Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1916-09-19

the extreme eatern part of the eoun-
ty, and because Of the superior adap-
liability of the soil surrounding the
municipality to hop raising and the
vast amount Of hops annually produc-
ed it has been called the shop center
of the world" The bottom lands ad-
,jacent to the Willamette river, receiv
ing as they do periodical deposits of
silt from oyerilows, are the richest Of
the rich lands of this valley. Of the
approximately 5000 acres in Polk
county devoted to the hop industry
the greater number are in the vicinity
Of Independence. Yet while hop rails
ing is the principal industry, hops are
by no means the only product, fol
here the agriculturist and horticul-
turist finds other crops profitable. In
fact the lands surrounding Indepen-
dence are capable Of producing most
prolifically any Of the crops raised in
this climate.
Stockraising is also a leading in
dustry of this section, some of the
largest and finest thoroughbred dairy
herds in all the state being here
found. Independence is the home of
the Polk County Jersey Association,
quite elaborate mention of which or
ganization is made elsewhere in this
edition, and which has agreed to have
a large exhibit at the fair this year.
1t is particularly notable that from
these herds were carried off the great
er number of grand prizes at the Pam
ama-Pacific exposition last year, whila
all the first prizes and the grand
championship at the California state
fair.
Independence has a population of
about 5000 people. 1t is on the west
side branch of the Southern Pacific,
and has connections by boat with all
Oregon Electric trains. It is head
quarters for the Independence & Mon
mouth railway. The Valley & Siletz
railway, which was started last year,
will be completed from Independence
to the Siletz basin this year. This
railway will open up some new coun-
try in the Luckiamute valley to the
south that is as rich as any land in
the Willamette valley. The William
cite river, with the exception of one
Or two months during the summer, is
navigable. Large river steamers ply
between this part Of the river and
Portland daily, cheapeHing freight
charges through competition.
Most prominent among the indus
tries of the town may be mentioned
A Touring mill with a daily capacity
If 100 barrels of -four, a gravel and
sand plant, sash and door factory,
he largest creamery on the coast, an
ce and ice cream factory. More fac
ories are wanted and to those seek
ng location special inducements are !
offered. Practically all branches Of :
business are represented here. The :
mercantile establishments are among
he very best in the county.
Independence has thirty blocks of :
ard-surface pavement, and a majori- =
y of the other streets are in good :
ondition. During the past summer :
he county has made an important
Improvement here, rebuilding a steel
ridge with one of concrete, making
fill to straighten the thoroughfare !,
,ading into Independence that re- u u
uired the removal of approximately
1000 yards of earth, and hardsur- T.
lCing three miles of highway of d
1unty road connecting Herewith. u
he town has a $4,000 high school IL
lilding, and $4,000 grade build :,
e. Its churches represent several l,
Fgious denominations. with edifces al
worship in keeping with their sur le
'undings. There are also many hand u
me homes, Independence being what D,
known as erich city, ol