Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-04-03
The Awakening of
Springville


"A bright boy, he muttefed. Nah
ager of an engine factory, Ell? Smart,
no doubt I've heard of the concern.
They pointed it out to me when took
Emily to the Aurora seminary. But
the boy has Oyerreached himself this
time And he softly chuckled.
On Wednesday morning, close 70
noon. the fire steamer arrived. A stout
team OF horses secured in Clinton, the
nearest railway town, drew it over the
eleven miles of highway while d third
horse furnished the motive power for
the well stocked hose wagon.
As the little procession passed down
The street the president of the boaia
OF selectmen, attracted by thr mLsi.
cal jangle OF the bell. arose from his
seat and went to the window.
"The foolish boy has kept his word"
lie muttered. There he is now Why,
he's waving his hand to me-"
He turned abruptly and went back
to his desk.
neatly worded invitations 10 inspect
the new steamer.
Each 'selectman was member of
the volunteer department.
The invitations were disregarded.
Nor did the unofficial villagers view
TIE newcomer with any degree OF
warmth.
The old department was dear to
them. II was firmly rooted part Of
Springville life. The steamer would
cost lot of money. 1t was doubtful
II 1t would ever pay for itself.
"We hain't had serious fire since
Bob Quig's barn burned las june
drawled old Abner bruce as he peered
about Il Q pol shed steamer. You
engine as retiy an shiny az a
brass watch, Iut | dunno whel ii
would be of any prac-tickle use
Landlord Bolten shifted.
Guess you forget that our new
$4,000 schoolhouse burned down last
March," he growled, and only $4,000
insurance on it."
9TH boys would hev put 1t out AL
right drawled the veteran, IF tn
tongue of tn tub hadn't broke or
rrimble's lillian the hose had reach
ed"
Whereat young Arthur Brill of Au
rOra laughed merrily
He wrote to the selectmen that day
respectfully asking permission to ex
hibit the steamer the next evening
un the village public square, McKin
ley park, and his request was prompt
y refused
He was told that the board failed t
see any reason why it should encour
age the hope that the village would
purchase the steamer or why it shout
permit idle gatherings.
Arthur Brill laughed again ant
promptly mailed to the president o
he board his price list and speca
terms, and a strong guarantee.
The president looked at this enclos
tire and tossed it aside. But he could
MT help smiling.
He's certainly persistent cub,
lie growled
The next evening. the hotel team
drew the steamer to the outskirts o
the village and halted ii in front o
g the rake factory. The hose wagon
drawn by the landlords mare, an,
driven by its owner, followed close be
hind.
The steamer was on the factor
grounds and at the invitation of tn
-~sactory owner, and. here young Al
thur Brill gave fine exhibition @
the capabilities of the beautiful m'
chine. He took the water from tn
creek, and with the help of the factor
foreman guided the nozzle himself.
'She's a wonder all right" sal
John Pritchard. 1T would lake a bi
load off my mind II We had her her
In town. But guess it isn't much us
Of expecting 1t, son"
Arthur Brill declined to look di,
couraged
Look here" he said, how will thl
do for a name plate?'
He drew closely wrapped strip {
metal from the steamer tool box an
pulled off the coverings.
John Pritchard stared at 1t.
ezra Mayhew." he repeated, an
ahrieked with laughter
''' "This isn't as much Of joke as 20
seem to think" said Arthur Brill.
That night Landlord Bolton CAV
Arthur a warning.
"There's a good deal Of feelin
Y asainst your copper teakettle, nv boy
he said. and we've got some clot
here who are just fools enough to II
,asss.to damage the outfit Look out Il
them"
, a. That night Arthur and his enginee
siesping beside the steamer, We,
eioadEd By unknown miscreants WI
ATTEMPTED TO enter the building Ar