Arlington, Washington - History

History

HALLER PLATTED - RIVALRY OF HALLER AND ARLINGTON - THOMAS MORAN - GROWTH OF THE TWO TOWNS-~MARSH BUYS HALLER CITY TIMES - ATTORNEYS LOCATE AT BOTH TOWNS - LODGES AND . CHURCHES - HALLER SURRENDERS - SEPARATE SCHOOL SYSTEMS - CHURCHES BUILT IN ARLINGTON - CLOSING YEARS OF CENTURY - ARLINGTON SINCE 1900 - ARLINGTON INCORPORATES - WATER AND LIGHT SYSTEMS - PRESENT CITY OFFICIALS - PIONEER ASSOCIATION- - PIONEER PARK - MUNICIPAL PARK - MUNICIPAL BUILDING - AMERICAN LEGION POST - ARLINGTON POST OFFICE - COMMERCIAL 'CLUB - ARLINGTON'S MEN'S CLUB - SCHOOL SYSTEM~ - WOMEN'S CIVIC CLUB - OTHER WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS - LODGES - CHURCHES - 1926 BUSINESS SURVEY - TIMBER INDUSTRY... cceressersscseserencecesteseneecsrssesesrasecerssaseessncoenaes 525

HALLER PLATTED - RIVALRY OF HALLER AND ARLINGTON - THOMAS MORAN - GROWTH OF THE TWO TOWNS - MARSH BUYS HALLER CITY TIMES - ATTORNEYS LOCATE AT BOTH TOWNS - LODGES AND CHURCHES - HALLER SURRENDERS - SEPARATE SCHOOL SYSTEMS - CHURCHES BUILT IN ARLINGTON - CLOSING YEARS OF CENTURY - ARLINGTON SINCE 1900 - ARLINGTON INCORPORATES - WATER AND LIGHT SYSTEMS - PRESENT CITY OFFICIALS - PIONEER ASSOCIATION- - PIONEER PARK - MUNICIPAL PARK - MUNICIPAL BUILDING - AMERICAN LEGION POST - ARLINGTON POST OFFICE - COMMERCIAL CLUB - ARLINGTON'S MEN'S CLUB - SCHOOL SYSTEM - WOMEN'S CIVIC CLUB - OTHER WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS - LODGES - CHURCHES - 1926 BUSINESS SURVEY - TIMBER INDUSTRY.

In a smaller way the beginnings of Arlington were very much like the beginnings of Everett. They began at almost the same time and had the same problems to meet. Both were promoted by land companies and in both there were opposing interests. What the Riverside-Bayside interests were to Everett, the Haller- Arlington interests were to Arlington. Both were logical sites for business centers. Both had the good sense and judgment to consolidate into united cities, and both have prospered accordingly.

With settlement advancing up the valley and the certainty that a railroad would soon open up new country, it was no longer possible that Stanwood should be the sole trade center for the Stillaguamish. It seems very plain at this date, but the credit for seeing it first, and taking advantage of it belongs to Nels K. Tvete and Nils C. Johnson. Both were newcomers to the valley, Tvete having arrived in 1887 and Johnson in 1888. Tvete opened a store at Norman and became the postmaster there and Johnson became his business partner. There was not enough business at Norman for two such enterprising men and they sought a good location for a second store. With excellent judgment they selected the forks of the river. There had already been a rush of settlers and a new post office, called Glendale had been established eight miles up the North Fork, in 1887. In February, 1888, a colony of Kansans arrived, S. J. Squires of Independence, Kan., and W. J. Starrett of Neodesha, Kan., being the leading spirits, and two school districts were organized and schoolhouses planned. Everything looked well for the new venture when Mr. Tvete went to Seattle, purchased stock for the new store and sent it up the river in the tiny steamer Gleaner, in charge of Captain Gove. The canoe was still the chief means of transport, but since 1882 very light draft steamers had been as far up as the forks during seasons of high water. The Gleaner on this memorable trip reached a point (on the South Fork) more than a half mile above the forks, and this was important for it fixed the status of the North Stillaguamish as a navigable stream and thus to be under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government; and although this is the only steamer known to have reached beyond the forks, when the Seattle, Lakeshore & Eastern was built it was obliged to put in a drawbridge over the Stillaguamish and it was only by special act of Congress a number of years later that the stream was declared unnavigable and the draw removed. Nils Johnson was to be the managing partner at the new store, while Tvete remained at Norman. Johnson had just been married at Norman, to Miss Elise Hagen, and the young bride showed her value as a helpmate by coming up the river with the first load of goods and helping to open the store, the first goods being sold in May, 1888, from a tiny shack before the store building was completed. Joseph Smith was the original owner of the land and in June, 1888, he applied for the establishment of a post office to be known as Smithlyn, but when Mr. and Mrs. Johnson arrived at the forks by far the most numerous part of the population consisted of three Indian families.

Haller Platted

But Tvete and Johnson were not the only ones who had an eye to the possibilities of a village at the forks. Maurice G. Haller, a son of Gen. Granville O. Haller, one of the earliest and most prominent pioneers of Puget Sound, was a wealthy and daring real estate speculator and he also believed the location good. The title to the land had passed from Smith to John Irving, and Haller bought from him and planned the platting of a town, near the proposed line of the railway. The tragic death of Maurice Haller and his companions, Dr. T. S. Minor and Lewis Cox, when their canoe upset off Whidby Island in December, 1889, put an end to all his worldly plans and ambitions, but the project as to a town at the forks was carried out by his brother, Theodore, and the new town was named Haller City, in his honor. Simon Rumph and Mr. Andrud were partners in this venture, and the plat of the town was filed April 24, 1890; the dedication being signed by Simon Rumph, with R. H. Thompson and Theodore N. Haller as witnesses. They sold their interests to Charles B. Hills of Seattle who was the chief owner of the townsite for many years. A. L. Blair, representative of the townsite owners, figured prominently in the early history of Haller City. In 1889 he started a movement to build a wagon road from Stanwood to the forks. The Indians had a monopoly of the freighting up the river by canoe and charged accordingly; so ranchers and loggers were glad to help the enterprise and a road, passable for oxteams, was quickly built. Blair drove the first ox-team over this road and soon established a regular service, while a tri-weekly stage was run by Bert Crawford. One of the first buildings at Haller City was the shed built by Blair for the accommodation of teams and for the sale of hay and grain. The townsite company built a small sawmill, the Times moved up from Stanwood, issuing its first number from the shack that had been the home of Smith, who had first owned the land on which the town was located, and Tom Roe, a logger, built a large hotel near the Tvete & Johnson store. Edward Walker built the second hotel and so great was the rush that the first story was used, in October, 1890, before the balance of the structure was completed. During this year, railroad construction was being pushed, loggers were very active and the ranchmen found good markets, so the woods were fairly alive with people and there was work and business for all.

