Publisher’s Note: The following article, published in the Oct. 30, 1931 edition of The News Messenger reports on the opening of a recently paved Highway 14. A portion of this article will be featured in the new book: “The Sesquicentennial: Cultivating 150 Years of History in Marshall and Lyon County.” Books can be ordered for $44.95 by calling The Independent or filling out the form included in an advertisement in today’s paper.

(Oct. 30) — In a celebration attended by approximately 10,000 persons, the new paving and bridge on Trunk Highway No. 14 were officially opened and dedicated here last Friday with appropriate ceremonies. Beautiful October weather prevailed as a colorful parade, with nearly every town in this territory taking part, passed along Main and Second streets to open the celebration. Continual rounds of applause ran up and down the long lines of spectators as bands, drum corps, floats, and marching units swung by.

The opening of the paving signalized the early completion of a continuous strip of concrete between Marshall and the Twin Cities. The only portion of this route now unsurfaced, a distance of 28 miles, is scheduled for paving next year.

State officials and speakers viewed the parade from a reviewing stand at the north end of the new bridge at the City Park. Another portion of the bridge was reserved for the mayors and city councils of towns taking part in the celebration.

Representing the state were C. M. Babcock, state highway commissioner; W. D Stewart, game and fish commissioner; and Gunnar B. Bjornson, state tax commissioner.

Mr. Babcock, after expressing his gratitude to the gathering for their cooperation with the highway department in threshing out the problem of the new road’s location, proceeded to set at rest what he termed, “rumors the state highway department program results in high taxes.”

“Every penny spent on our Minnesota highway system is derived from federal aid funds, motor vehicle license taxes, or gasoline taxes,” he declared. “This road program is designed to benefit automobile users, and we feel this method of financing our work places the finance burden exactly where it belongs-upon the persons who use our roads.”

Mr. Stewart, in bringing the gathering the congratulations of his department, emphasized the close relation between the work of the state game and fish commission and the highway department in furthering Minnesota’s reputation a tourist center.

Senator Emil Regnier brought greetings from Governor Floyd B. Olson, who had been called to Chicago and could not attend. He also paid high tribute to the firm of Anderson and Sons of Minneapolis, builders of the paving, for the fine cooperation they have shown in employing as much local labor as possible.

Edward F. Flynn, assistant to the general counsel of the Great Northern Railway, traced the early history of this territory and told of the important part the railroads played in its development. “We need optimists and pessimists today,” he declared. “We are living in the finest country in the world, and though there isn’t much money right now, we are still far better off than the people of any other country.

C. A. Cushman, general manager of Swift and Company, and also vice president of the St. Paul Association, said the celebration was a demonstration not only of pride in the paving and bridge, but evidence of good citizenship. Swift and Company took an important part in it, he said, because they wanted to be good citizens.

Congressman Frank Clague welcomed residents of Lyon County into the second congressional district which he serves. He expressed the belief Congress and the government would do everything possible to right present conditions of stress.

W.W. Cook, president of the Marshall Civic and Commerce association, presided at the program and introduced the speakers. The Lyon County board of commissioners was introduced from the stand, and also

The mayors and city councils of Marshall, Minneota, Ghent, Montevideo, Granite Falls, Redwood Falls, Tracy, Tyler, Lake Benton, Canby, Milroy, Ivanhoe, and Cottonwood. The mayors spoke briefly through the microphone as each was introduced, and Chairman R. A. Mitchell responded for the county board.

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