SPEED 'EM UP SECTION
AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER PRINTS THE NEWS THE DAY IT HAPPENS
VOLUME XV
LA GRANDE, OREGON. SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1916.
NUMBER
312
SUBSCRIPTION
L'l6P0UCIES
MOTOaCLUB HAS UNIQUE BACK
ING THAT SPELLS CO- .
OPERATION
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
MEETING HEARTY SUPPORT
Nothing in Way of Subscription Ac
cepted Thim Far, Membership Car
rying With it Admission to Vari
ous Meets During the Summer
Months Whole Scheme Seems Per
manent. j j j j
4.
-J. OFFICERS AND COMMIT-
4- TEES FOR 1916
Officers
W. A. Rhodes, President
Chase Bohnenkamp Viee-Pres.
Ernest E. Vehrs, Sect.
Harlcy H. Richardson, Treas.
Race Manager
Roscoe Neal
Referee
Jay Van Buren
Advertising
Fred B. Currey
Entertainment
Harley H. Richardson
Herbert Browning
Members hip
Ernest E. Vehrs
Guss Levy
Tracy Hollister
J. G. Snodgruss
W. H. Router
Finance
P. A. Foley
Chase Bohnenkamp
E. 1). Selder
A. Daniels
Harris French
Races
Roscoe Neal
Chase Bohnenkamp
G. A. Frosdick
4-4-4-4-4-
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4 P. A. Foley
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Tt is doubtful if any association in
Union county, or in Eastern Oregon,
boasts of the many members that does
the La Grande Motor club. And, too.
it lays claim to another distinction
that not a cent of money has been
subscribed for construction of the
track, posting of purses, building of a
4,000-seat bleacher, which is now un
der way, and in full prosecution of
the big event. With Chase Bohnen
ltamp, vice-president of the club, a
committee set about it to carry out
the policy of the association this year
not to ask a single cent of money
in a subscription way to carry the
meets over the season. Instead of this,
there was adopted a policy which
spells co-operation with capital let
ters. Every automobile owner is ask
ed to pity $5.00 for season tickets
which entitles admission to all race
meets of the year. The same price
.and privileges are provided for non
auto owners by the payment of $2.50.
In this way it will bo possible to "get
by" without asking for guarantee
moneys from merchants of La Grande.
The membership is open to anyone
who "wants to join, and the club is
rapidly becoming the sponsor of motor
activities of all kinds in the county.
It is not a motorcycle club but a
Motor club open to anyone but es
pecially to the man or woman who
owns some sort of a motor-driven ve
hicle. 'Membership is rapidly growing and
is not confined to La Grande alone but
to Union county and to all who wish
to join. The scheme is going big and
after various plans have' been tried
out in previous years, the one this
year is most pleasing of all and it is
more than likely that hereafter there
will be no further changes in policy
or location of the race track both
seem so firmly established as to be
tiro nou need O. K.
It seems that several of the peo
ple taking season tickets, especially
those taking a car space have gained
the impression that this ticket would
give admittance at the gate for the
car and a'l "tiding in it. The Club
wishes to correct this idea. All tick
ets sold are sold only to person vhnse
raiiie appears thereon and they are
not transferable.
If John Smith ha.s purchased a $."i.fi!)
ticket, he is entitled to attend nil race
meets this year and have free car
spnre. bat those who enter the grounds
with him must pay the admission at
the pale for that particular mo?t.
Speed .-.Cm Up Program Will Bring
Gream
of
T HE La Grande Motor club will hold its fourth annual
motor meet on the date of July 22 and 2:i, 1916,
the meet to consist of two days'. racing for. motor
cycles and for $1000 in .cash prizes. All races will
be held upon the one and one-half mile speed-way which is
now completed and is 80 feet in width. The track consists
of a quarter mile straightaway on each side and a one-half
mile curve at eadh end thus making a total length of one
and one-half miles.
This is the second track or speedway of its nature to be
constructed in the Pacific Northwest there being only
T.wn am nt TWnmn Wash flip nhpi jit T:i flrnwip. HlllS
speedway is situated four miles east of La Grande upon
the McKemion farm and covers an area of 100 acres, j
Here the character of the soil is fortunately well adapted j
Viit Vi n. i-ti A- i nil f i lion n n unrwl Wil 1 iwi 11 cr f f t i 1l t ill fi' .
that the ground packs firmly and affords a surface similar
to that of a hard surface pavement.
The land is sub-irrigated by a ditch on two sides of the
field, thus almost entirely eliminating dust and it is prob
able that this feature will prevent the necessity of ever
having to oil the surface which is rapidly becoming hard
and dustless. A very small amount of sprinkling upon the
surface of the track just before five meet will hold the dust
down for a number of days, owing to the sub-irrigation.
Before the date set for the big Speed. 'Ein Up feature
there will be constructed a grand stand with a seating
capacity of approximately 5000 which together with re
served car parking space along side the track, will afford
seats for all desiring same.