Rivalry Of Haller And Arlington

One thing which rushed building development was the intense rivalry which sprang up almost at once between Haller City and Arlington. This latter town was the pet project of J. W. McLeod, who was a contractor for the Seattle, Lakeshore & Eastern. It is possible that he had inside information as to the depot location, At any rate, on January 25, 1890, he bought thirty acres of land from Al Gifford on whose claim the new town was to be located, paying $1,200 for it. A. B. Palmer, timekeeper for McLeod, resigned that job, in February, to push the new town and it was platted and lots offered for sale by March 15, more than a month before the plat of Haller City was filed. The Arlington plat was surveyed by Richard Nevins, Jr., of Seattle and was dedicated by J. W. McLeod, V. Hugo Smith, S. W. Sisco and Arthur B. Palmer. Among the first lots sold were the following: to F. Gorman, two lots, $225; C. Leiendecker, two lots, $225; P. McCann, three lots, $700; Smith & Royce, two lots, $300. A newspaper, The Stillaguamish Star, was the very first business established, its first number being issued August 9, 1890. McLeod had been serving meals in a tent before this, although no lodgings were to be had nearer than Haller City, and on August 11, 1890, the new store by Earl & McLeod was opened. A saloon was the next establishment and Thomas Moran, who had been connected with the railroad as a superintendent of construction, joined the enterprise.

Thomas Moran

Thomas Moran was the typical Irish railroad construction boss; hardy, forceful, generous, likeable, dynamic. He was born in New York State, in 1847, Patrick and Mary Moran being his parents. The family moved West to Wisconsin, and when but a lad of fourteen, young Moran slipped by the enlisting officers and volunteered in the Union army, making a fine record as a soldier in the Twentyninth Wisconsin Infantry. In 1872 he joined the great army of adventure which built the transcontinental railroads of America and by his force of character he was soon advanced to foreman and then to superintendent of construction. He came West with the railroads, had accumulated some money and believed that Arlington offered a good field for investment. His first venture was the Arlington Hotel and his next a hardware store, both of which were opened in 1891. He became one of the real, permanent factors in Arlington history. The first construction train reached Arlington, June 13, 1890, the first freight train arrived on July 23, the first express office opened in October, and the post office was established November 29, with W. M. Sanger, editor of the Star, as postmaster and with daily mail service. Work began on the large Earl & Mcleod warehouse in October, and a trail was cut to three and one-half miles east of Lake Murray in November.

In January, Gifford and Cobb offered to donate two acres of land at Arlington if the Arlington and Kent's prairie school districts should be united and the schoolhouse moved to Arlington. The Kent's prairie was a famous old school district. It was a shake building, but the lumber in it had been hauled by canoe from Utsaladdy, then dragged by mules to the school location. C. J. Murphy was clerk of this district in 1884 and he walked to the Adams telegraph station, where Tom Paine was the operator, to wire for the first teacher, who, however, failed to come. With these recollections Kent's prairie people clung to their own, the vote was a tie, and the schoolhouse was not moved. The two towns moved along with varying fortunes. The Star, at Arlington, suspended and the Times lived, and during the first months of 1891 Haller seemed to hold the advantage, the Walker Hotel, where the first masked ball was held, on-Washington's Birthday, proving a great social attraction. Arlington kept growing, one of the new merchants being A. J. Hill.

Pro contra, however, Doctor Calvin and Mertella C. Teagar opened the first drug store in the upper valley in the spring of 1891, at Haller City, and Teagar was appointed postmaster. J. Z. Jones opened his general merchandise store at Arlington, in 1891, and there were beginnings of religious and social life, the Methodists seeking subscriptions for a church at Arlington and the old soldiers starting to form a Grand Army post at Haller.

What was known as McMahon's addition was platted and filed September 14, 1891. This included the forty-acre tract which lay between the original towns of Haller City and Arlington. Both Thomas McMahon and Philip Stevens claimed ownership, and it was not until the courts had decided in favor of McMahon that this tract could be placed on the market, and it was thus a physical impossibility for the towns to unite until this was done.

After the first rush, during the railway construction and while the townsite owners of Arlington were employing men to put in the three miles of graded streets, and while houses and stores were being built, there followed a period of slower growth as the towns adjusted themselves to their real function, that of serving as a base of supplies for the country round about them. McGinnis & Marsh and W. F. McQueston opened new general merchandise stores in 1892, a shingle mill was built and there were a number of new residences.

Growth Of The Two Towns

The young Twin Cities developed rapidly along social and civic lines. The citizens of Arlington erected a two-story building as a city hall and for lodge purposes, and in spite of the refusal of Kent's prairie people to unite the school districts, a schoolhouse was built on the land donated by Gifford and Cobb. The G. A. R. post, planned in 1891, was formally organized, April 28, 1892, with A. L. Blair as post commander, and a lodge of the I. O. O. F. was instituted at Arlington, August 27, 1892, by visiting brothers from Snohomish. The sensation of the year was when a body of masked men dragged Herman Scheinert, a German settler, from his cabin near Arlington and after beating him, applied a coat of tar and feathers, and ordered him to leave the country. The thoroughly terrorized man reported the facts to James L. Kent and two men were indicted for the outrage, but Scheinert feared to identify his attackers and there were no convictions. Following this, two large barns belonging to Kent were fired. It was supposed that this was also the work of the whitecaps. Public opinion was so strongly aroused, however, that like occurrences never again disgraced the fair fame of Arlington. The highest flood since 1885, swept the valley in November, 1892, and it was during this highwater that the home of C. J. Murphy was carried away. Evidence of progress in the surrounding territory is found in the statement made March 17, 1892, that J. C. Ward had threshed and cleaned thirty-two sacks of oats "the first event of this kind on the North Fork." A new post office "America" was established on the South Fork during this year, with Walker L. Brook as postmaster, and Arlington loggers had the glory of furnishing the 200-foot flagstaff which was the largest on the grounds of the World's Fair at Chicago. The community gained a shingle mill when R. H. Genung of Seattle erected one with daily capacity of 130,000 shingles, and lost one when the Gifford mill burned in March, 1893. The enmity between the two towns showed itself even over the appointment of a deputy assessor, some property owners refusing to turn in their property lists unless the man of their choice was named. Hard times were general but Haller City voted bonds for the erection of a $500 schoolhouse, the Lutheran Church, begun in 1892, was completed, and at the close of 1893 five new residences were under construction at Haller City. The chief social event was the organization of the R. B. Hays Camp of the Sons of Veterans, at Haller City, March 11, 1893.

Marsh Buys Haller City Times

In 1894, William H. Ford of Everett bought the shingle mill, the firm name being Darling & Ford. Additions were made and the mill soon had a payroll of $100 per day, with forty men employed. C. L. Marsh purchased the Haller City Times, which had been established by George Morrill, and while he maintained the Haller City name and office, he published a newspaper in the interests of the entire community and thus did much to draw the two towns together. The first sign of weakening on the part of Haller City, came in June, 1894, when C. C. Bowen moved his stock of goods from that place to the St. Paul Building at Arlington. There was a coming together also when the young men of both towns formed an athletic association and cleared ground for a ball park and race track, but all the rivalry burst into flame when it was announced in May, 1894, that the Haller City post office had been discontinued and the people of that town could go to Arlington for their mail. Russell Palmer succeeded Frank McCue as postmaster of Arlington at this time, and although Haller City remonstrated, it was not until April that its office was reestablished and Postmaster Teagar again installed. Arlington suffered a blow to its supremacy when the Odd Fellows Hall burned in October, 1894, but it was quickly rebuilt and was ready for occupancy the following February.

