The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-11-08
THE La CANVAS COLONY.

The La Camas colony is in no sense a
speculation. 1t grew out of and is part of
a purely business enterprise, and is the legt-
innate First born" of the railroad marriage
of the two great sections of the northwest.
Though its beginnings are yet small, its flu
ner of similar enterprises, to flourish and
grow to wealth and power till mill and fac.
tory bells echo up all the hillsides of Oregon
and Washington, its proprietors deem it
worthy of published prospectus.
The enterprise began when, in the month
of April, 1883, several gentleman, largely
interested and practically engaged in manu-
features, after search of more than year
for large and safe water power, discovered
exactly what they wanted in neglected
section of Clarke county, w. Il. The loca-
ton was not unknown nor its possibilities
unappreciated, for the country around it
was settled by the pioneers of Oregon, but
its time had not come and the men with
means to possess and develop it had not yet
seen it.
The volume of water and the fall was
found to be satisfactory and a farm of GAO
acres lying along the Columbia river and the
course Of Lackamas creek was first bought
Then it was found that another farm of 300
acres had an interest in the waterfall, and it
was purchased. Further examination dis
closed the fact that some 1000 acres more of
land. lying along the creek and around
series OF lakes feeding it. would though not
Immediately necessary to it, in future add
greatly to the value of the property already
secured. The owners were found and title
to all their land obtained.
A large amount of lumber was required
for the construction of dams and mill build.
ings. After series of fruitless negotiations
for Its purchase the proprietors determined
to manufacture it for themselves. Pros
pecting developed the fact that a vast amount
OF timber OF the best quality could be OBJ
tanned adjacent to the lakes and creek
The purchase of the land around the lakes
brought up the question of improvements.
The original plan of obtaining power for one
mill required no large outlay of money in
the improvement of the natural stream, but
to place the whole power under control, and
larger outlay. Nevertheless it was decided
at once to begin foundation which should
be adequate and permanent, regardless of
moderate proportions, gradually assumed
the features and character of a gigantic un.
dertaking.
Actual work began on the last day OF July.
A force of lumbermen were set at work in
the woods, dams were put under construc.
ton and saw-mill set up. All of this re-
CURED large number of laborers. Among
so many, some had families, and, seeing
from the nature OF improvements going for.
ward, that their employment was likely to
be permanent, desired to build homes. In
answer to this desire town was plated and
lots gwen them on reasonable terms A
score or more OF them are now dwelling I'M
der roofs of their own. Business men
have seen the opportunity and stores and
hotels are already built. Enlargements OF
the original plan have followed each other
so rapidly that it has not been possible here
tofore to make any announcement OF the in
tentions Of the projectors
The land extends along the Columbia river
at and covering the mouth of the W ashou gal
tor mile or more on each stream and ex-
tends northwesterly along the course of
Lackamas creek about five miles. II was
originally covered with growth of fir, ash
and maple; but the inroads Of farming oper-
atoms and forest fires have brought it to the
character of brush land. About 20 per cent.
OF the whole had been put under cultivation.
At the confluence Of the rivers tract Of
some 200 acres is .nesrly level and high
enough to be out OF reach Of floods. Back
OF this the land raises in easy slopes to about
l15 feet above the rivers and spreads out in
a nearly level table of 300 or 400 acres. This
table land and the slopes are cut by . mar.
row canyon through which the waters Of the
lackamas, after falling l55 feet in distance
OF 1000, reach the Washougal. (See map. J
The walls Of the canyon are nearly perpeu-
dicular. and, in places more than hu red