Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-09-10
COMPLIMENTSCOMMUNITYI :
STRANGER ADMIRES CITY AND
ITS SURROUNDINGS
A World Traveller Sees Bright Side
of Things and Asks the Censor to
Tell People His Observations

Editor Censor: 1t was the duty of the un-
designed to visit for the first time the city
one Of the best of my lifetime experiences.
August is commonly supposed to be the hot
test and most uncomfortable time of the year.
but must say that this August spent in
Vernon county has been one of the pleasant
est and most inspiring L have ever known.
though have been in all parts of America.
Canada. Cuba, Mexico and overseas l have
been wondering if Viroqua's citizens really ap-
preciated their city and its surroundings rs
they should2 l have Travelled over much of
the world, visited most of its great cities,
heard its greatest speakers, singers, actors
and have spoken in many of the largest col
leges and universities in all the states, and
these all the product Of people and towns
just like Viroqus, with its wonderful hills and
valleys. shade trees and natural scenery
effects that are held equal with schools church.
es, business blocks and a natural park behind
a clean court house square, whose diverging
and conyerging cement walks lead a stranger
into and under the finest Of carefully
kept shade trees it has been my privilege to
see. In many of the larger city parks there
IS so much of the human and artificial, while
here in NirOqua and Vernon county are the
natural, the beautiful. the sublime it came
fresh from the hand of the Creator. Crit
ieisms there must be. but l leave them to
others, reserving TO myself only the privilege
of e0mmendation of your city and its citizens
First ! admired the snap, pep and person
ality of your business men who hurried as
they are found showing a cordial, courteous
spirit to all who approach them in right
VirOQua's stores. banks and other public places
and found everywhere courteous clerks and
capable Obiiging officials. | attended some of
your public gatherings in churches, lodges and
fraternal halls. ! heard preaching that was
simple, eloquent, persuasive, in its passionate
plea that everybody should get in the grip of
a great vision and a great purpose. l heard
your little lady in purple play the ,.reat
pipe organ well that the cO0coOs and night
ingale notes rolled out into the assembly room
in mingling OF melodious music as
her swift fingers few over the ivory keys.
| met your honorable editor, chief clerk of
the senate, your county superintendent of
ed miles under the shade of your wonderful
trees, even out and beyond your city limits.
/ saw NirOqua's ball team win to with
LaFarge in a clean, manly game with no
rOwdyism; | was guest of "FOrtney" whose
service | found far ahead of many larger city
hotels. | saw your citizens from town and
country Saturday and Sunday and nearly
all seemed imbued with the idea of getting the
most out of life and giving to others the best
they had by voice, pen, pillow and personality.
NiroQua nesting in these beautiful valleys
of the kickapOO and bHilded on the rugged
hills of Wisconsin has much to be thankful
for, more to be proud Of-and much more to
expect from IFS future that is soon to dawn
upon ViroQua, Vernon county, Wisconsin and
the world. All America is shortly TO enter
upon the most prosperous era the world has
ever known and woEd-affairs are ad-
justed properly VirOGEd, as other towns and
cities will feel the pulse-thrOb of new nations
and international life and l shall be glad to
return some day laier and congratulate you
\ noticeable everywhere in VirOqua, Vernon
county, and the world at large.
RICHARD S. MARTIN, Field Secretary
American Exter IN, University.