HOSKINSON, Riley M

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The Fir Lands 1889

Another description by Riley describing his family's early years on Bainbridge Island, this one giving the exact date of their arrival. "Came to Bainbridge island February 13, 1878; took a soldiers' homestead in the dense wood, stayed in an old log shanty 'till we could clear a space to build a house, and put in a little garden. Having only $250 to begin operations, we found it pretty hard to make ends meet for the first two years. We had no road, no team, in fact, nothing but strong arms and willing minds. As fast as we could clear a small space we dug it with mattock and spade, planting fruit trees of various kinds, also, small fruits. All of which prospered finely, and yielded a rich reward. Our return of fruit from the second year of residence to date has constantly been on the increase. Till this year we had cherries, plums, prunes and pears by bushels and some 250 bushels of choice apples....We brought with us a few chickens which also proved a success from first start, to date. Last year, we had some 130 brown Leghorn hens, which from January 1, 1887, to 1888, yielded us 1488 dozens of eggs, averaging about 30 cents per dozen. Net profit for the year, $308. From January 1, 1888, to date - December 8, 135 hens have laid 1575 dozens of eggs, netting us a little over $300. Of fruits, we have already sold over $300 worth, and have quite a lot on hand."