The Mena weekly star., 1921-06-09
pREAMsTHArARE coMING TRUE


 Since away back in the year 1896, when the editor The Star tramped up and down the dusty streets of the em- bryo Mena, searching for news and business for the newborn paper, there have been dreams and dreams that have led on thru the years, have made it possible to keep face to the front despite all discouragements, all hard ships, because it was inevitable that some day these dreams would come true.
 And, just now, it would seem that very many of them are taking def- nite, realistic form.
 In those first days the need of bet ter means of communication loomed big. Year by year 1t never has grown less, and the struggle has gone on, step by step, until now our county is seeing rapid progress in the building of great highway from the north to the south boundary, nearly 60 miles the south boundary, nearly GO miles, several miles of which are now in daily use, all to be completed next year. An east and west im- proved road will be the next big en- terprise, and, thru improved methods, Polk county is making and keeping better roads all the time.
 It has been known that this locality is especially fitted for dairying. To- day it is producing more butter and better butter than ever before, and cream separators are becoming com mon as the farmers take advantage of better roads to bring cream to market, taking home ready cash each week from this all-year-round money crop" -sw
 During the past few months i9 cars of poultry have gone from the Mena station to the Eastern markets, to say nothing of the great output of eggs. It now is said that poultry products are supplanting cotton in the minds of the farmers.
 i Everyone has known that no better fruit can be grown than that produced on the uplands of Polk county, and now the industry Is on it's feet and go- ing. From strawberries this season $500 per acre is about the average and large acreage will be bearing in 1922. Glaekberries and raspberries are next in importance as berry crop, and are big money-makers, as are cantaloupes and melons. Then come sweet pota- toes, with curing houses, tomatoes with canneries, beans, radishes, onions, spinach and all the vegetables, every one q winner when produced in ship ping quantities.
 Long before Mena was established, scores of people were gophering thru the hills after minerals. This dream has at times slowed up," but has never been lost. Today big concerns are doing big work of development, and the industry has reached a point where there no longer is doubt but it will be wealth producer of the safest and most profitable sort.
 All the time there has been talk of possible oil production. This is yet a dream, but it is now stated that dfSll- ing Is to begin within few weeks at a spot long looked upon as promising.
 Always it has been recognized that Polk county, high up in the Southern Ozarks. with beautiful mountains, worlds of pure water and a remark able climate for comfort and health, would attract thousands of people seeking these things and health, and next week workers will begin the building of all the things that go to supply accommodations for first class summer and health resort. this to be ready for guests during the lat ter part of this season. It is certain that this first enterprise is but a starter-rhat others will follow quick ly, and there is room and opportunity beyond limit. Yes. the dreams of the years are coming true in Mena and in Polk county.