The Huttig news., 1912-04-06
The Awakening
 of Bushville

no streams by which a pleasure boat might reach 1t and railroad promct- CTS had not even heard of any place nearer than 50 miles. There was no woodland and there was no quarry. The 200 inhabitants lived because they had been created, and there was sufficient land to go round without causing disputes.
 But a grave problem had arisen. There had not been a marriage i'll Bushville for 25 years, and there were at least 30 couples between the age of 15 and 45. council of fathers was called. They had never heard of the bachelor tax, and they did not know what the "age limit" meant, but they did know that something had to be done immediately or the land of their ancestors would be barren. After the smoke of the corn-eob pipes had cleared away, this resolution was left standing:
 That the Council of Bushville Fathers does declare that everybody who Is in love or who is not in love must show the same by conforming to the following orders:
 CD Everyone who Is in love must wear red necktie.
 CD Everyone who Is not in love must wear a black necktie.
 (3) Children under the age of 14 must wear white neckties.
 (4) This order is to go into effect on September 1.
 (51 On September there will be holiday and every man, woman and child In Bushville must attend the picnic given by the Council of Fathers for the benefit of our Improvement Association
 /" (Signed) Council of Fathers
 Bushville was waking up. That same night every inhabltant knew the action that had been taken, and there was fear and trembling in the ranks of the unmarried ones. Some of the young men threatened to migrate. but four trusty fathers guarded the passes from the settlement.
 The eventful September 1 arrived. The day was beautiful, as if in defi- ance of secret wishes for disagreeable weather.
 Up until 10 o'clock not an "eligible" person had appeared on the street.
 At exactly one minute past 10 Hi ram Baker stepped from his front door. Hiram had been calling on Miss Polly Ann Evans for 20 years. A hun- dred prying eyes were upon him, and as he came into the sunlight they saw small black bow The fathers, who were assembled at the store, saw this and were astonished.
 Another black bow appeared. This time 1t was Sam Kimbo, an old of fender; and another, and another, and still another, in bewildering success sion, until every eligible" was on the street wearing a black bow. All seem ed a trifle nervous, but still they were there. No, there was one exception.
 The anger of the Fathers cooled as their hopes rose. Miss Polly Ann Evans appeared.
 She wore a pink sunbonnet. The men Unconsciously stepped forward to see the tie. as Miss Polly approached the the store. The bonnet stringe obscured the coveted view. But gentle wind waited aside the folds, displaying a red tie. Hiram Baker was stirred.
 T guess that 1 have not treated Miss Polly properly" he unused. And to think that she had the courage to wear red bow. I believe that every one fn the village is in love with her tonight"
 Hiram took several hours to decide on his course of action for the next day. The picnic. Yes, everybody was there: Miss Polly with her red bow, and Hiram with a red bow. The Fathers looked at one another sig nificantly. Hiram sought out Miss Polly and they had dinner together in shaded nook of the mountain stream. She was like girl again; little embarrassed when they walk ed off alone, but formally dignified when Hiram became unusually quiet
 Several couples had strolled off alone. Others could follow the lead of Miss Polly. The Council of Fath- CTS convened toward the close of the day, and decided that as the prospects for the future were bright. the picnic should be continued the next day Bushville was awake that night. The next day 20 "eligibles" were wearing the coveted color.
 Again Miss Polly and Hiram saun- tered away alone, like two children in the May-time of love. Hiram felt a little more confident.
 Miss Polly" he said, why did you wear that little red bow on the first i day?"
 "Beeause I am in love-" she replied eoyly.
 with whom. Miss Polly?" he softly asked.
 With Bushville. of course."
 Then, Miss Polly, you don't love meq' he said, sadly.
 Hiram. you have not yet said that you love me-
 But do. and you know it. I have hesitatetd, but forgive me. and I'll try to make up. Thirty eight Is not too