constructive cooperation. A special committee of Stin Antonio business men was appointed to examine and report on the finances and management so we could transmit to the people an independent report. This committee submitted a preliminary audit to the St. Augustine meeting. The completed report down to June 1, 1929 is shown herewith.
Before actually closing our work we have tried to put things in as healthy a condition as possible so that others can go on with the work . The following is a partial statement:
. TRAVELOGS. A new edition of the travelog has just been distributed over the country. 98,000 travelogs have been published during our management. This is the cheapest and most useful medium for information that can be planned.
PUBLICITY. The extensive publicity secured is proven by the scrapbook of national magazine and feature articles and general newspaper clippings, and the letters from editors, writers, schools, students and libraries. We have kept at headquarters for these inquiries data concerning the construction works, the old history story, the description of the country, and a collection of photographs. The value of this national publicity cannot be estimated. National publicity in 1928 went out to over 50,000,000 readers. A check-up showed that one illustrated article, if carried as paid advertising, would have cost $12,600.00.
Historical Signing. Color designs of the historical signing have been printed and are on distribution. These signing designs are the result of international research and were developed by an international artist. They were indorsed as authentic by the Spanish delegate at St. Augustine.
Beautification Work. The women’s department has had its annual election. The beautification work has passed through five years of pioneering. It is laid today on sure foundations and is progressing steadily. The historical signing is also directed by this department.
Motorcade to California. The motorcade to St. Augustine aroused many enthusiasms; now a motorcade to San Diego in October is planned. October is convenient vacation time. It also is a good time to spread news articles through the North.
Among the motorcade plans are special publicity cars, an airplane for advance work during the motorcade, special baggage and repair cars, a slow schedule and meetings at key cities and towns along the way. Florida promises 100 cars. Cooperation is offered from other sections. The Florida leaders have been given a wealth of information and have been put in touch with the leaders across the continent. Southern California promises the hospitality of their various organizations. One San Diego leader writes: “You are laying the foundation for one of the most momentous movements to benefit all the South.”
Convention. The St. Augustine meeting adjourned to a time and place to be selected after further consultation. No city has yet fully agreed to assume the responsibility for building up a representative convention. Houston and other cities have been asked. Some leaders believe the motorcade is needed first so the people may become better informed on conditions and better acquainted with one another. A well represented convention is desirable but a meeting that passes resolutions that are not fulfilled by the people back home does harm.
The Old Spanish Trail project was organized at Mobile, December 10-11, 1915 and directed by Mobile until 1919. July 25, 1919 San Antonio was entrusted with the work. In 1922 the Washington work was done that established the Old Spanish Trail as of national importance and inaugurated the great construction program. The Old Spanish Trail was made a United States Highway for all its mileage and given primary consideration. The tens of millions of dollars that have gone into construction since 1922 have rapidly carried this trunk line to the front in travel comfort.
This we feel concludes our work except for calling the convention when the time and place are satisfactorily agreed upon. We pay tribute to the highway officials, engineers, contractors and the OST members for the great works achieved.
S. H. PECK, President, Mobile, Alabama. San Antonio Executive Board Kenneth Wimer, Chairman.
Harral Ayres, Managing Director.
Leon N. Walthall, Treasurer.
Percy Tyrrell, Werner N. Beckmann.
San Antonio, Texas, June 1, 1929