The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1916-06-29
w. Fl. HaZlet Writes of His Trip to
Colorado in an Auto.

| Colorado in an Auto.
Waldron, kas., June 20, 1916.
/ Editor Reporter--A few lines
through the columns of your paper
may be of interest to you and posi-
bly, to some Of your many readers.
AS you previously stated, on the z4th
of May Mrs Hazlet. Mrs. Wesley, lit
tie son We're, Willie and myself in
the Ford started via the dirt route
for Waldron, Kansas. Not having
had much experience in motoring,
and unacquainted with the way, it
was with some degree of apprehen-
sion that we proceeded. All went
we'll until we came to a washout,
where we had to retreat and go a
few miles out of our way to get
around. This would not have been
SO bad had we not have run into the
mud up to the aXles, and then stuck
sure enough. Not being a desirable
place to camp we put on the lariat,
and with the help Of passerby
pulled out and Oh we went some
what elated with our success, but
later in the day, when coming to the
Grand River, which was near mile
wide, it appeared as if we would
have some time to rest. After some
inquiry, however, we began by going
across the hills to higher ground
down the river, and we sure did re-
alize there had been some rain. Such
mud, time and time again did we get
stuck, but with the rope and main
strength and some awkwardness we
would pull out and go on. When
darkness overlook us we put up o. +
tent and had good rest Breakfast
over we were soon in sight OF the
river again, and mere it didn't look
very encouraging, and we decided to
go into camp. After few hours the
water had fallen some, and by the
help OF man and his rig, decided to
venture, hitched the car behind the
buggy and through we went, the
water up to the buggy bed, but as
soon as we were out of the deep
water the little Ford chugged her
way out, the man returning to get
the women and children. One other
time we had a team take us out of
the mud. Having left our route so
far to the east we went by Maysville
direct to Kansas City, missing ST.
Joe entirely. We nearly ran into a
street car in Kansas City, and went
west from there via the old Santa
Fee Trail which was our first good
road, and we could appreciate it too.
more high water and more mud
holes, three inch rain one night.
After five days exactly we pulled in
at the home of our daughter, Mrs.
George Starks. While many were
the obstacles we had a pleasant trip
and certainly all enjoyed it, and |
We're feeling better when we landed |
than before starting. Found this
southern Kansas and Oklahoma
country very dry and hot Oats all
killed by the green bugs, much of
the wheat damaged, mostly of the
late seeding, corn poor stand, near
ly all the way from Leon. Since we
came the much needed rains have
come and crops are looking fine.
Wheat harvest has begun. Mr.. Starks
at this date has 200 acres bound,
which looks good for 20 to % BUSH
els acre. Much of the harvest will
be cut with the header on account of
short straw Since arriving here,
we, Mr.. Starks, Willie and I, made a
flying trip to Denver, Colorado and
return, staying one night with Merit
Cozad's. Found Mrs. Cozad better
than for some time, balance of the
family well, and all appeared 10 be
enjoying themselves. The Colorado
country was quite dry, has been cold
and crops backward. Went to II. H.
BENEFITS and stayed with them one
night Mrs. Bennett says she is in
better health than for years and Mr..
Bennett. we'll, he's Just fat, rides in
the Ford and buys hogs. The young
er BENEFITS are all busy farming.
They have Case tractor and have
done considerable breaking. Some
Of the best wheat l saw on the trip is
close to our farm, in the arid region,
On summer blowing. Just as we
we're leaving we ran onto Mr. Wies-
ey, and took him along to Denver,
via Hudson and Brighton Spent
part of two days in Denver, and we
all decided to. return to Waldron to
harvest, leaving Denver at noon on
and Thursday night we
drove into Fanny's $50 miles, four
men, seven suitcases, tent and other
Junk. In tits drive "a miles was
made to the gallon of gas. The en-
ire trip of over 1900 miles, only two
and the total cost for gas
and oil was $4,000. l think this is
lard to beat for novice, who can?
Mrs. Hazlet and Ruey have returned
1ome, Willie and l go to the farm
near Denver to do some breaking. If
his don't find the waste basket I
nay write something later. Please
send The Reporter to me at Bashor,
Colorado. Yours truly,
w. H. HaZlet.