Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1914-01-02
AERQ.AMERCAN cULL|NCS

A most interesting story centers in
]. H. Blodgett, q colored man of
jacksonville, Fla, who has struggled
from poverty to wealth. Nineteen or
20 years ago Blodgett worked for the
railroad as q window washer at $1.05 a
day. When he first struck Jackson
vile he had just S1.10 in his pocket
and suit Of underwear In a paper
bag. He was indeed poor, but ambi.
tious. He received his first shock in
this promising city by being arrested
as a tramp for wearing straw hat
in winter. Truth to tell, he wore the
best and the only head covering he
had. Blodgett, however, had some
grit, and rose after his first downfall
In pride.
A little later. while Blodgett was lay
ing brick at $1.25 day, DR.. Washing
ton came to Jacksonville and was most
cordially received by the big" me-
groes-men who had. money in the
bank, owned property or had pulled
themselves through work from the
common rank. Blodgett wished to be
introduced to the great educator, but
he was too modest to push his way
through the crowd and seek the hand
of DR.. Washington. Nobody saw fit
to bring forward "Blodgett, the brick
layer" who thus found keen humilia-
ton through the lack of money and
standing in the community. Blodgett
ctr o. q a not
he would increase his earning power
and do something worth while that
would win for him, eventually, the re-
spect of his colored neighbors, and
at the same time entitie him to the
friendship of DR.. Washington, for
whom he had the highest respect.
Blodgett and his wife worked diligent-
ly wasting no time in frivolity. They
were thrifty, too. Their savings grew
apace and rewards began to come.
Blodgett bought Florida property that
was bound to rise in value. First he
built his own house in 1902. Since then
he has constructed 208 houses, many
of which he has sold at good profit.
From being an ordinary workman on
the railroad Blodgett has pulled him
self into the wealthy class In Jack
sonville, Fla, he owns 121 houses
having a combined rental value of
$500 month. His own house is we'll
furnished, and he has fine Packard
car, which is driven by colored
chauffeur. With all his means he has
one very precious possesion-real good
common sense. In his addresses dur
ing the Philadelphia meeting of the
Negro Business league he displayed
tact, wisdom and knowledge of men
which must have made an impression
on some city-bred negroes. His injunc-
ton to negro youth is worth repeat
Ing: Remember, white folks have
weaned the negro. They are saying to
you now: Go and do what Booker
Washington says you can do"
Blodgett declares emphatically that
there Is no excuse for any able-bodied
young negro wasting his time doing
ordinary hotel work at $40 or $50 a
month and tips when he can grow to-
matoes at 81 900 an acre in Florida. To
socalled educated negro waiter who
was once criticising some negroes be-
cause they showed that they had lit
tie book learning, Blodgett said: See
here, young fellow, those II men to-
gether are worth at least 100000,
and not one of them has even seen the
inside of a college. II you can fool
one of them out Of ten cents, then I'll
give you $40. The smart waiter never
got the $40. Blodgett knows life at
first hand.