The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1895-06-21
rANKATO AS VIEWED BY AN
ARTIST.

say 1t boldly, that you are ard all
should be proud of your city. have
been traveller nearly all my life,
having visited nearly all the principle
cities in the Union, and in fact in
your Immediate vicinity, but never
until two weeks ago have had the
pleasure of looking over the beauties
of this place, yet l am surprised that
the citizens, or at least the major part
do not appreciate the beauties and
splendor surrounding them.
l have taken my sketch book and
wandered which way would, north,
south, east or west, and there l would
see scenes and points of interest that
would gladden. the heart of any artist
no matter how conservative he may
be. My first trip was to ascend to the
top OF Agency hill. 1t was 900 a. m.
| would not look back until l had
reached the highest point of view,
then turning around saw your city
nestled in the valley-a sight neverto
be forgotten. In the foreground the
court house, Ia building that would do
credit to any city five times your size)
the Normal school, the High school,
the German Catholic school, all On one
level, flanked by beautiful residences,
sloping lawns and shade trees. On
the level below Fifth street stretch
ing far to the right and left, we find
observation-disclosures of comfort with
gardens in the rear, where is raised
all the vegetables for the family use.
Then on the level below Fourth,
Third and Second streets as on. Fifth
as far as the eye can reach both sides
OF the street, here we find the homes
of the -Four. Hundred"-lawns,
beautiful and picturesque: fountains
and parks; clean-kept streets-a very
noticeable feature and credit to the
city. Then we have the business por-
tion of the city, Front street, Jackson,
Hickory and dozen others; the prin-
ciple being Front and Jackson. On
the corner of the latter find the new
postofice, when erected building
that cannot be beat in the state.
Thereare several buildings under way
on this street which forms the bust
ness center of the city, especially the
L. P. Hunt which understand is. to
be three and a half story block, hav-
ing all the modern Improvements, |
elevator, electric light, steam heat, |
and from what l could see of the in
side, a well-lighted airy commodious
and fire-proof building. The outside
is of brown stone beautifully cut and |
having two large plate glass
windows and very imposing en-
trance. This is to be the future home
Of the FREE PRESS, the city's leading
1aily-a newspaper in the true sense
If the word, ranking with the best
papers in the state, having the largest
in the city and always full
If choice reading and the latest news
IF the country, and ably managed by
Mr.. L. p. Hunt one of Mankato's most
business men, ever ready
md always on the lookout to further
The interests of Mankato.
Front street, perfect bazaar, where
my article can be bought, from a
needle to an anchor; business houses
With their shoW-windoWs lastly ar
anged with goods, and the street and
sidewalks alive with humanity; good
hotels, driveways. parks, street cars,
'ood water and well-lighted thorough
ares, healthy climate, all these l
ind in Mankato.
Then the Minnesota river, with it's
historic scene-there is where l spend
good share of my time sketching
,oints of interest. Beautiful, pros
,ective up and down the river with
he rich purple bluff and hills far off
n the distance, making it picture
veil worth coming miles to see. Every
ne you meet seems to be content and
God natured, and justly proud of
Iankato, and never tire in telling the
dvantages to be gained by locating ,
ere. | can safely say that there is
lore building and apparent improve :
lent under way here than l have seen
l any place of its size or double, which
saying something for Mankato.
alking with a business man Tuesday
learned from him that the town
ever had such bright outlook, the t
anks in better condition and the 2
Irmers SO positive of good crop as d
the present time. A travelling t
Llesman from Chicago said that he T
ad sold more goods this trip than on Ii
~ previous one, and he has been visit t.
g this place for years. That speaks
ell for Mankato. 0
On the north side Of the river, T
faithfully situated among the trees, Fl
North Mankato with its 800 to 1000 t,
Judge Mead granted a license to-
~ to sell lands belonging to the e
tate of Chas. G. Young, deceased. Ia