davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
Williams Tells
Story of "HOme
City, Holt Vile
A. M. WILLIAMS,
BY A. M. WILLIAMS,
Secretary Holtville Chamber of Com
m0rce

bY "A. M. W4b64<1Vh0g
Secretary Holtville Chamber of Com
merce
just % years ago few far-seeing
wise men migrated into the northern
portion of the Gulf of Lower Cali
fornia basin area with 1900 square
miles of apparent waste, worthless
land, only inhabited by jackrabbits
and rattlesnakes, with no true offer
of redemption These wise men fol-
lowed the star of destiny and final
ly, after dreary nights and days
across the burning sands, pitched
their tents in that section today
known as the "Home City, Holt
vile, in honor of w. L. Holt, the
father and pioneer of our little en-
| pire.
Optimism was the true religion of
these rugged pioneers, realizing that
some day, as though by magic, the
Colorado river would change this
desert waste into a productive area.
Their dream came true. The mental
picture today is Il reality.
Holtville, like unto her sister cities
of our glorious Imperial Valley, has
churches of every creed, schools
that are credit to any section of
the United States. Our banks and
business people are most substantial,
but what else should one expect
, from true pioneer who ventures
into barren maiden territory in
an endeavor to develop, to the high
est state of being, every asset of our
wonderful nation.
Who are we and what do we do?
We produce-yes, in unbelievable
quantities. We are the true center
of alfalfa production of the valley
having tributary to our city about
10000 acres. We are the undisput
ed dairy center, for we produce one
half of the butter of the Imperia
Valley. Our creamery is making
from eight to 10 thousand pounds
i of butter q day.
We have city hall built by pub
lie subscriptions that stands as 9
/ monument to our loyal citizens. II
is situated in the center of our rose
i garden park, the talk OF all eastern
: tourists. 1t was made possible by
untiring efforts of the Chamber OF
] Commerce and its hackers.
| We are on the Ocean to Ocean
highway, and we think this q rea
asset TO any community. We believe
i'm paved highways and work at al
times to secure them.
| Holtville has real live Chamber
of Commerce.
! What more could any city in this
universe want
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
Valuable LIBRARY

Holtville has branch of the
county library which has on its
shelves approximately 1000 volumes
at all times. The books include ref
erence works, fiction and non fiction
for home readers and q good selec-
tion of juvenile books. Current
magazines are also provided for pat
rons.
The library is maintained ut the
city hall, the city furnishing the
room without cost. All other ex-
penses including the salary of the
custodian, are paid out of the county
fund for library service. The IL
brary is open daily from 3 to 5 p.
m., and from to $3.50 in the even
ing. The library is well patronized
and its service is greatly appreciat-
,ed. Miss Anita Kavenaugh is the
custodian.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
Only
Place Growing
Sesame in u. S,

Holtville claims unique distinction
in the agricultural adventure Of the
raising Of the Oriental oil grain
known as sesame. AS far as known,
there is no other place in the United
States where il mas ever been raised.
The Globe Mills are responsible
for the adventure, and Pete Ryerson
was chosen to carry on the expert
memt as he was most aptly fitted for
the work, himself being an expert in
agricultural work, having his degree
in botany.
About l60 acres were planted, and
watched with much interest
About seven different varieties were
produced from the same seed, show.
ing the opportunity of development
if the seed could be properly i'm
proved.
The oil obtained from the seed is
considered the finest in the world,
and the people of the Orient prefer
it to olive oil. 1t il so percent oil
Raised in Japan and China
Sesame is raised principally in
Japan and China, but some is pro
duced in India and Africa. Some OF
the Hindus here are familiar with It
Mr.. Ryerson obtained a wonderful
crop of about 600 pounds to the acre
against $50 pounds to the acre in
Orient, for that is what they eonsid
er a good yield there. The chief diff
fieulty in producing the crop is in
the harvesting. The seed pods dc
not mature in uniform time, and as
a result shedding commences and 9
great amount of the grain is lost.
AS q crop the raising of sesame
was 4 success, but the labor was too
high, and it will never be a profit
able crop until the variety has been
improved upon.
The crop was threshed and sent to
Los Angeles, where is was made into
oil and received ready market.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
City Hall Now n
Real Center of
Community Life

