PUTTING MARSHVILLE the Map California Regional acility i I : : WILLIAM CANS ON R.OSE POMONA V.. riJSPU JONES' BOOK STORE "P Jtp-dL cr^-L. . \J PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP OF CALIF. LIBRARY, LOS ANGELA! PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP WILLIAM GANSON ROSE Author of "The Ginger Gate" NEW YORK DUFFIELD & COMPANY 1912 COPYRIGHT, 19W BT WILLIAM GANSON ROSB TO MY FATHER WILLIAM RUSSELL ROSE WITH APPRECIATION OF AN BVER.HELPFUL INTEREST 21,32623 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP John Hancock Barker stared at the tele- gram in his hand* To John Hancock Barker* 16 West 82nd Street, Roxbury, N. Y. Report for duty October first instead of September first see letter American Airship Company Arthur Henshaw The young man crumpled the paper in his left hand and thoughtfully stroked the back of his head with his right* "Hm m /' he mused, "that means a vacation* Let's see* This is the 28th of August* The proposition is how to kill four weeks* New York? Not in August* Atlantic City? Tired of it* A hurry-up trip across the water? Good* 111 wire for a reservation*" PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP He tossed the telegram into his desk and drew an ink pencil from his pocket* "Lon- don, then Paris, a run through Switzer- land, and " He paused* A look of seriousness came over his long, flexible face* "Hold on, old boy, how about Mary?" His pale gray eyes stared thoughtfully into space* "Well, you are a forgetful curmud- geon I Get engaged to a girl, picture to her a honeymoon through Europe, and then, Just because she's gone for a visit to an old schoolmate and you have time on your hands, you plan a program of rank selfish- ness*" He put the ink pencil back into his pocket* "Why, John Hancock Barker, I'm ashamed of you* Your first duty is to put in the next four weeks in the most quiet and restful way possible. You must get 8 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP yourself into trim for that new position* Your second duty is to spend just as little money as is absolutely necessary* Re- member, you've promised a half interest in your capital stock to a life partner* Letting the question of duty alone, why, the very thought of your future happiness with the sweetest girl in the world ought to be enough for a dozen vacations. Young man, you should be willing to spend the next month in the deadest place on earth/' A smile crept over his face, "The deadest place on earth? Why, those were Mary's words," he mused, "'Were you ever in Marshville, my old home?* she asked, 'Not that I can remem- ber/ I answered. *Well, it's a dear, old spot/ she told me, 'but honestly, John, it's the deadest place on earth/ " He laughed softly, "Marshville for mine!" he exclaimed. PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP The customary attendance was on hand at the Marshville station the next afternoon when the 4: JO hesitated as usual at 4:45. John Hancock Barker and a short, fat man, carrying a sample-case, stepped from one of the two passenger coaches. A mo- ment later five people loaded down with bundles climbed aboard. The fat man chuckled as he turned to his companion. "What did I teU you?" he said. "It's getting deader and smaller every day. Two of us coming in and five going out. Oh, you'll have a lovely time in this burg/' He laughed again. "I came for a change," said Barker. "I've had nothing but the noise and hustle of the city for ten years. I need a touch of simple life." "Well, you'll get that all right, believe me," said the traveling man. "How long you going to stay? A week?" JO PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP "A month/' The fat man whistled and then broke into a noisy laugh that echoed through the little station* "Aboard," shouted the conductor, and the engine, with quickening puffs, pulled the stubby train out of Marshvilie. The commercial traveler sighed. "There it goes," he said, "my kst chance to get back into civilization for twenty-four hours*" "Is there only one train that goes through here each day?" asked Barker. "No," replied the short man. "Any number of them go through. This is the only westbound that stops." He chuckled again. "Partner," he said, "I make this town once a month. If the house doesn't cut it off my itinerary in the meantime, I'm due here the 30th of September* If you're on hand that day, I'll buy you the biggest chicken dinner ever put up at the Spencer n PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP House I believe that's what they call the Waldorf of Marshville* If you're not here, you'll owe me the dinner the next time I run across you/' "Done/' cried Barker, and the two men shook hands* A short ride in a rickety cab with iron tires took the younger man to the rusty appearing Spencer House, where he regis- tered, ate a good, country dinner and en- joyed a cigar in a big rocking-chair on the spacious porch. He'rocked and he smoked and he thought? then he stopped smoking and rocking, but he kept on thinking. "It sure is quiet/' he yawned. "If Mary