Struggling along, side by side, with so many things in common and yet with much that kept them separate and divided, the history of the two towns is somewhat difficult to trace. Together, by 1895, they formed a prosperous community with four shingle mills, three sawmills and fifteen logging camps in their vicinity, employing 442 men whose monthly wages aggregated $17,680. These mills and the number employed were as follows: shingle mills, W. H. Ford, 24; Verd & Sanders, 18; G. k. Hiatt & Company, 15: Dorgan Tucker, 8; sawmills, Gifford & Kelly, 37; W. E. Richards, 4: logging camps, McGilvrey & Company, 20; S. C. Lillis, 20; P. McMartin, 20; Ferguson & Mckilligan, 22; Hogan & Bridges. 20; Irvine & Brown, 25; J. H. Raymond, 6; O. P. Cummings, 20; Funk Bros., 4; G. A. Rae, 5; Martin & Larson, 8; Verd & Sanders, 35; Moe, 25; G. K. Hiatt & Company, 18; Bryan Bros., 22. The payroll of the cities also included 8 section men, 10 clerks and 50 bolt cutters.

Attorneys Locate At Both Towns

The year 1895 was marked at Arlington by the accession of Lewis N. Jones as an attorney, the erection of a new hotel by Ferguson & Robertson, a photograph gallery by L. W. Barnes and the voting of $500 for a new schoolhouse. Mrs. R. A. Small, later county superintendent, taught the school and there were seventy- Ave children of school age in the district. Arlington business men also contributed to the wire suspension bridge which was built across the South Stillaguamish. On the social side, the young men formed the Cumtux Literary Club, and all the people turned out at the banquet given by the Twin City Baseball Club in honor of Walter Thornton, the Snohomish hoy who was a member of the Chicago ball team. Prof. J. N. Sinclair presided at this banquet and among those present were, A. Behrens, A. B. Palmer, L. N. Jones, J. W. Sneed, L. A. Frazier, Percy Palmer, Chas. Pautzke, Peter Meehan, Chas. Marshall, B. McConneggy and Chas. Murphy.

Haller City benefited by the coming of F. B. Davis as an attorney, but it had more postal: troubles. The postal department changed its name, dropping the "City", and the office was discontinued ; and reestablished for a second time through the influence of Senator John L. Wilson. Postal facilities for the upper valley were increased by the establishment of tri-weekly service from Arlington, via Trafton, Wana, Oso, Home and Pueblo to Darrington. Home post office was soon abandoned, however, and its mail sent to Oso. This service began May 16, 1895.

Lodges And Churches

The lodge and church directory of the Twin Cities as published in the Times for 1895, contains the following: I. O. G. T., Mrs. A. Gifford, C. T.; Chas. Merrill, secretary; I. O. O. F., George Watson, N. G., L. N. Jones, secretary; A. O. F. of A., Charles Croft, C. R.; E. H. Stanton Post No. 86, G. A. R., Jos. F. Smith, commander, A. L. Blair, adjutant. Of the members of this post but one member, Capt. H. G. York, was living in 1926. The churches were the Free Methodist, Rev. Chas. McKinley, pastor, and the Methodist Episcopal, Rev. George Frame. The latter church held services in the Haller schoolhouse every two weeks.

Among the business men who advertised in the Times were Chris Duerr, shoemaker; William Murphy, butcher; Tvete & Johnson, the pioneer merchants; Marsh & Brown, grocers; A. L. Blair, real estate; C. H. Pautze, barber, and the hotels, Walker House (hotel, Pat J. Cull, bar, E. A. Hill), St. Paul House, G. A. Rae, Arlington Hotel, and Ferguson & Robertson. The new school building was completed at Haller in June, and the county commissioners yranted Percy Palmer the waterworks franchise for both Haller and Arlington. The organization of a band, with Prof. Carl A. Sperati, as instructor, and the production of a home talent play which was pronounced "fine" although but one week was taken for rehearsals and to paint the special scenery, were among the noteworthy events. Members of this home talent troupe were J. F. Matthews, F. C. McKew, Frank Kester, Charles Murphy, Miss Chadwick, Miss Morris, Mrs. Anna Sichman, Mrs. F. C. McKew and Mrs. O. C. Thornton.

Haller Surrenders

It was not until 1896, that Haller threw up its hands in final surrender to the inevitable and its business houses moved to a more central location, but the surrender was not complete as the "McMahon addition", which lay between the two towns, was the objective of the exodus. The George Murphy meat market started the procession, in September, then Tvete & Johnson bought the lots occupied by Joseph Ferguson's residence and moved the big store a quarter of a mile, on rollers with block and tackle. Doctor Teagar, Chris Duerr and Charles Buckman soon followed suit. The Times office had already been moved and the paper at last reluctantly changed its name as well, becoming The Arlington Times. The removal of the business houses quickly brought about the final discontinuance of the postoffice and Doctor Teagar wound up the affairs of the office and turned it over to Postmaster Moran of Arlington in December. As a result of changing administration, Moran, democrat, was succeeded by John Z. Jones, republican, as postmaster in June, 1897, and in January, 1898, the office was moved to new quarters, next door to the St. Paul Hotel, from the Moran hardware store where it had been located for seven years.

Separate School Systems

But while united in business and social life each town maintained its separate school system. J. E. Phelps, J. Z. Jones and G. A. Rae were directors and F. B. Davis clerk of District No. 16, and J. H. Persun, L. Mose, H. McKilligan were directors and C. J. Murphy, clerk, of District No. 30 in 1896, and both districts went their separate ways. Mrs. R. A. Smail opened a subscription school, with thirty pupils, at Haller, in January, 1896, and she was connected with the schools of that town until June, 1897, when she left to accept a position at Everett. Prof. Stafford opened a night school at Haller, at the same time, and this was attended by many of the young men and women of the place. The first graded school opened at Arlington in March, 1896, for a three months' term with Prof. J. N. Sinclair and Mrs. Addie Howard as the teaching force. Prof. G. A. Croxford had charge of the Haller school in 1897, when it became necessary to complete the upper room of the building and to employ a second teacher, Miss Hannah McDonald, to take charge of the primary department. Prof. I. C. Karr and Professor Cook were at the head of the Arlington schools in 1897-1898, but when Mr. Cook asked an advance in salary, Mrs. Johanna McKenzie was installed in his place, with Mrs. McCain as assistant. The first commencement exercises of the Arlington school were held in June, 1899; Ethel Hanson and Otis Cull being the first to receive diplomas.

