o I (p F 817 SzC? BANCROFT LIBRARY o THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 131HdWVd t^ji^ 1 1\ n r~^ ARI z o N A SALT RIVE R VALLEY A 3L I 1 O N A U I L D I N G THE T O N T O y Railroads HPHE Salt River Valley is reached by branch lines from two * transcontinental railroads. From Ash Fork, on the main line of the Santa Fe system, 197 miles north of Phoenix, runs the S. F. P. & P. raihvav, which terminates at Phoenix. SALT RIVER VALLEY Building the Tonto Dam AT Maricopa on the main line of the Southern Pacific and Rock Island system, is one of the terminals of the M. & P. & S. P.V. railway, the other being at Phoenix. The distance from Maricopa to Phoenix is 35 miles. A branch from this road runs from Tempe to Mesa City. The Phoenix and Eastern railroad has been built from Phoenix beyond Florence. This line will no doubt tap both the Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe systems, and will be extended from Phoenix by Wickenburg westward to California. Tourists' rates from eastern points to California apply to Phoenix. Any one visiting the Pacific coast may obtain stop-over privileges at Maricopa or Ash Fork for Phoenix by paying $3.50 extra for round trip ticket. A first-class ticket from Chicago to Phoenix is $53.85. From New Orleans about the same. R O N oemx PHOFA'IX is the capital of Arizona and county seat of Maricopa county, and is a beautiful city of 14,000 to 15,000 population. The city is well laid out with wide streets and sidewalks. Beautiful parks surround the public buildings, while the residence streets are nicely shaded. Phoenix has a high school, grammar school, and five ward schools in the public system, in which are enrolled about 2,000 children. There are also private schools in which are enrolled about 300 pupils. Twelve church denominations are represented, and all have commodious houses of worship. One hundred thousand dollars was subscribed in eleven days for a Y. M. C. A. building, which is now in process of building. The city has a municipal water works system, electric street railways, electricity and gas for lighting and heating, four strong banks, including National, Territorial, Savings and Trust companies, three daily newspapers Constructing Granite Reef Division Dam SALT RIVER VALLEY Suburban Residences and several weeklies, a Carnegie public library, and all of the con- veniences of the most modern city. The altitude of Phoenix is 1076 feet above sea level, the mean annual temperature is 69.3 degrees, and the average wind velocity is five miles an hour. Frosts are light during the winter months. No cold winds or cyclones. Phoenix has hotels and boarding houses, a number of restaurants, and is well prepared to take care of strangers seeking health or investments at reasonable rates. Temfie T^HIS town, which is about 9 miles east of Phoenix, has 1500 * inhabitants, and is located on the south side of Salt River in the midst of a rich farming country. The Territorial Normal school is located at Tempe,with fine buildings, and beautiful grounds, A R I Z O N affording accommodation for 200 or more pupils. Several new build- ings are l)eing constructed from recent generous legislative appro- priations in order to keep pace with the growth of the Territory, which is very proud of its system of public schools and educational institutions. Tempe enjoys the distinction of owning its own water plant, which supplies the town with abundant water for domestic and fire purposes at a reasonable cost. The churches, public schools and fraternal organizations are representative and adequate. Tempe has electric lights, good hotel, two good banks, a flouring mill, and a condensed milk plant. The lands about Tempe are very fertile, and have always enjoyed a good supply of water for irrigation. Mesa City A BOUT 6 miles east of Phoenix is situated this beautiful town. ** It is well laid' out with broad streets, and has a population of about 1500. Mesa has a high school and graded schools in which are enrolled about 800 children. Mesa has a good hotel, a strong bank, churches, and is lighted by electricity. The lands about Mesa are very fertile, and are especially adapted for growing grapes, melons, cantaloupes and fruits of every description. From Mesa are shipped annually hundreds of car loads of cantaloupes of the choicest and sweetest flavor, that readily command the highest price on the east- ern markets. Several large pumping plants for irrigation are being operated near Mesa, furnishing a continuous supply of water for thousands of acres of land, one ranch alone irrigating 3,200 acres from pumped underground water. Alhambra, Glendale, Peoria and Scottsdale, are all thriving vil- lages, from four to fourteen miles from Phoenix. They are all situated in the Salt River Valley in the midst of the rich farming lands. SALT RIVER VALLEY Residence Streets, Phoenix Buckeye T^HIS village is situated about 30 miles west of Phoenix, in * a district noted for its grain, alfalfa and fat cattle. The Buckeye canal, which irrigates this district, receives an abundant supply of water by means of a diversion dam across the Gila river below its confluence with the Salt, and just west of the Agua Fria river. Ranch cattle are driven in for feeding in thou- sands each year, and the exports are fat cattle, besides hay, grain and hogs. Cotton is also grown successfully