The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Recognized as One of Best of the Smaller Towns
 in Alabama
IS GREAT MARKET
 FOR FARM PRODUCE
Remarkable Changes Brought About by Progressive Spirit of People During Past Few
 Years
pv CLARENCE e. THOMSON

Hartselle December 16.--(Special) )-"One of the best towns in the state" That is the reputation Hartselle has. Travelling men do not hesitate to say so Others who know say the same thing, and if still you are in doubt visit and all Investigation will convince.
 Located almost in the geographical cen- ter of Morgan county one of the richest and most fertile counties in the state, Hartselle represents one of the most pro- gressive agricultural sections of the south. The town is located on the main line of the Louisville and Nashville rail road, 70 miles north of Birmingham.
 A farmers town, with the business men drawing their support from the farmer and cooperating with him to make this a greater town and greater agricul- tural district, Hartselle is making rapid progress.
 Hartselle, within the last five years probably has made more progress than any town its size dependent upon its agricultural resources in the state. h saying this the business men give most of the credit to the development among the gamers.
 Five years ago the writer visited this town. The business houses consisted of wooden structures; the streets were either ankle deep in mud or dust, as the weather conditions happened to be. There was only one brick church and the only modern school building was the Morgan County High school.
 REMARKABLE CHANGE
 On the occasion of the present visit a remarkable change has been made. Practically every business house in the city is in new quarters; the buildings are of brick and stone and built after the most modern designs Mud and dust have been eliminated by three miles of paved and macadam streets and more than Il miles of paved sidewalk. Wooden church buildings have been replaced by handsome, modern brick and stone struc- lures and one of the most modern school buildings in the state has been built.
 In the matter of street and sidewalk improvement the city has spent $70,000; In church buildings and improvements S43000. and in school buildings, $360C0 The general improvements and buildings of the business section would run intd the millions of dollars.
 Some idea of the volume of business done in Hartselle and the freight shipped
 
 the fact that the Louisville and Nashville Railroad company is now starting one of the largest freight depots between Bir- Nrningham and Nashville here. This build ing is to be flreproof, built of reinforced concrete. It will be 40 by 125 feet and two stories in height. Grading has started and material is now being placed and actual work will begin soon. This com pany also recently built modern brick na cost of S16.000
 Over this line the town averages ship ping from 14,00O to 17,000 bales of cotton annually, while produce of the farmer is shipped by car load lots from time to time. Also a great quantity of lumber, cedar poles and other timer Is shipped. The shipment of live stock Is also heavy. The incoming freight receipts average about $s0O0 a month.
 LIKES COMMISSION
 Hartselle Is one of the few small cities in this state under the commission form of government This form of government adopted in 1911 has proven satisfactory, This is substantiated by recent election in which it was sought to restore the al- dermanic form of government. This was voted down two to one and the commis- sion form continues. J. L. Day was re- gently reelected president of the coumis- sion, the other two commissioner being J. F. Stewart and J. M. Simpson. John R. Sample is city attorney. I. J. Kent city clerk; J. c. Rogers, chief of police, and E. J. Perchy, night officer. The only remarkable thing about this combination excepting their ability as city officials and the esteem with which they are held is the fact that in the initials of each there appears a 'J."
 Much of the progress of the town is %n fha- oSajo +1,;s corps, while the public spirit of the busi-