Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-03-16

portunity, not alone for the financial
results, but for the splendid good fel'
lowship promoted between the several
organizations taking part.
The greatest achievement In the
history of the association was the Sc
curing of the necessary funds for the
erection of the new Hotel Ottumwa.
The matter was proposed to the board
of directors on May IS. The first pub
lie meeting was held May 25, and on
June %, the campaign had been com.
pleted. One hundred and fifty-four
thousand dollars worth OF stock had
been subscribed for and the stock
holders met In public meetings for
organization. Contracts have all been
let, the work is now started, and 1t
| is expected that the building will be
completed by the first of the year.
This occasion was the turning point,
the getting together of the people OF
Ottumwa and was splendid illustra'
| ton Of what we can accomplish for
our city when we are working all to-.
gether with the same object In view.
Assisted in organizing the south.
west trail, Kansas City to Chicago.
Reprinted all the highway markers
throughout the county.
Put UP Ottumwa distance and dan.
ger signs on the principal roads lead.
ing to Ottumwa for distance Of
twenty-five miles.
Attended a G. X. c. e G.. highway
meeting at Iowa City on June "a, at
which time this highway was continu-
ed on from Iowa City to Chicago.
On July 8, an inspection trip of the
G. K. c. & G.. highway was made to
Unionville.
Sent delegates, at their own ex-
gress held at Cedar Rapids, Oct. to 9.
Assisted in a correspondence cam
paign to city officials, commercial
clubs, members of the legislature, with
the view of securing legislation giving
city officials regulatory powers over
telephone companies.
Held meeting Of the farmers on
Feb. a. with the view of assisting
In securing county agent. .
Sent a delegation to meeting at
Kirksville March %, in the interest
of better roads and consolidation Of
country schools.
Conferred with the manager of the
Ottumwa Railway & Light Co., urging
the establishment of ten minute street
car service on Second street
Conference with Iowa Telephone
Co., officials on telephone rates and
joint use of poles with the electric
light company. |.,. 49,.
Correspondence and conferences
with members of the extension depart
ment of the University Of Iowa, look
ing toward putting on a business short
course in Ottumwa. A high class pro-
gram has been arranged and the dates
have been set for May and 3, cooper
ating with the D. A. r., to make flag
day, June IA, a big event.
Subscribed to membership In the
Chamber of Commerce Of the United
States of America.
Made a survey of conditions in Of
tumwa, which was given publicity IN
many papers throughout the country.
Conference with Congressman Ram
seyer, urging him to make an effort to
secure national, initial appropriation
for the improvement Of the Des
Moines river.
Made a strong effort to secure the
retaining of the federal STAFF once in
Ottumwa and after it's removal have
continued our efforts to have this
order revoked. At this writing, We
have been unsuccessful, however, we
intend to continue our efforts until the
Office is reestablished or arrangements
made for our people to secure the nee
essary stamps through local bank or
postoff1ce.
Jointly, with the Retail Merchants,
we secured subscriptions amounting
to 81 800 for convention purposes.
Conferred with county supervisors
regarding grading and improving cer-
tain county roads, installation of Gull
verts and bridges, and Joining us In
our road oiling proposition.
Several conferences with the off,
Gals of Parsons college and Iowa Wes-
leyan college and q public meeting for
the purpose of securing proposition
and feeling out the interest on the
proposed removal of these colleges to
Ottumwa.
Made letter campaign for the use
of home manufactured cigars. ~
Made an effort to secure the Jeffer-
son highway, ST. Paul to New Orleans.
Assisted in putting up 1900 metal
markers on the c. K. G. & G. highway
from Iowa City to Chicago, during the
week of August to 8. This work was
done by r. N. Carson, of Iowa City,
president of the highway, and your
secretary.
Sent delegates at their own expense,
to the statewide good roads meeting
held in Des Moines Feb. 10.
Aroused sufficient interest for the
calling of meeting at Moberly, Mo-,
Feb. 2, of representatives from all the
cities between Des Moines and St.
Louis, at which was organized the
southern extension Of the Daniel
Boone trail, via Ottumwa, giving US
splendid auto highway, Duluth to New
Orleans and Mobile.
Called a public meeting which auth
orized the appointment OF committee
to make an effort to organize district
fair. The committee is now working
on the project and should be given
support by our citizens.
Made mail campaign of the cities
of southern Iowa, In an effort to secure
a visit by President Wilson, while on
his western trip.
The association has assisted, finan.
tall -