A. FIVE-YEAR FARM MANAGEMENT SURVEY IN OHIO. 5 



An electric line from Beverly to Marietta and Parkersburg, termi- 

 nating within 6 miles of the northern boundary of the township, is 

 of much service to these people in reaching" Marietta, the county 

 seat, a city of some 13,000 population. The average distance of all 

 farms studied from their railroad market point is 6.3 miles, With 

 a range of from 4 to 9 miles. 



None of the wagon roads within this area are macadamized. Those 

 extending to the railroad points are also unimproved except about 

 1 mile out from Waterford, the first half mile of which is paved with 

 brick, and the second half mile macadamized. The wagon roads, 

 often very hilly, are usually dry and smooth during the summer and 

 fall seasons, but become very muddy or rough during the winter 

 and spring months. 



In Washington County is the oldest white community within the 

 State of Ohio, Marietta, situated where the Muskingum River joins 

 the Ohio, having been settled in 1788. On May 19, 1851, what had 

 formerly been parts of Waterford, Watertown, Eoxbury, and Wes- 

 ley Townships were organized into Palmer Township, which took 

 its name from one of the pioneer families. The first settler in what 

 is now Palmer Township moved there in 1T96. Two great grand- 

 children of this pioneer are now farmers in the township. As early 

 as 180() a teacher was engaged to teach a school in Palmer Township, 

 Religious meetings were customarily held in private houses until, in 

 1837, a Methodist church was built. The first store was opened 

 about 1825. Contrary to the usual custom of making first settle- 

 ments along the streams, those of Palmer Township were made on 

 the higher plateau-like land back from the streams. 



The early agriculture of this area differed little from that of the 

 preseiit day in the main crops grown or in the classes of live stock 

 raised. Since the early settlement corn, wheat, and hay have been 

 the important crops, and horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry the 

 live stock kept. From time to time there have been adjustments and 

 readjustments in the farm organization, which have resulted in 

 variations in the comparative importance of different crops and of 

 different classes of stock, but not in a permanent elimination of any 

 of those named. 



In 1902 or 1903 oil was discovered in the township. The develop- 

 ment WHS rapid, reaching its maximum in 1905. After 1907 only an 

 occasional well was drilled, until 1915, when development revived. 

 Only 6 of the 26 farms upon which five-year records were taken and 

 but 10 of the 73 farms included in this survey have had any oil pro- 

 duction. Oil production has added somewhat to the income of some 



