until it was in fine condition, ditches deepened and even a good deal done in the way of surfacing with native gravel where it was nearby; while in some other places, many loads of dross from turpentine stills had been used for surfacing. Too much credit cannot be given these people for their enterprise, which deserved all the favorable comment it received. They set an example which other communities might well emulate.
At the beautiful home of Mrs. Banning a sumptuous lunch was expeditiously served to the party numbering somewhere from 75 to 100. After lunch the second leg of the trip was entered on, which carried the party to Robcrtsdale, where the trunk line highway was taken and followed through Summerdalc to the thriving town of Foley, with its wonderful agricultural development surrounding. Here there were more “cats” served in Foley’s fine Progressive Club hall. The ground yet to be covered and connect with boat back to Mobile at Fair-hope, prevented such a stay at Foley, as many would have been glad to make, and the third leg of the trip was entered on, which carried the party by Silverhill into Fairhope. FAIRHOPE.
The Woman’s Council, of Fairhope, had further refreshments waiting.
As vhe refreshments were about concluded, Col. T. H. Mollon, insisted that Mr. Gaston tell the visitors of Fairhope, but Mr. Gaston, feeling that Fairhope had been given good opportunity to speak for herself preferred to let the visitors be heard and introduced President Holmes, of Daphne who made a few felicitous remarks. He then introduced Hon. John Craft,
acting president of the Highway Commission, .the “Father of Good Roads in Alabama, and everybody’s friend. Mr. Craft paid his compliments to Baldwin county and to Fairhope and its pioneers. At Mr. Gaston s request lie then introduced others of the visitors, Major A. E. Lodcr, U. S. district highway engineer, Mr. F. J. Cramp-ton, Senator O. T. Smith, Senator J. B. Espey, Professor Callcn, of Auburn, Marvin Pierce and J. O. Batson, all members of the Commission, as well as State Engineer, W. S. Keller, and Mr. S. M. Williams, of the Mississippi Valley Association, all of whom expressed themselves in most complimentary terms of what they had seen on their trip through the county and the splendid cooperative spirit of its people. Mayor Crawford of Mobile, spoke happily and said he was sure he voiced the feeling of all in saying it “was the end of a perfect day”.
BACK TO MOBILE.
The visitors were then taken to the pierhead at Fairhope and delivered to the Manatee which had been held over until seven o’clock for the convenience of the party, and departed for Mobile.
Beside the members of the Highway Commission, Mr. Lodcr and Mr. Williams, Harral B. Ayres, director of the Old Spanish Trail Assn., and one of those entitled to much credit for the great success of the Mobile meeting; Mr. Zolezzi, secretary of the Mobile Automobile Club, Mr. H. H. Wcfcl and others made the trip. Mayor Crawford of Mobile drove one of the cars over the route and assisted in taking care of the visitors. It is impossible to give deserved mention to all.
MARCH 30th, 1922.
The bridge engineers of the State of Alabama have been ordered to Mobile Bay for the surveys.
Press Wood Primini Co., Mobile, Ala.