Churches Built In Arlington

In 1896 was inaugurated the era of church building for Arlington. Having received aid from the Church Extension Bureau, the Free Methodists were able to complete their church and dedicate it by January 26, 1896. Reverend McReynolds was then pastor and he was succeeded by Reverend Stayt who returned to the Everett-Snohomish charge when he in turn was succeeded by Rev. J. N. West, who came from Blaine. Arlington was but one charge on a circuit, however, at this time.

Catholic activities began in May, 1896, when Thos. McMahon donated a site for a church building in his addition. Rev. Father T. Van Holderbeke, familiarly known as "Father Van', celebrated mass at the Arlington schoolhouse during the summer and the lots were not cleared until September. "Father Van" was born in Belgium and educated at the American College at Louvain. He was ordained on June 24, 1887, and began his work as a priest in Washington the following September. He was first stationed at Walla Walla and was next sent to the Snohomish mission. He not only cared for the Snohomish congregation but his schedule included week day services at Gilman, Arlington, Sauk, Snoqualmie, Edmonds, Hartford, Cherry Valley, Granite Falls and Pueblo. He was a popular and, certainly, a hard working servant of his church. Work began on the Catholic church building in November, 1896, and it was dedicated by "Father Van', the following summer.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. George W. Frame, who came to Arlington for that purpose in the summer of 1896. Foundations for a 24+ by 40 structure were laid in September and the work of building was started, but it was delayed by the hard times and was not resumed until the following August when help was received from the Church Extension Society. It was announced then, that 'a cupola and belfrey will be built and the building plastered. and painted". Rev. George W. Frame was one of the well known Methodist circuit riders of that day and he had also gained prominence as a political factor. He was born at Macomb, IIl., April 27, 1862. He taught school in Iowa and Nebraska and came to Snohomish in 1891. He served as a clerk in the Legislature and was court stenographer for Judge Denney, leaving this work to enter the ministry, in 1894. He was sent to Marysville in 1895, and Arlington was added to his pastorate in 1896. This Marysville-Arlington circuit was divided in 1898 and Rev. Ysaac Dillon given the Arlington charge. This church was not completed and ready for dedication until June 5, 1898: Rev. H. D. Brown of Seattle delivering the dedicatory sermon.

Closing Years Of Century

Reviewing Arlington history briefly during the closing years of the century there are found many evidences of enterprise and progress, as well as some reverses of fortune. The majority of the public enterprises were carried through by popular subscriptions rather than by taxation. In 1896, a second cable suspension foot bridge was built across the South Stillaguamush, near Haller. In June of the same year funds were solicited for the building of a jail, or "skookum house"; in November $3,000 was raised to start a creamery. Again, in 1897, the citizens met with H. H. McMasters of Snohomish to plan the erection of a cheese factory, and in 1899, they were discussing a telephone project. Many of these projects failed, but in 1897 A. B. Palmer let the contracts to dig the trenches for the waterworks and a system was installed, four-inch pipes carrying the water supply from a stream on Kent's prairie, a mile distant; and in 1899 the Sunset Telephone installed its lines, Mrs. M. M. Gray being the first "Central". Mining as well as logging made Arlington a busy place, in 1897, as it was outfitting headquarters for many prospectors. Mining also did much to deplete its population, for in no section was the Alaska craze more virulent, in 1897, than along the Stillaguamish Valley. J. W. Nordstrom, N. Scogolson, Robert Kernaghan, J. J. Sheehan, A. B. Palmer and John Pearson were among the first to leave. Al Gifford went to Alaska in search of wealth and was at Dawson City when his wife died at Arlington, June 24, 1899. A. J. Hill went also, and the community was grieved and shocked to learn that he had ended his own life at Skaguay, July 18, 1899. Many returned from the Far North with fortunes much: improved, as luck seemed to be with the Stillaguamish adventurers. Mrs. Gifford was well known throughout the county. Before coming to Arlington she had been proprietress of the Riverside Hotei at Snohomish. The Giffords owned the townsite of Arlington originally and retained a large part of it and both were prominent in the business and social life of the town. Another death which affected the community was that of John P. Anderson, civil engineer, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Roberts, March 30, 1898. In 1896 there was a serious epidemic of diphtheria which thoroughly frightened the people. Among the deaths from this scourge were those of three in the Ostrand family.

University Of Washington

commissioner, to succeed himself as United States circuit court commissioner, the new office having many added powers; the installation of the first cream separator in the vicinity by J. W. Jackson, in March, 1898; the burning of the Arlington Lumber Company plant, in July, 1899, when it was thought that the whole town was doomed and the fire was only subdued by the use of salt and water; and the passing of an old landmark when the Kennedy Hotel was torn down, in November, 1899. This was the bicycle era and Arlington was much interested in machines and records. W. G. Letson and R. H. Palmer established one record when they made the twelve miles to Marysville in one hour and twenty minutes, and Murphy, the bicycle dealer, sold seventeen machines in two weeks. The only new lodge recorded was Viola Lodge No. 110 of the Order of Rebekahs, organized in May, 1897, and instituted by a team from Snohomish. Kate Adams was at the head of this lodge and Isia Smith was secretary.

Arlington Since 1900

The new century opened auspiciously with the formation of Arlington's first Commercial Club. "Thomas Moran was president and Dr. W. F. Oliver, secretary, and there were seventeen members, who agreed to pay dues of $1 per month. This club promoted an effort to unite the school districts, but the proposition was lost at the special election held in March, 1900; the vote being: Arlington, yes, 99; no, 15; Haller, yes, 23; no, 37. While receiving a large total majority it failed because it was necessary to carry in both towns. Haller gradually changed, however, from a business to a residence center, noted for its handsome lawns, and the west part of the old townsite was purchased by M. J. Dorgan for farm purposes. The removal of the A. O. U. W. Hall to Arlington, in April, 1900, fairly stripped Haller of anything but homes, the four store buildings remaining being used as dwellings. The Commercial Club also inaugurated proceedings looking to the consolidation and incorporation of the towns, calling a meeting to consider the matter in July, 1900, but public sentiment was not ripe for it. Guie of Marysville proposed the establishment of a private bank, in September, 1900, but in its stead the Arlington State Bank was founded, by C. E. Bingham and others, and it has functioned for the good of the community ever since. A few of the memorable events of 1901 were the second epidemic of diphtheria which was so virulent that the county commissioners were asked for aid in combating it; the post office robbery, when the safe was blown open and the robbers escaped with some $200, and the incendiary fires by which the new dry goods and millinery store of S. A. Choate was totally destroyed and the drug store, in the Moran Building damaged. A reward of $200 was offered for the arrest of the firebug, but he was not apprehended.

By 1902, the towns had become so closely identified that opposition to formal consolidation had disappeared and Arlington and Haller were ready to present a united front to the world as one, incorporated, city. The first election as an incorporation was held May 5, 1903, and the first officers were J. M. Smith, mayor, Adolph Behrens, treasurer, C. H. Tracy, clerk; Neil Brown, W. G. Fowler, C. A. Hudson, D. S. Baker and J. B. Riley councilmen.

