The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1921-07-07
ODE TO VALLEY CITY

Oh Valley City! Valley City!
To me it seemeth such pity
That some great Poet, one whose name
IS known throughout the world of
+! fame;
Some artist, one who can at will
Handle colors bright, with skill,
Has not been moved his hand to raise
And give to you deserved praise.
Although my language is but plain
With Pegasus old and lame
Yet in my mind some thoughts do
| mingle
That must be told in simple jingle.
Well knowing words are tame and
few
To give you the description due,
When coming here from west or east
On splendid sights then one can feast.
On level farms spread far and wide
With moving grain on every side;
On homes whose aspect makes it plain
That comfort, peace and plenty reign.
Mayhap the eye has weary grown
When such expansive view is shown,
How restful then it seems to be
When Valley City we can see
And blessed indeed if, by the fates,
We pause, guest, within your gates.
Your hills and valleys contrast gain
After miles of field and plain;
Your woods such great attraction
Through which the Sheyenne twists
and bends; n.
Your parks, where Mother Natures
hand h-,
1t seems for this same purpose plan
In buildings vast on spacious ground
Your Teachers State School can be
Of this you're justly proud 1 know Z
Each year such good results can show
When from it's doors well trained
band -..
Of workers is sent Ger the land.
Your other schools and churches too
One, cannot tell the good they do VI
With all equipments of such measure
That to attend them is a pleasure.
Your post Office and mill and banks
Each one with larger cities ranks.
Your hospitals where expert care
Is given to the patients there.
Some enterprising stores they say
Give an attractive DOLLAR Day"
When great reductions are allowed
That draw each time an eager crowd;
Al electric plant furnishing light
To illuminate the darkest night;
That makes your houses bright as day
And glitters down the Great White
al u Way, . .,~
The gas, the water and the heat -.
Turned on in manner quick and neat.
To library and picture show ~ .
For entertainment we can 60, {
While the Legion's bowery dance 4
In a good cause give all chance, II
Then we can visit on our rounds -
The fair and the Chautauqua grounds,
Can pause beneath the shade so cool
To frolic in the swimming pool;
And, if the sun is not menace,
Can watch game of golf or tennis
Or see what is enjoyed by all
Our national game-good old base ball.
An orchestra. and splendid band
For public use ever on hand -
Are surely of assistance great
In making you quite up to date.
Professions here are all well filled Y
BY people active, quick and skilled,
While naught of interest can we lose
When daily papers bring the news.
The public spirit so well shown
Is by surrounding country known.
A pretty grove has, by your grace,
Been fitted up as resting place y
For weary travellers from afar ~,
Who, tired of road and dust and car,
Can tarry here long as they choose,
Results Of thoughtful care can Use
Then go, without bill to pay,
Refreshed and thankful on their way
Or, if hotel in desired
A splendid one can be acquired.
Your homes attractive and so neat
With lawns and gardens all complete;
On healthful breezes here one
thrives s|
Assisted by your beauteous drives.
The friendly attitude that's shown
BY residents to one unknown
Impresses it upon my mind
That kindly people here we find.
But feebly can thus express
Facilities for happiness -. e.
That in your borders can be found
Where peace and plenty now abound,
But truly wish in this brief ditty - q.
Prosperity for Valley City:
June 27, 1921. M. l.. ).