The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-08-21

And could only follow with the eye
That merry crowd at the piper's back"
AS an organizer. as nearly as we can
learn, the ''Pied Piper" Of Hamelin
town fame, hasn't anything on the
bunch that opened our splendidly paved
main thoroughfare, Vienna St., to the
public, day before the time set by the
city fathers for that auspicious event.
1t so happened that on Friday, last, the
village council, marshal, treasurer and
clerk, as fitting finale to the worries
and labors of constructing the new
pavement, went for days fishing aad
picnic to Nipissing Lake. At the start,
for the festivities, early in the morn
ing, Marshal Charles Best, wishing to
take no chances and perhaps be de-
prived of honor, as Sampson was at
Santiago, conveyed party of the city
officials over the new pavement in his
auto. 1t was well he did so, because
the populace, learning that the virgin
purity Of the new pavement had been
violated, so to speak, made up their
minds that they would ''put one over"
on the city fathers and do little OPEN
ing themselves.
Word was quietly passed around (it
sure was, and plenty that when the
whistles should sound the ropes would
be cast aside and everybody and every
thing would be welcomed to the newly
paved street. At about three o'clock
the street was pervaded by quiet like
unto that Of we'll regulated cemetery.
Then the whistles set up an unholy
screeching; Tare and ounds from
every quarter autos came honking into
Vienna street, women grabbed their
babies and made for down town, old
gents hobbled along on their canes,
putting nightly, kids and dogs innum-
cradle joined in the procession and in
the space of about three minutes Clos
main thoroughfare looked like Wood
ward avenue during the busy hours.
One resident of Pine Run, who had for
gotten to be on hand, when he heard
the whistle blow, dropped the hatful of
eggs he was carrying and jumped for
his auto, exclaiming "Goldarn it, there
goes the whistle and now mebby I'll
miss it." But he didn't, he got there
in tine to help the Test "whoope'er
up" which they did to the Queens
taste, and when President Bodine and
the council returned from their outing
early in the evening, they were greet
ed with yells of unfeigned delight.
Really, it all happened just about
right. The councilmen and city Off
cials had most delightful ride over
splendid roads to and from beautiful
Lake Nippissing and enjoyed the fish
ing and bountiful picnic dinner, while
there The editor makes this state
ment advisedly, because he was guest
of the party, and participated in its
pleasures, including the good things to
eat. And the people had good time
at the same time their officials were
having one; consequently every one
ought to feel eminently satisfied.
Marshal Chas. Best fully deserved his
distinction of being the first to drive
over the new pavement, as he has
worked hard ever since ground was
broken in order to have the work car
ried on successfully and economically.
In view of his tireless and faithful SER
vice The Messenger is safe in assuring
him of the appreciation of the public
for the work he has done.
When the fun was at its height, dur.
ing the "opening," fine photograph
was taken of the street and crowd
from which The Messenger has had 9
half tone engraving prepared, anC
which is presented to our readers here.
with. Vienna street is one of the finest
main thoroughfares in Michigan and oul
merchants are already beginning tc
realize its benefits from busines:
standpoint as well as that Of civic pride