The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-07-01
LIVE FOLK. IN TOWN
CONTINUED From Page IL


of towns with larger populations than
Menksto and chose Montgomery, Ala.
He was more than pleased with the
reception the editors received at that
city. They had arrived there early
one March morning, and the fret thing
they were presented with was bo-
quet of red carnations, cars and ev-
cry accommodation was ready for them
in driving about that beautiful city,
and providing eatables.
How Did They DO II.
Being a member of the Mankato
Civic and Commerce association Mr..
Tompkins was curious to know how
Montgomery managed to get out
such large crowds. He was told that
the chamber of commerce has a
committee of fourteen men who have
charge of the entertainment of visit
ors etc, and they certainly see
that this is done up in first class
style. A fund of $4,000 had been
raised for that purpose, and every
member thinks that 1t is money well
spent. Every one in Montgomery
wanted the tourists, and in fact every
stranger who visits that city to go
away with a good word for Mont
gomery. All this the speaker said was
accomplished through perfect organ
ization. Montgomery had raised
100000 through mem bership dues.
They work in perfect CO. operation
and harmony with the members of the
city council, and the members of the
county board. Thus 1t is that the
uyh ~ Ire in ho
and great results are obtained. Mr..
Tompkins gave an instance of what
this community CO. operation means.
In the small town of DeFuniak
Springs, town of only three thou.
sand population four hundred and
eleven tourists were taken care of
in the way of automobile transporta-
ton. This was possible, of course by
perfect unity of action between town
and country districts CO. operating. For
that reason no one will forget that
little town. The people of the south
when asked how they stand the en-
ormous cost OF such entertainment,
reply that they will reap ten fold
results in good words carried broad
cast over the land about their parti-
tween town and country districts was
noticeable all over the south. When
large number of delegates are ex-
pected to visit certain city, its
country members even living out as
far as thirty miles are told to be
present and help in the entertain
ment, and they come promptly. The
members pay dues ranging from $25
per year to $500 per year and think
the money well spent. The speaker
said that there are too many people
balk at civic work. Every time one
aids In the building Of read, the
Improvement of street etc. Is aid
ing in civic improvements. Civic
improvement is a broad question.
One of the civic duties of all of us
community, and the nation ever i'm
proving.
Camp Sites In South.
Attention was called by the speak
er to the way In which camp sites
and Accommodations are provided for
in the south for tourists. Nothing Is
left undone to make the tourist com
Portable while passing through the
country. Tourists ara Invited to stay
q while and learn Of the advantages
and beauties OF the community they
are passing through. They are given
the privileges Of the clubs etc. This
very often results in people return
ing there to live and build up indust-
ries. Mr.. Tompkins gave instances
Of the latter. In each 6f the cities
known as strangers committees,
whose duties Are to look after the
strangers in their midst, and tell
them of the advantages of the locali-
ty. "a how do you do, and a friendly
shake of the hand" Mr. Tompkins
says works wonders. 1t makes one
feel that the people take an interest
In him, and the tourist goes away
with good feeling toward everyone
in that community. Specific instances
of the good work of many of the
towns of the south in this way were
given by the speaker. He said that
without the perfect organization. the
splendid results could not have been
accomplished. Organization, in word
is the key note of their success. The
efforts put forth by chambers of
commerce in the south had resulted
in the increase in population of the
cities where they are located, and the
entire surrounding country had been
greatly benefited. Key West, small
town had shown its enterprise by
entertaining the visitors In a most
royal fashion. Every one was pre-
sented with a souvenir of that CITY
when he was leaving. 1t had cost that
city a pile of money, but they felt
that 1t was well worth while.
Mr.. Tompkins said that one notice
able thing In the south was the
abundance of signs directing the
tourists to certain cities and places
of interest. Mr.. Tompkins would like
to see more signs erected and placed
on the main arteries leading to
Mankato. He suggested that a large
sign bearing the name "Mankato"
and other suitable advertising should
be placed near the depot and Main
street bridge.
Getting Out Members
Speaking again of method of
getting the membership out to the
meetings, Mr.. Tompkins said that
notices are sent out, and the next
day so many men assigned to a Ger ;
tain member are called up and their
attention called to the notice sent
them. If they are not at the meeting
at the appointed hour they are again
called and told that they must be
present and take part IL important
business. Nine times out of ten they
hustle to the meeting and the result
is, that all meetings are largely at
tended and are interesting and val