The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-13
CULPEPER'S PROSPERITY.
All Recollections Of Hard Times Pass
ing Away.

CULPEPER, VA, March 12-Special.-
A study Of the conditions south OF Ma
sons Dlxons Line reveals the fact that
Culpeper is second only to Asheville, n
c., i'm regard 10 its health-giying air.
Nature seems 10 have established this
sanatarium with special regard 10 tine
residents Of the malarious districts from
Alexandria TO Washington. The change
is charming. when the hot weather come
on. from the miasmatic air OF the low
country, TO this region among the ever
lasting hills. where the breath OF the
mountains comes 10 inyigOrate the enc
feebled dwellers I'm towns. IL is sixty
seven miles from the village OF Cuipeper
10 the capital city. Here as at MJnas-
sas interest turns towards the big town
from the little one and the country
round Daily milk trains carry the pro-
duct OF the fine farms 20 the town folks.
Farmers wives give much time ana at
tention TO the dairy and the poultry yafd
many OF them having regular customers
for their delicious butter and rat fowls
among the Washington housekeepers.
While the thrifty housewives Of the
mountain districts are looking after the
smaller interests. the men are buying ana
city market. Culpeper is great ship
ming point for the stock raisers i'm the
back counties, remote as yet from rail-
roads. This is also the point whence the
product OF the fine orchards OF Rappanan
mock and Madison az well as Culpeper
finds it's way 10 market Ia the tall,
thousands OF barrels OF apples are
brought in wagons TO the Culpcper sta-
ton for shipment. The need OF better
freight facilities has long been keely lelI
i'm this fine country. Now that the pus-
mess depression seems 10 be over ana
restored confidence stimulates enterprise
plans are maturing for building rail-
road which shall bring the fertile FARM
ing lands OF Rappahannock into close
connection with the outer world
Culpeper village is o. quiet. steady little
community. numbering about 1000 souls.
During all the period Of hard times the
village had no failures, and in the last
three years has put up several suostan-
rial business houses. Three more are
projected this spring. Many concrete
pavements have been made by private
narties in the streets recently, which
does much 10 improve the appearance OF
the place.
Mr.. Isaac L. Johnson owner OF col
orado mines, and known locally MS Sill
Yer Johnson" makes his home here and
occupies a fine residence on Davis street
Mr. Johnson has bought several farms
near the village. OF late years and keeps
his property in fine condition. His pos
sessions can be told by the neat fencing,
substantial buildings, and avenues OF
trees he takes such pleasure IN plant
ing. A..
II requires no prophets eye 10 sec that
this region is destined to a great trans
formation at no distant day. Inc nc'
people of the Tidewator regions VIII nero
ind summer homes. where far from ma
laria and mosquitoes they can SIT unuet
their own vine and apple tree ana
contemplate serenely the lights and sha-
dows on the blue mountains rising gfdun-
" IN the distance. Another change IKE
" 10 come in the near future IS the bfeAh-
ms, m OF the old estates some OF theh1
held by the descendants OF the hrst set
tiers into smaller farms when Will DC
much better cultivated than the large
ones have usually been. This has al
ready begin with the negroes. The couh-
try colored people own a great many
little farms and when they come 20 town
I'm their good, plain clothes, present
much more respectable appearance IMAM
the ragged town negroes io''liis 49,
the streets waiting TO pick up h'7-
cent Job. tn. -.
A merchant, long acquainted with this
region. says it IS good evidence OF IN
creasing prosperity among the farmers
that they are now generally able TO pay
for their fertilizers instead OF having 70
give a mortgage on tho crop.
A new feature IN Culpeper society - \
tan Chinaman with a large amount or
pigtan hanging down his back, who mas
opened a laundry here. After ie"
weeks residence the gentlemen from
"Chlng Ching expressed his disapproval
OF Culpeper customs in the words: mo
likee this town; lung men no wearee any
thing but collars and cuffs" For some
years II has been the practice OF the
aforesaid lung men" 10 send their coll
lars and cuffs to a Washington laundry.
Now they are willing 60 encourage home
industry by patronizlng the Celestial