The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-02-07
ORLANDO IN OKLAHOMA.

! TO the Editor Of the Eagle.
Controlled by the mood Revere my
thoughts revert to events Of the past.
Memory wanders fancy free, and it
seems but yesterday, so wildly is the
the enchanting spectacle presented to
| my view as | beheld for the first time
! the land called Oklahoma. Within the
! line of vision, looking southwark, was
revealed an unbroken landscape sloping
! gently ia southern direction. Land,
whose virgin soil still remained as left
by the Creators hand. rich in the verdure
of its emerald fields, here and there are
scattered spots of wild flowers beauti-
| full in their variegated coloring
and harmonious blending at tints, all
this as if to relieve the monotony of ma
lures green carpet. Sublime indeed,
was the scene that vernal morning, for
it was then the balmy season of spring.
Quiet reigned supreme; stiffness preva-
ded over all, as if to make more impress
slve the delightful view. But the peace
and quiet of that day passed away;
other secehes are being enacted. Al
ready from north and south, from east
and west are vending their way, the
advance guard of hardy pioneers, slowly
but surely they gather at the common
rendezvous, ever gaining in numerical
strength. Tomorrow this vast army
will have assembled. Tomorrow will
be fought the battle that will mark
an important epoch In the cOuntry's
history. Tomorrow came and
the tranquil peace of yesterday
gave place to confusion, and
turmoil for now sixty thousand home
seekers have gathered around the
borders of the promised land" anx-
iousIy awaiting the signal Bronzed
and brawny sons of toll are they; Shout
der to shoulder they stand waiting for
the hour of noon. Atlast the looked for
moment arrived, and off they go.
Surely it was a sight to be remembered
for all time. Where they went they
brought civilization and where they
stopped became the busy haunts of men.
They established posts Of trade and
cities sprung up as if by magic. Today
comfortable farm houses dot the land as
a standing monument to the thrift and
enterprise of those early settlers.
Among the many phenomenal things
in this most phenomenal country may
be mentioned the rapid and re-
markable progress of Orlando. Only
short time ago few
tents marked the present townsite. To-
day it contains many inhabitants, its
streets are lined with business houses
and building is rapidly progressing. A
new and commodious school house, the
finest in the territory, has just been COM
pleted and has an average attendance Of
800 scholars. Increased water facjli-
ties are under way; street lamps and
sidewalks are among the many improve
ments contemp plated.
The merchants carry extensive stocks
of goods and as to style, variety and
quality Will compare with any in the
territory. A healthy tone and business
activity prevails, local merchants are
pleased with the present outlook and
are content to await the bright future Of
this prosperous town.
Orlando is located on the line of the
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad,
and half mile south of the famous
Cherokee Strip. The town is well situa-
ted and is destined TO be an important
city. In addition 10 the existing local
trade. a constant and increasing demand
comes from the surrounding towns less
favorably situated, and Orlando is fast
coming to the front as a distributing
point.
Among the many prominent business
men located here may be mentioned w.
w. Black & Co., 4. L. Cockrum, J.
Marker and W. w. Smith. They are ali
men of the pioneer class, VINO came in
early days and by indomitable viii and
steady perseverance forced themselves
TO the front. Colonel Charles S. Parrish
and Colonel Henry E. Glazier are Orlan-
dos worthy representatives of the law.
Medicine finds promising young physl-
clan in the person of DR.. Frame. Jay
N. Shaffer, bright young journalist, is
editor and proprietor of the Orlando
Signal.
l. /. Order is engaged in the real
estate business here. He Is a recent
arrival from Ohio; young man Of
energy and business ability. He Is do
ing much for Orlando and intending set
tlers would do well to address him for
full particulars.
There Is still many openings and adj
vantages for men of enterprise, among
Others good location for -four mill Is
wheat Is being grown il abundance and
Of fine quality. l have no doubt Orlando
would welc ONE ali new Corners.
c. T. CELLEN.