Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-02-09

modern beauty and centerS Of in
dustrial civilization, can not be other
wise than paramount to all other
kinds of biographical literature. The
Otd settlers association of Wood
cOunty is such a medium: its book is
spoken rather than printed literature.
In the light of these facts it IS not
surprising that the one hundred and
fifty pioneers who assembled at the
Central Hotel on Feb. 3, 1898, in
annual reminiscent feasting should
now be looking forward to next Tues
day as time of particular moment
and good cheer For on that date
the olJ folks have planned to
meet in ninth annual reunion and the
event promises to be the best, the
largest attended of all those that
have preceded it.
In order that the meeting and ban
quet of 1899 shall go down on the
pages of time as an epOch-maker for
the old settlers association, it de-
volved upon the executive committee
to make thorough search for a house
that was large enough and caterers of
known abilities to provide every de-
tail of comfort and convenience for so
large company. Fortunately such a
nlh%e and persons were found, us
already announced in the REPORTER.
We therefore deem it fit, in this
column. TO give brief description of
the place where. for few short hours,
old residents will reyel among tieeting
memories of ''shanty life in the early
days"
The eXactiOnS OF the modern travel
ing man have become 50 great and the
competition of hotels SO keen, that
the hostelry which now gets any con-
siderable amount of business must be
equipped in the highest style and fur
nish its patrons all the luXurieS and
cOnvenienceS that can be procured at
home. Many drummerS require to be
furnished with more when they are
,on the road than they have been ac-
customed to at home. The business
man figures that as the time spent il
the hotels on his route cannot be
otherwise employed. it should be made
as pleasant as possible. Thus are the
demands of the fitting traveller diver
sited and numerous.
Alive to these demands of the pub
lie and keeping constantly in toucf
with them is the management of the
Dixon hotel in Centralia. In this fp
stitution, popular alike with the regu
lar boarder and the transient, on
twin cities have an establishment
nhat indicates the tendency TOWARD
metropolitan development, and indl
wates it more Strikingly than an,
other detail OF this growing, thriving
locality. Just fifteen years ago. in
simple yet earnest manner, Mr.. ant
Mrs. John Dixon opened a bOardin!
house in the little frame building OF
the corner of Cranberry and Mapl
streets in Centrala. 1t was smal
beginning but not long destined t
stay small By skillful catering ant
strict integrity of its owners tn
boarding house rapidly gained recog
milton as homelike, quiet place wher
substantial treatment was assured t
all who entered its doors aS guests
The man of average means found her
a particularly suitable abode. As til
list of names on the register lengtl
ened day by day, additions to tn
building became imperative. mor
room was required and changes wei
made, each an improvement over th
last. Tnos1 interested and the
friends watched the successful growt
with pleasure.
-Four changes occurred, the hnal or
presenting with t.lo new year no