Holtville's greatest pride is its
civic center, in which all the people
of the community take part.
In laying out the city, the organ
izers carried ont Il plan whereby 8.
park ground was provided to occupy
ihe center of the business section,
two blocks long and one block wide.
in the park standa the city hall,
monument to the citizens of Holt
Vile, who. in 1916, raised the neces-
sary funds for the erection of the
building by popular subscription.
Two stories in height, the ground
floor is used to house the offices or
the board of trustees, city recorder,
police court, am II public library,
these occupying the west half OF
the floor, while the east half ~ u
large auditorium and assembly
room, with a kitchen III connection,
where meetings of public interest are
held, and where the -Commercial
Club and other civic organizations,
as well as farm organizations, hold
their meetings. Here, also, are held
banquets of the Chamber of Com
merce and others, where n general
get together spirit holds sway 1T all
times
Real Community Center
The second story of the structure
is given over to the use of fraternal
organizations and clubs, with regu-
lar meeting night set aside for each
of them in regular order.
Built on the north end of the
STRUCTURE is the fire department,
where a new and modern truck is
parked, and the second floor OF
which is used to house driver and
members of the department.
More interesting than all else in
the civic center are the plans under
development for the identifying of
the grounds.
In the past two years an inten-
sive work has been carried ON, in
which landscaping plans have been
developed whereby lawns, flower
plots and walk ways have been and
are being laid out in symmetrical
array, with a definite parking plan
carried ont, which on its completion,
will make this park one of the most
beautiful in the Imperial Valley.
The landscaping plans in the south
half OF the park are almost com
pleted, and present a beautiful and
attractive appearance, and work on
tire north half is now under way.
Thousands of rose bushes and
other Towering plants have been set
out, the plants and seeds having
been supplied through subscriptions.
Within another year this park will
be the show place of the valley,
with its green lawns, beautiful shade
trees and thousands of plants in full
bloom, lending pleasing and at
tractive appearance, and filling the
air with fragrance.
Around this civic center and park
are built tho business houses of the
city, its stores and offices.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
Active Work on
Drilling for Oil
Near HOltville

Organized p couple of years ago,
q local organization consisting of
about GO business men and ranchers,
and u San Francisco Oil company,
the latter carrying on the active
work of drilling for oil, is carrying
on active work.
Up to the present time the com
pany has drilled on three wells. The
first two were unfortunate ventures,
in that the wells were lost when an
attempt was made to bring them in,
the water flow into the well making
it impossible to hope for any results.
The "I04' well, on which drilling
is now in progress, is down about
1900 feet, i'll which alternate STRAIT
tas of sand and shale are encounter
ed. A heavy flow of gas has been
struck, but not sufficient for com
mercial purposes.
In we'll No. !, in which a depth
Of 1900 feet WAS reached, small
quantity of oil was found, which in
dieates that eventually II pool may
be struck which will bring Il gusher
we'll OF great capacity.
No. . well was lost when an at
tempt was made to stop the flow of
water. In this well, as in the one
on which work is now progressing,
gas was struck, and sand and shale
stratas encountered which gave indi-
cation of the presence of oil.
Work at the present time is pro
crossing slowly, because of the fact
that certain parts of the well rig
are out of order. Orders have been
placed in the east, however, for the
necessary parts, and rs soon rs thes,
arrive, rush work may be again The
order.
The trial grounds are located
about 10 miles north east of Holt
Vile, on what is known as the ole
beach line, and geolOgists who have
known as seame. AS far as known
that indications are good for accum
ulation of petroleum body at this
point.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
ALLIGATORS DOING
FINE IN CITY
PARK POOL

Y Gne of the most interesting things
y Holtville Is pond Of alligators.
we're are 10 Of these "pets" and
v are all thriving and getting
vt July tho Rev. smyser Of the
Al.alstian church, while visiting in
Florida, sent them to Mrs. j. s.
-Dridestine for pets. Mrs. Brdestine
Mas, out of town when they arrived,
80 Jddge Mcdonald was prevailed
upon to adopt them.
Fhe judge made pond in the
city park and put them in it. lie
has never lost q one and. he is proud
Of his family. He feeds them on
beef scraps from butcher shop,
and II is an interesting sight to see
thaui eating. When n piece of meat
IA thrown in, about half q dozen
aihaators will grab it. They com.
iifeBt< 10 turn over and over until
tbs Force Of their pulling tears off
their hfa. Then another grabs on
aAd tbs performances continues until
az tlvs HAD plenty. Thsy do not
require much food.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
PONY FARM SUCCESS

