The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1916-06-09

Wednesday was one OF those perfec
Okanogan days that make life so de
lishtful in this valley, and seemed es
pecially prepared by Providence fol
that date. the celebration of the open
ing of the West Okanogan Valley Irri
cation system Not only were there
many present from the immediate sur
rounding country, but the town haC
for guests some of the leading men ol
the state and representatives of the
largest business interests of Seattle
Spokane, Bellingham and Wenatchee
II was stated by visitors present who
were in a position to know that this
was the most representative body ol
men connected with big business that
has ever taken part in an excursion
il. this state. People were here from
various parts of the state, such as
Olympia, Davenport, Waterville and
other places, to say nothing about
those nearer home. 1t was just the
kind OF body of men most desired
upon an occasion of this nature and
this magnitude.
The town, or at least Main street on
both sides of the track, was prOfusely
decorated, the national cOlors being
elabOrately displayed. The electric
lighting at night being a very attract
i've feature.
The special train of ten coaches
containing Spokane and Seattle dele
cations and visitors from various way
stations, was two hours late, and the
large crowd in town was kept waiting
for the beginning of the days pro-
ceedings. This delay was unforeseen
and unavoidable. The special did not
arrive until o'clock, and within a few
minutes pulled out for Nighthawk
crowded with people desirous of seeing
the headgates and the work accom-
plished along the line of the main
canal, which parallels the river. This
gave the visitors an opportunity to see
the miles of fluming clinging to the
rugged rocky bluffs, the great salts
works that is making Oroville famous,
the magnificent rapids and falls OF the
Similkameen, the potential power of
which is eventually to be a large fac
tor in the industrial advancement of
this upper country
Immediately upon the return of the
special speaking took place from the
band stand in the Civic League park,
and dense mob listened patiently to
very interesting speeches by Gov. Lis
ter, Mayor H. c. Gill of Seattle, Prof.
U. l.. Waller, vice-president of the
Washington State College, at Pullman,
and Judge F. V. Brown, of Seattle,
counsel of the Great Northern Rail
way. The speakers were introduced by
Dr. d. II. Lewis. president of the Oro-
vile Commercial Club.
At the close of the speaking an auto
mobile parade followed, participated
IN by more than so cars. The route was
along and above the west shore of Oso-
yoos lake, giving the visitors a chance
TO see that beautiful sheet of water.
The procession doubled back to the
hlgh point of land east of town where
tne syphon carries the water across
the Similkameen river, and from which
point OF vantage is a magnificent view
OF the OkanOgan valley.
Here the dedicatory exercises proper
were carried out. S. B. Starrett, Jr.,
acted as master of ceremonies, intro
ducing the several speakers. Governor
Lister, Mayor J. F. Samson, George T.
Noie, Z. M. Fassett of Spokane, Arthur
watts, of Bellingham, Otto Case of Sc
attic and Fred w. Graham, immigra-
tion agent of the Great Northern de-
IVered brief and eulogistic addresses
AS the closing feature little Miss Ada
fruax dedicated the system by pouring
water and throwing flowers into the
canal.
At $50 interest centered about the
nose race. between the north and south
side hose companies, which was won
ny the south side company.
Inc celebration closed in the even
ing with an informal smoker in the
oiylc League building. especially given
n honor of the Wenatchee Commercial
Club President Lewis called upon a
NUMBER present, all of whom respOn.
"ea IN a very happy and humorous
VEN. The entertainment was enhanced
ny musical selections provided by the
wenatchee Quartette.
Quite a number of the visitors had
10 return home Wednesday night and
,eit when the special pulled out a,
O'Clock, but Governor Lister, Mayor
uiil and many others remained in OrO
vile over night. some going up into
nritish Columbia Thursday morning
'he majority going to Tonasket to take
part IN the celebration at that place.
Inc Wenatchee contingent, repre-
sehting the Commercial Club of tha
pace some Is or 80 strong, came
through In autos, making the run from
'wisp Wednesday morning, reaching
"ere about noon. They were the SAM
w'de awake boosters that have visited
oroVille on previous occasions ant
made their presence felt. The follow
ing were among the Wenatchee visi
TORS: Mr.. and Mrs. ]. b. Adams of Lev