Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1878-01-18
From Winthrop.
WINTHROP, Jan. l8, rs.

WINTHROP, Jan. 10, 20.
Ed. BULLETIN: - Time enough has
now elapsed since our fire to enable our
people to make a deliberate survey of
the situation. AS is always the case
under similar circumstances, the first
effect produced was that of depression
and encouragement, then comes the de-
sired and wholesome rcaction-as indi-
Gated by resolution to repair damages,
and benefit by the experience There
ing buildings intended for separate oc-
cupancy into one compact row or block,
especially where ample ground can be
cheaply obtained. The advantages of
reasonable isolation are numerous and
important. A few steps in reaching a
place OF business is of little consequence
and we doubt if in village of the size
OF ours there is in a year ten dollars of
this accidental or catch" trade. Our
level headed farmers know exactly where
they are going to do their trading before
leaving home. Parties are now making
arrangements to build Or rebuild on the
burnt district. 1t has been the some,
what remarkable fortune of Winthrop
to possess for some time past but one
wide-awake dry goods establishment.
While most other towns have contained
large and often unlucrative stocks, ours
has been limited to this one mentioned.
We think it safe to say that this point
is situated to command the trade Of a
region capable of sustaining 3 dry goods
establishments. Legitimate competition
is benefit to both the competitor and
customer; it attracts trade and stimu-
lates the dealer to keener and more sue
cessful efforts. There is no earthly rea-
son why our farmers should drive 90 to
30 miles to reach Manchester, or other
points, and return, in order to sell their
produce and make their purchases Our
county ought to retain its trade within
its own borders Strawberry Point 20
miles north. Manchester IA miles east
and south further still before striking
a railroad market; all, from their dis
lance, leave us large area of fine terri
tory, from which to attract trade and
traffic. When one considers how small
a section Of country in the East suffices
to sustain large villages, we can see the
advantage we possess in location, if only
improved upon. We state these facts,
as the present time forms a crisis is our
business affairs, and in the hope that
parties may be induced to improve the
opportunity. Our fire disposed of some
obstacles to healthful growth, and we
think it wise to expect and encourage a
new departure in our business affairs.
The week of prayer was observed at
the Congregational church, under charge
of Rev. Thos. Merrill, assisted by Rev.
Mr.. Foster, late of Nebraska. The at
tendance continues to be good and ma
ny have indicated desire to obey the
dictates OF reason and duty concerning
their highest interests. Our schools are
again in full operation, under the form
er efficient corps of teachers. The two
orders, Masons and Workmen, whose
home vanished in fire and smoke, have
since been on wheels. This may compel
the fulfillment of wise project for the
erection of hall to accommodate them
\ writer here was in error in stating
that the Workmen lost their regalia,
&c. The Masons lost theirs, but were
insured. Urchins of inquiring minds
searched for the remains of the histori-
cal goat among the ashes of the Lodge
building, but nary bone was there
Prospects of building upon the opening
OF spring are promising and reliable
We predict that years time will show
our fire to have been an advantage to
our town; if not, no prophet is
SHAKESPEARE.