The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-12-08

JACOB OiriCn lUO y
+ Frank Stratton ......... 100 +
+ Ed Bartsch ........... SO +
j. Ed Nichols ............ SO +
+ Bert Smith ............ SO +
+ George Jaeger ..........- +
+ George Matzke. ........- +
+ Charles Ulrich ...........- +
+ August Bosin. ...........- +
Ed walker. .......... 49,
+ Charles Sperlich. .........- +
Frank Halves announced +
+ that he would contribute 1000 +
+ yards of gravel from his pit +
+ which is about eighty rods +
I. from the road +
+ + j. + + 1. + !. j. + + + + + +
hauling of the same to improve the
highway. An apt remark was made
during the meeting by Editor Frank
Griffin of Good Thunder that the
spirit shown meant the beginning OF
road improvement in that section OF
the county.
Delegation From Good Thunder.
A fine delegation was in attend
ance from Good Thunder. Bankers
and business men were there to give
to cause which will mean SO much
toward the upbuilding of the agri-
cultural section and adding wealth
to the farmers and lettering their
condition in more ways than one.
Farmers for several miles distant
were present and there was spon-
tainety in their encouragement to
the movement which has advanced
so rapidly all over this country. A
number OF these farmers came to the
meeting in their autos and they
were all favorable to road improve
ment.
The delegation from Mankato was
made up of George NJ Palmer, John
Nyquist, G.. E. Wise, Drs. Eberhart
and J. E. Reynolds.
The meeting was called to order
by DR.. J. Theodore Schlesselman of
Good Thunder, who stated its object
and then introduced George M. Palm
er of Mankato, whose labOrs in be-
half of good roads is SO well-known
in this section of the state and
whose fame has spread over the
commonwealth.
Interest in the Movement.
L
Mankato and elsewhere were in at
tendance because they are interested
in good roads. The farmers along
the road that it is contemplated to
make "a state road were there be-
cause they are interested in good
roads. The meeting was called upon
their initiative. Il am pleased to meet
so many of you and talk good roads,"
said Mr.. Palmer. "The fact that so
many of you are here tonight is
evidence that you are deeply interest
ed in the movement"
Mr.. Palmer devoted few minutes
to talk on what had been done in
Blue Earth County in bettering the
highways. He referred incidentally
to the first good roads meeting that
was held in MankatO not great
many years ago and how that gather
ing broke up in a row. A different
spirit is shown now by the people
toward this question. Farmers and
business men are united on the
proposition and they are all agreed
upon the necessity of having GOOD
roads and their immense and lasting
value to a community. However, he
those present by advocating good roads
as no one was Directing to the move
ment and all were agreed that good
roads are valuable asset to a farm
ing community.
Poor Roads Cost Money.
Poor roads have cost a great
deal of money" said Mr.. Palmer,
land the farmer has been the loser.
1t is true that the farmers who are
producing the wealth in this country
should be receiving their share of
the good things, but they must have
better roads i'm order to complete
their happiness"
every main travelled road should
, be improved Systematically A great
deal of money has been wasted on
the roads because ii was not expend-
ed in business like manner There
should be graveled road between
Mankato and Good Thunder
Mr.. Palmer suggested that this
highway be declared a state road.
The state will assist in improving
the road to the extent of SO per
way commission has accepted the
lOdu. IL WdS oApldlHtu NHdI IuC
calls on the county road and bridge
fund have been SO great that the
commissioners would be unable to
render much assistance in the pres
ent instance. Much of the money
and labor, such as hauling gravel,
must come from the farmers.
The speaker suggested that a.
delegation should be picked from
the meeting to wait upon the county
board at it's meeting on December
Is and request that the highway
be declared a state road. The Man
kato Commercial club will have a
committee on hand to lend its as
sistance in this matter.
What Can Be Done.
Mankato will :; aid in the improve
ment of the road. That part OF the
highway from the Gregg corner to
Rapidan station has been declared
state road. Also that part OF the
Good Thunder Mankato road from
the top of Strands ravine to the
city limits had been designated as
state road. Mr.. Palmer was con-
fident that the business men OF
Good Thunder would do their part
toward improving the road. The
farmers should assist in hauling
Tho IF cn-Onpra tiOn