The great event of the years 1900 and 1901, was the extension of the Northern Pacific Railroad up the North Fork, twenty-eight miles, to Darrington, and this constituted what may be termed the third epoch in the development and settlement of the Stillaguamish Valley.

Other important industrial developments during the period between 1900 and 1910 included the construction, in 1905, of a logging railroad from Marysville to Bryant and eastward into a large stand of virgin timber. This road, known as the Marysville & Northern, was built by the Stimson Mill Company and was about twenty miles in length. The logging operations it served continued until the summer of 1926.

In 1908-1909 the Ebey Logging Company constructed twenty miles of standard railway from Ebey Slough to their newly-established camp on Jim Creek, the road being known as the Marysville & Arlington. This road was later extended ten miles as the logging operations receded. These enterprises have been important factors in sustaining the business community during the period of transition from lumbering, which was practically the sole pioneer industry, to farming, which is rapidly becoming the major source of wealth in Arlington's trade territory.

Arlington, one of the most attractive and busy inland cities of Snohomish County, with an ideal square mile of improved townsite situated at the forks of the Stillaguamish River, is the commercial and industrial center of a remarkably productive farm and timber district in which it has no competitor as a trading and shipping center. It is one of the principal freight-originating stations of the north line of the Northern Pacific Railroad and accommodates the junction with the Darrington branch of that system, while its paved highways radiate from the city in three directions, the main highway artery being the splendid cement pavement extending from the city westerly to a junction with the Pacific Highway. It 1s the gateway to the northeastern forest and mineral wealth of Snohomish County, of the wonderful scenic and recreation resources characteristic of the upper forks of the picturesque Stillaguamish River. Dairying has up to this time constituted the leading agricultural industry, more than 5,000 cows being maintained in the immediately tributary country, and the Snohomish County Dairymen's Association owning and operating a great milk condensing plant there, having a daily capacity of 100,000 pounds of raw milk and having equipment for the manufacturing of powdered milk for the Eastern and Alaskan markets, the entire plant being under the direction of General Manager Carl Christensen. Timber industries, however, from the beginning in 1890 up to the present time have constituted the principal industrial activity and resource of the city and district, there being ten logging camps in the neighboring territory, employing approximately 1,000 men, and eight plants manufacturing lumber or shingles, or both.

Haller City was established late in 1888, but the plat of Arlington was filed more than a month prior to Haller City's, the former March 15 and the latter April 24, 1890. Arlington townsite was an inspiration of J. W. McLeod of the Earl & McLeod Construction Company, then building the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad. McLeod is said to have named the town in honor of Lord Henry Arlington, a member of the notorious "Cabal" cabinet of Charles II. of England. Thomas McMahon then platted McMahon's addition on the forty acres between the rival townsites, and this became the present business center of Arlington, while McMahon stampeded to Alaska, and the steamboat on which he sailed to return to his first love was wrecked in a storm and he was drowned.

Arlington Incorporated

Arlington was incorporated as a city of the third class May 25, 1903, with J. M. Smith mayor, serving eight years; W. G. Fowler, C. A. Hudson, D. S. Baker and

Neil Brown, councilmen; C. H. Tracy, city clerk; A. Behrens, treasurer; L. Newton Jones, city attorney, serving as such until the present time, with the exception of three years, in each of which he resigned, and James Lemarion, marshal, the latter serving only three months, when he was succeeded by N. 5. Berridge, now deputy sheriff, who served as city marshal many years. In 1905 Geo. Murphy was commissioned chief of the newly-equipped fire department; the fire department being then equipped with a hosecart and 500 feet of hose, and having fifty-two volunteer firemen enrolled. Loren Thomas was assistant chief. Chief Murphy served hut one year and was succeeded by C. J. Warren, who has been chief ever since except for two years as mayor, 1920-21, during which time Charles H. Tracy was chief. In 1926 Fire Chief Warren's force includes twenty-five firemen, four of whom are in continuous service twenty-four hours a day and sleep in the central fire station, City Hall Building. A. F. Bundt is assistant chief, C. H. Tracy is captain of the hose truck, Grover Hinman is captain of the chemical truck and equipment, the paraphernalia including 245 feet of extension ladders on a modern auto truck and small ladders, and two 30-gallon chemical tanks, and with its efficiency of personnel and equipment is given a paid department rating and standing, resulting in a 20 per cent reduction in Arlington fire insurance rates; credit for which, however, is shared by the new city water supply system.

Water And Light Systems

The present city water system is supplied from the Stillaguamish River, the intake being elaborately equipped with a filtration system, insuring a pure mountain water supply for domestic use, Stone & Webster, the present owners, having perfected this improvement in 1925 at a cost of $40,000. The plant, with the electric light and power system, was originally established by the Arlington Water, Light & Power Company, organized and incorporated by Neil Brown, Thos. Moran, Nels K. Tvete, September 11, 1905. The company obtained a franchise and built what is known as the Jim Creek dam and reservoir, about seven miles east' and up the river from the city. On June 12, 1916, the entire property was sold to Warner Marshall of Boston, Mass., for $98,000, this price being somewhat under the total cost of the system. Marshall then transferred the property to the Stone & Webster subsidiary corporation, Puget Sound Power & Light Company, but the old Arlington Company collected all bills receivable up to the time of the transfer to Marshall, enabling it to recover in cash the full original cost of the plant. The gravity pressure 1s unusually strong, being ninety pounds to the inch in the business district and sixty pounds in residential sections: there are twenty-four two-connection and seven one-way hydrants, with three more to be installed this year. Negotiations and agitation for purchase of the water system by the city, to be financed by issuance of utility bonds, interested municipal circles during 1926, but the city government hesitates to accept the first price named by the company.

Present City Officials

Arlington maintains an excellent financial position, with an assessed valuation in 1926 of $632,140, an increase of $21,219 over the preceding year, and its total bonded debt is only $27,000 - $22,000 ten- and twenty-year 5 per cent bonds for the combination city hall building erected in 1925, and $5,000 for the trunk sewer extension, 1925. The municipal tax levy is 15 mills, and there are sixteen local improvement districts. The present city officers, elected in March, 1926, are: Mayor R. W. Shaw, Councilmen Hiram W. Baker, C. J. Warren, Harold Murphy, W. H. Fowler and John Haley; Clerk W. T. Dilley, Marshal John A. Cyra, Treasurer H. G. Foster, Attorney L. N. Jones, Health Officer W. F. Oliver, Fire Chief C. J. Warren.

