INDUSTRIAL LEAGUE ANNIVERSARY EDITION

HISTORICAL

       Sired by necessity and of opportunity such was the birthright of Collegeport Industrial League. Looking backwards it seems now that the few who participated in the organizing were prophetic in their desires for a greater—a better Collegeport. They hardly realized the great work that could be done or that they were laying the foundations of an institution that so long as Collegeport lives will be a power for uplifting and upbuilding the moral and business character of the community.

      It was on Wednesday, the 28^th of April, 1909, that Prof. W. H. Travis, always at the front in such work, passed the word about that on Friday evening, the 30, a meeting of the men of Collegeport would be held in the store of Mr. Mott for the purpose of forming some organization to promote the welfare of the town. Friday night arrived and so did nearly every man in all the country round, every one anxious to participate in the movement, every one feeling that he was having a part in doing something.

      As this article is historical it might be well to give the minutes for that first meeting, which are as follows:

      A meeting of the citizens of the Collegeport Tract was held in the store of W. E. Mott on Friday evening, April 30^th, 1909 , for the purpose of discussing subjects of benefit to the community.

      W. H. Travis was chosen temporary Chairman and H. A. Clapp temporary Secretary. After some remarks by Chairman Travis a motion duly made and carried the temporary organization was made the permanent one, but Mr. Travis for good reasons could not accept the position so a vote was taken for President, Vice-President, and Treasurer, resulting in the election of H. N. Sholl, President, C. C. Brown, Vice-President, Dr. N. P. Knight, Treasurer.

      Various names were suggested for the organization and after some discussion on motion duly made and carried it was voted to use the name of Collegeport Industrial League.

      On motion duly made and carried the President was ordered to appoint three members whose job it would be to compile by-laws for the government of the League. The President appointed Messrs. Travis, Larking, Liggett.

      On motion duly made and carried the President was ordered to appoint a committee of three to secure the signatures of the land owners in the Collegeport Tract to a notice to the Ward Cattle Co. asking them to remove their cattle from the tract Messrs. Liggett, Kaufman and Miller.

      On motion duly made and carried the membership fee was fixed at fifty cents and the monthly dies at twenty five cents.

      The following paid the membership fee and became members: J. L. Woodward, R. L. Larkins, W. N. Moore, Theo. Smith, W. H. Travis, H. A. Clapp, K. H. Kahnt, I. W. House, L. E. Liggett, C. W. Woodward, H. N. Sholl, C. C. Brown, N. P. Knight, W. E. Mott, and T. E. Turner.

      Blanks were distributed to parents for the purpose of securing the names and ages of children of school age and the following were reported: Russel Vaughn, June, Laura and Florence Mott, Carey Knight, Ray Turner, Barbara Turner, Kenneth House, Leota Miller, Dwight Sholl, Carl Judin, John Pierce, Charles Elmer, Archie Larkin, Irvin Hale, Floyd Maples.

      There being no further business to come before the meeting on motion duly made and carried it adjourned to meet again on Friday evening the 7^th of May, 1909, at the store of W. C. Mott.

            H. N. Sholl, President.
            Attest: H. A. Clapp, Secretary.

      Such is the history of the birth of Collegeport Industrial League. It is not within the province of this article to tell what have been the achievements during the year or what is to be accomplished during the coming year for those matters will be taken up by others.

      If the reader will fix in his mind the fact that those mentioned as being present at the organization comprised with one exception every man living on the tract he will have a point with which to gauge the growth of the community during the last year.

The Collegeport Industrial League

       The atmosphere in Collegeport seems just at present to be surcharged with the Industrial League idea. Its recent achievement is securing an appropriation from Congress, its recent election and banquet, its contemplated club house with the discussion of plans, as well as other undertakings, seems to be putting other movements in the background. Hence the publishers of the Chronicle deemed it wise to give this hustling organization the entire front page, that the readers may see what is one reason, and not a small one, for Collegeport’s rapid advancement.

