The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-04-04
Concerning Muscle Shoals

interest of the nation fixed for months
on Muscle Shoals, an influx of people
to the district has constituted prob
lem that has taxed the ingenuity of
town and civic authorities.
Agitation of the potential strength
of "thc South's Niagara" and the pos
siblities that were expected to be
speedily fulfilled in event of develop
ment of the latent war project, turned
veritable stream of humanity in
search of the FL Dorado. Folks came
en- foot, in horse carts, in motor cars,
in day coaches and in palatial draw
ing rooms. There were men with
money seeking investments; men in
overalls hunting work. There were
adventurers looking for anything they
might find. Some spent money Law
iShly; others were wards Of the COM
munity and had to be fed.
The problem at once became Sc
grave that the town authorities OF
Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia-
municipalities composing the districts
"tri-cities out warning;
Stay away from Muscle Shoals un-
less you come on legitimate business
and have an engagement in advance"
This stopped some of the fortune
hunters, but yet they came.
The first offer for the government s
property caused complete metamor-
phosis of the district. The commun-
ity was stunned when war work was
stopped the day the armistice was
signed. Putting machinery in "stand-
by" condition was symbol of dis
sipated hopes. But the resultant
Somnolent condition was reawakened
overnight when the word went forth:
Muscle Shoals is to be developed"
Everybody in the district believed that
Il bid meant other bids and that COM
petitors in the field would result in
acknowledgements by the government
that Muscle Shoals would not be
Scrapped.
The people of the district formed
tie policy of extending a welcoming
hand to builders and the real estate
boards of the three cities declared that
realty prices should not ascend be-
lond unreasonable levels. These
loards, it is stated, have largely con-
trolled prices of real estate. A few
spectators edged in, however, and
small tracts Of undesirable land have
been optioncd and sold at figures not
within bounds set by the realty asso-
ciations. 1t is asserted, though, that
actual cheating and taking has trap
ped but few persons. There are nc
swamp or low lands in the region, the
realtors declare, but some of the prop
erty offered is situated many miles
from the Tennessee river and the nj
trate projects.
Much property is said to have
changed hands over stretch of terri
tory along the river for distance of
IS miles. The state of Michigan, it is
said, has furnished more buyers than
all the other states combined. with the
possible exception Of Alabama. sTowr
lots have sold at from few hundred
dollars to $4,000. Farm land con-
tiguous to the towns has brought from
$50 to $l25 an acre. Many of thes,
nearby farm tracts have been optioncG
or purchased with view of subdi,
viding in event of looked for develop
mcnts.
Authorities of the tri-cities say tn,
three municipalities will constitute the
hub from which will radYte one OF
the Industrial miracles of the age, TX
matter who the successful bidder may
b. for the government property.
EXtravagant stories circulated con
ccrning conditions in the district
brought out "The Muscle Shoals
Book" ndorsed by town and civic
organizations and edited by one OF
the community's leading ministe ers. II
sets forth authentic data for "thos,
who have the vision and courage tt
build themselves into the certain de
vclopment of the Muscle Shoals ter
ritory."
The municipal woodpile at Sheffield
has afforded scores Of adventures tE'
opportunity Of a square meal.
So burdensome became the task O.
feeding the johless that the town ir
cooperation with the Red Cross hit
upon the no-work, no-soup plan anil il
worked. Every man who wanted foo
and shelter chopped wood AS re
suit many houscholders burned Woo
and score of hungry men were fed.
The new population furnished work
for the police Sharks and flimf.m.
mers came with the honest folks, the
authorities said. BY process OF
elimination these undesirables were
weeded out slowly.
Town authorities have prevcntr Or
ovcrcharging on the part Of the hotels
and shop keepers, and visitors are s'r
prised by normal price conditions.
Specialist Talks of Dreams