The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1908-12-03
BOOMING
BENNINGTON.

''Boom Banningtonln

Boom Bannington!'
Dick Searle glanced at the red but
ton on which the legend appeared In
glaring white letters and smiled to
himself. Clearly the boom had struck
Bennington and had hit hard, for on
every coat lapel and dainty shirt
waist appeared the crimson badge
that was the Outward sign of a BOOM
err.
'It a new idea," explained his
sistef as she led the way to the rear
of the station where the horses were
hitched. They held a series of town
meetings and everybody who wears
button is pledged to do something to
boom the town."
What is to be your contribution"
he demanded with a laugh as he
swung her into the buggy and took
a seat beside her.
Bess glanced at her dediamoned
finger with conscious pride.
Carl Halsey is going to move his
factory here" she said with a blush.
Searle leaned over and kissed the
rosy cheek.
Good news, indeed!" he cried.
AASAC - III OAAG MOulu IdluOI nave
for brother-in-law. I'm beginning
to approve Of this boom idea"
Then get badge" urged Bess
promptly. "Of course, you don't live
here any more, but you are home so
much that you still seem like one of
US"
Perhaps I SHALL" assented her
brother, "but it's a little too early
yet to commence to boom. Wait un-
til get used to the town again. This
is the first time 1 have been tere in
three months" "
Bess smiled She knew what her
brother meant. Getting used"
meant going to see Laura Bailey.
Ever since he had left home some
four years ago, he had returned at
frequent intervals to urge Laura to
consent to their marriage.
Bess knew what her brother did
not, that Miss Bailey loved him, but
was not willing TO exchange her free
dom for a wedding ring too soon.
She had tried to make Dick see
that it was merely question of wait
Ing but, manlike, he die not under
stand, and as soon as the disappoint-
ment of one refusal was over, he re-
turned to plead his suit only to re-
turn to the city downcast and disap-
pointed.
Now, as soon as he had reached
the house and had exchanged greet
tngs with the family, he strolled off
down the street with an elaborate as
sumption of having nowhere in par
aiRar to go, but Bess knew that
! ~ he would be found on the
..s ;h with Laura teasing him
IS content.
!. s was wearing the badge
rs, and she offered one
s s y lalghing1y refused it.
sFSnr to see how this booming
works before 1 pledge myself" he OK
planned
1T is very simple she urged.
"You wear a badge and promise to
talk about the town whenever you
are among strangers. You also pledge
yourself to try and get new residents
! and industries. Bess has induced Mr..
Halsey to move his factory here"
4''So she told me- said Searle, dry
ly& "Halsey is a lucky chap"
you should follow your sisters
example," urged Laura.
About getting married?" asked
Dick quickly. I'm trying to-
II mean about the button, stupid. -
''I think that that can wait" said
Searle, calmly. Il want first to test
the sincerity of other boomers"
Smiling at the idea, he rose and
took his leave. Laura was disap-
pointed. He had stopped with her
barely ten minutes and she scowled
at the button to investigate why Dick
!, had taken himself off so suddenly.
Dick, making his way down to the
business section of the town, found
that the boom was very much in
earnest.
Bennington had many natural ad-
vantages. There was water power In
plenty, with good harbor on the
lake front, and two railroads passed
through the place. But 1t had been
rather sleepy.
Suddenly the town had awakened
from its inaction at the call of the
editor of newly estabHsbed daily
paper, and Boom Banningtonl" was
|ReAe cry and craze of the day Even
7lpSn were Interested.
- nick. was I'm
- pao ses