      A city depends largely upon the caliber of its citizens. Large cities today stand upon the least likely sites, because men had the vision and push to do the building, while many a more likely location affords a pleasant pasture because men did not appear to make the city. Collegeport’s future looks good to us because of its location. More than this, however, the forces behind nature, the men and women who have pledged themselves to her advancement industrially, socially and morally, give us reason for high hopes. This spirit has crystallized itself largely in the Collegeport Industrial League as evidenced by the record in these columns. The League has a fine field for work, a worthy aim and a superior group of men to do that work. There is no phase of civic life which will be foreign to their interest. There will be no nuisance that will not meet their commendation. We believe in the organization and we pledge our support to its officers. They are good men and true and capable of doing the work intrusted to them.

THE ANNUAL BANQUET

       Following the annual business meeting of the Industrial League came the banquet on Saturday evening, April 23d. The affair which was a success in every way, was held in the dining room of Hotel Collegeport. The people began to arrive early in the evening, both “the beauty and the chivalry,” and an hour of social chat in the parlors and upon the spacious porches formed a fitting introduction to the more formal program which was to follow.

      When the company went into the banquet hall the sight was one intended to inspire the most disconsolate. Decorated with wild flowers the room was very attractive, while the tables, loaded with a wide ....

      Arranged to augment if possible the appetite of the members and the ladies, who thronged the rooms, evincing once more the generosity of our genial host O. B. Kone and his companion Mrs. Kone, whose skill in catering on such occasions has made the hostelry so famous over many states. After partaking of the bountiful provision made, the re-elected secretary of the League, Mr. Harry Austin Clapp in a few well chosen and witty remarks introduced the president, Mr. Howard N. Sholl.

      After briefly expressing his appreciation of the honor conferred upon him Mr. Sholl proceded to call upon the speakers of the evening. The officers were first called upon. Mr. Clapp took for his theme “Co-operation” and pictured vividly the advantages of the farmers and townspeople standing together in forwarding the mutual interests of town and country. Prof. W. H. Travis was assigned the subject “The Pilkington Bayou: and in vivid mental flashlights threw upon the screen of our imaginations the possibilities of the “Old Slough.” Shops and warehouses and mills were made to throng this place of possibility, the execution of which the speaker declared rested with the ability of Collegeport people to see the vision as presented to him. Mr. L. E. Liggett, another of the directors very spicily suggested that he would by his _____ make room for others more accustomed to the art.

      Mr. Burton D. Hurd was next introduced, who has been given the theme, “Collegeport’s Industries,” and referring to other places with far less of natural advantages as examples of success as a result of determined spirit drew an optimistic picture of Collegeport’s industrial possibilities. A rice mill, sending the home product ____ over the world in sealed packages ______ packages of pure rice, homestly _____ and without parafine, direct from the Collegeport mills to the housewife, was the _____ vice that we go forward and do it and not be satisfied to talk about it. A syrup mill, to handle the cane, which is already one of the Collegeport staples, followed by a refinery, also a factory to manufacture oil from peanuts, home grown, instead of shipping them to France to return to us a pure imported olive oil, was another recommendation. Those listening were made to feel that great things were in line for the Industrial Leagues energies and great promise in store for Collegeport’s future. Judge Holman, of Bay City , followed with an explanation of the significance of the White Man’s Union , in addition to which he expressed his delight at being present at Collegeport’s social functions and optimistically submitted the name “Pilkington Ship Channel” in lieu of the old term “bayou.” The lateness of the hour necessitated cutting short the program of speaking, and Hon. H. P. Sicks on “Collegeport’s Future” and Mrs. N. P. Knight on “Collegeport’s History” were withdrawn from the evenings list of speakers.

      Great enthusiasm prevailed, and the verdict was unanimous that our city’s future in the hands of so live an organization as the Industrial League is not only safe, but bright.

      The following is the menu:

MENU

Baked Trout with Cream Sauce
Celery     Pickles
Slices Tomatoes     Spring Lettuce
Boiled Ham
Minced Chicken en Casserole
Potato Croquettes
Waldorf Salad
Ice Cream     Strawberries
Cake
Coffee

Click this link to see who attended the

April 23rd Industrial League Banquet.

THE ANNUAL ELECTION

 Officers Were Elected and Much Business Transacted.
A Large Attendance was Present.

