The Green Forest tribune., 1912-03-01
HISTORY OF
 CARROLL COUNTY
Co 1piied by the Goodsreed Puoish ing Go. and Was First Published
 in the Year 1889.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
EUR EKA SPRINGS.


 EUREKA SPRINGS.
 Settlement and Growth. The region about the head-Waters of Leatherwood Creek was an almost unbrccken wilder ness in 1878. Farther down the valley of the creek there were cultivated sec tion8, but the whole of Cedar Town ship was very sparsely settled. The hills and gulches about the springs were covered with forest of pine and oak, and with an almost impenetrable growth of scrub and bushes. Rocks of every geological formation lined the hills, and loose stones of every con- ceivable shape rolled down the sides of the gulch below. Within less than decade the foresthave been transform ed into habitations, and the stones lend comfort and permanenc9 to the streets of a city whose wonderful growth might well cause the sanguine observer to ascrbe creative, properties to it's farfamed waters.
 Judge Sanders built the first house July 4, 1879. The sides were formed of poles dove-tailed together at the corners, and the roof consisted of rough boards. The first taem was driven to the vicinity of Basin Spring by Burton Sanders, son of the Judge. The first occupants of the first house were two lady members of his family. July 6, 1879, o. D. Thornton built rough board shanty, and occupied it as a general store. At this time there was a small band of invalids, to the number of 150, probably, collected around the Basin Spring, and living in tents and wagons. Before the close of July the number of houses had increased to dozen. August 10, 1879, there was population of fS0; fifteen houses had been built, and as many more were in process of erection. The stores of o. D. Thornton and T. Jackson were in operation; there were also a meat mar ket and blacksmith shop. A week later the population had increased to 300 Measures were taken to have the streets laid out and passable roads opened, and to this end H. S. Mont gomery, with twenty men, cleared away the trees and opened Main se-eet half mile down the gorge from the Basin. William M. Sanders was one of the blacksmiths. In the autumn of 1879 a Mr. Van Wrinkle established a lumber yard; A. D. Mize opened a hardware store; Dr. Hoge became the first druggist; one Jefferson opened a saloon, and MT. Wahlquist introduced himself as a tailor The first bath house was established in August 1879. Dr. McCartY was the first resident physician, and likewise the first post master. William ConaRt was the first liveryman. A MT. Cook,N helpless invalid and cripple, with no ofhsr tool than jackknife, began the manufacs ture of canes, and did quite a business. The first death occurred August 8, 1879. Prof. 1. A. Clarke, of the Berry vile Academy, was among the early visitors, and his wife was killed by the falling of tree that had been burned at the roots by a campfire.
 The nearest railroad point in 1880 was Pierce City, Mo-, on the St. Louis & San Fracisco Railway, fifty-five miles distant. Liverymen here did a thriving business, and line of coaches, known os the ''Nine-hour line," was established in 1S80 The fare was $3 %. In distance of nine miles this road crosses Roaring River nineteen times. There was also a regular line of coaches from Ozark, Ark, eighty five miles distanct. This journey re- quired nineteen hours, and the fare was $500. After the extension of the Frisco line to Fayetteville Seligman, Mo-, eighteen miles distant, became the nearest railroad point.
 Population. May, 1881, Mayor Carroll had census taken, when the population was found to exceed 5000
 The Federal census of the previous year showed a population of 3,984 The number of visitors in 1883 was estimated at 5000, and the actual re- sident population at about the same. Under the severe police regulations, and from other causes, the town has been relieved of an undesirable element The permanent inhabitants number $500, with steady and substantial growth. Life at the Springs, says writer in 1881, lis to a great extent most primitive. The furniture is of the rudest. the accommodation few, and the inconvenience many. The cook ing is much of it is done out of doors, in the old-fashioned skillet and bake oven. Many wealthy families prefer tent life, and the site is peculiarly favorable for the experiment. The loan of drinking cup at the spring, or fire-brand at the camp, often leads to lasting friendship. There is little conformity to fashion, though many stylishly dressed people throng the streets. You speak to everybody you meet, whether you know them or not,