in this vicinity. Arlington WEST of Buckeye is located Arlington, which gets its supply of water for irrigation from the Gila river. The lands are very productive, and the people prosperous and hospitable. R I Z O N vv icK.cn ou rg T^HIS is a mining town, and is situated on the Santa Fe, Prescott * & Phoenix railroad about 50 miles northwest of Phoenix. Wickenburg has a population of about 500 inhabitants, good schools and hotels, large mercantile houses, and is the center of a large mining district. Near Wickenburg are situated some good mines, and a great many promising prospects. The Vulture mine, one of the famous gold producers, is about 14 miles westerly from Wicken- burg. This mine, though not in operation at present, has produced many millions of dollars and no doubt will be operated successfully again. Wickenburg is destined to be one of the great mining towns in the future, and is an ideal place for a smelter, as there is much copper and gold in the vicinity. Agua Caliente TI ERE are situated the famous Hot Springs. These springs possess * * rare medicinal qualities, and the water is used for drinking as well as bathing. The temperature of the water is 98 to 104 degrees, and the resort is patronized by those seeking rest and recuperation, as well as by those who desire restoration of health. Agua Caliente is located in the southwestern part of Maricopa county, 12 miles north of Sentinel station on the Southern Pacific railroad, with which the place is connected by stage. Cave Creek 'T'HIS is also a mining district, situated about 30 miles north of Phoenix. There are many gold and copper prospects in the district, some of which are very promising. This is also a cattle and sheep country. SALT RIVER VALLEY Phoenix Residences Price of Lands Salt River Valley IMPROVED lands sell from $75 to $150 per acre. Unimproved * lands sell from $50 to $75 per acre. The price of lands has advanced from 50% to 100% in value within the past year. The limit 'has not been reached yet, as similar lands under Government irrigation projects in other localities are worth from $250 to $500 per acre. Expense of Living T TQTELS charge $2 per day and upwards. Board can be had ** from $5 to $10 per week. Rooms, furnished, from $8 to $30 per month. Furnished houses from $25 to $150 per month. Unfurnished houses from $15 to $50 per month. R I Z O N Wa ges CARPENTERS are paid from $4.50 to $5.00 per day. Brick ^* masons from $6.00 to $8.00 per day. Laborers from $1.25 to $1.50 per day and board. A ^fflord to Health Seekers THE Salt River Valley has become celebrated as a health resort, and every winter Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, are filled with health seekers and tourists. Every comfort can be had here. Nourish- ing food, such as milk, cream, butter, eggs, fresh meats and fruits of every kind are within the reach of all. While the benefits derived from a short stay are great, and in many instances lasting, yet to receive the best results, one should remain here some time. This section is sought by those suffering from tuberculosis or consumption, yet there are other complaints, such as catarrh and asthma, that are relieved by this mild and dry climate. No one should come here seeking health unless he has money enough to last him from six months to a year, as- it is very difficult for sick persons to find employment. By economizing an invalid might get along on $50 per month, but he should have $75 to $100 per month, for six months or a year if he expects lasting benefits. Phoenix has hospitals and sanitariums, but they are not free insti- tutions. We have good and reliable physicians, but they can- not attend patients free of cost. SALT RIVER VALLEY Valley Orange Grove Schools T^HE county of Maricopa, and especially the Salt River Valley, * has good public schools. The school buildings are comfortable, and so located throughout the valley, that they are in easy reach of the children. The standard of our schools is high, education com- pulsory, and the teachers are all of good moral character and fully competent. The county has 105 schools; 29 grammar schools and 76 primary schools. The large towns also have high schools. The number of children in the county between the ages of 6 and 21 years, are 5,741; the number enrolled in the public schools is 4,553; the number enrolled in private schools is 300; number of teachers employed 117; money received for school purposes for 1907 $98,765.33; amount paid to teachers, $65,516; average salaries paid male teachers, $90; average salaries paid female teachers, $70. ARIZONA Questions Answered that may 1><> <>f infoivst to the homeseeker, the investor or the tourist . 1 . Where is the Salt River Valley? In Maricopa county, in south central Arizona, comprising the land lying on both sides of the Salt River, above the confluence of the Salt and Gila. 2. How large is the Salt River Valley? The Valley, proper, is about 50 miles in length by 15 miles in width, containing about 750 square miles, aggregating about a half million acres of land. 3. How much of this land is now in cultivation? About 125,000 acres. 4. How much will be irrigated when the Tonto dam or Salt, Hivor project is completed? About 200,000 to* 250,000 acres. 5. When will the Tonto dam be finished? It ought to be finished during 1909 or 1910. 