The Ghost of Marysville: A Town That Forgot It Was Dead

[From Our Own Correspondent]

A few words from this unknown settlement may not be uninteresting to many of your readers.

Although its existence is but two years old, and first recorded but two months ago, it already begins to assume the form of quite a little village. The jamais which prevailed all over the country last year, and which put a stop on our progress, had its apparent effect on the growth of the town, as only two lots were sold before Feb. 1st. But from that date we have had quite a boom. Mr. Crawford has already disposed of over thirty lots, ranging in price from $50 to $100 each, according to location. Eight lots have been disposed of on Third street, and three others are nearly completed for residence on that street.

Marysville's first school opened April 4th, with several scholars enrolled and Miss Jennie Atwood as teacher. The Fourth of July was celebrated in regular style, with firing of guns, etc., winding up with a hop in the saloon at the Arlington (some Seattleite being responsible for the name) at which twelve ladies were present, a most satisfactory action, as at a party one year we Marysville could turn out but three men for partners, some gentleman having to assume the place of the fourth lady.

The school is not a full fledged public school yet, but the people have been asking Mrs. Granger's favorable action in dividing the district, upon which the success of the school depends. Mrs. Granger is the Snohomish County Superintendent of Schools, and a lady whose zeal is second to everything that pertains to advancement in education is widely known.

Mr. J. P. Anderson, formerly County Surveyor, now resides here some time lately. Since his arrival he has found ready employment locating newcomers on choice land, of which there is a vast amount in this vicinity. Notwithstanding he has been ready to help people here for more than two months, he assures your correspondent that there are as many as five hundred claims still to be taken, north, north east and east of this point. To Mr. H. L. Ross belongs the honor of locating the first 100 land settlers in this part of the country, which was made about three and a half years ago. There, of course, as there were no people, there were no roads, and the task of penetrating an unknown wilderness was very trying but inviting. Now a good wagon road leads north from town toward Kent's Prairie, with settlers on every side for many miles.

A petition has been sent to Washington to have our mail route changed. We wish to get our mail in like manner we get our freight, directly from Seattle. The mail is now carried round to Tulalip, and from there to Seattle by the Whatcom boats; while the Josephine, carrying the mail to Snohomish City, calls at Marysville with freight and passengers every day, and any one wishing to visit this part of the country will find it convenient to take her.

There is no part of this Puget Sound country which offers the same inducements to immigrants in the way of total land and plenty of it, even to homestead and preemption claims.