George Pinney, stockman, conducts
very successful enterprise in the
breeding Of Shetland ponies, the tiny
midget animals which make the
hearts Of SO many children glad, and
the venture thus far has proven a
financial success.
The ranch is visited daily by many
people, who secure much enjoyment
in the petting of the tiny colts,
which may almost he picked up in
one s arms in the earlier months.
The demand is greater than the
supply, states Mr.. Pinney, who is
inclined to enlarge his capacity in
the future.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
TEN MILES PAVED STREETS

HOltville leads all valley cities in
the number of miles Of paved streets,
figures given showing that over 10
miles Of the city streets are paved,
which covers the greater part of the
town.
In 1916 q general mqvement for
the paving of the streets was given
impetus when other towns announc-
ed intentions Of makingi their cities
modern with the addition Of such an
Improvement, and Holtyille, not to
be outdone, immediately started
work, with the result that, from
that day to this, IT has been at the
top Of the list in mileage.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
A UNIQUE SITUATION

A peculiar situation in which the
tourist finds himself in Holtville,
should he or she decide to remain
over night at the leading hotel, is
the fact that the guest eats below
sea level and sleeps above sea level.
1t would seem that the line of sea
level ISIS just few inches under the
second story, ana the sleeping rooms
of the building.
II is said that this is the only
hotel in the world where such Il con
diiion exists.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
GOOD FIRE PROTECTION

lloltville two months ago pur'
chased an entirely new REQ fire
truck md complete outfit, inelnd'
ing about l400 feet Of the best grade
of fire hose, chemical tanks, ladders,
ahd coats and helmets for the mem
bets OF the department.
The truck is housed in the civic
center, tho heart Of the city, and
rooms are maintained on the second
floor Of the fire house, where a com
petent driver and members of the
crew mako their residence.
Tho new truck has been at Holt
Vile for a period Of about two
months, ana in all this time has been
called out only once, and that to 4
small brush fire.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
NEW PACKING SHEDS

Commission companies, handling
the trucking produce of the Holt
vile district, have been compelled
to add number of packing sheds
this season, inasmuch as the former
sheds would not permit the handling
of the bountiful crop and increased
acreages producing and yielding this
season.
The older sheds are worked to the
limit of their capacity, and four or
five new sheds are being added, both
at lloltville and intermediate points
to El Centre, to prOprely care for
shinmpnts
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
SMALL FARMS INCREASING

At Holtville the small farms move
ment is receiving great measure
Of attention.
There are hundreds Of small farms
surrounding the city, on which grape
fruit, grapes, chickens and small
fruits ale being extensively grown,
with good returns to the land own
er.
The small farm operator is assured
OF a good living, and is one of the
contented settlers. in this sec
tiOn.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

Represented among the civic or
ganizations and clubs of Hoitville
are the following:
The Chamber of Commerce, Wom-
ans Study Club, Parent Teachers
Association, W. C. Y. IT,, Business
Girls Club, American Legion and
Auxiliary, Y. NJ. c. A., Girls Re
serves
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
CITY OWNED WATER

Holtville homes are adequately
supplied with water by municipal.
ly owned water works system which
has been pronounced by experts as
delivering the parest OF water, and
the supply iB far in excess OF the
needs of the city at this time.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
ESQ FARMERS in
DAIRY BUSINESS
NEAR HOLTvILLE
Plant to Dry Buttermilk
to Add Greatly to
Dairy Income

