good deal of it having been damaged by the first frost. No market at Collins as yet for new corn.
Supervisor A. Hale is having the pond east of John Mead's drained, preparatory to making the road passable, which is a long needed work.
C. Mead is having a lot of tile draining done on his land, that being the leading question among the farmers of Collins. They expect Collins to be the foremost township in the county for farming, as soon as it is properly tiled. There is talk of putting up machinery next summer for making the tile. It will pay for there will be a great deal done next year.
Collins Township has been redistricted by the school board and another sub-district, created, making ten in place of nine. The town of Collins is now No. 10. As there is no school house in No. 10, it will be necessary for the board to rent until such time as a house can be built. There is now about forty scholars in the new district. The school board are in earnest and are determined to give every child a chance for education. Success to them.—(Nov. 29, 1882.)
The town of Collins was laid out as a town February, 1882.
The snow blockade is over, and trains are again on time. Collins was without mail for nearly a week. Business has been rather slow as the farmers could scarcely reach town.—(Jan. 31, 1883.)
Charles Mead shipped six car-loads of fat cattle from Collins Monday. They are said to be the best lot ever shipped front Collins Township.
C. W. Mead and R. Misskimons shipped one car-load of cattle and one of hogs Wednesday.
J. W. Ozmun shelled corn last week to be ready for shipment when the market favors.
Collins has a literary society. It meets every Friday evening in the school-house; and on those occasions the building is always full to overflowing. Success to the new enterprise.
The Collins house keeps up its former reputation; and Mr. Dodd, the landlord, spares no pains to make his guests happy. He also runs a livery stable in connection with the hotel.
The report is current that the C. M. & St. Paul railroad company have everything in readiness, and will build a branch road from Collins to Des Moines early next summer.
Farmers all busy plowing corn. Reports from all points say the corn prospect is better than at this time last year. Small grain and grass never looked better. We have every reason to be thankful.—(July 11, 1883.)