Pioneer Association

On September 2, 1912, a large number of the pioneers of the Stillaguamish Valley celebrated Labor day with an outdoor picnic and entertainment in B. C. Schlomann's grove, Arlington. The general arrangements committee included Neil Brown, B. C. Schlomann, L. Morse, Charles Marshall and Dr. W. F. Oliver; invitation committee, Mrs. Jasper Sill, Mrs. Rose Armstrong and James Blackie; music, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Suttles and Mrs. M. C. Teagar. This affair was so genuine a success that it was decided to repeat it annually, as a reunion of the old settlers of the Stillaguamish. Thus the Stillaguamish Pioneers Association was formed. In 1915 the reunion was held in Wrage's grove, Arlington, September 6. Officers elected at that time were: W. F. Oliver, president; D. O. Pearson, vice president; M. M. McCaulley, secretary; C. H. Tracy, treasurer. McCaulley was an old G. A. R. veteran; and acted as secretary until he became too ill, resigning on May 6, 1917, a few weeks before his death. Doctor Oliver then appointed D. S. Baker as secretary, and he served until 1921, when Editor C. L. Marsh of the Arlington Times was elected to the position and served until the fifteenth annual meeting, August 12, 1926, when he resigned and was succeeded by Mrs. Archie Naylor.

By 1925 there were ninety-six members on the roll, the officers being Dr. W. F. Oliver, president ; Jackson H. Persun, vice president; C. L. Marsh, secretary, and Charles H. Tracy, treasurer, while the fifteenth annual meeting, August 12, 1926, closed with 136 names on the roll, and the organization became the Snohomish County Association of Washington Pioneers. The officers at this time are: Jackson H. Persun, president; Senator George Murphy, vice president; Mrs. Archie Naylor, secretary, and C. H. Tracy, treasurer. The principal speaker at the 1926 meeting was Curator W. P. Bonney of the Washington State Historical Museum, Tacoma, and there was an entertaining literary, musical and speaking program, with an attendance of more than 200. D. O. Pearson and William Whitfield, octogenarian pioneers of Stanwood and Snohomish, respectively, addressed the assembly, and Mrs. Constance Marsh Keller of Spokane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Marsh, sang "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "A Perfect Day" with delightful effect.

Pioneer Park

The people of Arlington have always taken an active interest in preserving the records of the pioneers of the Stillaguamish Valley, and the city at the forks of the river is entitled to much credit for the final establishment of Pioneer Park at its southern border and the success of the annual meetings.

In 1916, M. Berckenmier, an old pioneer of the Arlington district, presented to the Association what has since been known as Pioneer Park, situated on the main highway at the south boundary of the city of Arlington and consisting of eight and one-fourth acres of cleared land, with a lusty rill having its source in a number of living springs coursing through the near center of the area. The gift was conditioned upon the Association making improvements on the land to the extent of $1,500. Mr. Berckenmier not long afterward concluded that this condition had been fulfilled, and accordingly turned over a deed to the property. Energetic members of the Association have erected on the property a Pioneer lodge or assembly hall, 30 by 70 feet, built of peeled timbers set vertically to form the walls, the timbers being split, the round side being outward and the flat, smooth surface inside the building to form a flat wall. There is a huge fireplace at the west center, a large range and kitchen equipment, as well as running water piped from the neighboring creamery plant. At these annual gatherings the walls of the lodge present an interesting collection of pictures, photographs and other historic exhibits. Mrs. L. Sinclair, nee Fowler, born at Mukilteo in 1862 and who was the first white child born in Snohomish County, was the oldest attendant at the 1926 meeting, in point of years' residence, although August Pierson, aged 83, who stayed at Utsaladdy for a short time in 1860, was also in attendance, as well as H. G. York and William Whitfield, both of whom had resided in the county since 1865.

Municipal Park

The city of Arlington also maintains a thoroughly improved urban park, cailed Municipal Park, having an area of three and a quarter acres, on which the finest natural tree growth has been conserved. This park not only affords well equipped camping accommodations for automobile tourists, the facilities including an attractive and comfortable community house, tables, benches and four outdoor masonry camp stoves with grates; but has a regular stadium which has become the popular outdoor forum and public assemblage theater of the community for all sorts of events. There is also a fascinating playground for the children, equipped with swings and chutes, with a menagerie of wild animals and birds near by. The city fathers have been levying $300 a year for this park, and popular active pride and interest have served to make this sum ample for its admirable upkeep.

Municipal Building

The new Arlington municipal building is a real ornament, situated on a busy corner of the principal business street, Railroad (now often called Olympic) Avenue, at its intersection with Third Street, built in 1925 of reinforced cement and first occupied in December of that year. The city government was fortunate in obtaining so choice a location for its home, a corner area having eighty-five feet frontage on Railroad Avenue and sixty-five feet on Third Street, the purchase price being only $1,000. The project was provided for by ordinance passed in May, 1924, including the issuance of bonds of $22,000, and construction was begun in July, 1924, by Jens Jenson, Arlington building contractor. The structure is seventy-five feet in length on Railroad and fifty-five feet on Third, two full stories, providing an excellent ground floor central station for the fire department equipment, with sleeping apartments for firemen in connection, while at the corner on the lower floor is the Arlington Public Library. On the second floor are the city departments, council chamber and an apartment that has been used as headquarters by Arlington Post No. 76, American Legion, Tmbedded in cement on the Railroad Avenue face of the street intersection corner of the structure is a great bronze memorial tablet, two feet square, bearing in strong raised lettering the following enduring remembrance of the seven young men of Arlington who laid down their lives for their country during the World war:

American Legion Post

Arlington Post No. 76, American Legion, was organized in 1920 with fifteen charter members, of whom Warren Perrigo and Jack Fay are still members. Robert V. Johnstone was the first post commander. In May, 1926, the post bought the popular Firemen's Pavilion, on McLeod Avenue near Third Street, for $2,000, in addition assuming payment of outstanding debts against the establishment, amounting to about $400. This property was built and designed for community entertainment purposes, and has an admirable dance floor, 50 by 90 feet in dimensions ; dance hall lobby, rest rooms, and apparel check rooms are in a two-story annex; it is now popularly known as American Legion Pavilion. The officers of the post in 1926 are: Jack Healy, commander; Peter Jenson, first vice commander; Roy Carver, second vice commander; Edward Soper, adjutant; Ray Farrell, chaplain; Leonard Murphy, sergeant-at-arms. The active membership of the post in 1926 is sixty-one. The ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary maintain an active organization, devoted to the welfare of the men who served in the army and navy and their dependents, and affording the dominant social features of the Legion's activities, its secretary, Mrs. W. E. Mansfield, keeping in close touch with the undertakings of the Legion post, so that the Auxiliary is always prepared with timely assistance. |

