American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1909-07-10

greater volume of water passing over
the ledge of rocks, and the river being
at least twice as wide. That Ameri-
can Falls should be known as the
Power City, is not strange, but it is
name expressive and full of meaning.
The town was established as a suppy
point for stock men 1881, where a store,
postoffice and few families made their
nome. 1t Is only in the last two or
three years, however, that the town
has taken on new life, and has stepped
INTO the arena as modern, up-to-date,
growing community. 1t has a popula-
ton of 1000. This is a conservative,
not boom estimate. The townsite is
level, hence street grading is not neces-
sary.
In "new town" the buildings are
mostly Of brick, cement or stone, pre-
senting a neat and substantial appear
ance, while the sidewalks are made of
cement. The streets are wide. Many
beautiful residence have recently been
constructed or are in course of con-
struction, and gardens and Towering
plants are everywhere, in evidence.
The Remington is hotel that would be
credit to Spokane or any city of simi-
lar size. Mr. and Mrs. H. w. Hall,
who formerly ran the Hotel Whitman
in Colfax, cater to the wants of the
public. A three story flour mill, built
of stone, is a conspicuous monument.
The new high school building, two
stories and basement, constructed of
pressed brick and. costing 5000, tells
of the growing demands for education
al uses. Thrift, prosperity and growth
are in evidence on every side. The
town has patriotic citizenship. 1t is
blessed with a wideawake commercial
club, and it may be well to keep your
eyes on American Falls and watch it
grow.
An Immense Dam Project.
Plans are in embryo to dam Snake
river just above town, forming back
water lake about 80 miles in extent.
1t is too soon to give out particulars,
but as far as outlined the project is sx-
pected to cost several millions of dol
lars, to take at least three years in
construction and to give employment to
600 men. The purpose is to store the
waters of the river during the freshet
season, to be released at the right time
for irrigation uses at points below, it
being one of many schmes hereabouts
to irrigate sagebrush lands. There
seems little doubt but the project will
be carried to completion. What it will
mean to American Falls and this part
of the state generally can readily be
understood, and is probably factor in
the upbuilding of the town.
Dry Farming.
1t is not worth while to dilate at this
time on what irrigation will do on sage
brush lands, as the evidences are on
every side showing the good results
coming from the right application of
water. Wherever water touches the
soil it is made to blossom as the rose.
The community known as Neeley, four
miles below the falls, is a beautiful
stretch of homes where fields of alfalfa,
orchards, Lombardy poplars and the
products of the farm of every kind is
evidence of what water will do when
applied to the soil. Neeley is Nor
mon community and has been settled
for many years. 1t is beauty spot in
nature, made so by irrigation. 1t can
be stated, however, that this part of
the state has passed the experimental
stage in regard to dry farming. AS
magnificent wheat fields as ever graced
the Palouse country are seen at this
writing, giving promise of big yield.
The yield of wheat last season was
from 35 to 45 bushels to the acre, spring
sown yielding big crop. | know of
one field of 1000 acres and another of
1000 acres, besides numerous smaller
fields, that give promise of netting big
returns. No part of Idaho or of the
state of Washington can make better
showing at this time. Many are COM
ing to engage in dry farming as well as
to secure lands subject to irrigation,
and results may be looked for in each
instance.
Land Still Subject to Entry.
Most of the choice pieces of land sub
ject to entry near American Falls have
been filed on, but in more distant COM
munities-t the Raft River valley, for ex-
ample homestead entries can be made.
Nor will these last long. People are
arriving daily hungry for land. New
shacks dot the horizon in every direc-
ton, showing the presence of settlers.
Covered wagons, containing women and
children and household goods, a gentle
q i