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The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., December 13, 1927, page 7

BINGEN VS. WHITE SALMON OR VISE-VERSA
(A local editorial by a Bingen resident)

This article is written for the FUTURE good of Bingen and White Salmon and their immediate vicinities. Others may also read and profit thereby. There may be some hard "stabs" directed at both towns, but the whole is meant for the good of the two; absolutely no prejudice of favors towards either. The article has not been coerced by anyone; only through my own observations, views and foresight.
Having been a resident of Bingen for nearly seven years, I have learned much about the existing "frictionary" attitude and "factionalism" between the two towns of Bingen and White Salmon as well as amongst the citizens themselves, particularly, Bingen. There is no sense in it, nor any good excuse for the old petty differences. To gain an objective, co-operation is the only means by which that objective can be reached. Discontinue your "factionalism" AT ONCE AND FOR ALL, and get to working together. Both towns are struggling under great difficulties and the longer your differences exist, the worse off you will be. True, some advancement has been accomplished during the period mentioned, but not in conformity to the opportunities.
No one can deny the enviable location of Bingen for a progressive and prosperous town,- -- City mind you! if the two were consolidated under one name and one administration. Bingen has all of the lumber manufacturing and packing plants and a number of other business establishments, some of which may be mentioned. The Standard, Shell and Union Oil Companies maintain large wholesale and retail distributing plants; the Nordby Box & Lumber Co., Standard Lumber Co., Klickitat Pine Box Co., the Star Fruit Co., the Growers Service Co., Inc., and a number of smaller enterprise. Why located in Bingen? Because of the transportation facilities afforded on the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad, the Evergreen Highway and Columbia river. Nothing could be desired in that line. No doubt, from stories heard, that Bingen is much to blame for its "backwardness" results from old feuds and differences the "old timers" would not give in on, and as a consequence, and, perhaps to "get even" in some, or any way, boastingly, but more "ridiculously" White Salmon takes credit and claims all of the industries and enterprises as being within her domains although being within the corporate limits of another community, including the "White Salmon Depot", and a lot of "Pasture" and "rocky and wild" mountainside along the Evergreen Highway as WHITE SALMON -- 25, with no sign of any town. Be that at it may, and that does not worry us in the least. We only call attention thereto to get "more" attention to what comes next.
There is something in a name of the town. The name Bingen has no "tinge" to it, absolutely none. It does not give credit nor justice to the location it has. White Salmon on the other hand is a well-sounding name and has a "backing to it" -- the White Salmon River Valley; and Bingen is in that valley, practically. Further, White Salmon's name is known and advertised far and wide on account of the fruit out of the valley, hills, etc. Therefore, nothing better for the two communities could be done than consolidate under the name of WHITE SALMON, and under one administration, or, one head. It will eventually come, why not now -- and the present population may enjoy at least a part of the prosperity that would be sure to follow. Consolidation can be brought about by employing honest methods and gone about in a business way. Perhaps some have property "at stake" -- and taxes and bonded indebtedness of the two towns would be objectionable to some. It can all be worked out if you all get together and work for your own good. Let the residential section be located in the "Upper" White Salmon and the business be conducted in "Lower" White Salmon. You would save large sums of money by having your business located along the main transportation arteries, instead of toting everything up the steep mountain incline from Bingen to White Salmon as at present.
If any of the businesses decide to remain on the "Upper" levels (?), wel land good, but, eventually you will find yourselves, where you should be. Suggest that the "City Fathers" of the respective townsites get together and talk the matter over and while doing so let the citizens in on the matter as well. Various ideas of consolidation "averaged" up, may be of great help in arriving at the "foundation" whereon to build the future city of White Salmon.
The increase of real estate values would increase by leaps and bounds, also building activities of many kinds. "Revolutionary" changes would be necessary to rearrange the "conglomerated" congestion along the railroad loading facilities. A re-located and better gradient of the "highline road" from "Lower" to "Upper" White Salmon would be necessary and economical. The road between the two towns at present is nothing but a shameful excuse for to be called a road. I have no prejudice or grudge against either town, but I am in favor of anything and everything which will tend to bring about co-operation and harmony. Why not get down to "business", forget the "factional" ideas, consolidate, and you will accomplish things you never dreamed possible. You will, if properly managed, have a city to be proud of and become known far and wide as a prosperous community and a good place in which to live and work. Include both of your city limits and add to it if necessary, call it WHITE SALMON. Now, there are two struggling "hamlets", incorporated, trying to block one another's way one trying to down the other, simply a foolish "factional" difference which does nothing but "hurt" everybody and every move towards betterment. No reason why White Salmon can't be located on the railroad and through highway instead of a mile and a half distant. Bingen-White Salmon, consolidated into one good city. Now two, and you cannot say but, hardly any town at all.