Franklin County’s Wheat Ambitions
Local bankers report a massive surge in fall wheat planting and plans for modern infrastructure in the growing town of Connell.
B. S. Wadsworth, vice president of the Franklin county bank, and M. M. Taylor, cashier, are among visitors to Walla Walla today. Mr. Wadsworth said, 'Without having actual figures at my disposal I should judge the acreage sown to fall wheat this season is double that of last year. If more intelligent methods of farming and anything like a normal rainfall count for anything, Franklin county should raise a banner wheat crop next year.' Wadsworth also noted that the new town of Connell is enjoying rapid growth and is currently seeking to install an electric light system that would also serve to pump water for the municipal water system.
“Some were discouraged by the poor showing made this year, but as the shortage was general all over the state, the effect has been only to set the farmers to work with a grimmer determination to make the best of it.”
The transition from dry-land uncertainty to infrastructure-heavy growth is a common theme in Washington's history. The goal of connecting electricity to water utility systems in rural Franklin County echoes the ongoing struggle of small towns to modernize their utility infrastructure today.
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