“Well the Nisqually is flowing thro’ Yelm and the millenium is fast approaching, in the minds of the promoters. All prospective millionaires. They are holding land at $200 per. There is a family on the Lake place but I don’t know what arrangements Lee made with them.” (Letter from J.C. Conine April 27, 1917)
I’ll sure be glad when you are through with it and can work your way to God’s country. You will hardly know Yelm when you see it. The irrigation in working wonders, there’s a thousand blades of grass growing there one grew before. A large part of the prairie is laid off in 10 acre tracts, and they are going like hot cakes at $175 per acre. There are over 30 families recently located on the old Chambers place and 120 scholars attending the Yelm High School including Viv, Treva and Gladys. (Letter from J.C. Conine August 12, 1917)
Oh, by the way, the Squally is flowing majestically through Yelm and it’s a success. The prairie is dotted with new buildings. It will be the garden spot of Thurston County. The McKenna Mill co. are selling 10 acre tracts at $175 per acre on the installment plan at 6%– water furnished.” (Letter from J.C. Conine
August 21, 1917)
We have had no rain since the 29th of June and no prospect yet the crops are fairly good and harvesting about done; they are thrashing on the prairie and are getting their second cop of clover thanks to the irrigation. (Undated Letter from J. C. Conine)