The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1929-05-08
ONWARD MINNESOTA!

ONWARD MINNESOTA!
- EVENLY ONE years ago an May II a new
state, much of whose territory was relative
~ 1y unknown, was admitted to the Union.
Minnesota had fulfilled the requirements for state
hood and by act of congress there created
a new commonwealth destined to contribute
largely to the wealth and the well-being of the
nation, and to achieve an unique place in the
sisterhood of states.
Within the vast territorial boundaries of the
new state lay potential wealth of fabulous pro-
portions. In the southern and western reaches
was rich farming land upon which was reared
an agriculture that today boasts $4,000 pro-
ducing farms, an annual farm crop valuation OF
237 millions of dollars, national leadership in
dairy production. Vast forests covered the cent
raj and northern parts of the state, and the tim
Der industry first made use of the states almost
unlimited water power. This great resource in
natural power when coupled with the producing
capacity of Minnesotas wheat region soon gave
the state world leadership in the production of
flour, and with the passage of time came addi-
tional industries so that today Minnesota pro-
duces a billion dollars worth of manufactured
goods annually. But still another invaluable
material resource was counted in Minnesota's
dowry with the discovery of rich iron ore depo-
sits, and the development of iron mines the
ranges of the north gave the state world leader
ship in the production of iron ore.
A "land of ten thousand lakes" Minnesota
endowed far beyond material resources alone. A
health giving climate unexcelled scenic beauties
and resources, once seemingly limitless supplies
of game and fsh,-these, added to the charm of
her beautiful lakes, have made Minnesota a
great summer playground while providing an
ideal place in which to live throughout the en-
tire year. Twenty-Five state parks, national
forest, 100000 acres of wild life refugees, and an
excellent system of highways have marked the
preservation and enjoyment of the states out
of doors.
And then, above all, Minnesotans are great
people. They have shared, of course, in these
natural resources, this material prosperity, this
magnificent habitat and to what nature has
given and industry has achieved, they have add
ed the adornments of civilization. First of ALL
they have built beautiful homes in city and
village and countryside. They have dotted the
state with churches and schools. They have
set aside in trust sixty million dollars in state
school fund.- and they have built a great public
university and several superb private colleges
They have developed the nations greatest state
fair, they have formed numerous successful
farmers cooperative associations, and they
have sought to bring new spirit into the life
on the farm. Nor alone in conveniences and ad-
vancements of modern life have Minnesota men
and women shown the calibre of their citizen
ship, for the increasing effort to safeguard the
natural resources has revealed the human spirit
preserving, retaining, cherishing, great hertz
age.
Indeed, on the eve of her seventy first birth
day Minnesota may look back with satisfaction
upon the record of her years Of statehood, con-
scious of the commanding position of the North
Star in the galaxy of states. But in doing SO
she must not stand in self-admiration alone.
Let the glance be introspective as WELL
If such it be, Minnesota will see that the
triumvrate of her material prosperity, -agricul-
ture, industry, mining,-are all based on singul-
ariy rich natural endowments preserved by the
vision and the determination of the early pio-
neer builders, developed through industry and
purposeful effort, to be maintained and broadened
by new generations of Minnesotans only if they
possess these same virtues She will be prepared
for determined fight and an unending vigilance
Tor the preservation of her natural resources of
wild life, of clean streams and lakes, of health
full, beautiful human habitat,-in short, the MAIN
tenance of the Minnesota tradition that all that
the commonwealth possesses is held by its citiz-
ems in trust, to be used to their full advantage
and and enjoyment, but to be passed on richer
and better than they received them And she
will resolve to build with renewed purpose the
integrity of her homes, the high standards of
her schools, the health and well-being of all
her communities, conscious that "where there
is no vision, the people perish"
Thus, while the state is old enough to have
traditions worthy of preservation and record
of achievement rightly acclaimed, each genera
ton of Minnesotans, seeking new obstacles to
conquer and new fields to pioneer, win be made
conscious to the challenge of the future. The
outlet for the conquerors spirit and the pioneers