The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., June 15, 1908, page 8

UNDERWOOD IS GROWING FAST
By a Staff Correspondent,

     Underwood, Wash., June 12. - The ring of the hammer can be heard and it is sweet music to all who live in the hustling little town of Underwood. Captain Harry Olson has commenced work on his new hotel; Smith & Clark have added a large addition to their store, and on all sides there is evidence of boom. It is the intention of Captain Olson to erect one of the best hosteleries along the river. It will mean much to Underwood, for already travel is heavy and new faces are seen daily near the settlement.
     The two old pioneers, Amos and Ed Underwood, are looking for the great year in the history of the little town that is regarded as one of the hustling cities on the Washington side. Additional gossip relative to the new road is causing all to realize that a town is coming. The new road to Trout Lake has opened up wonderful trade for the merchants, and it is said that others are coming.
     There will soon be another store, a physician is to locate there, a black-smith shop is going to be built, and before long the hillside will be dotted with new residences.
     There is under consideration the installing of an electric plant, and then Underwood, if you please, will be putting on real city airs.
     There is no question but what the new road will make Underwood, and it will in all probability be a division point. The lay of the land is natural for the company to locate there. According to the surveys that have been made, it is sure to be the supply point during construction of the road.

Activity in Real Estate.

     There is a great deal of activity in the real estate market and property is changing hands rapidly. Every day the boats leave visitors will have been attending or on their way to the fair.
     The ranchers are all prosperous and have money and many of them are casting about for snaps in the city of Underwood. It is noticeable on all sides how loyal all are to the new city. It has been for Underwood, but now, it is for greater Underwood.

Money From Strawberries

     Among the farmers who were the most successful with their berries is John C. Clarkson. He has a patch of five acres and has realized over a thousand dollars clear of all expenses. Others in the same neighborhood are equally as strong. There is not a Thornton in Thorntonville, and there is a bunch of them, but what has big berry money. J.A. Larsen, C.H. Tubbs, and, in fact all, have been more than successful.
     The crop has been fine and the market has held up well. Owing to the berries being extremely early the largest prices were secured. There are many who got over 200 crates in at near the $4 mark. This is one of the strong and main reasons why there is so much activity in and around Underwood. The value of land has obtained a wide reputation and many Easterners are not only looking it over, but are buying freely, many taking advantage to locate near the town.

Grant Daily Mail Service.

     The postoffice department has announced that hereafter Underwood will have a daily mail. It is needless to say that the merchants and town people appreciate it. It will mean the drawing of more trade to the city. Many of the farmers who have been receiving mail at other points are commencing to make Underwood headquarters for mail.

Another Successful Dance.

     The third ball given by Big White Salmon Grange, No. 160, Saturday evening was a very enjoyable affair. It was an ideal night and all danced. These dances are bright oasis in the lives of the ranchers. They all turn out and have a good time. The ladies of Underwood have long been celebrated for their ability in preparing food. No high salaried chef with a French sounding name could have arranged a better spread that was served in the little school house. It was a sumptuous affair -- more than an army of hungry hay-workers could have consumed. No more pronounced true hospitality ever existed south of Mason and Dixon's line than is always displayed among the people of Underwood. William Wheeler of Hood River furnished the music and it was well in Sunday morning when the happy occasion came to end. E.L.C.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer