Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-12-23
Fort Dodge, Dec. IL, 1909.


Editor Times-Republican: / take it
from your letter that you wish to know
the actual things accomplished by our
club during the past year. Our work,
like that of any successful club, has
been most varied; and before telling
YOU of the things which we have done
l think it advisable to give you little
idea of our methods of doing business.
In the first place, every inquiry
should receive prompt attention and re-
ply. Second, every proposition, no mat
ter of what kind nor by whom pre-
sented. should receive impartial and
prompt consideration. Third, the work.
ing personnel of the club should be
young men, and as far as possible
chosen outside of the usual rut of
choice. They should be young men
who are in touch with the older men
of the community, and in whom the
older men have confidence Young men
must do the work while the older men
back them with the money and con-
fidence Your working force must con-
sist of young and progressive business
men, broad minded enough to realize
the larger relations which exist outside
of their own city, and at the same time
intensely loyal to every interest in
their home city. Such men make the
best boosters.
Now, as to the actual things accom-
plished in tine last year. We have en-
tertained numerous conventions, some
] s. IN ;v1,G y
mentioned the state encampment of the
G. A. r. and allied societies, the state
gatherings of the drainage, undertake
ers music teachers, public school
| teachers, veterinaries, municipal Of
ficers, and Sons of Hermann associa-
tons; as well as the Glidden tourists,
and number of smaller gatherings.
These conventions have brought consd-
cradle money to the city. At the same
time these conventions have reflected
credit upon our city because of the
hospitality given, and have advertised
the city thru the means which they af-
forded for many people to see the city.
In this connection let me say that a
| little personal and courteous attention
to visitors, both on the part of those in
l
citizens of the city, does more to adj
vertise city than any elaborate and
costly entertainment in which the true
spirit of hospitality is lacking.
The holding of conventions brought
strongly to- our attention the need Of a
hotel sufficient to accommodate not
alone delegates, but our ordinary trav-
cling public. The cub mem ers at
once started a movement towards the
erection Of new hotel. This they sue
cessfully carried forward among their
own members. and next year will see
the completion, at cost of s150,000, of
our magnificent new hotel. The Wah-
konsa-
Looking towards the beauty Of the
city and the pleasure of it's citizens
the club erected band stand in a
park situated in the center of the bust
ness district. Here concerts are held
ing the summer months, thus giving
enjoyment to the people and at the
same time an inducement for them tc
come down town in the evening. Along
this same line of beautifying the city the
club installed at the four corners OF
this same park flaming arcs which
make the park as light as day. Tn con-
trolling and handling the crowds which
gather at these concerts these arcs are
worth two extra policemen.
Another lighting scheme which the
club installed was system Of illum-
!, mating our main business street. Thi.