The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-10-13
viewed THE CHARMS
OF GRAYS RIVER
LITTLE PARTY MAKES SUN
DAY TRIP LEARN MUCH
or THAT REGION

A little party OF eight went 70
Gray's River Sunday on che steamer
Wenonat and despite the mist and
the clouds che trip proved most de,
Ilightful one. The distance to Ne.
serves store on Gray's River-head
Of navigation on that stream-+is i
little over 20 miles from Astoria the
settlement. containing the Mcserve
store, the hotel and other buildings,
being seven miles up Gray's river.
Those in the party were Mr. and
Mrs. Es AZ, Crawford, Mr.. and MRS.
Oliver G, Campbell and Mr.. and Mrs,
Vivian +, Hatch, and Carl i, Fran,
seen and +. + Gray Captain Hull
Of the Wenona also had several
guests,
There are doubtless many in As-
toria who have never made the trip
to Gray's River The stream is a
handsome one, winding IN and out
among it's timbered banks or flowing
among wide, level fields dotted with
sleek cattle. With the sun shining
the river is most beautiful, SO all
say, and even on cloudy day il has
its distinct charms, 1t Is placid and
quiet. The steamer Wenona makes a
daily trip daily, except Sunday,
though the Sunday trip is occasion.
ally made, also carrying the mails and
articles for the farmers whose places
line the stream A trip up this river
is doubly interesting for the reason
that many aver that the lands that
lie along its banks are the richest,
for grazing and agricultural pur.
poses, Of any in this part Of the
country, and whether this claim may
be borne out BY the facts or not it
is evident that the land is rich and
the farmers richer But the distinc.
tive featrue Of the Gray's River set,
tiers, according to all reports, lies in
the fact that everyone along the riv.
er has prospered in remarkable
way There aren't any poor people"
there, every one says Lands range
from $l00 to $l75 an acre for the
rich bottom lands and less than that
for the narshy and commoner level
lands. The hills are untouched, as
apparently the farmers are content
to work along with their cattle alone,
The houses are good, and one or
two Of them are really fine. One new
one in course Of building is along the
California bungalow style, and in
many of the homes are hot and cold
water and modern bath tubs, and
other conveniences that the city man
usually thinks are for him alone,
Yet il is possible to over-praise
region, too; and the man familiar
with the methods Of eastern farmers
who probably see much here to
cause him to wonder. Why farmers
who are reputed to be wealthy will
leave great stumps by the dozen in
their beautiful fields may, perhaps,
cause milder wonder in any visitors
mind, even if giant powder or dyna.
mite do cost 50 much per pound
Meserve's store is remarkable
store. In Astoria it would put to
shame many Of the best groceries. 1t
is big and light and airy and clean.
Upstairs is a fine hall, as good as
any in this city. A fine ten-pin alley
has also been constructed. And thus,
with daily mail, with the magazines
and newspapers, and a rich and very
prosperous countury, the farmers Of
that region ought to be happy and
content Game abounds, too, and in
1.-THE river are fish. Naturally enough,
the roads are not developed in many
| places, but where the roads are open
ed tehy are said to be Of the best
i The river itself Is the natural high.
way and is nsed much
/ The party left At o'clock in the
morning, and touched at Knapptoh,
II was after 6 in the evening when
the Wenona arrived home.