The Caddo Herald
January 2, 1914
Caddo Gets National Highway
The directors of the Oklahoma, Texas and Gulf Highway Association held an (can’t read) in Ardmore last Friday night. The meeting was an enthusiastic one and the highway was extended to Newton, Kansas. The Association was divided into three divisions with three vice presidents. The Texas division extends from Red River to Dallas, the Oklahoma division extends from Red River to the Canadian River; the Kansas-Oklahoma division extends from Purcell to Newton. These divisions will hold separate meetings and will give their attention to their division.
Secretary-Treasurer Ward tendered his resignation which was accepted with regret. I. J. Milburn of Pauls Valley was elected secretary and W. N. King of Denison was elected treasurer. Directors present were: Alfred Hare, Oklahoma City; Tom Carey, Norman; W. G. Blanchard, Purcell; J. R. McCheney, Pauls Valley; F. F. Gafford, Sulphur; C. W. Herd, Milburn; C. O. Johnson, Durant; E. H. Hughes, Denison; Dr. Wm. Vessey, VanAlstyne.
With regard to the proposed change in the route from Durant to Nida, so as to come by Caddo and Kenefick, the following resolution was passed:
That the following route be adopted:
(There is a big black spot on this microfilm) To Durant, and leaving Durant follow the route logged by the Denison Auto club to a point one mile north of the intersection of range and township lines six miles north of Durant, trend (can’t read) three miles, northward 1-4 (____) one mile, northward to (___) Johnston county line. (___) of the progressive (__) in the matter by the (___) of Caddo and Kenefick…we resolved that they straighten the road from Caddo to Armstrong, remove the stumps and put in the necessary culverts and brides between Caddo and Nida and put the road in good condition as per standards of the Association’s requirements, that the American Automobile Association be requested to log this route also and publish it in the National Guide book at the expense of the Oklahoma, Texas and Gulf Highway Association.
Thus it will be seen that Caddo has won her right for the road to come by here. It means that two roads will be built, but it also means that the Caddo (____) the most largely used because it will accommodate more people.
The building of the highway will start just as soon as the weather will permit the roads to be worked. Engineer J. E. Davis is already at work on plans and they will in every way be up to the specifications of the Association.
While the fever is on us, however, Caddo folks do not intend to stop at this one road. There is another National Highway coming down the line of the Katy railway, and it will join this one at Caddo, going to Denison, thus to accomplish our part of the newer road we will have only to build a few miles north.
But we do not propose to stop here. Caddo proposes to do more than her part toward building the road from every direction into Caddo, so that all may benefit by good roads. The recent heavy and continued rains have made the people realize the necessity of good roads. Almost every citizen is now an enthusiast for good roads, and just as soon as they can they will put in some effective licks on all the roads.
The building of this highway means a new era of road building in this part of the state. Eventually the highways will be macadamized, thus the importance of being on the ground floor is realized.
Many citizens of Durant have been made to see the real commercial value of the road’s coming by Caddo. They know that every additional mile of good roads in Bryan county means so much more business for them; they realize that a good road from Durant to Caddo will be a benefit not only to Caddo, but to Durant and to everyone else living near the line. There is no doubt but that the people of Durant and who live along the route will build the road to Blue River because it means business to them. A good road from here to Durant will permit many people to make the trip who otherwise would have to stay home.
Caddo to get this road has agreed to do certain things, and she must ‘make good” on her promises; therefore when the finance committee calls on you for help, be liberal, be pleasant, and don’t delay- time is valuable.
Road Meeting to be Held January 10
A meeting of the Caddo Good Roads Association was held at the church house Monday night, and certain men who had signified their willingness to serve as road overseers for the various roads around Caddo were recommended for appointment to the county commissioners.
There being no money in the county treasure for this purpose, the Association will take care of the salaries of the overseer should they desire any- some have agreed to work without pay for the good of the country.
Just as soon as possible the citizens will be warned out to work the several roads. On the extra large work the Association will lend its aid to the overseers.
A monster good roads meeting will be held in Caddo the night of Saturday, January 10th, at which time it is hoped that every man who can possibly get here will be present, for it is important for the work on the new highway to begin at once. The finance committee is now at work securing pledges both for money and of work.
Be sure to come to Caddo Saturday January 10th. It will be worth your time. The highway is not the only road that we are interested in – Caddo wants to see all of the roads built and maintained.
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