The announcement that the election of League officers would take place on Friday evening, April 22^nd brought out a record attendance.

     Polls were open from 6:30 to 8:00 and after ascertaining that dues were paid Secretary Clapp produced the official ballot for the occasion. The vote for president and secretary was fairly solid for returning the old incumbents, but beyond this the slate seemed to be largely wanting. A large variety of names were nominated, showing that Collegeport Industrial League has plenty of men who are judge capable to fill the offices.

     After the tellers had counted the result and the smoke of battle had cleared away somewhat, the result was read as follows; President, H. N. Sholl, Vice-president, W. H. Travis; Secretary, H. A. Clapp; Treasurer, S. A. Darling; Fifth Director, L. E. Liggett.

     President Sholl then called the meeting to order for the transaction of regular business, when various committees reported. E. C. Van Ness reported on fire extinguishers, recommending the Babcock of various sizes. The committee on Club house reported variously, two plans being submitted, neither of which were adopted, the committee being given more time. Some discussion arose as to the location, the bay front, the city park and a central business location all having devotees.

     The committee on the incorporation of the town reported no progress, having completed the duties required of them at the last meeting. This committee was discharged and a committee consisting of Messrs. Clapp, Darling and Gaumer was appointed  to get out the petition and proceed with the election.

     The League voted to set aside the second and fourth Wednesday of each month as a regular half holiday, and Messrs. Leggett, Livers and Judin were appointed a committee to provide entertainment for those occasions.

     M. A. Travis reported progress in the matter of Collegeport’s first great anniversary celebration, May 25^th, promising a complete report at the next meeting of the League.

     Resolutions were passed thanking Mr. and Mrs. Kone for their hospitable generosity in entertaining the League so royally during the past year. The resolutions appear in another column of this issue.

THE WOMEN’S LEAGUE

      While the Industrial League seems to be on the high tide we must remember that it is an organization for men only.

THE LEAGUE CLUB HOUSE

           The Industrial League has recently incorporated and is now in a position to acquire and hold property. The first effort will be the erection of a club house as home for the members where meetings can be held, a pleasant social hour passed, where the officers may have desks, and where a center may be had for the various needs that arise for the progressive citizens of a growing town. Some plans were discussed at the last meeting, those submitted including wide porches, office rooms, auditorium and gymnasium. It is estimated that a building including all these can be erected for about $4000 and the club is possessed of the spirit to “arise and build.” Final plans for a home will be submitted at the next meeting where methods of raising money, location, and other matters connected with the undertaking will be freely discussed.

What the Industrial League Has Done for Collegeport and the Surrounding Country

      One of the most important things that was done was the appointment of a committee to see what could be done toward having the cattle taken off; this was not altogether done but it was greatly improved.

     The next good step was the putting in some bridges and culverts and the grading of roads.

     The arranging for a school for our children was one of the most important things and one that would please the public in general.

     The League at the present time is making necessary arrangements to incorporate the town under commission form of government.

     The League has at all times been working on matters that pertain to the betterment of Collegeport from a business standpoint.

     The anniversary of Collegeport has been set for May 25^th of each year. The League has taken an active part in making this one a day long to be remembered by all who attend. It is the aim of the Collegeport people to make all welcome to Collegeport and to consider it their future home.

     Pilkington Ship Channel has an important place among the Leaguers. The senate has ordered the survey done. This is certainly good news as this will add greatly to Collegeport in handling her future products.

     All are rejoicing over the fact that the League is arranging to build a club house one that would be a credit to a city of 10,000. To have things is to do things, and to do things means success.

     An important stand was taken by the League and its members in getting the railroad petitions and letters to have gone to the railroad officials from which a great deal has been accomplished. The railroad is now being built into Collegeport from Buckeye, a station on the main line of the Brownville.

     The League has appointed a committee to arrange to have an independent school district. Let the good work go on.

