PALMER, ALASKA
Dorothy M. Bell, Editor.
Published every week at Palmer, Alaska for the Matanuska Valley Fanners’ Cooperating
Association for the purpose of giving news of the Associations TTork, Problems and
Accomplishments as well as News of general interest to the Valley.
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/\ CURE FOR DUSTY STREETS
At a recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in Fairbanks, the dust problem in '
Fairbanks was discussed and solutions offered. Since Palmer has the same problem,
it was thought we might profit by suggestions of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce in
solving their problem. . , ‘ ,
Mr. Stanley Tatom led the discussion and pointed out by a comparison of the amount,
of d\ist in the air in Fairbanks tod saying that if the same amount of dust were found
in the air in a commercial plant, it would be closed for health reasons.
He made a detailed study of the solution to this problem by the use of beidellite aid
by-produnts from Hilliam Foran’s oil re-finihg plant soon to be in operation in Fair
banks. Quoting from figures furnished by Mr, Foran he said cofet for treating the
streets in Fairbanks would run about 55 cents per running foot
He would say that 55 cents per running foot whs rather expensive, but of course it
might stay in place for a long time. However, a small amount of oil was used recent
ly on a mall section of street in Palmer', and residents in that area reported that
it helped the dust condition a great deal.
A few strips on the road between here and Anchorage have been treated to oil and it
is certainly a pleasure when one hits that part'of tho road. He do not. know just
how much the co st of oiling was in thetfe places. _ ■,
Dust is not only disagreeable, but injurious to health. It certainly aggravates any
nasal trouble.' It is also dangerous for traffic. Many accidents are caused because
of dust clouds. Anyone who drives on the rohds now, knows just how dangerous. vJhen
two cars meet on the roads in the Valley now, they almotrf; need to stop to let'the
dust settle before going.ahead. In Palmer the dust rolls into people,s homes, and
into the stores on to merchandise! It settles on our food, and we can never know
how many gems it carries with it.
Anchorage lias a sprinkling.system that is very helpful, but this necessitates employ
ing someone to be on the job every day when it does not rain, t
He believe that Palmer is getting big enough to be able to support some sort of sys
tem for controlling such problems as dust. Perhaps if we get our heads together we
can work out a plan that would.be practicable for Palmer.
MAT ANUS KA VALLEY FARMS
Tiie !"atariuska Valley,.Earns are getting the well established look of a settled fam
ing area. They are losing that' pioneer loci. You majr ask "That makes the difference
in an established appearing farm and the pioneer farm?"
Cne of the first things to be noticed is the larger fields with either no* stump, rows
or piles'or fewer of them. The soil appears to be cleaner and more free of sticks
and roots. Additional fain buildings as well as improved fam buildings and yards
make the farms look older. Unsightly spots are being cleared away.
All of these 'Improvements have added a great deal of beauty to the Valley. The farms
really do look nice this summer. The Matanuska Valley will in time he the prettiest
farming section in Alaska. 77e most certainly have a great many advantages in a
beautiful setting between two beautiful mountain ranges as well as a glacier for add
ed attraction. The natural vegetation can be i^uoed to our advantage in making this
a most beautiful place to live or we can by misuse mar what is already here.
.as a suggestion, it would be nice to have a ’look-out’ point on the Glenn Highway
just above Ferber Bailey’s place where the road is the highest. Tourists and others
coming into the'Valley could get a most beautiful view of the Vallpy and the glacier
from this pebint. .