The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-01-09
A POETICAL LETTER.
In Which Everybody Gets Mention.

lrCd w NIlit YOU ~ my SdTlleEb con
venience, here goes: Arrived last even
ing at Z 80 on train due at 2:05 D. M
Seems to be standing joke, not my
arrival but the irregularity Of trains
Found what the natives call an Oregon
mist, but think they have missed it; re.
minds me OF an old-fashioned down.
east drizz!o. am comfortably situated
at the Mount Hood hotel a few steps
from the depot and commanding a fine
view Of the grand old Columbia sweep.
ing silently by, bearing on its white
capped bosom four boats daily, plying
between Portland and The Dalles. Six
passenger trains make stops during the
"a hours; three east and three west, and
freights rumble by at all hours day and
night. An aristocratic place | have
struck, old man, the marshal is a real
Duke born and bred. The west may be
'wild and woody" but it has a strong
hold on the wheel of progress. Even
this village / am told has an electric
light system, water system, telephone
system, no system, sidewalks, three
well furnished church buildings, two
Libraries, good hall and opera house,
splendid graded school, more orders,
clubs and lodges than any place OF equal
size on the globe; three saloons, only
one Jail and but few know its location.
The place is well protected against
invasion, company of militia having
organized recently and for some time
artillery has been established on the
hill back Of town. The strongest indi-
cations of war is during the strawberry
season, when hundreds OF volunteers,
whites and Indians, make raid on the
valley to pick the immense crop, aggre-
eating $4,000 crates last season. Not so
much Of backwoods place as we have
always imagined it.
The very atmosphere and water seems
charged with poetical themes, so il
forget and occasionally weave in a
rhyme, attribute it to the climate. |
am very much pleased with my host
and his family; true courtesy envelopes
their demeanor. The former is
superintendent of schools in this
county, has held the office many years
and won the esteem OF the community
for his educational qualities and enter
prise. Notice his composition and design
on back of paper upon which am writ
ing; an illustrated, condensed descrip-
tion and merits OF the valley, neatly ar
ranged, attractive in appearance and ex-
plains his interest and progression.
went out this morning to view the
town, had deal OF tramping up hill
and down; but more beautiful place
ne'er was in, my tickle heart it is cer-
tain to win. The people too seem
congenial and kind and hospitable as
any you'll find.
The first place noticed was livery
barn; crossed the street and entered
the door, with horses and vehicles we'll
equipped, one horse rigs, two horse,
stage coaches use four; at tones of a
Bell the workmen respond, and short
order call is promptly filled. One can
spin o'er the valley at trifling cost, moth
ing extra if some get ditched or spilled
Real estate dealer is next place, the
agent has a pleasant face and kindly
eye Fire insurance, money to lend,
homes at any cost you may spend, some
low, some high Has charge Of town
library, too, good class of books old
and new, / observed there. Council
member also is he; by the way the cleo
ton changed see, the whole affair.
The mayor tbs said is a wise Coon;
resolutions will be passed soon, setting
things Alright; for the Alliance now
holds sway. Hard they have worked
to win the day, with tireless fight. No
objection to members old save they
owned too much water cold; sounds
pretty queer, when present members
are firm cold water advocates and term,
"a curse is beer,p and held up their
light to the world; well, out Of Office
some were hurl'd who did the same.
They May bring about reform, but I'm
Gessling there will be storm and tongues
to tame.
There is a neat little paint shop next
to the corner on the opposite side OF the
street. Went over to look around and
had to Hunt the proprietor. Found him
in back room OF shop painting a bill
board. Does frst-class work in neat
and expeditions manner. Keeps in
stock various styles of wall paper and
paints; picture framing specially.
A. Luckey mortal next door hammers
steel, and makes good living at 1t I'm
told. He handles shoes, nails fingers,
mends tongues and irons like profess
sional bold. You'll think by this he's
a Jack OF all trades, but think ne is
master of only one. He shoes a horse
we'll and can shoe a hen; satisfactorily
his work is done.
crossed the street to McDonald's
store, but which will soon be McDonald's
no more, for he's selling out goods at
lowest cost; they say firm Bone he
has recently lost, aside from the rib
that all men are short; Ga yarn made up
for sweet woman's retort.)
Next door west of Mes is Coe q Son,
goods substantial and novelty lines,
china and glass of pretty designs, pic
lures and books TO please every one;
Fresh popcorn and peanuts, dolls and
toys, fruits and candy and gifts OF your
choice; pretty things to make girls
hearts rejoice and to delight the mis-
chievous boys.
Next is the bank where had a check
cashed; say, ehum, never was much
more abashed. sweet, smiling young
lady glanced at me and | blushed So
deeply could scarcely see the pleasant
cashier, who before me stood; s'pose |
looked guilty OF not being good, for he
said would have to bring some one to
prove my identity; we'll, twas fun.
They receive deposits, thousands year.
guess they are wealthier than any here,
for they keep three Buffers busy en-
ploy'd. Staunch is the firm, by panic
unannoyed; Truman is junior to the
hearts core, seniors equal scarcely find
the world o'er; the fair secretary Car
rie's charm that to possess l would
give good farm.
Next door to the bank is boarding
place, you get best of fare and an ample
share. but Judging from signs tbs
Foxy place.
On wended my way where'er fancy
did stray, walked into a neat brick store.
Though the village is old, first erected
I'm told-well stocked from ceiling to
floor with general merchandise. Good
ware at bedrock price; mems furnish
ING goods and shoes, stock warranted to
please Of coffee, spice and teas, and all
else customers use. Proprietor sings
Sans. deals in pickles and jams; sells
dry goods by bolt or yard, in bags, boxes
and kegs: keeps nails, sugar and eggs,
81 Ia h,, tba nail standard lard.