The Delta independent., 1917-12-07
DEVELOPMENT Of
AUSTIN, COLORADO

country and the shipping point Oh
LARGO number of cars of the famous
Western Slope cattle than are iouho
in all the prominent cattle markets
of the country.
Austin is situated on the Denver
and Rio Grande railroad about eight
miles from Delta on the North FORK
branch Its location was Determined
soon after the completion oil the
branch road that runs across the
valley lands, thence climbing the hills
and zig-zags its way through a ro-
mantle country into the very heart OF
the Rockies; a country for its maJes-
tic greatness and grandeur is not sur
passed by any to be found in the
world.
When the development of the sur
rounding country becomes more COM
plete and permanent, rich resources
in oil which is one of the greatest
needs of our country today and a big
factor in the future of the great world
war which according to the expert
opinion of geologists of three differ
ent states We have every reason to
expect, abounds in unlimited quanti-
ties in the bowels of the earth about
two miles east of Austin. This move
for drilling for oil is reached by the
untiring enegry and vision of men of
Delta county. Austin will come into
it's own and be the scene of activity
never before thought of throughout
the twelve months of the year. The
many valuable building sites for
homes that skirt the hills overlook
ing the town will be ADORNED with
fine houses. Citizens will be as in
the past and present-active ror the
further development of the resources
of the country.
The territory contiguous to Austin
is among the most productive Of any
of the lands to be found in Delta coun-
'ty, and in fact for that matter it
would be difficult to find land any
where that will surpass it, if you
travel to the Golden Gate. the Great
Northwest, the Sunny South or the
you will not find any better.
The standard varieties of potatoes
are all grown and produce abundantly
and when the markets of the country
will pay reasonable price the yield
gives to the grower handsome return
and upon five or ten acres sufficient
compensation is netted to pay him
well for his years work.
Since the Incorporation of the Town
of Orchard City, which comprises sew
eral hundred acres of land on the
mesas, lower Surface Creek, the Gun
nison valley and the Town of Austin
have been able to secure domestic
water for domestic and stock purpose.
The source of this domestic water
is piped from the Grand mesa making
it possible to have pure mountain
water, thus affording in this rural sec,
tion the advantages offered to the city
folk.
The people of Austin and surround
ing country are true and loyal citizens
always responding literally to every
great call of our country both in men
and women. At the call of the Second
Liberty loan the Austin and Cory dis
tricts subscribed for bonds to the ex-
tent of s17,5OO; for the Red Cross
work almost $500 has been contribut-
ed and the call of the Y. NJ. C. A. s35,
100000 fund found us ready with over
$500. The State Bank of Austin repre-
sents the thrift of the community by
resources of over 100000. its growth
has been steady. attracting to its list
of depositors a steady addition of the
names of the people who are loyal to
the enterprises of the community.
Austin has several enterprising in
dustries that are serving in sub
stantial way the needs and life of the
community.
There are those large fruit and pro-
duce houses that handle from one to
'five hundred car loads of produce
yearly and a large lumber. hardware
and coal business. Two general mer
chandise stores. druggist. blacksmith
and auto supplies in the near future
modern garage will be erected to
care for the growing needs OF the c,rl.
munity. since now it is rather the un.
common. than the common thing for
rancher to be found driving a horse
ne rides in his auto. We have an ell.
ectric light plant. which as soon as
war conditions permit vii extend its
INES to the mesa, furnishing light
and power to the ranchers.