100 years ago

july 13, 1911

Great success

One of the biggest crowds that the town has seen for a good many days occurred when the Wheat Train Town came Tuesday.

They thronged the stores and the sidewalks and got so thick in the streets that the street cars didn’t run all afternoon.

The stores were crowded by people who wanted to take advantage of the special bargains that were offered that day. Billy Bradbury sold all the bologna in the shop and the barbershops came near to running out of hair tonic.

And all down the line—merchants, blacksmiths, restaurants, and all of others showed what it really is to be busy.

Jos. Svitak’s Bohemian band came in on the Wheat Train and played a number of selections on the street during the afternoon.

The Park sidewalk has been completed from the foot of the hill above the spring to the Main entrance. It is a six-foot walk. Tally another fine improvement.

A 500-watt electric light which was donated by Mr. Latta has been put on top of the water tower and gives a light that is seen for many miles. Some Marion people who were at Tampa the other evening say they could see if from there. Fine doin’s.

Pierce Bros. shipped a carload of flour to New York the first of the week. The flour was made from new wheat and is probably the first load of new wheat flour sent out of the county this year.

Park Bath House

Another fine improvement being put in at the Park is a Bath House. The building is practically completed and the fixtures are being installed. It is located on the south side near the west end of the grounds and is a fine little building.

Provision for tub and shower baths has been made and the building equipped with toilet rooms with modern fixtures. Pollitt and Kleinhammer deserve a lot of credit for cooperation with the City Commissioners in putting in this fine equipment.

Mr. and Mrs. Pollitt will expect to have a tent on the grounds during the Chautauqua and will manage the Bath House. A small charge will be made for baths to cover expenses. It is an improvement that will add greatly to the attractiveness of the Park as a place to camp.