Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 216, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1917 — RENSSELAER ON PROPOSED LINE [ARTICLE]

RENSSELAER ON PROPOSED LINE

MAY CONSTRUCT INTERURBAN FROM INDIANAPOLIS TO CHICAGO. Editor Charles S. Preston, of Monticello, is very enthusiastic over the prospect of the construction of an interurban line from Indianapolis to Chicago, and a branch extending from Monticello to Ft. Wayne. Mr. Preston’s paper, the Monticello Herald, has the following in the issue of September 27th: “A representative of a company seeking to establish interurban lines through Monticello was here Tuesday add Wednesday investigating routes, power and other local conditions relating to the road. The representative was especially interested in the water power offered by the Tippecanoe river. If the road is built, it is intended to make use of all available water power and it is thought that the Tippecanoe river will furnsih enough to supply the road.

“The representative was John A. Shafer, an engineer to whom Monticello and the Tippecanoe river are not unfamiliar. Mr. Shafer lived in this city about 17 years ago, at that time being engaged in the insurance business, and has several relatives here. . He has long dreamed of the establishment of an interurban line from Indianapolis to Chicago with Monticello as its chief juction point, « branch going from here to Winama£, Plymouth, South Bend and Ft. Wayne. Mr. Shafer desires to operate the road wholly with water power. He has succeeded in interesting a large amount of eastern capital in the proposition. Already a large amount of money has been spent in investigations, which shows that the men back of the proposition mean business. - ~ ~

“While here Mr, Shafer made an observation trip to the various points where the water power sites, known as the McCain sites, are located. He went to Norway, Oakdale and Springboro and while, he did not express himself definitely as to whether or not he was satisfied with the water power offered, he did not conceal the fact that he was very sanguine as to the possibilities. Mr. Shafer also investigated the drainage basin of the Tippecanoe and obtained all the information he could concerning the water power. “The proposition deserves the complete co-operation and support of local people. The development of the various power sites above mentioned will mean much to Monticello. t’he present company is in a position to go forward at once with the work, and from all information available, seems to be thoroughly reliable. Mr. Shafer was well pleased with his visit here.”