The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-07-23
tBy a Stan Corre.ponde.t.y

The rapid growth in population of
the state of North Dakota; and it is
noted for its towns, whose growth can
only be likened to the proverbial musn-
room, that springs forth in night, is
not any where in the state more exem-
plified than through that section of the
country, north of Devils Lake, through
Ramsey and Towner counties, ira
versed by the Farmers Grain and
shipping company railroad to within
one and one-half miles of the Canadian
boundary line.
This portion of the state was openei
up practically, only four years ago by
this road and in reality the greater
portion of 1t has only been opened up
since last October.
The first twenty-five miles of the
Farmers road went only to Starkswea-
ther until that time, when 1t was ex-
tended forty-one miles farther north
and now the end of the line is called
Hansboro. -
called this to perpetuate the name of
our senior senator Hon. H. C. Hans
borough from North Dakota but
spelled with modification, leaving off
the ugh To one who had not been
over this territory in ten years and
that overland there were many great
changes to marvel over. =.
Through the courtesy, of the officials
We correspondent took a little trim in
company with party Of friends, over
the road one day last week. This few
miles of railroad showing, SO plainly
what our farmers can do is something
to marvel at in SO new country. The
few farmers that up to four years ago
were the only settlers through this
section OF these two counties, growing
tired OF hauling their rapidly increas-
ing crops of grain overland great dis
tances and who even at this disadvan-
tage mad accumulated wealth; banded
together and formed corporation
with the result-a farmers road built
by farmers, owned by farmers and all
along the line equipped with mammoth
modern elevators for storing their
grains.
AS We said, the end of the line for
the first years was Starkweather, now
prosperous, beautiful little town. 1t
has grown steadily since it's birth, with
growth that is sure and permanent
not the boom of the early days that al
ways died so shortly after its begin
ming.
The population is now about five
hundred inhabitants. There are -four
mammoth elevators with a storage ca
pacity of from twenty-five to fifty
thousand bushels. Good general stores
where everything needed for comfort
can be bought, drug stores, hotel, and
newspaper that will keep the people
acquainted with the growth and pros
perity of the place.. AS one rolls into
Starkweather. they cannot but note
the beauty Of this, little town and also
the fact that there are as fine homes
here as can be found in the state. Ar
tfstic of exterior, and they tell us, more
so within and equipped with every con-
venience and comfort. The Catholics
have just erected church here cost
ing over twenty-five thousand dollars.
The mural decorations within this edl-
flee will be especially notable. A
noted st. Paul artist has the contract
for decorating and it will be the most
artistic interior of any church in any
town of the size in North Dakota when
completed. Besides this there are good
churches of other denominations. One
thing especially noteworthy of the
town Is. 1t is run by a set of officials
that respect most thoroughly the pro-
hibition laws of North Dakota. A
prominent travelling salesman for a big
Duluth drug house informed us on the
train that it was the "dryest" town In
the state. The drug stores are not al
lowed permits, no liquor is shipped in
there. either G. o. D. or. otherwise.
why" the gentleman said, If blind
pig were to wander into that town an
oculist would lift the Aim from his eyes
80 quickly that in less, time than it
takes to tell he would be made to
See his way out. IL there is drink
to be found in that town have not
succeeded in locating it," We be-
lieved him. 49,. -,
A few miles beyond ,Starkweather is
Olmstead. Only few rods distant
from here the 500 line crosses the
Farmers road and at the intersection
town called Edgelin has been started
Both Olmstead and Edgelin are grow
ing rapidly and in a short while will
undoubtedly join hands and form one
of the best business centers in that
section.
A good story is told here of sup
erstitious Irish section foreman who
wandered some years before into this
part of the country, took up some land
and said he had come to get away as
far as possible from the roar of train
or the foot of an engine. He became
quite contented with his peace and
quiet when one morning he awoke to
find a railroad crossing one corner of
his farm. He had hardly done buster
ing over this fact when he saw another
coming almost directly through his
house and barn. He gave up in des-
pair and sold his land for a town site
and took a job on the section on one of
the new roads saying, 1T was his
fate"
With our party was prominent
real estate man. Mr.. Mark Murphy of
Streator, ILL.,. and president of the H.
inois and North Dakota Land company
that owns sections of land through
this territory. He gave us many
notes OF interest in connection with
that section of the country in regard
to crops, land Values etc. All about
Olmstead, MELVILLE and Edgelin where
his company has the heaviest holdings
the land is now selling at from twenty
five to fifty dollars an acre, and selling
rapidly. They had forty-one quarters
that will be settled on shortly by east
ern men.
With Mr. Murphy on the trip were
four gentlemen from Illinois who ex-
pressed themselves as highly pleased
with the country and we learned before
leaving that each bought fine farms
and will bring their families there and
make permanent homes. Mr.. Murphy
expected to bring within the next week
another marty Of forty or. aff11 farrnar.