The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1915-04-02

III is quite eXhllarating to drop into
Okanogan and see the number of ar
tisanS at work, to hear again the un-
familiar ring of the hammer and zip
OF the saw, and note the landscape
dotted with buildings in various stages
OF completion. 1t is evidence of such
life as denotes progress, something
rare in recent years in the county, as
progress has had a painful jolt from
some cause or other, upon which there
is divergence of opinion. Okanogan
paid for and justly earned what it is
getting, and We are pleased to note
this indication thai it is receiving some
substantial reimbursement for the civic
spirit manifested at the crucial period
OF it's existence.
Okanogan is very prettily located,
near the center of the county, on the
west bank of the Okanogan river, near
the mouth of Salmon creek. There is
considerable of flat extending back
from the river to where the ground
rises to the first benches. There is
plenty of room available along the
shore line for a city of goodly size
At present the town is quite compact,
with number of substantial public
and private buildings and numerous
attractive homes, with more of a su-
perior character under construction.
The school house is a large brick
building showing off to the best ad-
vantage on high ground in the west
part of town. The court house under
way occupies slightly location, and
will be a conspicuous addition to the
town when completed. The residents
are live bunch of genial and public
spirited hustlers. Indeed, if they were
not the county seat would have been
far beyond their reach. Also they are
Q hospitable and charming lot to meet
in either social or business relations.
There is only one feature for criti-
cism about the place, and that is the.
means of reaching the town from the
railroad The two shores are connect
cd by bridge that unfortunately is
too remote from the depot for the
pleasure of the pedestrian. That
bridge has been an object of much
public comment since erected, and is
very much of joke, so far as an ac-
commodation to those who seek to get
to the county scat by rail. 1t might
be safely said that bridge building
i'll Okanogan county has been very
much of a farce since the building of
bridges commenced to occupy the at
tention of county officials. Very little
consideration has been given to loca-
ton, convenience, necessity and con-
struction as a rule in bridging county
streams. Personal interests too often
figured in location, carlessness has
been displayed in supervising actual
building, while concessions have been
made at some points to keep down pro-
test where bridge building was to be
ordered elsewhere. The Oroville
bridges, built largely, however, in
carly days by home contributions, are
in great measure only makeshifts.
The bridge at Tonasket could not
have been placed in more awkward
spot, the west end butting into high
sand bank. The Riverside bridge was
a crime. 1t has fallen down without
cause or reason, and is so decrepit
that it has been condemned after a
few years use, and is now only fit
for the scrap heap, yet it accommo-
dates as many people as any bridge
on the river. The location of the
Omak bridge was jockeycd, and while
in course of construction fell to pieces,
a scandal to all concerned. The Okla
hogan bridge is blot on the scenery,
humpbacked deformity, out of range
Of the railroad depot. 1t must be said
in its defense that the liberal citizens
of Okanogan paid for the monstrosity,
and if they are satisfied with its out
lines no one else has any call to find
fs ult. Now another bridge is under
way few miles further down the riv-
er, and what it may develop into re-
mains to be seen. AS there is hardly
a soul living on the east side of the
river, and not any too many on the
west side, it is probable that this
bridge is being constructed for future
posterity. 1t is a wise move to fur
nish some beneficial convenience for
future posterity, as the way the coun-
ty is piling up debt future posterity
will have to do some heavy paying
consequently it is entitled to at least
a little recompense in the way of pub
lie utilities But enough of the bridge
mistakes as it looks to a disinterested
observer. The Okanogan bridge al
least saves the trouble and inconven.
icnce of swimming, and in the course
OF time the town will no doubt put In
a foot bridge, or stepping stones