Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-22
DOWN THE VALLEY.
Salient Features of the Country
Along the Fort Wayne Road.
HANDSOME AND THRIVING TOWNS.
A Landscape Unsurpassed in Beauty by
Any in Uncle Sans Dominipns.
A GOOD PLACE FOR PLEASANT HOMES

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Those who suppose that the East End has
a monopoly of everything that is good in
the way of lands, houses and location are
badly mistaken. 1t is a characteristic of
the natural environments of Pittsburg that
In whatever direction the eye is turned it
rests upon a vision of lovellness that is
rarely equaled in any part of the world.
If the East End elicits EXPLANATIONS of
delight from the beholder, the West End
commands his admiration; if the Northside
causes him to linger over its outstretehing
beauties, the Southside attracts him by its
rugged spiendor Nature has distributed her
bounties in this vicinity with an unsparing and
impartial hand.
A trip down the Fort Wayne Railroad as far
as Sewickley is more than worth the time and
trouble required to make it. The first place
demanding attention is Bellevue, which is un-
dergoing improvement on an extensive scale.
1t contains some pretty houses, and a number
of others are going up. 1t is picturesque
place, and has bright future before it.
Avlon, formerly Birmingham, is another
thriving village. Thirty acres of the estate of
the late John Birmingham have been pur-
chased by syndicate composed principally of
young Aneghenians, who intend to erect
houses thereon for their own use. OF the re-
mainder of this estate about 20 acres will be
subdivided and the rest held for private use
Building operations will be begun by the syndi-
cate in short time
Half mile below Avlon is Laurel station
where number of fine residences have recent
ly been built, and where several good building
itos yat iad nd M cOOld
be purchased at low prices in comparison with
those prevailing in other localities no better
situated.
The next station below is Ellsworth, which,
it is generally admitted, is one of the most
beautiful spots around Pittsburg. 1t contains
a large number of fine residences which are all
on high ground, and yet easy of access. The
population, about 1000, is composed of first
class people. There is considerable land in the
vicinity. which can be purchased in tracts of
from one to ten acres. The situation is admir-
able and the views unsurpassed. 1t has an
abundance of pure water and good drainage.
Dixmont, which comes next, is too well
known to require special mention.
Leaving Dixmont and its mournful associa-
tions, Glenfeld comes in view. 1t is nine miles
from Union depot, has a population of about
L5O0, and contains some handsome houses. 1t
is thriving village, and is ambitious to rise in
the world.
Havesville is Just below Glenfield. It was
formerly fashionable summer resort, but the
destruction of its big hotel by fire some years
ago gave it setback from which it has not en-
tirely recovered 1t has number of fine resi-
dences extending down toward Osborne sta
tion. Hayesville is quiet, home-like village,
with fine land and river views-just such a
place as poets and painters delight to dream
and work in.
Osborne station, which Is really continua-
tion of Hayesville, points with pride to several
handsome residences. 1 was informed that
there are number of desirable lots for sale at
low prices at this place.
Here we are at Sewickley, the end of our
journey. This is one of the oldest towns in the
valley, and it has been the seat of culture and
enterprise for many generations Many of the
prominent men of the country have lived in or
been identified with Sewickley. 1t is full of ele-
CANT houses. which are occupied by people who
are prominent in business and social affairs.
OF the whole valley from Allegheny City to
Sewickley and below, it can be said that it con-
tains many of the finest locations around the
city of Pittsburg. 1t has good railroad faciIi-
ties, with prospect of additional rapid transit
temptation. These will afford means of ingress
and egress equal to those possessed by any
other section. This valley will, without doubt
soon become prime favorite with those seek
ing a desirable location in which to establish
homes.
Farming lands in New York State are de.
preciating The assessors in IA counties visited
found that farming lands had deprecated in
value whi1a citv Oronertv had inoraosad in,
value. State Assessor Wood is of the opinion
that in a few years there will be nothing much
but tenant farmers in this State. The same
facts are observed in Pennsylvania.
It pays to plant willows. The examination
which the Government Engineer in charge of |
the Potomac river improvement made shows |
that the water reached height of feet z
inches above the high-water mark of the
freshet of 1877, which was the highest of any
known or recorded freshet.
The wisdom of planting willows upon the new
lands has been justified. That portion of the
newly-made flats upon which willows were
planted was protected from washing, so that |
practically no damage was done there, while in |
the portions of the improvement which were |
not SO protected there has been great loss.
The produce of gold from mines in the United
States during the calendar year 1888 is esti- |
mated to have been 1.604S4l fine ounces
of the value of $685. l75,000 In 1887
it was S33 1000, 900. The produce of silver |
from mines in the United States during the
calendar year 1888 is estimated to have been
45, ,7SS, ,6S2 fine ounces of the coming value of
S59, 1885, OC0. This is an increase of 4,5l5S27 fine
ounces over the estimated production of 1857
Since January there have been reported 296
strikes involving IS ITO strikers, against 3s9
strikes and Ill 20 strikers in 1855 and 5l1 strikes
and 2l2, ,Sl7 strikers In five months of 1887.