After a long and wonderful drive over a very scenic route* we are at this time writing in the Oregon hotel in El Centro, California, a city of 1,000 [sic; probably 10,000] population, which is located in a beautiful valley about 35 or 40 miles wide and very productive. This is the home of our townsman, E.N. Smith, who has driven us all over the city and some of the surrounding country. My cousin, William Reiniger came with me from San Diego as my wife was not well enough to stand the 124-mile drive from San Diego. The scenery from San Diego to El Centro is the most wonderful I have ever seen. We forgot our Kodak and so missed several scenes, pictures of which I should like to have taken home. Our journey was made without delay, only for one puncture when we picked up a flat roofing nail. You will not be surprised when I say that it is nice and warm here. What was my surprise this evening to have C.M. Shulz, one-time editor of the American, step up to me in the hotel and say, “How are you Uncle Tommy.” We had a long visit, talking about home, and he asked about so many of his old friends in Myrtle Point. I was glad to be able to tell him how Myrtle Point is improving as well as California.

You may realize that I am loyal to our own state as I put up here at the Oregon hotel. I do not know how many rooms it has but it is one of the big hotels, my room being No. 394. There are six hotels here, the Barbara Worth costing $300,000.*

The Chamber of Commerce here gives the following facts as authentic:

In the brief space of 20 years this valley has been transformed from a harsh and uninviting desert into a veritable Garden of Eden. A score of years ago scarcely a white man found habitation here, while now there are 50,000 people, prosperous and happy. The turbulent Colorado river has been subdued and is now harnessed for the use of the valley. Forty millions a year is the estimated value of these vast shipments. El Centro has a population of prosperous and progressive people, 95% of whom are white. A $300,000 municipality owned water system, an up-to-date sewer system and disposal plant, a $250,000 High school, Junior college, and five elementary schools, with a total enrollment of 1,650 are among the civic buildings. Well attended churches of every denomination with flourishing Sunday schools. Many miles of paved street and an abundance of shade, and beautiful homes. Modern up-to-date mercantile establishments in every line of trade, and the trading center of 30,000 people. Exceptionally fine hotels, apartment houses, rooming houses, and restaurants. A large ice-manufacturing plant with daily product of 200 tons, and 22,000-ton stoage capacity. Branches of three of the largest banking institutions on the Pacific coast. The Lee Highway and the Bankhead highway, open all the year round. Many other industries and services, including 360 days of sunshine. Very low humidity and annual rainfall of 3 ˝ inches.

There are many other things to tell about, but I must close.

Uncle Tommy