The Mena weekly star., 1921-12-08
A TRIP TO STATE FAIR WITH THE SMITH-HUGHES BOYS
 OF HATFIELD.
By JAMES A. SLOTE,

Bright and early one crisp Tuesday morning the monster truck began a journey to Little Rock with it's load of 30 scholars, Prof. Middleton and a couple of helpers. After hot break fast at home sack of apples kept the boys busy until Mena was reached. Altho it was barely sun up, here was that good friend to all boys to meet us, Henry Finger, who gave us infor- nation and what later proved valuable advice about our route. While taking gas and oil nearby stand gave the boys an opportunity to fill thier pock- cts with sundry edibles to appease the awful hunger that most boys attain after fast or an hour or so. At ID o'clock we were on a strange road, stopping to inquire the way at way side store. We were pleased to find the road possible without losing ground by going back. Many of the boys took advantage of this oppor- tunity to lay in a supply of apples, cookies, etc. Lunch at Oden and a fresh supply of gum, candy and cook les and we were on our way to Mt. AN<@ss &4OAC uNh blOaOlC oCfCtOPCds Caution on some of the boys suggest ed supply of food on the truck and the suggestion was timely, as trouble again developed before reaching Hot Springs and daylight needed for re- pairing. A big campfire was soon roaring, several large pots of coffee and cocoa were boiling, meat frying, either in griddles or on sticks and m aV ls per the professor gave little talk, also warned the boys about spending their change before reaching the fair. Told them they were probably buying something in those paper bags they couldn't see but could most distinctly feel. Rolls of bedding were taken from the truck, leaves gathered, blankets spread and soon for most of the boys they were taking their first sleep under the stars and close to na- ture. About midnight wailing voice said: q know now what the profes- sor meant was in those sacks" A voice replied, Headache ?" No stom- achache." The voice replied, Head ache, too" Daylight came, hot cocoa and coffee, an hour or so'run over the Albert Pike and we are all in a res tduIdHJ III fOL springs.
 A trip over town. drink from the various springs, and as one of the boys expressed it, the last drink tast- ed worse than the rest. At noon we de- eided to leave for Little Rock, but as we might be late, it was voted unani- mously to carry lunch, a light lunch. as most had been eating continuously while around town and pockets were well stocked with apples, cakes, can dies, cts. One lad had cocoanut, which he couldn't get into his pocket and didn't dare lay down. Three sand wiches each was decided on, this meaning s dozen rolls and 6 or ? pounds of minced ham, and be it said sundown found all consumed and anx- ious about supper which we had about the usual time in a boarding house where the Hatfield and Polk county delegations are usually entertained Here as the boys were seating them selves at the table our witty profes- sor called the proprietor aside, asked Tor, and the misguided man granted delegation rate. So the rate, service and food were so satisfactory that the boys voted landlord Slager and wife royal hosts and as one boy remarked. We will know where to 20 back" From the hotel to the fairground. Where tents were provided with cots and soon the weary bunch were Init ting the hay" not in name only. Thursday was busy day. Prof. Mid aleton had to attend a Smith Hughes state meeting and while on this sub geel U VII De a matter of pride to