In the vulgar parlance of the race trace it may be said that Humbird, Clark County, Wis. is just getting its "second 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 for the sad lack of enterprising citizens. This is not a hit 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, been 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 earning 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 has the opportunity been presented for a start in the right direction, but the power of reactionaries has been too great and the public weal has been sacrificed on their altar. With unlimited resources we have stagnated for the simple lack of exploitation.

To those who have had their eyes open the last few years it is 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 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 your wants in that direction, a fine lumberyard, a millinery store, meat market, flour store, blacksmith shop, wagon shop, harness maker, grain, stock and poultry dealers, a drugstore, 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 flower is well known in all the markets. If you have not already done so, make a tour through the mill when it is running under full blast and you will see one of the finest best kept small mills 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 an 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 year. Eight citizens of Humbird with the aid and cooperation of a couple of professional men from adjoining town, 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 good business.

A good opening is present her for a 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 pastureland 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.