulated
large herds from small beginnings few
wears ago. On the South Fork wool
growing has become quite business,
and not small portion Of this product
bought in Benton the past season was
from this section.
Sun River Crossing is the town Of the
valley, and like nearly all other Montana
towns it has had a share of the 1882
boom. During the past year large
number Of new and handsome buildings
have been erected, giving quite an air of
prosperity to the place.
J. 2. Dyas has recently moved into his
new brick residence. It is pleasantly
located, presents handsome appearance,
and would be creditable to much larger
place than the Crossing.
H. d. Blossom has just completed
two-story frame residence which
presents nice appearance and makes
him pleasant and comfortable home
Frank Damn and Dave White have
broken ground for the finest and most
pretentious business building in the
town. 1t is to be built Of stone, good
article Of which is obtained near by, will
be two storiet high, and 25x75 feet in
dimensions A considerable portion of
the material is already on the ground,
and the building will be completed early
next season. Tt is located ON the pflncl-
pal street, just below George Steells
store. 1t is not yet known what line of
business will be conducted in the new
store, but it will certainly make comfort
able quarters for some one.
Down the valley two or three miles is
the ranch of William Mulcahy, where
he is building the handsomest residence
in that whole section, and that is putting
it pretty strong. The house is large
two-story structure, built according to
the modern style of architecture, and
will be completed this year. We have
no positive information in the premises,
but it would not at all surprise us to hear
of Williams wedding about the holiday
tide.
Besides those enumerated a number of
small buildings have been erected, show
ing clearly that Sun River Crossing is
keeping pace with the progress going on
in other parts of the territory. The gen.
eral merchants of the place, Geo. Steel
and Steele & Co., are doing fine busi-
ness, their greatest difficulty being to
secure goods as fast as they can sell them
although they draw on the east, Ben
ton, Helena, and this fall ordered largely
by way of Billings, and have teams now
en- route from that point with goods. The
business done by these houses is matter
of wonder, unless one stops to think Of
the extensive valley tributary, and the
number Of stock ranches surrounding,
that for the most part secure their sup
plies there. 1t is safe to estimate that
' together these houses will sell between
$3.50, 900 and $500, 900 worth of goods this
year-and yet there were only ninety
one votes cast at that precinct!
Three establishments deal in wet goods
and seem to be enjoying good business.
Messrs. Blossom & Corson are proprie-
tors of the Largent house saloon, which
they conduct in good style, and as both
are well known and popular gentlemen,
they enjoy big share OF the patronage.
Their bar is always stocked with the
best liquors and cigars to be had. Mr..
Garrett holds forth up stairs over Steele
& Co. 's store, and also enjoys good bu-
siness
K. B. Largent has flour and feed
store, and has recently became agent at