Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1909-04-22

Below is copy of a very interesting
letter written to Mr.. VIM. Hackenberg
by Mr.. w. S. Walker
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, APRIL 80, 1909.
Mr.. VIM. HACKENBERG,
Emporium, Pa.
DEAR FATHER
Perhaps it might interest you to
know something about the Salt River
Valley of Arizona, or the valley that
we are living in for the present l am
sending you by this mail, under sepa-
rate cover, a small book describing its
opportunities. Not very many years
ago this country was nothing but a
large area of waste desert land. but by
irrigation it has become one of the
most fertile valleys of the west. They
do not have to depend on only few
months during the year to raise crops,
but they grow 365 days in the year.
Take alfalfa for instance, they harvest
from four to six crops every year,
usually leaving the winter crop for the
cattle to eat off. If properly watered
alfalfa fields do not have to be plowed
and seeded in say about every 26 years.
One man told me he sold $1,000 worth
OF alfalfa last year from 140 acres, be-
sides saving enough for his stock. 1t
brings about the same as timothy in
the east. They raise everything that
can be raised in semi i-tropical coun-
try.
We have looked over the country
around here for a radius of about 12
miles, and know it pretty thoroughly,
and like it very much. In fact it is so
nice here the family do not seem to
care whether they go back to Penna.,
or not; as for myself I am quite con-
tented, but loafing is getting rather
tiresome for me, as l never acquired
the habit very much. If had no in
terest back in Penna, l believe 1 could
content myself very well.
This country would suit Weber, as
he likes farming. Not only do the
crops grow 365 days year, but the
cattle as well; steers six months old
are as large as yearlings in the east.
1t is certainly wonderful country and
the climate is fine.
We have had very few days since we
have been here that we could not sit
out in the yard or on the porch.
About a week ago we spent day at
the Ostrich Farm, located about II
miles from here, in fact we made it a
picnic with some friends. 1t certainly
is great business and a money maker.
They have about 1000 birds-expect
about 1000 chicks before long as they
have 400 eggs in the incubators. The
manager presented US with an egg for
our breakfast, and it was more than
we could eat, they are equal to "a hens
eggs; the shell is about inch thick. |
drove nail into each end of the egg
and blowed the meat out and preserved
the she'll to take home with us. We
had all the scrambled eggs we could
eat that day. We are all we'll and
Leon is gaining right along; he now
weighs 1856 pounds, one pound more
than he ever weighed-a gain of IL
pounds since we arrived.
We will probably leave here in about
five weeks, spending about three weeks
to make the trip, arriving home about
the first week in June.
presume you know this city is the
capitol of this Territory. The capitol
building, picture of which you will
find in the book I am mailing you, is
quite nice building and the grounds
are beautiful We have been out to the
grounds several times, it is just nice
walk from our place.
The Governor and Secretary of the
Territory are appointed by the Presi-
| dent and the other state offices are
elective, with the exception of few
minor ones, that are appointed by the
Governor. The Legislative bodies
consist of "a members of the Legisla-
ture and IL members of the Council.
The Legislature compares of course
with our Legislature, and the higher
body or council with our State Senate.
1 will tire you if l do not stop pretty
soon, so will close with love to you
| all, from all.
Your Son,
| w. S. WALKER.