The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1921-01-06
THE COPING
STONE
By ALVAH J. GARTH

wrote klCndfu Ghdhc W Ni1N'
serve, and the latter was reading over
the promising and encouraging letter
on the train as he neared Newton
whence It had been written.
The missive went on to say that a
leading metropolitan real estate hrm
had highly commended Meserye Tor
his energy and success in building up
a subdivision which had langulshed
for years. 81 have something In the
same line" wrote this Richard Shane'
obut | anticipate slow work, for my
property Is In a dead town and 40
not EXPECT wonders. / want your adj
vice and then your cooperation II
You see any future for the PROPOSE
ton"
The promotlonal faculty had been
the strong hold Of Wilton Meserve for
several years. He was well appear
ing, alert, honest and earnest. He had
been the organizer Of several small
banks, he had been the principal IN
raising funds for several educational
institutions. There was more OF bus
tie and rapidlty in his ventures than
speculation, and he had always met
with success. Arrived at Newton, he
stood on the depot platform taking
IN the prospect with the eye Of
man who missed no detail and thor
oughIy understood his business.
County seat, good roads, environ
ment, picturesque and attractive, he
soIllooulzed. mot dead by any means,
but asleep. Can | wake it up2 There
are possibilities. but shall have to
have lots Of cooperation. Now to
gather up an | can about the place
an hour or two Of study and caIcua-
ton and then to interview this Mr..
Richard Shane"
The residence Of the latter Meserve
found to be the show place of the
! town as to ornate structure and well
laid out grounds The owner, a man
of fifty, prosperous looking and pleas
ant OF face and manner, took to his
brisk optimistic young visitor at once
Details Of the situation were soon in
| the possession of Meserye. Mr.. Shane
owned at least half Of the town, the
mineral springs at It's edge, water
rights along the river, choice residence
ana business property and was pow
err in the community
81 have partly developed my plans
/ n
may say" observed Mr.. Shane, "the
president ana council both promise
! full cooperation. What we need is
an efficient supervisory man to direct
and bring results. You shall have your
own price for taking n month-two Of
them, IL you like-to formulate your
plans"
There was a lengthy period of sug-
gestion and discussion opening up Il
preliminary program. Several times
during the conversation Meserye had
glanced with more than ordinary in
tcrest and admiration at an enlarged
portrait Of a beautiful young girl
hanging on the wall just back Of the
desk at which Mr.. Shane sat The
latter noticed this and said:
"rhat is my daughter Miss Shane.
Partly for her sake ! am busying my
self to make the town which she loves
worthy Of her Since her mother died
| Althpa has been my chief solace, and
her happiness my one thought. She
viii complete her education this Call"
Before q month had elapsed Meseve
ana Mr.. Shane were immersed heart
and soul in their work. The latter of.
fpred free ground to any factory talk
| ing up walerside site, and the town
| donated a liberal bonus for the CON
| structiOn work ON the central auto
mobile road electrical signs we're set
reading: "Wclcomc--DMye COnserva-
lively" facing coming automobiles,
and "rhanks- Come Again" as they
departed More sigus, indicating popu-
lar fishing spots. were placed along the
river others referred to the famous
mineral springs belonging to Mr..
| Shane, and wire signs, illuminated at
night, invited the passing visitor to
"Grow with Us" and wherever Mr..
shane owned plat Of ground neat
placard read "Free picnic Grounds"
There was an influx Of manufactur-
| ers, attracted by the generous coop
GRAFTON extended. Several neat sum
mcr cottages were put mp near the
springs and n modern commercial
hotel was projected The population
J of the town promised to double and
real estate values took "A jump. New
ton woke up indeed
"Althca seems TO smile encourage
ment ana success upon MS every time
we look nj her picture" Mr.. Shane was
wont 10 say, and Mescrye was glad to
be included with the father in mu-
tual interest In the lovely face that
somehow began to lncucate n sent-
mental fancy with him.
They had opened an Office IN down
| town business block aud Mr.. Shane
rushed In one day full Of delight ana
| enthusiasm.
"She's home, Mescryc" he exuted,
"and wants TO see the man who has
worked such wonders for her old fa.
Their. You must come up to the house
at once"
Althea, peerless Althcal all smiles
beauty and gladness, she burst upon
the enraptured vision Of Wilton
Meserye glowing radiant presence,
seeming to be the browning glory of
his success IN the waking up Of sleepy
| old Newton
He woke up himself to sure con-
vlctIon that fate had designed all this
experience and would I'm time place