The dairying industry
of Holtville is the largest
of any community in the
valley, almost a half of the
entire valley production
in butter coming from
this section.
It is estimated that
there are 250 farmers en-
gagged in the dairy busi-
ness here, milking some
thing like $4,000 cows,
who supply cream for the
Imperial Valley Milk Pro-
ducers Association, a CO.
operative plant, owned
and controlled by the
farmers themselves, as
well as other butter max
ing plants.
Tie Holtville cooperative plant is
Que Of the largest institutions OF its
kind in the valley, having capacity
Of something like 10000 pounds OF
butter day, and actually putting
out bntter equal to its capacity.
Nine trucks are operated from this
plant, gathering cream from ranches
Of tho district, and the daily pickup
Of cans Of cream is near 400.
II is estimated that there is dis.
tributed in the Holtville district be-
tween $l50,000 and $3.50, 900 monthly
in payment for dairy products, pay
roll which is largely responsible for
the flourinshing condition of the
community.
Has Operated IL Years
The butter making plant has been
operated under the cooperative sys-
TEN for IL years, and for the last
-four and One.half years has been
working under the Imperial Valley
Milk Producers Association.
About so persons are employed at
the Holtville plant, Of which nine
are truck drivers, nine girls are em'
ployel in wrapping butter alone,
and the others in the business office
md producing plant.
The product Of this plant is ship
ped to Los Angeles, where it lis dis
tributed for sale under the "Chal-
lenaa,' brand, and distributed by the
Challenge Cream and Butter Assoei'
atbn, q cooperative manufacturing
aid distributing concern in which
the Imperial Association has an in
tsresf, and with which it is con-
nected financially.
Dry Buttsrmiu
Il is announced that machinery
for the drying of the entire amount
Off butternik Of the Holtville plant
win be Installed within the next few
4ayscthe plant to be completed with
10 the course Of so days, when actual
drying will begin. A ready market
for the output Of this drying plant
has already been established in the
Los Angeles and San Diego districts
wbete chicken raisers have sianified
their intent.to purchase the powder
ed 'buttermilk as a food aad egg
Inasl, product. s.
sThb plant will add materially ia
the monthly receipts of the dairy.
meu Of the Holtville district, and
assures measure of added prosperi'
ty 20 that section.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES

Holtville is well represented with
fraternal societies, there being at
the present time six active organiza-
tions in this city.
The list includes: Masons, Odd
Fellows, Eastern Star, Rebekahs,
Modern Woodmen of America, Wood
men of the World.
Imperial Valley press., 1923-01-15
EIGHT RELIGIOUS BODIES

Eight religious organizations meet
yin Holtville. While but
six have buildings, the organizations
are strong and active. Following is
a list of the eight churches: Meth
od,ist, Nazarine, Christian, Baptist,
Catholic, Seventh Day Adventists,
PRESBYTERIAN and Episcopal.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
Thackery-White
Lumber Co.
MILTON

This firm was organized in 1916 as
manufacturers of high grade Grating
materials. but the growth of the bus
mess and the increased demands of
the public upon it necessitated the ad-
ditiOn Of various lines until now it
covers a wide scope and increased
territory. The firm is now handling a
large amount of lumber, building ma
terial, paints, hardware, etc., and en-
ploys about rs people. Last year they
shipped over a hundred and eighty
carloads of material away, giving you
some idea of the extensive business
carried on.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
Layton and Ayers
GEORGETOWN

Flour, Meal, Middlings, Bran and
BuckWheat Flour are made and sold
by Layton & Ayers, who began oper-
ating here in June, 1922, succeeding
John o. Cordray. Their speciality is
Ihree Sisters Flour, a flour of excep-
tlonally good quality that has become
a by-word to the housewives of
Georgetown and vicinity. 1t is made
in mill under the strict supervision
OF the proprietors, who see to it, that
it is the best -four that can be made,
clean and pure. The men are enthus-
iastic over the possibilities of their
future business growth in Georgetown.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
w. E. Walsh
GARAGE
LeWeS

This modern garage started by Mr..
Walsh here in 1908 has since that time
harbored much of the towns auto
trade, has earned it, merited it and
will-due to the service given, the
skill of the mechanics employed and
the quality of the products sold-con-
tinue to hold it.
Have you noticed how many Buick,
Chevrolet and Cadillac cars there are
in town and vicinity? Come from
Walsh's garage. All good cars, the best
possible at the price and serviced only
as Walsh can service a car.
A new garage 5Ox90 is now in the
course of construction on the beach
to take care Of the growing needs of
the firm.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
r. E. Beers Lumber
CO.-Laurel
j. H. EDIE, MGR.
J. II. EDIE, Mgr.