GOVERNMENT SURVEY
FOR TRESPALACIOS RIVER AND PILKINGTON BAYOU
 Another Trophy For the Collegeport Industrial League

     Last winter the Industrial League appointed a committee to urge upon the government a survey of our river and bayou with a view to deepening the same in places where bars impeded navigation. This committee, of which Prof. W. H. Travis was chosen chairman, corresponded with our senators and Congressman Burgess of this district, and received information that, tho late, an effort would be made to have the survey included in the Rivers and Harbours bill, before it came before the senate as it was too late to be acted upon by the house first. Fears were entertained that we might have to wait some time before anything could be done, but Wednesday of last week an associated press dispatch brought us the news through the Galveston News that the surveys were allowed. Following is the dispatch:

     Washington, April 19—The senate this afternoon passed the rivers and harbours bill, there being no ____ges in the Texas items from ____ committee amendments which ______yesterday, in addition to the items, the bill, as it passed both houses, provides for the following surveys for new projects in Texas:

     Old (Trinity) River, in Chambers County , with a view to securing increased depth.

     Pilkington Bayou.

     Tres Palacios River

     Aransas Pass and tributary waters, including channels to Corpus Christi, Rockport, Aransas Pass and to the mainland at any available point, with a view to determining the best location for a deep water harbour or port, this examination to be made by a board of five engineers to be appointed by the secretary of war.

     Sabine River , as far as practicable above Orange .

     Brazos River , with a view to preventing a cutoff at Jupiter cut.

     The Red River , from the moth of the Washita River to the mouth of the Big Washita River .

     This is a great achievement for our new city . In fact, it is rare that a town as new as ours receives recognition so soon. The amount necessary to be expended to make these channels navigable is so small that there is little doubt that the government will make the appropriation upon receiving the experts’ report.

     The meaning of such facilities is hard to realize in relation to Collegeport’s future. It means that Collegeport will be the natural meeting point of the railroad and the boat traffic for a large section. It means also that the river farmers all along the Tres Palacios river will find Collegeport the best shipping point, as they can barge their products down the river much cheaper than they can haul it to any other market.

RESOLUTIONS

Adopted by the Collegeport Industrial League.

     The following was moved by M. A. Travis and carried:

     Whereas; Hotel Collegeport has been so generously placed at the disposal of the League during the past year and,

     Whereas; our worthy friends Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Kone, the landlord and landlady, have taken a continual and unselfish interest in the comfort of the League seeking on every occasion to make the meetings successful and effective, even at considerable inconvenience and expense to themselves; be it

     Resolved; That the members of the Collegeport Industrial League assembled in annual conclave do hereby express our appreciation and gratitude for the many kindnesses shown, wishing them continued health and success in the work for which they are so admirably fitted, in the attainment of the high place which the hotel holds in the minds of the citizens and visitors, and be it further.

     Resolved; That one copy of these resolutions be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Kone and that another copy be furnished the Collegeport Chronicle for publication.  

IT WAS A MISTAKE.

 The Burton D. Hurd Land Co., wish to have state that the report that they had bought lumber from Bay city and made a saving of about $600 on a $1200 bill, was a mistake in figures. When the Bay City Lumber Co. figured the bill, they figured 18, 700 feet at 700 feet of 18 feet material, and as a result, the purchase of the bill in Bay City cost the Company $100 more than if it had been purchased in Collegeport.

              We are making this statement in justice of our local lumber yards.
 

You can save money by getting our price ------------building material.

--Jno. T. Price Lbr. Co.

Why eat high price meats, when you can get Fresh Dried Bologna Sausage for 15 cts. Per lb, or Bologna in oil or brine, and Vienna in oil for 15 cts. per lb. at Morris’.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 The Chronicle is authorized to announce the following for office subject to the action of the White Man’s Union Association at the primary election on Saturday, May 7^th, 1910 :

 
For County Judge
W. S. HOLMAN
(Re-election)
C. W. CARPENTER 

For Sheriff and Tax Collector
C. M. STEGER
AMOS LEE
(Re-election)

 
For County and District Clerk
W. C. LLOYD
GEORGE AUSTIN
(Re-election)

For County Treasurer
L. WALTER BROWN
A. S. COLLINS
(Re-election)

 
For Tax Assessor
EDGAR P. RUGELEY
W. C. WILLIAMS.
______ MOORE
(Re-election)

Copyright 2004 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs   All rights reserved

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