The Wilmington morning star., 1947-02-09
THE COUNTRY LOOKS GOOD

see some OF the rich country ina goes II
make North Carolina a great state.
Stay in one place, no matter where l.
is, too long and overall perception be
comes tight and stilted. It loses some o
the freshness necessary to be worthwhile
The failure, when first hand observation
isn't available, TO properly emphasize
maiy things forming a condition as
whole unintentionallY develops.
One Of the Wilmingtonians best inform
ed on the pulse Of Southeastern North
Cardinals life is an acquaintance whose
business interests are closely tied to the
welfare Of the sections numerous coun-
ties. Periodically, he makes it a point 10
uet out, ride around the country and talk
with its people. These contacts cover a
wide range, from the tenant farmers TO
the bank presidents. And he has a sin
cere respect for their views, is influenced
by what they have 10 say and are doing
All of us can't do that.
But a hurried motor "trip, it he keeps
his eyes open, can give an ordinary OBJ
server a pretty good idea Of how things
are going. And the highway from Will
minqton to Raleigh is fine sampling
ground.
What impressions does the alert mo-
torist get?
The countryside looks more prosperous
than anytime in the past several years.
Good care of the farmland indicates labor
isn't the seriously acute problem ii was
during the war when high-paYing defense
plant Jobs and the armed forces drained
off the farmers manpower TO the point it
was a struggle for him TO make a good
crop. The fields look clean and plant beds
along their sides are popping up. The old
tobacco barn is fast giving away
the more modern, streamlined, oil-heat-
structures.
But most noticeable of all is the large
amount on new home and other construc-
ton. Houses are going up along lonely lit
tie stretches Of the highways. And the
always a resourceful Individual,
is solving the high price Of lumber prob
lem by turning TO masonry, especially
cement and other type blocks. We even
saw a nice little sheet-tin dwelling. And
those in older homes are splashing on the
paint. Many new roofs are also apparent
and cleaner yards are quite evident. All
this goes 10 show that he, receiving good
money for his crops, is turning a good
part Of ii back into his home and plant.
Along the highway, there isn't a great
deal Of cleared land. Perhaps the wise
owner is saving that timber as a potential
cash reserve. 1t is, 10 him, just like a
city dweller's savings account.
The communities, large and small, have
a sincere air Of good business. Even on d
Thursday, its as hard TO find a parking
space on Benson's main street as ii is
here. All buildings are occupied. No long
er do you see store windows with only
out-ot-date circus posters in them. The
group in front Of the drug store isn't as
large as the one looking at a display Of
farm equipment in front of dealers place.
New business buildings are going up.
AT Newton Grove, where six highways
converge and the state has wisely placed
a traffic circle, a quarterback Of bust
ness structures is nearing completion
Clinton appears on its foes and is appar-
emily getting its share Of good trade from
the surrounding country.
Getting back 10 the highway, there are
few hitchhikers. That's a sign of good
times. If a fellow had a dollar in his
pocket, he isn't going to stand out and
freeze his thumb. We remember, during
the depression, Of counting we a score
on a 25-mile stretch in the Piedmont.
And fhoco donroyo,c o,,o~ ,o,4x,.