The business of the R. E. Beers
Lumber Co. was originally started by
Mr' Beers at Trenton as a wholesale
lumber company. Being a man of Wis
ION and clear thought he conceived the
idea OF individual packages or crates
Ior hnoleum and pottery and in 1920
opened the branch line at Laurel, a
modern plant in every sense of the
word for the manufacture of these
crates. He placed Mr.. J. H. Edie in
actlVe charge, a man of extensive ex-
perlence in this line, who has been
instrumental in bringing the factory
here up to its high level of efficiency.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
HudsOn's Bakery
GEORGETOWN

An industry occupying an important
position in Georgetown is Hudson's
Bakery. There may be larger baker,
les elsewhere, but none that make bet
ter bread than Blue Ribbon Bread.
The plant is up to the minute in ev-
cry respect, open to inspection at all
times and has a capacity of 10000
loaves a day in addition to the thous-
ands of cakes and buns that are made.
Mr.. Hudson is well known through
out the State as progressive and we'll
versed business man. He is a director
of the Delaware Trust Co. at George
town and of the Georgetown Gas Co.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
S. j. Wilson and Son
Milton
UNDERTAKERS, FURNITURE
and IMPLEMENTS

1t may well be said that no business
firm transacting business in this Sec
tion of the State has maintained bet
ter heritage or has a higher standing
as leaders in their line than this firm
of S. ]. Wilson & Son that was estab-
lished here in 1873. It is store of the
people and for the people, built on the
plan that aims to satisfy their patti ons
by selling household furniture and i'm
plements at the most reasonable price
possible. The undertaking department
is conducted along modern lines, be-
ing auto equipped and the service rem
dered the people by this firm in this
line has been Of the highest order.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
The MiIlsbOrO Trust
and Safe Deposit Co.

Some idea of the steady and mater
ial progress made by this splendid in
stitution of finance may be cleaned
from looking over their statement
showing a total deposit of near $780,
900, a really remarkable showing for
a town of this size. The Bank was or
ganized in 1908 and has always heen
in the control of recognized men of
ability. It's present officers are Henry
A. Houston, Pres; VIM. ]. P. White.
Vice Pres; James E. Goslow, End Vice
Pres, and Joseph C. Ellis, cashier, all
prominent and successful business
men of the community
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
Just Right Filling
Station & Tire Shop
DELMAR

A more appropriate name could not
be selected for this place. 1t is just
right in every respect. Let me show
you the service they give. l stopped
there for gas, only three gallons and
without my asking for it, man filed
my radiator with water, looked at my
tires and put air in two that needed
it and then asked me if I didn't think
my battery needed water. He looked
and it did. He put some in, making
everything just right. That is service
and that's what you get here. Mr.. F.
e. Lynch, Jr., young and aggressive
business man is it's proprietor.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
Geo. w. Hanks
Greenwood
MEATS AND GROCERIES

Grocery stores are generally con-
sidered a rather common thing, but
this is an uncommon one for town
of this size. Many larger stores
would be proud to boast of stores like
Mr.. Hanks, up-to-date in every re-
spect and selling quality goods at
quantity prices. Mr.. Hanks has been
unusually successful in building a
large mail order trade in home made
sausage and cured meats "a trade that
covers several states. Hanks saus-
age is we'll known throughout these
states,
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
Vessels Bros.
LeWeS
GEN. MDSE.

To my mind this firm has done more
than any other I've ever written of to
dispel the ancient theory that a store
of its kind cannot be kept clean and
neat. We're to write of this place as
1 see it you would think 1 was exag-
gerating. But 1 couldn't stretch the
truth of it bit 1t is just as neat and
inviting as a jewelry store and if you
doubt it, go and see. You will be
treated very cordially 1 know by Mrs.
Vessels, who is in charge, very
pleasant and charming lady, indeed.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
r. E. WILEY
GEN. MDSE.
Greenwood

A big city store in little town. This
is very descriptive of the store con-
Quoted by R. E. Wiley, successor to
the late J. H. Wiley, who established
the firm here about 81 years ago. The
store has gained considerable favor
among the people of this section and
it's clean and neat appearance no
doubt has aided lot in the growth of
the business. Mr.. Wiley also sells
lime and cement and grain in car load
lots. He is member of the Town
Board and of the A. F. and A. M.
Milford chronicle., 1923-07-13
O.L.Ben
Bethel
GENERAL MERCHANDISE

Though Bethel is but tiny village
somewhat off the mai road of travel
it is true, nevertheless. it has within
its limits a store that is serving a
large number of people in that local
ity and leaving nothing to be desired
in the way of service or merchandise
that the big city customer is used to
getting.
Mr.. Bell, the owner, is now mem
ber of the School Board and actively
engaged in doing all he can to pro-
mote the advancement of the towns
interests