News: Humbird (Industries - 23 Dec 1905)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

----Source: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 12/23/1905

In the vulgar parlance of the race trace it may be said that Humbird is just getting its "econd wind."  The new era of prosperity that has dawned on our village is far more substantial and healthful than the first.

With the best of railroad facilities, with miles of the best farming country on either side, our town has stagnated for years and the sad lack of enterprising citizens.  This is not a bit at any of the class, but men who have made their pile in the first rush cannot be expected to continue with the same ardor for more.  It is our hope that the last few years have seen this need supplied.  The result justifies the belief.  Hundreds of dollars are now spent here where a few years ago there was but one.

Intended by Nature to be one of the greatest dairying sections in this part of the state, yet this industry has until a short time since, be woefully neglected.  At present we have a large cheese factory and creamery, while another large factory is tributary to us and under the same management.  Thousands of dollars are paid to the farmers for the products of their dairies alone in the course of the season.  A market has been founded for the sale of potatoes and all kinds of grain, and no longer are the vendors compelled to travel miles to spend the earnings of their sales.

The "big, busy bargain days" that of old attracted so many from far and near to other towns, have fallen flat upon this part of the country, for we now have them right at home.

Humbird has been made to suffer through the shortsightedness of its citizens.  Many years ago when the railway was built from Merrillan to Neillsville, Humbird could have had the junction for the asking, but the ultra-conservative policy of the powers that were vetoed that project.  Merrillan secured the branch and has enjoyed the fruits of it.  Again and again had the opportunity been presented for a start in the right direction but the power of the reactionaries has been too great and the public weal has been sacrificed on their altar.  With unlimited resources we have stagnated for the simple lace of exploitation.

To those who have had their eyes open the last few years it is a evident that this period has come to a close and an era of progress and prosperity has opened.  In addition to the industries mentioned above we now have two large general stores which are able and willing to supply the farmers with what they need and at the lowest prices, a bank, two hardware stores, a new hotel, an up to date livery and dray line, a furniture store that is capable of taking care of you wants in that direction, a fine lumber yard, a millinery store, meat market, flour store, blacksmith shop, harness maker, grain, stock and poultry dealers, a drug store, barber shop, photograph gallery, and last but not least, a newspaper.

Another industry, and one of the leading ones, is the Humbird Roller Mills, whose specialty of buckwheat flour is well-known in all of the markets.  If you have not already done son, make a tour through the mill when it is running under full blast, and you will see one of the finest and best kept small mils in the country.

Five years ago the man who had the hardihood to predict these things would come to pass would have been laughed at, but now they are accepted fact and excite no comment.

Armed with these weapons of progress, the advantages Humbird has to offer to those seeking a location for business or the farmer seeking market and a trading place, are obvious.

The number of patrons of the creamery and cheese factories , drawn from territory tributary to other towns speaks for the service rendered by these industries, while the amount of money paid monthly to those patrons speaks for the enterprise and ability of their managers.  If they would but acknowledge it we believe our competitors have sadly felt the effect of Humbird’s reawakening.

Insensibly, almost, the town itself has taken on an appearance of prosperity suitable to its state.  A new brick block, cement walks and street lamps now add dignity to the streets.  New occupations capable of yielding a livelihood to families have sprung up with the rest and lend an appearance of solidity to our progress.

During the last year we have come to the front with a life insurance association that promise to be second to none in a few years.  Eight citizens of Humbird, with the aid and cooperation of a couple of professional men from adjoining towns, have succeeded after long and arduous labor, in organizing an assessment insurance association modeled after the cooperative fire insurance  companies.  Office rooms have been fitted up in the brick block and the association is already conducting a good business.  A good opening is presented here for the hustler in almost any occupation.  Real estate, insurance, and professional men can go father and fare much worse.  Businessmen with money will find safe investment and promising prospects for future business.

Farmers desiring to locate will find all the advantages to be offered elsewhere.  Good schools, good markets, and above all good soil.  Thousands of acres of good pasture land still remains to be taken up within easy reach of town.  To develop this requires hard work and earnest endeavor, but a man looking for a home does not count these things and one will go a long way before finding better conditions than may be found here.

The greatest need we have at present is village incorporation, but until the people desire it, this cannot be realized, owing to erroneous representation the majority of the villagers oppose the measure at present.