The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1920-01-01
COMMERCIAL
CLUB MEETS
Proposition of Securing Odd Fellows
Home Taken Up and Discussed
Thoroughly
INSPECTOR SPEAKS


Handles Local Educational Conditions
Without Gloves
Tuesdays Commercial club meeting
and luncheon was productive Of more
real good than any similar session
for long time. OF course the first
thing on the program was the big
feed, which was prepared and served
by the ladies of the Civic league. The
ladies received many compliments for
tn excellence of the lunch, and de-
servedly.
After the inner man had beer sat
isfied, those present settled down to
business. The first subject up for
discussion concerned the locating Of
the proposed new North Dakota Odd
Fellows home in Oakes. A. G. RAM
harter read letter from one Of the
Grand Lodge officers explaining just
about what sort Of proposition
would be required. They want 100
acres Of land near enough to town
so that attendance at school and
church will be practical. Sewer, wa
ter and electric lighting facilities
are also very desirable. The letter
also explained that it is not the pur-
pose Of the organization to solicit do
nations from the general public.
Members only will be approached,
and it is more than likely that the
lodge making the largest contribu-
tion toward the home will receive
careful consideration when the ques-
ton of location finally comes up for
settlement. Because of the large
tract Of land required, cities like Far
go, Bismarck, Minot and others will
be eliminated from competition, as
they cannot offer 100 acres close
enough to town. It seemed to be the
concensus of opinion that Oakes will
be able to meet the requirements,
and q committee composed Of Messrs.
Scott, Gale and Mccartney, was ap-
pointed to meet with the Odd Fell
lows committee and see what induce
ments we can make to secure this
very desirable improvement.
Mr.. Schaeffer of Bismarck, state
school inspector, was present and the
chairman called. on him for a few
remarks in regard to his opinion Of
our local educational buildings. 1t
seems that Mr.. Schaeffer had come
primed for just such an eventuality,
and while he did not wish to appear
as a fault finder he felt it his duty
to state few bald facts, and did SO
in no uncertain terms. After review
ing his subject from the basement
to the attic, and having found moth
ing to recommend, he offered few
suggestions as to the kind Of school
building we should have in Oakes.
Among other things, he mentioned
the desirability of having a swim
ming pool, library, assembly room
and gymnasium, saying that when
we had those it would be time enough
to provide class rooms. According
to the speaker the local structure
fails to comply with even the mini
mum requirements of the state law
in any particular and is a disgrace
to a city with the reputation for pro-
gressiveness enjoyed by Oakes in
other things. He doubted whether
any one could be compelled to send
children to school here under pres
ent conditions. The school house has
neither ventilation, sanitation, light,
nor proper fire protection and es-
capes, and these condition must be
improved at once or drastic action
will be taken by the state authorities.
According to the new law, Oakes has
power to levy about $4,000 with
which to begin a school edifice. Mr..
Schaeffer proposes that plans be
drawn for a structure adequate to
meet local needs for years, costing
at least $150,000, and that the $50, 1000
which can now be raised be used to
build the first unit, which will relieve
the congestion until more money can
be raised.
The speaker met with the local
school board Monday evening and
talked over the proposition with
them, after which the board voted to
hold special election some time this
month for the purpose of voting
bonds.
Some folks have said within the
past few days that bond issue will
not carry at this election. If it does
not, it will be to the eternal shame
Of our fair city and it's citizens. We
defy any one to visit the local school
building, examine it thoroughly, and
not be ashamed that such condition.
could exist. We have a reputation
for progressiveness second to that o1
no city in North Dakota, yet we per.
NIT a school building to exist hers
which would be positive disgrace
to q town of 100 people.
If it is really impossible ct thi,
time to build q new school hous,
(which we doubt) we call upon th,
citizens Of Oakes-to raise their voice,
In no uncertain manner in demans
that way be found to MAKE II
z POSSIBLE.
We must have new school build