Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 98, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 March 1919 — MEETING LARGELY ATTENDED [ARTICLE]

MEETING LARGELY ATTENDED

Jasper County Betterment Association Makes Auspicious Start.

The first annual meeting of the Jasper County Betterment association was 'held at the court house in this city Tuesday afternoon with a large crowd in attendance, consisting of representatives from all the various sections of the county. It was also remarkable to note the number of country people who were in attendance at this meeting, they making a better showing than the people of the city. Chairman Moses Leopold, who had been elected to that seat at the meeting held in February, presided over the meeting, after which Secretary P. H. Hauter made a full report of the work that had been accomplished by the Better Farming association. The chairmen of the various committees of the Jasper County Betterment association also made interesting reports and suggestions that were acceptable. Short addresses were also given by two representatives from the extension department of Purdue university. Articles of Incorporation were adopted and signed by 100 'men of t'he county who had paid the annual fee. A constitution was also adopted at this meeting and, as provided by the constitution of the organization, seven directors were elected/ They are, namely: From commissioners’ district No. 1, Joseph Kosta and M. J. Hohner; district No. 2, Edward Ranton and B. F. Fendig; district No. 3, John Kohloff and George Putt, and at large, George E. Murray.

The object of this organization -s to promote and take up all movements that tend to help or improve the conditions throughout the county,' and in such an organization much more can be accomplished by a large body of interested and enthusiastic workers than otherwise could be done without such an organization, as the interest and enthusiasm was very clearly demonstrated at the meeting. Much credit is also due the county agent in getting the farmers interested in the betterment movement, and through his efforts much good has been accomplished in organizing the farmers in various movements and who have heartily cooperated with him. The farmers alone will not only be benefited by this movement, but the business men and all others of the county will reap the benefits as well, and everyone should be interested by demonstrating the fact by sending Secretary Hauter the annual membership fee of SJ. At the close of the regular session the directors elected officers to serve ifor the ensuing year: President, Moses Leopold; vice president, Harvey Williams; secretary, P. H. Hauter, and treasurer, J. J. Hunt. Among the principal objects of the association is to take up the matter of united effort for a brick or concrete road north and south [through Jasper county,, and secure the state and national aid now possible. By co-operation we can no doubt accomplish this much-needed improvement, something The Democrat has been urging for the past two years or more.