Granite Falls, Washington - Snohomish County Washington, Past Achievements, Present Status, Future

Snohomish County Washington, Past Achievements, Present Status, Future

The past achievements, the present status and the future prospects of Granite Falls are all directly traceable to the remarkable extent and variety of its natural resources.

Briefly summarized, these may be said to include enormous quantities of first-class timber, large deposits of mineral wealth, water power that is practically unlimited, and last, but not least, thousands of acres of logged-off land, much of which possesses all characteristics essential to successful agricultural activity.

granite rock which abounds 2 aes extent in the immediate vicinity. This rock 1s of especially fine quality and can be advantageously marketed, either for paving and road building purposes, or for monumental work and at the present time preparations are being made for extensive actiyity in this direction, with every assurance that a new and important industry will be developed.

The Falls From Which The Town Derives Its Name

the heart of one of the greatest timber belts in the Puget Sound country, and that it lies at an elevation wherein the forest crop excels in quality, just as it abounds in quantity. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that there are numerous logging camps, lumber mills and shingle mills in the district, including one plant which employs approximately three hundred men. This concern, the Waite Mill & Timber Company. cuts 100,000 feet of lumber and manufactures 400,000 shingles per day, while its payroll runs all the way from $20,000.00 to $23,000.00 per month. That there are opportunities in Granite Falls for additional industries of this description, none can doubt who is familiar with the facts.

In the matter of mineral resources, Granite Falls is doubly fortunate for, on the one hand, the town is directly tributary to the best developed mines in the Cascade the assurance of its future growth becomes most apparent - for experience has clearly proved that the farmer may follow the logger in this vicinity with every prospect of financial success, providing ordinary care is exercised in the selection of a tract and that the purchaser has sufficient capital at command (not necessarily a large amount) to handle the undertaking properly. : While farming in all its branches is carried on with almost uniformly satisfactory results, dairying appears to be gaining in popularity. This is not surprising in view of the fact that the soil and climate are highly favorable to this pursuit. Cattle can generally be pastured for fully threefourths of the year, and forage grasses, silage, root crops, etc. produce enormous yields. Numerous springs and mountain streams ensure a plenitude of water even in the dryest seasons, and the demand for

Scenes In Granite Falls

Fruit growing, too, is a most profitable avocation and the constant Planting of new orchards and berry farms unmistakably testifies to the successful results that are being achieved. Strawberries, blackberries raspberries and logan berries grow in wonderful profusion, while pears, apples, plums, prunes and cherries are staple crops affording equally satisfactory returns. Under the influence of even temperature and abundant moisture, the fruit matures in a natural way and thus retains its wonted flavor and quality. Here again, the demand exceeds the supply to an extent that warrants the statement that there is not the slightest fear of over-production.

mish and Pilchuck Rivers (see preceding map) but also a center of exquisite natural charm. Indeed, its very name is derived from one of the many "beauty spots" abounding in this vicinity - for here the Stillaguamish plunges over granite ledges into the valley through which it flows to the sea.

"essary brevity, Granite Falls May he described as a prosperous and progressive community of eight hundred people - a community enjoying the advantage of modern improvements and an environment of commercial value, exquisite beauty, and healthgiving properties. The town has several miles of graded, graveled and sidewalked streets; a gravity water system, combining adequate supply and ample pressure; a sewer system (just installed at a cost of $36,000)

Plant Of The Waite Mill & Timber Co. At Granite Falls

The mills and camps are steady consumers and in addition to this local demand, the outfitting of steamers to Alaska and the East creates a market that is dependable and profitable. It would be almost impossible to imagine more ideal conditions for poultry raising than those which here exist, and it is certainly using the language of conservatism to predict the continued development of this branch of agricultural enterprise.

In addition to its resources of farm and field and forest, Granite Falls has many attractive features that cannot fail to influence its future growth. In the first place, its location is one of great advantage from both the commercial and aesthetic points of view - for Granite Falls (on the Monte Cristo branch of the Northern Pacific Railroad) is not only a logical trading center for the combined valleys of the Stillaguaan efficient and well equipped volunteer fire department; an up-to-date electric plant affording satisfactory service to the entire community; numerous stores that compare favorably with business establishments of larger communities, both in service and the completeness of their stocks; a sound and conservatively managed bank; an educational system of which its citizens are justly proud, including a new High School erected at a cost of $20,000.00; four churches (Congregational, Catholic, Baptist and Adventist); numerous fraternal orders, a theatre; two telephone systems, telegraph office; express office; good hotel accommodation; an alert weekly newspaper; many modern and beautiful homes, and finally. a Commercial Club, whose members stand ready at all times to give reliable information to new-comers and to afford them valuable aid in every possible way.