La Center & Cedar Creek
The Columbian
Vancouver, Washington
December 12, 1877

Leaving Vancouver in the early morning, I found the country greatly improved since my first trip over this road, which was made in 1870; farms are being cleared up on some of the heaviest timbered land. The rich black soil, though hard to dear, seems to be preferred to that more easily cleared, which is generally of an inferior quality in this locality. Substantial frame buildings are taking the place of the time-honored log cabin. 

Several buildings have been erected of late, among which is a large school house near Marble's mill on Salmon creek. We crossed Union Ridge, a thickly settled section of country. shortly after twelve o'clock, and were soon in sight of Lewis River valley; half an hour's brisk walk took us to the town of La Center. We found business lively notwithstanding dull times generally throughout the country.

The mercantile firm of Miller & Gaither does an extensive business. Mr. John C. Miller, who is a practical and thorough business man, has had large experience in the East, and has, since he located here, by his upright and I honorable dealings, gained the good will and esteem of the community at large. There is a steam flouring mill being erected here. A blacksmith shop, and other necessary appendages to the business operations of a town are expected soon. I left my companions at the Timmen House and continued my way a mile farther to the Anderson residence, where, during my brief stay, I enjoyed the hospitality and good cheer only to he met with in the country and among friends. I procured a horse here, and wishing to visit

The Cedar Creek Country,

took an early start one bright morning and from the top of the Bolen hill, two miles northeast of La Center, had a magnificent view embracing the large burnt district of country on either side of the east fork, with the Columbia valley in the distance, and the Scappoose range of mountains dimly outlined against the horizon. The road from here leads through a belt of timber two or three miles in width and six or eight in length, principally table land. 

This is about the best agricultural and timber land I saw in the country. Mr. White is clearing up a farm. Mr. Harvey Hensley is the most enterprising farmer in this section. I had the pleasure of calling on Mr. Adam Reid, the enterprising lumberman of Cedar deck; he has built a larger mill house and will put in new machinery to meet the increasing demand for lumber the coming season. 

The Cedar Creek grist mills are doing a good business; the erection of this mill was an enterprising project on the part of Mr. Woodham, and, doubtless, has been the means of attracting at least a portion of the emigration to this section during the past year. Other improvements of public interest have been accomplished. Besides some important roads being opened they have a ware house at the mouth of Cedar creek, and a ferry boat at the Davis landing.

A School house will soon be built near Woodham's mill. An application was made for a post office. There is a good opening here for a merchant; a store would he well supported. The local trade would be considerable: besides it would receive most of the custom from Chelachie and vicinity.