could only see me now! I wonder if the traveling man was right. Hold on, John Hancock Barker, you mustn't let a little rest make you restless. What you need is human companionship. You're bad com- pany for yourself. Let's see, it must be 12 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP about half-past seven/' He jerked his watch from his trousers' pocket. "What? Good gracious, only 6:40! Well, a walk, the theatre and a letter to Mary!" He strolled into the office of the Spencer House and approached the clerk. "Any good shows in town?" he asked. "Any what?" drawled the raw-boned and dismal-looking individual behind the counter, "Any shows?" asked Barker. "Haven't you got a stock company here, or do you just have vaudeville during the summer?" "We ain't got no stock comp'ny nor any voddyville, neither. There was a picter show once over to the Odd Fellers Hall, but it busted." "Well, what's doing to entertain a stranger?" inquired the new guest. "I ex- pect to be here some little time and want to get acquainted with the place. What are the sights of the town, anyway?" PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP The lanky clerk thoughtfully put a large, vein-marked hand over his mouth. Then he withdrew his hand and clicked his tongue. "Well, there's the Soldiers' Monnyment over on the Square, the Per- kins* famly memorial up in the cemet'ry and the big lace fac'try beyond the sta- tion/' "I didn't know you made lace here," said Barker. "We don't," replied the clerk. "Then what's the factory for?" "Well, it's a long story, but the main fact is that some out-of-town capitalists com- bined with a number of our leadin* citi- zens to start the establishment, but after they got the buildin' about two-thirds done, our people decided that the risk was too great and wouldn't put up their part of the money* There's ben a lawsuit on for a couple of years, but I guess most M PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP likely the buildin' will tumble down before anybody comes along to finish it/' John Hancock Barker turned his face to the window, so that the clerk might not read his estimate of Marshville. With the three leading features of the town a monument, a memorial and a deserted fac- tory, surely the traveling man's statements were proving true, "What's your population?" "''Bout forty-five hunderd." "I understood Marshville was a city sev- eral years ago, and that means five thous- and." The clerk rubbed his chin. "We had five thousand several years ago,' he said, "but we've ben slippin' back a little. That's what the meetin' is fer to-night." "Meeting?" the financial statement* I will now ask Henry Spencer, chairman of the accommodations committee, fo" his report," The business-like proprietor of Marsh- ville's hotel addressed the chain "You all know, gentlemen/' he began, "that for the last ten years my hotel has not been a successful institution* That's why I haven't given it my personal attention, but have devoted myself to my ether hotel in Turnersville. When the Fair was planned ! took personal charge, and as you know, have increased the Spencer House to fust about double its old size* I've sent Sam Hedges down to the Turnersville house, snd I'm going to look after the Spencer my- self, because I can see a good future for it* 68 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP Besides what the hotel has done during the Fair week, thirty-two houses in Marsh- ville, to my knowledge, have been taking care of pay boarders, and this doesn't count in the number of families that have been en- tertaining friends* I believe our visitors have been well cared for, and I want to assure you, gentlemen, that from now on my personal interest is with you in building up Marshville." Timothy Berton reported for the trans- portation committee and told how the trol- ley and railroad had prospered during the Fair week and how the North Star Line had run two boats daily in order to carry the crowds from Cleveland and Sandusky. "We have assurances/' he concluded, "that four eastbound and five westbound trains on the steam road will stop in Marshville each day, and the trolley line is going to run a spur through the center of 69 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP the town down to the boat landing. The county commissioners told me yesterday that the last four miles of brick pavement from Clifton to Marshvilk center will be kid at once, and that, gentlemen, means a continuous procession of automobile par- ties over the prettiest road in Northern Ohio/' As he finished there was a loud cheer outside of the building* Sheldon Ball hurried to the window and looked out "It's the baseball team/' he announced. "There's a big crowd carry- ing the fellows on their shoulders." "What's the score?" asked Thomas Martin. "What's the score?" called Sheldon Ball through the window* It sounded as if a hundred answers vol- leyed at once "Marshville, five; Painesville, two!" 70 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP The chairman arose and grinned broad- ly- "Gentlemen/' he