Arlington Postoffice

Arlington's postoffice enjoys a background rich in the early history of the upper Stillaguamish country, where the now almost extinct town of Jewel City was founded by Jasper Sill on his homestead a short distance up the river from Haller City. He became postmaster of Jewel City and in April, 1890, platted the town, the postoffice being absorbed by Haller City, and its postoffice in turn being absorbed by Arlington. Mr. and Mrs. Jasper (Susie) Sill had previously been prominent pioneers of Stanwood and Florence. The Arlington postoffice was established in September, 1890, in Thomas Moran's hardware store, which was at the present location of the Arlington Hardware Co.'s store on Railroad Avenue, and the prophetic but tragically ill-fated Thomas McMahon was the first postmaster. McMahon was succeeded by A. J. Hill, who served a term, and then removed to Everett, which was his permanent home at the time of his tragic death by his own hand on July 18, 1899, at Skagway, Alaska, where he was operating a branch hardware store for Allen Bros., Seattle; while McMahon lost his life in Alaskan waters by drowning as a passenger on a steamboat that was wrecked. Chas. H. Runkle was commissioned postmaster in 1914 and served continuously up to the time of his death, in February, 1921. Miss Bessie Snoddy, who is still a clerk in the office, succeeded him as acting postmistress, until the present postmaster, S. G. Buell, a pioneer of 1892, was appointed to the position in 1922. In 1910 the postoffice was removed to the new W. H. Ford brick building on Third Street near Railroad Avenue. In 1911 it became a third class office, and advanced to the second class July 1, 1920, the village system of free mail delivery being established on April 1, 1920. The cash receipts of the office during the last six years show an annual increase steadily of from 6 to 10 per cent, the total receipts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1926, exceeding $12,500. The Arlington office has absorbed the former 'postoffices of Haller, Pilchuck, Trafton, Cicero, Sisco, Getchell and Jordan, and now maintains five rural mail delivery routes covering the surrounding territory for distances of from ten to seventeen miles. It is a far cry now to the time when Silvana was the nearest postoffice for the interior Stillaguamish region up to 1890; then came Jewel City, still in evidence above Lincoln Bridge over the South Fork, which was the first postoffice established east of Silvana, but was absorbed the following year by Haller City. Yet, through the Arlington central office, the settlers along the highways are now served daily at the gates of their own homes, which is acceptable compensation for the discontinuance of the small neighborhood offices.

Com Mercial Club

The business and professional men and property owners seem to have been markedly successful in maintaining a community spirit of organized codperation as well in city affairs as in voluntary efforts for the upbuilding and welfare of the city and tributary country. The Arlington Commercial Club has for years exemplified this spirit, and with its present membership of sixty-five men actively working for community progress and welfare, it is a constructive force of essential importance to the entire Arlington district. In 1917 this club invested $1,400 in the purchase of a large two-story structure and lot at the corner of McLeod Avenue and Second Street, and considerably remodeled and improved the property with a view to making it a sort of community social center. It is a large building and includes a commodious auditorium, social hall, as well as living and other convenient apartments. The officers and members devote much of their attention and time to the study of city affairs, cooperative with and auxiliary to the city council. Beginning early in 1926 the club initiated and carried to a successful conclusion the first of an indefinite series of annual surveys of the municipality, under three main headings: Municipal, School District and Agricultural Community. The first of these annual surveys, with well-considered conclusions, comments and recommendations, was completed and adopted by the club March 1, 1926. The committee appointed by President J. A. Gray for this survey was composed of the following: Dtrector of Survey, Editor C. L. Marsh of the Arlington Times ; Municipal, Mayor R. W. Shaw, C. J. Warren, Secretary H. G. Foster; Schools, W. IF. Martin, S. D. Boyer, Dr. E. C. Leach; Agricultural Community, Senator George Murphy, Carl Christensen and A. F. West. In each of these departments an intensive investigation was made, and the report gave a comprehensive outline of the present status, to which were added comments frankly stated, together with recommendations relating to improvements or extensions more or less urgently needed or desirable, thus forming the basis for the club's civic development program for the ensuing year. The officers of the Arlington Commercial Club in 1926 are: J. A. Gray, president; L. C. Palmer, treasurer, and Hiram G. Foster, secretary.

Arlington Men'S Club

Another men's organization that is very popular and active, but which is more cultural and studious in its aims, although its essays, papers and discussions often are concerned with problems or developments of the city or district, is the Arlington Men's Club, which was originally founded by Jack Dunston, now a resident of Portland, Ore., at a meeting held in the basement of the First Congregational Church. The club and its admirable programs devoted to the enlightenment of its members upon up-to-date topics, as well as research subjects, have grown steadily in popularity, and it now maintains a membership of one hundred. J. V. H. Verd is president, and J. C. Carpenter secretary.

School System

One of the most admirable public school systems of this region of Puget Sound is that of the little city of Arlington, which, although boasting a population of a little less than two thousand, has succeeded by consolidating adjacent suburban and rural districts in forming a single consolidated school district (No. 320) embracing 138.5 square miles, with an assessed valuation of $2,455,681 in 1925, and a tax levy of 15.4 mills in 1926, according to the Commercial Club survey. This consolidation has brought about one of the most complete high school and grade school establishments in Snohomish County, the grade schools of the city employing a staff of twenty-nine teachers at an average salary of $1,196.38, and an enrollment of close to nine hundred; while the Union High School has a faculty of fifteen teachers, with an average salary of $1,522. There are thirteen public school buildings in the district, valued at $151,000. Twelve auto busses are engaged daily to bring 444 of the more distant children to and from school. The total budget for the 1925-26 school year was $92,000, while the bonded indebtedness was $44,000 and the warrant debt $4,000. G. W. Hinman is the district executive secretary and W. F. Martin chairman of the board of directors of the district, who maintain a salaried secretary or district clerk. The high school curriculum and equipment include practical courses in regional industry, one noteworthy phase of which is the agricultural department, operated under the Smith-Hughes act in agreement with the state and federal governments. In 1925-26, forty-five boys taking this course carried farm projects home after school closed to be worked out during the summer vacation under the supervision of the professor in charge, who serves throughout the twelve months and is paid jointly by the federal, state and district governments; this instruction includes animal husbandry, poultry and cow testing and all lines of agriculture and horticulture, and practical home work is required. The former districts of Silvana, Oso, Cicero, Lakewood, Bryant, Pilchuck and Edge-

The Women's Civic Club of Arlington, first organized in the Commercial Club rooms in 1914, and admitted to membership in the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1918, has been an inspiring and helpful factor in the affairs of the city, especially in war relief and welfare work. Its first officers were: Mrs. J. E. Harris, president; Mrs. A. J. Suttles, vice president, and later the second president, and there were twenty members. Since that time the membership of this intelligent and wide-awake organization has been doubled, and the officers in 1926 are: Mrs. E. C. Leach, president; Mrs. Newton Field, vice president ; Mrs. John P. Enselman, secretary-treasurer, and Mrs. Harold Vosberg, corresponding secretary. The club now holds its meetings usually in the Commercial Club house, but sometimes in the homes of the officers or members. Members who have served as president of the club up to the present time are: Mrs. J. E. Harris, Mrs. A. J. Suttles, Mrs. W. H. Seymour, Mrs. H. D. Dunn, Mrs. L. C. Palmer, Mrs. E. N. Adams (two terms), Mrs. H. G. Hodge, Mrs. J. A. Jacobson, Mrs. W. F. Martin, Mrs. Fred G. Verd, Mrs. Robert W. Shaw and Mrs. E. C. Leach. One of the most commendable services of this organization has been to provide fresh milk for the undernourished children of the city throughout the last eight years. The acquisition and improvement of beautiful Terrace Park, three and a quarter acres off the east end of Fifth Street, in constructive codperation with the Arlington Commercial Club and city council, also stands today as an enduring exemplification of the civic ideals and usefulness of the Civic Club, which always in many directions has demonstrated its interest in community welfare in a practical way requiring much sacrifice of time and active effort.

