The Annual Migration to the Puyallup Valley

Puyallup is now considered one of the sights of the state to visit when hop-picking is in full swing, especially so on a Sunday. On that day, the pickers come into town from the surrounding hop-fields, both to see and to be seen. From early morning, on every road leading to town, may be seen droves of men, women and children of every kindred and tongue. Intense interest is manifested in the various kinds of people who may be seen in all styles and habiliments, from the bluff brave with red-painted face and feathered hair, mounted on his prancing cayuse, to the two-weeks old infant, strapped to its mother's back. Sometimes a family of four or five may be seen on two or three horses. Others make the journey into town in wagons which, judging from the number of heads which bob up and down from the not altogether comfortable interior, convey more than one family of the picturesque redskins. As soon as one gets into the business portion of the town, it is with difficulty that one can wend his way. The scene presented to a stranger is indeed picturesque. It is well known that Indians are very fond of bright colors. Some of the blushing maidens may be seen in crimson, blue and green plush dresses and even bead-covered wraps. If there is one thing more than another that the Indian enjoys after a week's toil, it is the exquisite enjoyment of diving into the luscious bowels of a huge watermelon. Many an article of finery, and many an article of female attire which was fashionable when our grandmothers were girls, finds a ready sale. A walk through one of their camps reveals many a curious scene—that of an old squaw busy basket-making, while the oldest daughter may be seen at work making baskets. Sunday seems to be the day for attending to household matters, but during the week all are out hop-picking.