The herald., 1896-09-27

Barbara, Is at present the cynosure OF an
eyes among oil producers Of this coast
About two years ago oil was struck
in this then struggling and struggling
settlement. At first the work of de-
veloping It progressed very languidly,
as there was then a dearth Of both capi-
tai and enterprise In this vicinity, ana
the croakers as usual, predicted that
II wouldn't amount to anything, any
how. But still few believers sunk
wells, and much to the surprise OF a
great many they proved profitable In
vestment.
But for a long time outside capital
failed to become interested, the fields at
Los Angeles engrossing all their atten-
tion. But since then the Los Angeles
fields have been developed to their limit
and are no longer the important factor
in the oil business that they were, con-
sequently capital is now casting Its eyes
toward Summerland, and what Is more,
is beginning to interest itself In It's de-
velopment.
When a man starts to sink well, he 10
positively sure he will get oil at
depth of from $50 to 275 feet. the deep
est well sunk yet. The lower strata
are yet to be explored, everybody being
content to stop at the first oil bearing
sand. But every indication tells the
expert geologist that deeper boring will
develop better oil prospects than have
yet been discovered.
In the past six months Summerland
has made rapid progress, its population
has more than doubled, as has its oil
production. Many new wells have been
opened, new ground has been prospected,
new machinery introduced and new
blood with capital to back 1t has come
into the field.
In the way Of improvements, Summer
land has increased rapidly In the past
six months. Her population has more
than doubled. In the last gubernator-
cast in this precinct. Today 125 voters
are registered, the most of whom are
men of family. This at a rough estimate
puts the population In the neighborhood
of 600.
A wharf franchise has been granted
to H. S. Williams, and that gentleman
will build 1t soon. As harbor. Sum-
mer land is an ideal seaport. lying at
the meeting of the curves Of Santa Bar
bara bay, protected on each side by high
headlands, and in front by Santa Cruz
and Santa Rosa islands. An accident to
a vessel by being driven ashore or torn
from her anchorage is almost impos-
sible.
An electric line. which promises 10
minute cars, has been surveyed from
Santa Barbara, and the poles are al
ready up.
Hill Bros. have built fine two-story
business block and will open up gen.
eral store by the 1st of October.
The Summerland Cigar factory Is also
a fiourishing enterprise. employing three
men and turning out high quality Of
goods.
The OIL City Soap factory will open
for business in few weeks and manu-
facture laundry and toilet soaps.
Main Bros general store is doing
fine trade, especially so when it Is to be
considered that they are compelled to
sell at Santa Barbara prices to hold
their trade.
The Summerland Machine shop, oper-
ated by Mr.. Futhey, is an institution Of
no small merit MIR. Futhey has machin-
cry and workmen in his place compe-
tent to handle anything in connection
with the oil trade. no matter how large.
G. w. Fisk operates general black
smithlng and wagon repair shop and
turns out very neat work.
The Summerland Lumber yard, start
ed six weeks ago, is handling an inn
mense amount of building material
The Summerland Advance, bright,
newsy little folio weekly paper, is oper-
ated by w. H. Smith. Mr. Smith is
practical printer and therefore knows
the value of advertising and never per-
mits an opportunity pass to let the out
side world know what is going on in tho
way Of improvements in Summerland
and the opportunities and facilities 1t
offers for investment Of capital.