The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1939-07-27
4 L A s X A
Mt Mckinley, Highest Peak Continent-Government
Settlement Project at Manatuaka Valey-Od Russian
CathedraI-yisted by Newspaper Publishers

in Anchorage on the longest day OF
the year. Records of the U. s.
weather bureau there show that the
sun rose at 2:21 a. m. and set at
9:40 p. m. making a total of 10
hours of sunshine. During the re-
managing FIVE hours a bright twi-
light prevailed. When we got into
higher elevations the hours of the
day were considerably more.
The might" was so bright that no
street lights were used, automobiles
drove without using headlights and
it was easy to read newspaper
without artificial light. The long
days bother visitors to Alaska, but
Alaskans just pull down their shades
and go to bed as usual during the
summer.
MATANuSKA VALLEY
Leaving Anchorage on our special
train we arrived on the same day
at the famous Matanuska Valley
which is the project instituted by
the Federal government about five
years ago when they brought about
200 settlers from the United States
and colonized them in the valley.
We motored from the railroad sta
ton in school buses and autos to
Palmer the center of the govern
ment cooperative movement. Here
we found large dairy plant, appar-
emily successfully operated. Along
the twelve mile route through the
interior we found neat log and frame
houses and barns, with cultivated
fields we'll seeded and fertile. The
climate was mild and agreeable.
Each member of the colony is en-
titled to about 40 acres of land and
was paid $40 per acre by the govern
ment to clear the land and get it in
shape for farming. The government
also built nice little five-room bum
galows with barn, chicken house and
other out buildings.
The government built centralized
school, produce houses, cheese factory
and community stores. Members
signing the contract are supposed to
work under the direction of the su-
perintendent and to market their pro-
duce in a common market. We were
told that approximately 35 per cent
of the colonists were successful.
MANY CHARGES
These colonists, who were taken
from the relief rolls in Michigan,
Minnesota and Wisconsin in the
spring of 1885 have comfortable
homes, splendid buildings and equip
ment. 1t is a peaceful valley-so
peaceful and pleasant to the visitor
that it is hard to realize that it has
been the center of controversy
for the past four years.
One of the main objections is that
settlers are required to sell their
products to the coop and make all
their purchases through it. The
manager fixes the prices to be paid
for the products of the farms and
while he is sincerely trying to make
go of it, it is a form of dictator
ship condemned by many of the edi-
tors. 1t was generally agreed that
the whole project is still in the ex-
perimental stage and much remains
to be proven.
PICTURESQUE CAMP
Leaving this beautiful valley we
start on our return trip to Seward
On the way back our train stopped
at the picturesque camp of the Law
ings, where Mrs. Lawing, (Nellie
NeaD maintains a famous collection
Of big game trophies, which she ex-
plains to visitors, including some
bear stories relating to her own ex-
periences.
A colorful character, attired in the
typical northern trapper's outfit, she
was awarded a gold necklace from
the government for her rescue of 6
northern mail carrier from certain
death in the snow.
She described in great detail Il