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HISTORY OF ALPENA COUNTY BY WILLIAM BOULTON IN 1876
The yield of wheat frequently amounts to forty bushels per acre, and as a wheat growing county, Alpena, according to the State census of 1874, ranks fifth among the counties
of Michigan. The yield of oats and other grain crops is equally as good, and better crops of grass can not be found in any portion of the State. Apples have been successfully raised in the county, and at present there is a large number, of fruit trees growing in various parts of the county, many of which are just beginning to bear. Grapes, black and red currants, gooseberries, strawberries, huckleberries, cranberries, and the various kinds of raspberries, grow wild, and can be obtained in large quantities. Water is abundant and of good quality; the climate is very exhilarating and healthy, and wood and lumber can be obtained at little cost.
Before many years have passed a railroad will be built between the city and Otsego, and it will be the means of opening up a large and valuable tract of farming land. Communication between the city and the various farming settlements is maintained by means of several very fair roads, and these are yearly being extended and improved. The main roads, as a general rule, have been laid out on stony or sandy ridges—the object being to locate them where they could be built the cheapest, and thus the best lands, adjacent to the city, are not found close to the roads.
Up to the present no attempts have been made by the farmers towards advertising their business by getting up agricultural fairs, and thus showing what they can do as regards agricultural products, but this neglect it is to be hoped will be remedied before long.
ALPENA COUNTY MICHIGAN
Page 31
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