The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-07
BUILD ROADS As
IN GOOD OLD DAYS
Former Constructor Tells How
It Should Be Done
GET THE PROPER BASIS
Martin NJ. Avery Would Like to See
County Vote Bond Issue Large
Enough TO Build System of
best Material
GET THE PROPER BASIS

Martin M. Avery, retired road con-
struction contractor, who resides a short
distance beyond Jonesboro with his son,
Matt Avery. thinks that a return to the
old style way of building of roads would
be good idea. Mr.. Avery spent prac-
tically all of his business life In the work
of road building and during his career
was connected at times with both the ma
tional governments service and the serv-
ice of several states in the work of build
ing roads. He is Is years of age and re-
tired from active business about Is years
ago.
While in Birmingham he dropped
around and paid a visit to The Ase-Her-
aid, desiring to inspect the new home Of
the paper on Fifth avenue. He referred
to the good work of the paper, especial
y OH the subject of good roads.
I'm glad that The Age-Herald stands
for good roads," said Mr.. Avery to the
reporter who was plotting him about the
building. Your paper has been hitting
away at 1t for several years and IL the
farmers would listen to il we would have
good roads all over Jefferson county in a
short while.
Jefferson countys roads in general are
a disgrace to civilized community. There
are, of course, some stretches of good
roads but in comparison with the great
number of much travelled roads the per-
centage of good roads is very small.
am in position to speak this way be-
cause l am seeking nothing, being COM
fortably fixed for the balance of my life,
and to make my position secure L spent
half century in building roads. should
know a little about roads with that ex-
perlepce.
THE farmers in my opinion are alone
responsible for tine bad roads of the coun-
ty. They are not willing to vote for the
slightest bond issue for roads and thus
enable the county commissioners to build
good system of roads to start on. Re-
pairing of roads doesn't amount to much
when the original road wasn't wood
one, and it costs more to repair a poor
road than it does one that was original
ly a good road.
Years ago roads were built which last
ed for decade after decade. with the prop
er repairing. The roads were graded
properly, the ground sn1oothed good be-
fore the foundation was laid and then a
real foundation of great thickness put
down. This was packed good and then
the ebert put down for a thickness of
several inches and properly rolled. Ev-
erything was done thoroughly and suf-
fcient material used to make a great
road. There was no hurrying IN the work
and consequently It was well done.
when a man tore UP the road he had
to put 1t back In even better snaps than
the way he found 1t. Also the repair
crews did their work properly. They
didn't go about and dump a little Stag
in rut or mudhole which happened to
appear In this good road, but instead
they went clear to the foundation, put in
a new one and then finished the top in
good fashion.
More carefulness is needed in the re-
pairing OF the present county roads.
while there should be an immediate issue
of several hundred thousands. even 1000, :
coo wouldn't be too much, for the building
of a good roads system all over the
county.
I'm building these good roads the coun-
ty commissioners should also leave alone
the many new methods of paving which
are constantly arising and stick to the
old style. well built nlacadam roads, and
see that every bit of the work In its con-
struction is properly done.
Il am anxious to see Jefferson county
bud forth into a fever of good roads en-
thusiasm. It's rather dgusting for a
man who spent the best years OF his
life to have to bump about over some
of these roads, and while the people Of
Jefferson county did not get up a petit
tion and request me to come here to
live l think I am entitled to kick. Do
all you can to better the roads of JEFF
ferson county. They are badly needed. -
-------.s.------