The Hop Capital's Boom Years

Puyallup, Wash., Dec. 26, 1890. The year that is drawing to a close has been one of exceptional advancement in all those elements which are the outcomes of a new and prosperous city. Just now, on account of a stringency in the money market, business is somewhat backward, but every well-established merchant of Puyallup is sanguine for the future. Among the most important improvements the following are worthy of special mention: The Puyallup railroad has been extended through Fort-hill and several of the suburbs of Tacoma, thence to Maplewood to Puyallup. It is destined to open up a large section of country and give rapid transit to the markets of Tacoma to a large number of farmers who have hitherto been delayed. This railway also owns the water-works and is making a constant improvement in giving the city an abundant supply of water. Over $250,000 has been expended in new buildings during the past twelve months, including the Park hotel, the $50,000 Pioneer block, the First National bank ($25,000), and an opera-house. Numerous private residences are also going up, especially the new home of Ezra Meeker, which is almost complete, the house and grounds being the finest in the valley. The Puyallup Electric Light Company are completing the wiring of private properties, filling a long-felt want. The most extensive work that has been undertaken in the valley is the improvement to be done by the Northern Pacific Railroad. The company is going to spend $50,000 in laying new tracks, a large depot for the accommodation of the overland transfer passenger and freight business, and a number of sidings; Ezra Meeker and Frank R. Spinning have donated large tracts of land to the company for this purpose. There is no doubt that the fact of Puyallup being the chief hop market of Washington accounts to a large extent for its exceptional prosperity.