Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-01-02
GAIT.
The Natural Trade Cenfer of an Immense
Area-Outlook and Opportunities.


This town, with population of about
geo, is on the line of the Western Pacific
Railroad, twenty-seven miles southeast of
Sacramento, and twenty-three miles from
Stockton, being nearly midway between
the two leading cities of the Sacramento
and San joaquin valleys The town is
located upon the land formerly known as
the Chabolla grant, or more particularly
described as the Rancho San Jon de los
Moquelumnes. This was an exceedingly
large tract of land, and prior to 1875, the
people living upon it had title to what
might be termed an undivided interest,
with no absolute certainty as to what por-
ton would be allotted to them when
division came to take place. The parti-
ton being made about this time, and set
tiers having acquired absolute and perfect
title to their sections of the lands, the
feeling of uncertainty which had hitherto
prevailed and retarded everything in the
way OF home Improvements disappeared
and spirit of thrift and enterprise pre-
vailed in the neighborhood The people
thereupon commenced building ana fur
nlshlng their homes, and nearly all pur-
chases for construction, furnishing and
supplies were made in Gait This gave a
lively impetus to the trade of the place,
and everything Immediately became
highly prosperous. In addition to this.
the settlers raised extensive crops, had
good yields and received good prices for
their products The causes which COM
blned to give this activity to business in
Gait, III measure ceased when their homes
were erected and provided with
necessary comforts and the business of the
town has not since been as brisk as in those
years. But it enjoys a trade of stability,
and all the factors and surroundings which
go to make up prosperous and growing
community are hers, and will at no distant
day push the town to the front as the
NATURAL TRADE CENTER
of large area of territory devoted to
farming, fruit-growing and other industries.
The area from which supplies are drawn
from Gait, is nearly or quite 175 square
miles; the lands contained in this wide
expanse represent nearly all classes and
qualities. To the east and north Of Gait is
a large amount of red up-lands, which,
while not as productive as some others,
quarter section is capable of affording
good living and home for an enterprising
man and his family. These lands are heidi
at from S25 to $40 per acre, according tol
locality.
Along Dry creek, which passes but a 4
mile to the south, and also along the
Costumes river, few miles to the north
are extended areas of bottom or alluviai
lands, which are very fertile and yield tho
largest returns in products of all kinds.
These lands are now held at from $50 to
500 per acre, and will, no doubt at nd |
distant day largely appreciate in price, as |
they Will produce large annual interest |
upon present values. Eli
West of Gait the fland between the
Costumes river and Dry creek is known |
as the pocket" This section is natl
ural park and grand in its natural beauty |
resembling the finest landscape-gardening |
and arboriculture. 1t is covered with 4 |
scattering growth of stately oaks, with an
occasional group of the same thickly stud /
ding several acres with their broad spreading
tops. The land is o. greatest fertility, and
In It's natural state is beautiful almost be-
yond description, and in the near future
will be eagerly sought for to be cut up into
small tracts for homes, which will be
Arcadian. These lands can be had today
for from $50 to 500 per acre, and Will pay
large interest upon such sum from annud
products, but still larger profit from the
rise in value that must speedily take
place upon so desirable possessions. I'll
THE BUSINESS HOUSES
Of Gait are as follows; Whitaker & Raw
J. Brewster & Co., and Wright, Need & Cd.
Each carry on a general merchandise busi-
ness in substantial brick buildings, owned
oy the respective firms. The completeness
II their varied stocks is equaled by but
ew towns in the State. f. +. Phelps car
les stock of watches, diamonds, jewelry
md fancy notions which would be credit
o any house and street in any city on the
cast. There are two hotels in the place,
ne Devin's Exchange, kept by Devin &
'routy, and the Gait House, of which Geo.