The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-04-05
.COLLINSV|LLE IS
NOTED FOR FRUIT
Possibilities of Surrounding
Territory Are FIattering
TOWN Is IDEALLY LOCATED
Source of Income from Timber on the
Adjacent Mountains is Becom-
ing Very Large-Has Elk
ceiIent Markets.
TOWN is IDEALLY LOCATED
BY FRANK V. EVANS.

BY FRANK v. EVANS.
Collinsvile, April 4-(special.) 1.-The pro-
jectors of the present Alabama Great
Southern railway wisely selected the
route from Chattanooga to Meridian; for
doubt If any three hundred mile rail-
section of the continent more richly en-
dowed by nature than this, and am quite
sure that no other possesses a greater di-
versity Of natures gifts. 1 refer to rich
ness of soil, of mineral beds, of climate,
of timber, and beauty of charming
scenery.
The writer finds himself this time in
Collinsville. located in Little Wills valley,
at the feet of Lookout mountain on the
Collnsville began existence with the
building of the Alabama Great Southern
railroad, therefore it is not an old town.
1t contains a population of between GOO
and 700 people, and has a dozen or more
progressive merchants--one firm here
ranking among the largest In north Ala
bama.
The trading area of these Collinsville
merchants covers about twenty-five miles
of most productive soil. Little Wills and
Big Wills valleys are embraced in this,
and these are known to be among the
richest valleys of all the southland. They
produce cotton, corn, wheat, oats and the
grasses abundantly. The town of Collins
Vile receives annually from 5000 to 5000
bales of cotton, besides much other farm
produce.
These farms are not large, but are in
dustriously cultivated and the people
live at home and board at the same
place. as the saying goes. They are now
paying much attention to stock raising,
and Colinsville ranks among the most
important cattle-shippng points in the
state.
Abundance of Fruit.
The mountain and hillsides around
Collinsville produce an abundance OF
fruit grapes and berries; and much of
this product especially peaches, Is
shipped to the markets. This fruit indus
try has been so successful that the De-
Kalb county farmer is annually giving
1t increased attention. There is still an
abundance of room for increase along this
line, and the reader need not be surprised
to see fruit culture become the leading
industry in this section. A liberal market
awaits 1t.
A specially noteworthy fact about Col
linsvile is that this place receives and
ships more poultry and eggs annually
than any railroad station in Alabama,
which fact speaks well for the industry
of the farmers-for it is a remunerative
business.
Theswriter y Informed by leading mer-
chants here that the farmers are In bet
ter condition than they ever have been.
They are out of debt, and have excellent
credit when desired Is said, however,
that the cash system PREVAILS and that
there is little inclination on the part of
the farmer to buy on credit The homes
and farm houses are greatly improved In
the valleys and on the hillsides paint is
in evidence. The stock is we'll kept and
comfortably housed and improved farm
machinery has been purchased and put
to use to an extent never before wit
messed in this section.
This all speaks volumes for the present
and future of the country. 1t is prac-
teal demonstration by native Alabam-
ians of the great possibilities of these
lands and this climate, and an invitation
to the home-seekers from the north and
west to come from the rigid climes from
poor and high-priced lands, and make
themselves cDIllulldDitf bhPPs phNi ~ -
porous in this highly favored section.
Large Quantities of Timber.
From Collinsylle as from other points
along this line of road, large quantities
of hardwood timber are shipped, and this
is proving quite an important source OF
income to the land owners. Much of
this timebr still remains untouched in the
mountain forests. and it will be years be-
fara ~ 10 a,1t and hnulpd awaV
Collinsyille is seventy-six miles from
birmingham and sixty-five miles from
Chattanooga, both of which places af-
ford good and near markets. II Is fifteen
miles from Fort Payne, the court house
town of this, DeKalk county. The city
government Is controlled by Mayor X
H. Smith and board of five councilmen;
vet there is not a salaried offlcer con-
nected Herewith The city tax rate is
about one-eighth of one per cent-the
lowest perhaps of any town in the state.
very cent of this is applied to the street
and sidewalks. They have here town
marshal. but he is not regularly en-
ployed; is only called into service when
needed, and compensated under the fee
system--the violator of the law footing
the bill.
There are no saloons nor dispensaries
in Collnsvile in fact, none in the county
OF DekalD.
Schools and Churches.
Collinsville has two churches-Meth-
odist and Baptist and large school
building, with full attendance. This
schools is said to be ably conducted, and
the people here manifest much interest In
the public school system. AT present the
school is not under the towns sole direc-
ton but is soon to become regular city
school.
A movement Is now on foot to establish
a. bank herein fact the organization mas
been eected. and before long this bank
will be ready for business.
To show something of the pluck Of Col
linsville people, 1t may here be stated
that four years ago a disastrous fire oc-
Cured here, sweeping away the business
nortion of the town. Immediately the
neonle went to work and rebuilt 1t, most
~ IN substantial brick stores, number
~ them two-stories. So Collinsville is
here to stay.
The town has a good and comfortable
boteI-the oliver house-which seems well
natronized The livery business Is well
renresented here-two firms supplying
commercial tuorsts with transportation
10 the country villages and stores.
sneaking of the omnipresent drum
mer." He is in evidence all along this
inviting line and is hustling for the val
uable orders of these valley merchants.