Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-02-08
A MUNICIPAL IDEA

the need of barns for the housing of
farmers teams has not been so urgent
as in years past, except during the
winter months. The situation was TAX
en- care of previous to that time by
the saloon and farmers hotel, where
the farmer could go and unhitch his
team and get most of the accomoda-
lions needed. 1t wasn't always pleas
ant for the wife and children, as fire.
quently they had to wait in the saloon
or some other place not suited to WON
en- and children. In a measure, how
ever, the purpose was served.
With the going of the saloon many
of these farmers stopping places have
gone out of existence and now many
farmers are obliged to tie their teams
on the street and let their families
hunt for a pIace&t0 stay. The need of
suitable place to care for the team
and also a place for the family to
stay has frequently been called to our
attention by farmers. One farmer of
fered to make contribution towards
the building of such place. The state
legislature seeing the need of looking
after the women and children passed
law requiring municipalities to pro
vide rest rooms in cities Of a certain
size. Amigo has not yet provided such
rest room, but various plans have
been considered as to the best way of
handling the matter So that will come
sooner or later.
But if that is taken care of the facili
ties for taking care Of teams are still
lacking. This problem is now being
taken care of, however, in some cities
by the erection of municipal barn.
In Wausau one has just. been erected
of concrete that will house 68 horses
inside and % outside. A nominal
charge is made of 25 cents for team
and Is cents for a single horse. A care
taker is in charge. The business men
paid for half the cost, and the farmers
likewise u01p0u uIllUuGC.
In addition to this barn, however,
the city has added what could be term
ed a rest room 1t has rooms for the
women and children which are proper
ly heated and are in charge of a mat
ron. I,uncheons can also be eaten
there.
j. w. Prosser visited at Waupun re-
Gently, where he purchased some cat
tie. In that city they have an even
more elaborate arrangement They
have not only the Accommodations of a
rest room and places to care for the
| teams, but have a regular place for
| holding the public auctions, cattle
sales, etc. This was built by the farm
ers themselves. most of whom in that
territory are pure bred cattle men and
who appreciate the value of a place
where buyers and sellers can meet.
Amigo has not yet completed it's
plans for a rest room. 1t has no mum
icipal barn. Why would not this then
be an ideal time for Investigating
the possibilities of combining these
needs and opportunities into one and
making it municipal proposition that
would be of real benefit to the farmer
The County board sometime ago made
an appropriation of $500 to be applied
toward the equipping and caring for a
rest room. With enlarging upon the
idea and increasing it's benefits to the
farmers they would no doubt be glad
to pay more. The city could do its
share and the business men also con
tribute. By combining these forces we
could develop an institution thai
would be of great benefit and comfort
to the farmers, and a source of salts
faction and benefit to the business
men. It is a matter that should be
given thought Amigo Journal