34 The Peace River District

When the. Edmonton, Dunvegan and British Columbia railway was first
mooted, Dunvegan was represented as occupying a most strategic position in
connection with its construction. It was forthwith ‘‘townsited”’ and ‘“‘boomed”
with the unfortunate result that inevitably follows such hasty and groundless
exploits. The choice farming lands of this section lie on the high plateau to the
north and south of the river valley. .Transportation lines and centres of business
are being established on these plateaus leaving Dunvegan itself practically
deserted in the deep narrow valley below.

North of Dunvegan there is excellent land as far as the Clear Hills, while
easterly along the old trail from Peace River some of the best improved farms of
the province are to be seen. The land has all been thrown open for settlement;
very little is held in any form of reserve; consequently settlement has heen
uniform, and no ‘‘gaps”’ have been left. Good roads, telegraphs, telephones,
schools, and churches are among the advantages of this district. The buildings
and fences are in a remarkable state of advancement for a new district. In fact,
this can no longer be called a “‘new district.’”’ It has passed its pioneer stage
and settled down as a prosperous well-established community.

Between Dunvegan and the sixth meridian, the principal centres are Water-
hole, Vanrena, Friedenstal and Bluesky. Finer farms cannot be found in any
part of the West than in the vicinity of these villages. East of the sixth meridian,
this fine settlement extends to the town of Peace River.

Spirit River

The Spirit River prairie is not extensive, but comprises a few townships of
excellent farm lands on a high plateau on the south bank of the Peace river,
opposite Dunvegan. It was formerly reached from Edmonton by way of the
Peace River Crossing and Dunvegan wagon road, being on the route that extend-
ed from Dunvegan to Lake Saskatoon. Trading posts have carried on business
here for many years, the fur trade with the Indians having been extensive.
About these posts, a settlement grew up, which was surveyed as such in 1907.
Township surveys were extended in 1909, and settlement rapidly followed.

The soil is a rich, deep, black loam, and vegetation is very luxuriant. Wheat,
barley, oats, and all common vegetables yield abundantly. The surface of the
country is level or gently rolling, with an altitude of 2,400 feet above sea-level.
It comes within the influence of the warm Chinook winds, and is well adapted
to mixed farming and stock raising.

The town of Spirit River is the present terminus of the main line of the
Edmonton, Dunvegan and British Columbia railway. Location and grading
have been produced about 60 miles farther west, and a branch line runs south to
Grande Prairie. Elevators and other shipping facilities provide ready outlet for
farm produce. By the old wagon route it is 18 miles to Dunvegan and about
83 to Peace River town. This road is in good repair, and much used by auto-
mobiles. Auto liveries ply regularly between Peace River, Dunvegan, and Spirit
River, and between Spirit River and Grande Prairie points. The section is well
served by good roads and railways, and presents a very prosperous appearance.