The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-30
Much Has Been Accomplished in
Past Twelve Months.
CLUB WAS A FACTOR
The Commercial Club Has Been
Getting Results.
Established "Great White Way,'
Among Other Things.

Topeka has enjoyed a greater de-
gree of prosperity in the last year than
the majority Of the cities in the cen
tral west. and merchants and realty
men are optimistic in their manner of
speaking of the outlook for the future
There has been a slight business de-
preston throughout the country in the
past months. but TOpekanS have
had confidence in the future of the
apital city and have erected more
than 500 homes and have remodeled
$50 others. Then, moreover, While in
many cities in Kansas and Oklahoma
the for rent" signs have been I'M
usually numerous, in Topeka they are
few and far between. To be sure there
are some undesirable houses unoccu-
pied, but it is a fact that it is a diff
cult matter to find houses to rent of
an up-to-date type.
The holiday season opened up in
fashion that discouraged the mer-
chants, but closed with such a rush
that many of the merchants state that
all previous records were broken as re-
CARDS volume of trade.
Has Been = Factor
The Commercial club has accom-
among them being the installation of
the great white way, which is being
commented upon in such a way as as
sures good advertising for the city.
Then there was the Kansas Semi-Cen-
tennial celebration which brought
thousands of persons to Topeka
The state fair was bigger and better
than ever. and the Commercial club
should have the credit for putting this
institution on its present creditable
basis. There are other smaller things
that have been accom-
plished by the organization
The club has much hard work map
ped out for 1912. In the first place
there viii be the membership cam
paign in January which will have as
its object the increase of the number
of names on the roll from 700 to
/ POO. This task will be an arduOus one
as there are hundreds of men in To-
peka who are being benefited by the
city who have not caught the spirit !
that makes cities and do not realize I
that they should put something back I
nto the town by becoming members
Of an organization that is working I
purely in the interests of the city and !,
all classes of citizens.
Commercial! Club Enterprises.
The leading men in all professions I
Will be chosen to head the committee {
IF workers in the campaign, and an +
effort will be made to interest labor /
ng men and business men alike in the
work of building up the city and max
ng a greater Topeka
There are 500 men who carry grips
nut of Topeka-traveling men in other
vords-and it is desired to have these
len connect themselves with the Com
nercial club and become walking adj
-ertisements for the organization.
The members of the board OF di-
ectOrs of the club will be chosen the
econd Friday in January. New com
nittees viii then be chosen and an at
empt Will be made to find men to
lead the committees that Will be con-
inually on the job.
As has been before mentioned, Sec
etary J. Will Kelley expects in the
lear future to take an extended trip
mong manufacturing towns the size
f Topeka with a view to mapping out
plan whereby new concerns may be
Induced to locate in Topeka.
The campaign for good roads will
re carried on by the club with a vim,
nd when the campaign for members
ONES to an end it is expected that the
tate of the finances of the OrEaniza-
ion will be such that $4,000 or $4,000
an be appropriated for aiding in road
'uilding in Shawnee county. It is hoped
n good roads" day next spring to
ave 1000 citizens out working on the
highways.
The Merchants association has been
great factor in the prosperity OF the
ity. This organization has financed
he numerous conventions that have
zen held in the city, and aided ma
erially in the Kansas Semi Centen-
ial celebration last September
In throwing bouquets, the Karnival
Knights organization should not be
eft out of the distribution. This club
ut on a creditable parade in Septem-
er and is planning to hold Il similar
ccasiOn next fall.
A. A. Rodgers Talks.
I'VE are in better condition than
tiles around us" said A. A. Rodgers
f the firm of Rodgers Davis & Co,
I speaking of the amount of prosper
y the capital city has enjoyed in the !
asst year.
THE improveme emit" he continued | :
in the past has been in the suburbs |
ut from this time on you can bank I
n it that inside property will greatly
lcrease in value and that improve ]
tents will be made on every hand.
We have inquiries for inside property
here now stand old buildings that
Guild be moved away, and substantial ]