The copper era and Morenci leader., 1913-11-28
DUNCAN ENJOYS AN ERA OF BUILDING
 ACTIVITY

hUUWII
 GiIa Valley Town Enters Upon Period
 of BuiIding-Prosperity of Agri-
 cultural Community is Evil
 dent,
 An era of construction that is re- markable is evident in Duncan, the indications being that the hopes of the little city's most optimistic be- lievers in its progress were well founded.
 Hobbs Hotel.
 Of prime importance among the buildings now in course of construc tion is the splendid hotel building now being erected by Gus Hobbs, who for many years was a resident of Duncan, and who has recently re- turned there to make his permanent home. This building is of brick and is of the most substantial con- struction throughout. Work is un- der the direction of Samuels & Son, architects and contractors, of Deming, New Mexico. Rapid progress has been made from the beginning, and completion near the first days of the new year is proable. The new hotel is located on lots just west of and adjoining the Bank of Duncan. The Hobbs Hall, formerly on these lots, has been purchased by Lem Spaw, south of the Spaw saloon. The large mission house recently occu- pied as residence by B. R. Lan- neau, is to be used as dining and guest rooms in connection with the hotel. The dimensions and beauty of this building, in addition to the splendid accommodations afforded by the new building, will afford to Dun can hotel services of the best, and services not found in many towns of Duncan's size. S Clark and Lanneau Build Residences.
 Other buildings now being erected in Duncan are residences each for the families of B. R. Lanneau, of the Bank of Duncan, and Wm. Clark, of the Clark Mercantile company. These residences will be modern in every respect, and will cost in the vicinity of about three thousand dollars each Work on these buildings has just be- gun, under the direction of Contractor Massey, and completion will probably be within about two months.
 Large Bakery for Duncan.
 Parties residing in Clifton have be- gun preparations for the erection of a two story brick building which will be occupied by a bakery concern at the head of which is one of the most experienced bakers in this section This building will be of large dimen- sionS, the expectations of those con- cerned being the supplying of their products to the trade residing in all the Duncan section, in addition to that residing in communities of greater distance.
 Telephone System Changes Quarters.
 The building formerly occupied by the Twin Peaks Mining & Milling Company has been removed to a lot immediately north of the Hobbs Hall, and is now occupied by the offices of the Duncan Telephone company. This company has entered upon, under the management of Jno. Evans, a period of success both in service and expan- sion that is pleasing both to the own CTS and to the public served. Con- nection has recently been made with the lines of the Mountain States Tele- phone company, thus giving communi- cation with all points with which the latter company is connected.
 Water and Light Service.
 Negotiations which for some time have been in progress concerning the establishment in Duncan of light and water plant have so progressed that all probabilities are that short while will see the beginning of the construction of a plant supplying this service to the public. A number of public spirited citizens have indi- cated their willingness to assist toward the maintenance of such plant, and the early inauguration of such service is confidently expected.
 Other Buildings Contemplated.
 These improvements, in addition to those contemplated and the construc- tion of which is assured, are ev1- dences that Duncan has entered upon a period of growth that is only in keeping with the splendid natural re- sources with which it is surrounded. The cattle industry there has been very successful this year, despite season of drought, and the sale of thousands of cattle at profitable prices has made a noticeable differ ence in the various lines of trade.
 To the visitor it is apparent that the ultimate development of the to Duncan will result in the building of a city of several thousand inhabi- tants. In the Franklin section,. about three miles south of Duncan, are probably ten thousand acres of soil that lack only the application of water to make of the whole expansive mesa a region of the greatest produc- tivity, and by those familiar with con- ditions, it is regarded as evident that not many years VII elapse until this soil will be supplied with water from the Gila. It is said that of the greatest practicability would be the building of dam in New Mexico across the Gila that would supply water to all the thousands of acres tributary to Duncan. The per cent age of land that is now irrigated in insignificant in proportion with the amount that is still without r,and that could, and in the opinion of those competent to speak, will be IT,