The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1921-11-17

able number?-nOt when we con-
slider that the California Automobile
association furnished road maps and
touring information to over a half
million people during the past tour
ing season. Is it unreasonable to
think that by bringing to Idaho an
annual influx Of visitors to the extent
Of 100000 people, that Idaho's
population will have direct
tendency to grow as result Of the
visits to these numerous tourists? Is
it reasonable to presume that the
agricultural possibilities Of our state
will be utilized and enlarged as a
result of thevisits Of these thousands
of tourists? Is it reasonable to pre-
sumo that the average individuals
curiosity and desires are most easily
aroused by the unknown? Is it
reasonable to presume that a system
of good roads will have a direct
tendency toward making the visits
of the thousands of tourists enjoy
able, to create a desire to return to
our wonder state or, to facilitate the
commercial pursuits Of our people?
Good roads are the arteries of trade.
The automobile associations of to-
day are conducted along practical
lines, devoid of sectionalism and per-
sonal gain. 1t is an unfortunate
commentary, but nevertheless true
that there is too much of the latter
element injected in the commercial
organizations, such as Commercial
clubs, Chambers of Commerce and
similar organizations and not enough
team work, all of which results in
mis-directed effort, duplication of
labor and expense and finally results
in bitterness of feeling among the
people of the several communities,
the great majority of whom are sin
cere in their efforts to do something
for their community and Idaho and
very largely fail because of the lack
of team work. The people of Cali
fornia and l might add Colorado,
have learned this lesson, for no one.
ever heard Californian knock any
other section of his state, no matter
where he might live, he is always
boosting for California. 1t must be
remembered that the Almighty
created the wonders of Idaho, but
that the development Of the state
will only be brought about by the
spirit of its people.
Now what are some of the things
that the Idaho, State Automobile as
ISOLATION has done? 1t has placed
the yellow diamond highway sign,
which sign by the way, has been
adopted as the official highway sign
of all the western automobile asso-
Citations and which has just recently
been adopted as such by the associa-
lions in the state of New York and
which has been declared as the Of
fetal hihgway sign by the law en-
forcement officers of the western
states. This yellow diamond high
way sign has been placed upon 500
miles of roads in Idaho during 1921.
The need for uniformity in sign post
ing .thruout the west has been recog-
nized as of paramount Importance to
the touring traffic. Approximately
10000 strip maps and state maps
were distributed to tourists and
others during this season and 1t is
the plan to further extend this work
during 1922. The cooperation of
the forest service, the bureau Of good
roads and the state highway depart
ment has proved OF great value.
During the touring season Of 1921 it
has issued, at regular intervals, ac-
curate information as to the condi-
tom Of every primary road in Idaho.
This work likewise vii lbe extended
in 1922. The association has carried
on constant campaign Of advertis-
ing Idaho's scenic attractions thru
the various automobile associations
and the motor magazines. It has been
directly behind the movement Of inn
proving the Boise Valley-Winne-
mucca highway, which reduces the