Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1910-12-01
WHAT'S THE MATTER
WITH OLD AuDRA|N1

In the past few weeks Ledger representative has
companed the popular and genial County Collector Tho
as F. Roden on his annual fall jaunt over the county
gathering in his harvest Of revenue.
The writer has always appreciated Audrain county
and held the highest respect for her citizens but this
trip gave him broader view of both county and citizen
shpa sort Of microscopic glance into the earth well
the hearts. a4ns N.
Almost every house in the county is either undergoing
improvements that is being modernized overhaued,
the old home moved to the and handsome new home
taking its place The churches and school houses esp
land span with gas lights good ventilation and fine loca
|tions @a
Barns and outhouses are in fine condition. most of
them better by far than the homes ten years ago. and tit
in the picture of general prosperity as if painted upon
landscape canvas by masterhand
The rich prairie land and the fertile rolling fields
show the attention resultant upon intelligent ting; and
the fne fat and thoroughbred stock leave question
concerning the tnexceled live stock of this section
Although the corn crop has not been what it would
have been had the weather conditions been what they
ought Audain has held its with all other counties in
the great state Of Missouri We passed field after field
being shorn Of its product by the thrifty farmer who
too busy taking advantage of the excellent weather to
stop for anything but pleasant waive of the hand
drove on
Butthe people The substantial homes bright faced
HEALTHY children and general wealth of high class agrcu
tura conditions was but reflection of the ter of the
SOIL The man behind the plow in Audran is the descen
dent of the sturdy pioneer who cut his way through the
Indian infested forest with an eye to danger and
of protection for his loved one The man who took the
prmeval conditions and with the strength and determna
Ition of necessity converted the wild wood into door
yard and the swayng giants whose eafy limbs were shell
tier from the wrath of the storm into rough but comfort
Iable cabin.
Today these descendants producers. No matter
whether rnie OF miles from town. they are in touch
with the world vibrant with progress and alive to every
move and interested in each advance They discuss
the political issues as well the aeroplane with much
intelligence as the resident of city who reads his daily
paper each evening after supper.
IF he doesn't own motor he intends to buy one
shortlv and in the meantime drives spanking good team
horses and has Of the best mules in the world to
lido his heavy work He believes in treating his stock just
as well as he does his family Hisheart is filled with the
cream of human kindness just as his mind is one alert and
lgroWing
Formality is lost; the hospitality of the far famed
ISouthland still maintains You as welcome to- his
liable as the prodga whose arrival resulted in the death
of the best hefer the place You are no stranger but
one of the family; no matter who you if your nten
ons are good you are taken into that whoesoued COM
lradship men love so and made one of them.
| The women sturdy and efficient, make the home
bright and cheerful as we'll assist in gathering the croI
when speed is necessary to save They just con-
versan with modern conditions their sisters in towr
and are raising their children to believe that good home
lis the basis of all healthy society well as the corner
lstone Of the state
What's the matter with Audrain county? The Crea
tor was happy when he moulded her from Mother Eartf
and turned the golden rays of the warm sun to kiss it into
bloom And it has bloomed ever since, growing brighter
and brighter with the years as its citizens have become
greater and broader.
When God, in the goodness Of his heart, began tha
week of labor which resulted in world he must have
begun in Audran county after modelling the Garden O.
Eden. --