There are several other active organizations of women, including a strong P. E. O. Club, Order of the Eastern Star and the Degree of Honor Protective Association, Charity No. 31, the latter being one of the most flourishing Degree of Honor lodges in the state, having at this time a membership of 207, with a juvenile branch membership of sixty-nine. Charity Lodge No. 31, Degree of Honor, was first organized in September, 1900, with a charter membership of fourteen, and the selection of the following officers: Ida Handley, president; Mary Kernaghan, vice president; Duncan Frazier, secretary. The first meeting was held in Mrs. Handley's dressmaking shop, located where the Moran Hotel now stands. The drill team of the Arlington lodge has won the championship of the state at three successive biennial state conventions of the Degree of Honor, in 1921, 1923 and 1925, and Miss Mary Kernaghan of Arlington is at this time president of the State of Washington Degree of Honor, elected at Olympia in April, 1925, for the two-year term, and represented the state as president at the National Degree of Honor convention held in Chicago, June 7 to 11, 1926. Present officers of the local lodge are: Bertha Stilwell, president; Myrtle Lamp, past president; Queenie Batcheldor, vice president; Christie Waterman, second vice president; Madeline Thompson, secretary; Bertha Benedict, financial secretary, and Lillie Walker, treasurer.

Arlington Lodge No. 129, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized June 10, 1903, and is fully representative of its territory, having an active membership of 110. Although the lodge has not yet erected a Masonic Temple, its officers and members have long had such a project in mind, and in 1916 the organization purchased a fine site at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Division Street, 120 by 160 feet in size, where the future temple is to be materialized. The present officers are: George Stever, worthy master; LL. C. Palmer, senior warden; W. H. lLoat, Junior warden; J. B. Ellis, secretary, and H. W. Sessoms, treasurer. Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays.

The Arlington lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an old and strong organization, and when its original Odd Fellows Hall was destroyed by fire, in January, 1916, the larger and more modern structure that replaced it has been shared by the lodge with other local fraternal orders that had no home of their own. The Modern Woodmen of America are also commendably represented by a vigorous local lodge.

Arlington Lodge No. 147, Knights of Pythias, was organized in 1912, and at this time has an active membership of eighty. The present officers are: R. W. Cross, chancellor commander; O. V. Church, V. C.; W. T. Dilley, K. R. S.; C. J. Warren, M. of F.; L. G. Steer, M. of E.; W. E. Mansfield, prelate; H. A. Foster, M. W.; J. H. Walcott, M. at A.; R. E. Chatten, I. G., and W. E. Marr, O. G.

Arlington Lodge No. 84, Ancient Order of United Workmen, has grown in popularity and increased in membership considerably within the last few years, and has grown to be such a substantial institution that it is now erecting one of the noteworthy modern lodge homes of Snohomish County. This project was decided upon early in 1926, and in July the entire problem of conducting the negotiations with architects and contractors and the business details connected with the erection of the building was delegated to a special building committee, composed of L. C. Palmer, C. J. Murphy and Luther Orr. This committee received numerous bids, and in August awarded the contract for the construction of the cement building to Daniel and Chas. J. Solie of Everett for $24,600, and for installation of the heating plant to H. D. Dunn of Arlington for $6,100, which includes plumbing throughout the building. The building will be entirely of reinforced concrete, 76 by 110 feet, two stories, with three retail store rooms on the ground floor, and three suites of offices on the second floor, apart from the lodge and social equipment. There will be two lodge rooms, one 48 by 56 feet and having a hard maple dance floor, the other 25 by 38 feet; a dining or banquet room 20 by 40, with kitchen in connection; also locker rooms, and a model suite including parlor and rest room for the ladies. When completed and furnished the establishment will have cost approximately $40,000.

In the matter of houses of worship, Arlington easily ranks high for its population, and the church buildings are practically all of pleasing architecture, foremost among them being the shrines of Methodist Episcopal, Congregational, Catholic, J.utheran, Christian Science and Free Methodist denominations. These all en- joy loyal and substantial congregations of earnest Christian people, for Arlington's population is predominantly composed of a high type of American citizenship.

The Commercial Club's 1926 survey of business and industry makes note of seven factories, employing sixty-three persons: twenty-two mechanical shops, employing seventy-nine ; thirty-seven stores, employing 109 persons; two banks, the pioneer twenty-six-year-old Arlington State Bank and the Citizens State Bank, with a combined capital of $55,000, deposits $868,311.07 (March 1, 1926), and resources of $944,595.43; professional men and women, sixty; doctors, seven: lawyers, three; veterinarian, one; optician, one; school teachers, forty-four. The Arlington mail service survey showed that the postoffice work was handled by the postmaster, two clerks and six carriers; mail was received and dispatched three times daily, out and in; there were five rural route services, the round trip mileage and number of private mail boxes served being, respectively: Route 1, 321% miles, 178 boxes; No. 2, 30 miles, 160 boxes: No. 3, 36 miles, 151 boxes; No. 4, 34 miles, 137 boxes; No. 5, 2534 miles, 122 boxes, making a total of 15814 miles covered daily, and 748 private mail boxes served. The Club advocated the extension of Route 2 over the Arlington Heights Road to Jim Creek, three and one-fourth miles, and the extension of Route 4 to Grand View, two and one-half miles.

Timber Industry

Timber resources and industries continue to be a mighty element of Arlington's activity and progress. Not far from the city itself great bodies of primeval forest wealth remain, enough to keep the present mill establishments busy for years to come. A suggestion of this persistence was noted in the Times of July 29, 1926, for on that day the longest cedar pole ever transported through that town, 110 feet long, three feet at the butt and ten inches at the top, passed on a truck and trailer in order to negotiate anticipated curves, on its way to Stanwood, where it was used to form a two-pole high-wire tower by the Puget Sound Power & Light Company, this perfectly straight timber having been cut on the old homestead of Dr. W. F. Oliver. It reminded old-timers of the famous 200-foot cedar pole from Arlington erected at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 - the world's tallest flagpole.

But the people of all the Arlington district, as industrious and practically active as any beneath the sun, seem to have caught the idealistic outlook, moods and beauty-loving of the prolific virgin wealth of nature about them; they are a sociable, fun-loving, upward-looking lot. They enjoy many outdoor recreations, have numerous festivals and exhibitions, notably flower shows and grange fairs, and participate in and contribute to all the big county shows. The Arlington Kennel Club, for example, headed by Dr. G. Unrau, veterinarian and dog fancier, held a competitive dog show at Arlington on August 24-25, 1926, which attracted owners of fancy and standard pedigreed canines from many places in the northwest, and which would have been a credit to any larger community.

The future of Arlington looms brightly and is as certain as sunlight. It is the heart of a wonderfully resourceful region that will invite and reward the present as well as generations yet unborn.