said, "battin' Cleve- land, Toledo and Sandusky, we've got the champeen baseball team of Northern Ohio/' The board of directors applauded* "We will now hear the report of the en- tertainment committee," announced the chairman, "He's not a resident of Marsh- ville, but a young man who has our inter- ests at heart and whom we have all come to like Mr, William Horton," "Billy," as Barker familiarly knew him, in a concise manner told oi the various at- tractions that his committee had brought to entertain Marshville's visitors. He related how the adman had first interested him in the Glens and how he had turned Marsh- ville's beauty spot into a park where a small admission fee and the sale of refresh- 71 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP merits would pay him for attracting visitors from the neighboring cities and towns throughout the summer months* "One of the most enjoyable entertainment features of the week/' he said, "has bsen the play- ing of the Marsh ville Band/' As he spoke, a spirited march was struck up just outside the building and the speaker paused* "I needn't say anything for that organization. It speaks for itself/' he said softly as he sat down* There was silence for a few moments as the members of the board listened to the rhythmic strains of music* "What are they playing?" asked Chair- man Martin* "That's the Marshville March, written by Conductor Andrews," answered Wil- liam Horton,, "Just listen to his silver cor- net carrying the air/' After another pause, the chairman again rose* "The last report," he said, "will be 72 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP given by our manager, Mr John Hancock Barker/' The adman stood up, addressed the chair and looked about him* "My report is a brief one/' he said. "The number of paid admissions to the grounds, including those of this morning, has been twenty-nine thousand, two hundred forty- seven* Before the gates close to-night, it will run easily over thirty thousand* That's about fifteen thousand better than our budget anticipated* Chairman Tewkesbury told you what the receipts were from the sale of space something over four thousand dollars* The admis- sions and privileges will add about nine thousand dollars, and our original fund contributed by the citizens' committee amounted to approximately three thousand dollars* That makes the receipts between sixteen and seventeen thousand dollars, and 73 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP I believe that when all bills are paid and the subscriptions returned, there should be a balance of from two thousand to twenty- five hundred dollars as a starter for the second annual Marshville Fair/' He was interrupted by the directors' applause, which he cut short by continuing, "I want to thank you for the fine spirit of co-opera- tion given me on all sides." "Not at the start," interrupted Chairman Martin with a grimace* "Well, soon after the start/' said Barker, and there was a general laugh. A young man entered the room and then drew back. "Come in," said Chairman Martin. "What is it?" "A letter for Mr, Barker." He hurriedly handed it to the adman and disappeared. "Well excuse you," said the chairman, 74 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP "while you read. It may be suthin* im- portant*" Barker tore open the envelope and read with some difficulty the pinched handwrit- ing;, and then his eye descended to the sig- nature which was that of Stephen Guern- sey* He looked up* "It's a business letter/' he explained, "from Stephen Guernsey* He says he has sold four lots on the new street he opened up last week. He also tells me that if Marshville wishes it, he will give that twenty acres of woodland on the south side of his property for enlarging the public park*" "I don't think we ever understood old man Guernsey," said Hiram Tewkesbury* "I don't think we ever treated him right," said Chairman Martin* "That's why I proposed his name yesterday for the head of the new school board* That ought to get him in touch with the rest of us again*" 75 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP While they were talking, John Hancock Barker read to himself the postscript to the letter: "You forgot your commission on making that sale for me of the one hundred and fifty acres near the lace factory* En- closed please find check, with thanks* "S. G*" As Barker put the letter in his pocket, Silas Burns, beaming with enthusiasm and good nature, hurried into the room* Chairman Martin vacated the place at the head of the table in his favor* "Boys," declared the president of the Chamber, "it's simply great! I stopped at the dock on the way over, and the North Star steamer was packed from stem to stern, and as I came through the main en- trance way Mose Campbell said his turn- stile has been averaging twenty-seven a minute for the last hour and a quarter* Have you got the business all transacted?" . "All the reports have been made," sa'd 76 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP his predecessor in the chair* "We jest got up to the