6. How is the climate of the Salt River Valley? The climate is mild. From September to June the climate is delightful. From June to September the weather is warm. 7. What is the lowest temperature in winter? The lowest recorded is 22 above zero. 8. What is the highest summer temperature? On one occasion within twenty years, by U. S. Weather Bureau record, the ther- mometer has gone as high as 117. 9. What is the average summer heat? About 87.7. SALT RIVER VALLEY A Dairy Farm 10. What is the average rainfall per year? Six to seven inches. 11. How about storms, snow and ice? We have little frost, no snow, very little ice. No violent storms or cyclones. 12. How does the heat affect one? A temperature of 90 to 95 in the eastern states is far more prostrating and dangerous than the highest temperature experienced in the Salt River Valley. 13. What is the cause of the difference? The absence of humid- ity in the atmosphere. 14. What is the cost per acre per year for water? From $1.00 to $1.50 per acre. ARIZONA 15. How is water obtained for domestic purposes? From wells from 18 to 100 feet deep. 16. How about the market? This valley supplies the Arizona towns and minimi camps, also California and eastern cities. 17. Is it profitable to keep bees? Yes, this is a very profitable business, and carloads of honey are shipped out of the valley every year. 18. How are the roads? Most excellent the year round, only now and then a little muddy. 19. How many acres of land are necessary to support a family? From ten to twenty. 20. Is there any Government land in the Salt River Valley open for entry where water can be obtained? At present, no, as the Government has withdrawn the lands from entry until the Salt River project is completed. 21. How would a new settler procure a home? By purchas- ing from some one who owns more than he needs. 22. Can small farms be obtained? They can. Many of the large farms will be cut up, and sold in ten and twenty and forty acre lots. 23. Can farms be rented? Yes, they can be rented for cash or on shares. 24. What fuel is used? Wood, coal and oil. SALT RIVER VALLEY Haying in December 25. Is wood expensive? Wood in the towns costs from ,$5 to $6.50 a cord. The farmers usually raise their own wood from the cottonwood trees around their farms. A farmer by plant- ing cottonwood sprouts or cottonwood posts for wire fence, can in a few years have living trees for posts and all the wood he needs for years to come. 26. What advantage does this valley offer to the farmer over other sections? With 82 per cent of sunny days, it is possible for laborers to work out of doors nearly every day in the year; the great yield for the labor bestowed, and good prices for crops. In addition to this, we have good roads to market, good schools for the children, free rural delivery, and telephone connection all over the valley. R I Z O N L'7. \\hatisthepriceoflumber? From $35 to $50 per thousand. 28. What is the rate of taxation? Territorial, county and school tax combined is about $2.50 to $2.60 per $100, assessed valuation. 29. Is property assessed at full market value? No, about one-third. 30. What inducements are offered health seekers? The mild and equable climate permits a constant out-of-door life; bright sunny days and immunity from changeable weather gives nature a chance to recuperate without medicines. 31. What inducements are offered to winter visitors? Hotels and boarding houses at reasonable rates, hunting, magnificent scenery, beautiful drives, good theaters, hospitable and cultured society, freedom from cold winds, snow and changeable weather. 32. What will be the cost of the Salt River project, including the Tonto dam and reservoir, diversion dam, etc.? About $25 to $30 an acre for the 200,000 to 250,000 acres to receive the bene- fit. Payments will be made in ten equal annual installments without interest, but will not commence until the reservoir is com- pleted. 33. What has become of the Indians? The Indians are all peaceable, and are busily engaged in tilling the soil, while their children are being educated for a life of usefulness by the U. S. Government. 34. Do they have good schools? Yes, the U. S. Government has a number of schools for the Indians. One near Phoenix has 700 pupils from thirty tribes. The boys are taught useful trades, while the girls are taught housework of every kind. 35. What becomes of the Indians when they leave school? Many of them are hired out for servants among the white people. Others go back to their farms. Some become teachers and me- chanics. SALT RIVER VALLEY Cattle on Alfalfa Wants of the Salt River Valley \ V 7HILE the Salt River Valley possesses a great many advantages * * over other sections and offers rare inducements to the home- seeker, the laborer, the tourist and the capitalist, yet there are some things we are in need of. Among our greatest needs are the following : A woolen mill to work up the wool clip of the vicinity, amount- ing to 1,500,000 Ibs. to 2,000,000 Ibs., annually. Families to settle on small tracts of irrigated lands from 20 to 40 acres per family. Strong able-bodied men, who are not afraid to work. All laborers, whether skilled or unskilled, can find steady employment at good wages. Truck farmers, fruit growers, dairymen, and poultry raisers can make money here on small investments. A cannery is greatly needed. 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