Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Or.) 1937-current, May 09, 1940, Image 7

Illinois Valley news., May 09, 1940, Image 7

Image provided by: Josephine Community Library Foundation; Grants Pass, OR

About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Or.) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (May 9, 1940)

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Newspaper Page Text“THE RICHEST VALLEY IN THE WORLD” The Illinois Valley News 4th ANNIVERSARY NUMBER Expansion Edition SECTION 1 Mines, Farms, Timber, Recreation Chief Assets Cave Junction, Oregon May 9th, 1940 Crescent City Harbor Development Expected To Play Heavy Role CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING — OFFICE OF OUT-OF-STATE CAR REGISTRATION BUREAU Tre Ililnois Valley has been rightly termed the “richest valley in the world” because of the immense de posits of precious minerals that have not yet been scratched. The only metal that has been taken out is gold, and only that portion that was easy to get has been disturbed. There yet remains to be developed the great mineral deposits that require scienti fic mining knowledge and equipment that will handle the same. Outside capital must of a necessity become interested, however, to bring about concentrated efforts to make these resources the source of great wealth that they are bound to become in fu ture years. The trading area of this wealthy valley extend* down the Illinois Riv er for nearly 20 miles, and over in to the Chetco country, nearly all of this section being devoted to mining. The Valley proper extends from the mountain known as Haye's Hill to the first mountain in California common ly known as Oregon Mountain, but is a misnomer, as Oregon Mountain is on the old stage road. The trading area extends over into California as far as Happy Camp, but the above map sketch does not show the west side highway, which valley residents hope some day to see completed. There is a vast empire in this valley still undeveloped, and could accom modate 1000 more families who could make a decent living if they were will ing to work hard. It would take a “pioneer” spirit to become establish ed! There are now approximately 4,000 people in the valley and the population is steadily increasing each year. The agricultural resources have been developed where water was Registration Bureau Office Chief Chamber Undertaking Organized m 1935, the Cave City Chamber of Commerce had a varied career. When something was need ed in the valley, it had many mem bers. After the object was accom plished, interest would dwindle and the organization stood still. Then something like the power line would come up and the membership was again active. Dr. E. E. Brooks was the first presidents Bert Watkins vice-pres ident and Elwood Hussey secretary treasurer. They met and organized with 20 members in the American Legion hall. Later the name was changed to the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce and the membership grew, and now the organization is a live chamber and doing a mighty fine job. They have normally 50 members at present. The Please Turn to Page Five) available, but there are thousands of acres that could be brought into cul tivation when and if a reclamation project is established in the valley. Fertility is good here and a variety of crops are now grown under irri gated tracts. Fruit trees fare well here but the area perhaps has its best bet in dairying. Timber is one of our biggest assets and will be a greater one as soon as an outlet is made with the port devel opment at Crescent City effecting cheap water transportation. At pres ent it is an established fact that there are tens of millions of feet of lumber in this area which are now overripe and should be cut and processed but the industry lies dormant for lack of transportation of the nature to make the work profitable. Thus it is that the port is a vital artery for this valley, and now that congress has taken favorable action on a meas ure develop the harbor at Crescent City, greater activity than ever is expected in the lumbering business. Mining will likewise be affected. As these enterprises grow, the agri cultural section must also develop. Too, life here is abundant. The area is away from the hustle and the bustle of metropolitan centers and living is at a slower tenor. Wild game and fish abound in the area making it a “real place to hang your hat." This factor has lured many here who build for summer residence. And even though the valley develops under industrial processes the growing pains cannot ever touch all parts of the area thus leaving secluded sections available for “good living.” This plus the western hospitality of the residents is just another reason why it is the “richest in the world.” The trading area of the valley is approximately 20 miles wide to the north and south and 40 miles long to the east and west. This section is comparatively small, but is the least developed in the state, and only needs capital and energy to make it what it is rightly termed—“THE RICHEST VALLEY IN THE WORLD.”