The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1920-03-17
SUMMARY OF BBMIDU ASSOCIATION
SECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT OF
BEMIDJi ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES

With the completion of the first years work
mercial Club, but now conducted on much larger
scale, it's members possess the privilege of asking:
'What have been the accomplishments" and in this
report effort will be made to call attention to the
propositions Of most importance which have been
: The Association has been converted into an
organization through which public-spirted citizens
of Bemidji and community able to express
themselves collectively on questions of city and
country welfare and through which they are gwen
opportunity to make their desires effective. It's
work has been to ascertain what the local problems
are, formulate plans for their solution, and then
proceed to solve them; to improve conditions found
to need Improvement; and eliminate evils found TO
exist.
It's effort at all times has been to increase pro-
ductive and purchasing power in the tributary area
of Bemidji and to bring trade from outlying dis
tricts; improve marketing facilities; increase and
improve the means of transportation; to study and
apply improved merchandising methods; expana
better relations between the rural business man,
known as the farmer, and the city business man;
extend markets; take action in matters OF CIVIC I'm.
portance; and many other practical propositions OF
interest to the business and social welfare OF our
citizens. It has been made body Of men and
women acting in their capacity as citizens not as
the representatives of any special group or class
and devoting its efforts to the material and cultural
advancement of the whole community.
An organization like ours, which raises no barriers
of creed, race politics. may surely hope and
expect to secure cooperation and support from
the men and women of the city, when they know
that are for everything that will make Bem1d9 i
richer finer and bigger; and against everything that
will tend to lessen our wealth, our happiness, our
prestige and our self-respect. ,
Without question the most important OF tne
Associations operation during the past year, has
been the weekly forums. These regular meetings.
held with such success have been in reality clearing
houses of ideas. It is we'll known that ignorance,
Misunderstanding, discomfort, prejudces, and class
hatred community's greatest 1abllues IL
has been the privilege of the Associations forum to
correct misunderstanding, promote tolerance sup
;oTo md what
may have had into assets.
For the benefit of our members the following
rve% Of % a be-
cred in the reports of the committee chairnen
being purposely omitted: s~ -, i
Investigated, and made recommendations to the
Park Commissioners concerning the plant to secure
Ruggles timber tracts for park purposes r., 49,.
Making systematic effort to secure for Bemldu
the ep reestabishment Of Hamline University, which
is soon to change location. =, .
Co-operated with health officials in plans to hold
Affiliated with the Bemidj Association of Fra
ternal Societies.
Made thorough investigation for the purpose Of
promoting fire prevention activities.
Assisted officials of State Fire Marshals office
in fire prevention inspection, and public educa-
tional meeting
Assisted in educating the public as to the i'm
portance of the adoption Of the 1885, 900 paving
Aided in the formation of Game Protection
1SSoSA"eAoAAS
Endorsed the effort being made to provide
Hydro-Aeroplane base in Duluth, with an official
landing place in Bemdji. ..
Presented information calling attention to Be-
midjis need of enlarged public school facilities,
and held "Get-Acquanted" sessions for teachers
and parents.
Recommended establishment OF memorial EaFh'
now established.
Endorsed International Falls being proper
place for establishment of new state institution Tor
feeble-mnded. .
Provided for the establishment of Community
Market, funds for which have been partially Sc
cured, and which it is planned will soon be IN
operation
Has maintained proper standard OF endorse
ment of charities and subscriptions the operation
of which has been responsible Tor large savings TO
the business men Of Bemidji.
Every newcomer to the city has been visited
and informed of the Associations purposes, and
program followed Every effort has been advanced
to make these men feel that a cordial and sincere
welcome has been accorded them
Made thorough investigation concerning city
taxation, Offering recommendations to the city
council which were made effective
Began and is continuing effort to cause pay
ment of delinquent taxes on Bemidji real estate
Has discouraged the opening of new business in
sttutions detrimental to the citys welfare while
enterprises of merit and community benefit nave
been and being encouraged to locate in Bemidji
and have been provided with all Information
necessary. ~r<F
Has formed an Association Auto Club which is
affiliated with state naCOnaI auCOmOOe aSSOcla-
lions, and which will devote its attention to road
Improvement and the proper markings of highways.
Has entertained 48 of state and national
prominence at its weekly forums, their speeches
adding materially to the constructive programs.
Assisted in the formation of National Guard
unit, and is exerting efforts to bring about the
building of an Armory in the near future
Has made honest effort to cooperate with
the laboring men Of the city. 49,,
Sent its secretary to the national convention of
Commercial Organization Secretarys where he was
enabled to gather much information of value.
Sent splendid delegation to Duluth meeting of
N. M. D. A., one of the results being that the
summer outing is to be held in our city.