point where you were to tell Mr* Barker the decision we reached this morn- in'*" The bell boy from the Spencer House tiptoed into the room and laid an envelope before the adman* The chairman nodding, Barker opened the envelope and read to himself: "My Dear Mr* Barker: The best chicken dinner the Spencer House can put up will be ready tor you at 6 o'clock. I hope you haven't forgotten your fat friend with the red tie, who made a bet with you one month ago on the station platform* I said I'd treat to a dinner if you were in town when I struck it on my next trip* Whew! but you've been do- ing things* "Until dinner, "Yours, "Mark Strong*" 77 PUUTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP The adman looked up* 'It's an invitation to dine with an old friend of mine/' he explained* "Now/' said Chairman Burns, "now for our message* Mr* Barker, the directors of the Marshville Chamber of Commerce dis- cussed this morning the terms of our agree- ment by which you were to receive one thousand dollars in cash, provided Marsh- ville's population passed five thousand be- fore April first* The population is now " he looked out of the window at the ther- mometer, "according to the city clerk's rec- ords, four thousand, eight hundred and fif- teen* At the present rate it will easily pass five thousand long before April first* Ac- cordingly, we have decided to lay aside the agreement on account of your splendid ef- forts, and I take great pleasure in handing you, here and now, this check in recog- nition of your services/' 78 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP He stepped forward and laid the check before the young man. "But wait/' said Barken "This isn't right One thousand dollars was to be the amount* This is more*" "Well/' replied the chairman, "we be- lieve the population will be more than five thousand/' The adman tried to express his thanks, but Silas Burns stopped him* "One minute, gentlemen* I want a word m private with Mr* Barker*" He led the young man to the outer room and grasped him firmly by the hand* "Barker John/' he said, "Mary's home* She's told me* I'm proud of you, boy*" Barker tried to speak, but the old man checked him, "You'll be late for dinner/' he said* "Run along, now* We'll be looking for 79 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP you up to the house after your engagement I mean the dinner engagement*" The adman drew from his pocket two folded papers and handed them to his future father-in-law* "I thought you might like to show these to the board/' he said* "Good-bye/' "Good-bye, till to-night/' said Silas Burns* The old man drew a long breath, re- entered the room and took his place at the head of the table* "He's left a message/' he said* "I'm go- ing to read it*" He laid the papers on the table, carefully wiped his spectacles, re- adjusted them and cleared his throat* Then he picked up the first paper and slowly read: 80 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP A CITY A city is not merely an area upon which houses are built and where people exist. A city is a living, pulsing institu- tution, with heart and soul and character. Its character is determined by its citizenship. Its value to you depends directly upon your service to it. Love your Marshville, work for it, and your reward will be certain. Marshville was dead ! IT IS ALIVE ! Keep it so ! Silas Burns paused and looked about The adman's words had made a deep impression. Suddenly there was a shout outside and then more shouts and then continuous shouting, accompanied by the spirited playing of the Marshville Band, The directors crowded about the big window* 81 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP In the center of the Square, gathered around the thermometer, was an eager throng with eyes fixed on the top of the tall pole* "Five thousand!" cried Thomas Mar- tin. "It's a joke!" shouted Hiram Tewkes- bury, "Wait a minute," called Chairman Burns, sharply* "The meeting will come to order, I haven't finished*" They stood at the window, while the old man continued reading: "The Amer- ican Airship Company bought Stephen Guernsey's property along the track, and closed a deal one week ago with the Lace Factory* Two hundred men will arrive on the six o'clock train to-day, to begin the work of remodeling. My contract is fulfilled*" 82 PUTTING MARSHVILLE ON THE MAP I'll be hornswoggled!" cried Thomas Martin. The others were too ex- cited for words* Slowly Silas Burns unfolded the other papzr* It was of thin, stiff material and it nearly covered the table* The little group bznt over it inquisitively, and Thomas Martin's nose almost rubbed against it as the big sheet was finally smoothed out* "A map!" exclaimed Jasper Green* "Of Ohio!" said Hiram Tewkesbury* This year's!" called Sheldon Ball* They all bent a little closer and Silas Burns' big forefinger traced the coast of Lake Erie westward from Cleveland and suddenly stopped* "Marshville's on the mapl" 83 University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. OCT1919 OCT I 1 1993 000035972 9 ilifornia ional lity