The reserved car spaces will be 7 feet in width and will
be numbered, reserved, and placed on sale so that parties
desiring may secure their space in advance and depend up
on hiivino- n trood location riirht at tJlwj side of the track,
; where they may sit in their
Wallowa Lake Soon
i4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
14- 4
, 4 SPEED'EM UP SONG 41
i' Portland has its official song f
4 for the Kose Carnival, .why not 4"
4 we have a song for our Speed 4
1 4 'Em. Up, which, is gaining such 4
I an enviable reputation? 4
4 With this idea in view J. David
4 Haines has been asked to com-
b Pose something that will 'be in
4 keening with the spirit of the 4
' event, and who has consented to -J '
! do SO. The music promises to 4
be snappy and fast and will have 4 counties, will be one of the greatest
4 a chorus that most everyone can 4 ! features of the entire western coun
4 sing, and when . you hear the 4 try.
! band Iplay it, do not hesitate to 4 One has but to analyze the many re
,4 join in the chorus, helping to 4 markable features in the region pro
. 4 make "The Speed 'Em Up" a 4 posed for park reservation when he
huge success. 4 will come to a realization that few
' 4 4" national attractions can excel tiie one.
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 great stretch of country that lies im
England's "War Widows" are
! ing" Homes
'Pool-
i uimion, June n. rooting jiumes highwavs and no tourist, who is used
fi3 being resorted to by many women to negotiating long trips need hesitate
i whose husbands have gone to the war for a moment about taking up the
front, as a means of living with some route from La Grande to Joseph. The
j degree of comfort despite the general celebrated Wallowa hill is not the bug
I heavy reduction in incomes. ' j bear to auto drivers that many would
1 More and more of it is likely as mlake believe. It is in fact one of the
fresh groups of married men are called great assets of the trip. Its beauty
; to the colors. i
i A sample instance the details of .
.which have been published illustrates a number of ;a?s' swelling the
t I t , tin i - ,, l
tha. nurfom
I The combination was affected by
three sisters, all Londoners.
Of the trio, two had two children
each; the third, three. .
Their husbands' incomes had
amounted to about S50 weekly, each.!
Their war allowances were about
$10 weekly to each of the mothers with
two children; a trifle more to the one
with three.
On $10 weekly each, it was obvious
that these three households, maintain
ed separately, would have to give up
evervthing but the barest necessaries
of life.
Instead of doing this, they "pooled"
resources, moved into the country,
where living is considerably cheaper
than in London and arc living com
fortably, though economically, the
combined family being rather lar:
on the $30 weekly. .
Advocates of the "pooling" system
suggests that, as in this case, com
binations be formed by groups of rel
niives nr old friends, for the purpose
of reducing the possibilities of internal tically gone into disuse. The tiew le
frietion. 'sign was selected with the hope of fe
lt is agreed that the exercise of a storing it to more general circulation,
good deal of tact and self-control are j it was indicated. Under the new coin
called for, in any event, hut these have :tige. each piece will be c f different de
been developed to remarkable extent i s ign.
in England by the war. I The h:-!f-doilor and d-me nv!cls
In some groups, of which most eon-1 were mate by A'iolnh A. Weinm.'.ii.
Ut of two or three families, the work i mid the quarter-dollar by Herman A.
has lieen systematically divided, one
woman acting as nurse, another car-
for the housekeeping and a third,
Naboh
machine and view every race.
FAMED LAKE
Besides carrying the euphonious
name Wallowa National Park, which
is now being promoted by the pecjple
of Ijj OrnndA and Union And Wnllown
mediately bexore our eyes-
The benefits to be derived by the
automobile tourist are many. At pres
ent the roads into Wallowa Lake are
ilk p-ooH sls most of the cross-countrv
. . ... .
I joint income 'by outside worK.
" good nny women with targe
! houses, which they could not keep up
arone in we jjreauwuuitro w iw,
j taking in the wives and children of
.other soldiers.
I he "pool" affected in this way pre-
serves at least one establishment and
saves several other families from the
dreariness of cheap hotels or boarding
houses.
The experiment is proving so great
an economy that some authorities on
domestic science believe it will con
tinue to a considerable extent, in a
more or less modified form, even af
ter the war.
New Money To Be Minted
Washington. May 30. Dimes, quar-
e . ters and half-dollars of new design
McAdoo announced today. For the first
time since 1801 a change will be effec
ted in these pieces. The announcement
1 disclosed that the half-dolVar had pro
M:-cNeil. Both are sculptors of r.oi-.
The face of the n ::w hulf-d jl'ar 1m a
full longhi of Libert;-, wilh a back-
mis
s Motorcyclists
The ground is perfectly level, and the machines are in
view contantly.
On the .first day, Julv 22, the feature race will consist
of the "Northwestern Grand Prix." Tliis will be a 50
mile race for riders residing in Washington, Idaho and
Oregon, and the winner of tlhlis race will receive the title
of Northwestern Champion together with his portion of
the .$1200 purse. This great race will be held the last thing
during the day afer there has been run a five-mile race
for local riders, a 10-mile race for Northwestern riders,
trials for track record open to all comers. It is certain
that the feature contest on tfris day will afford a class of
conqietitiotm for the-northwestern supremacy, such its
was never witnessed before by this sdction of the country.
The Second Day
The second, day will be featured by the Ear Western
Grand Prix, a 100-mile race open and free for all in which
will compete the world's greatest ridel's representing the
Eastern factories, in Chicago,- Milwaukee, Springfield,
Mass., etc. Together with tllnesc great Eastern -riders
and champions will be seen the best men upon the Pacific
coast. The far western grand prix will be the last, race of
the day before' which will.be run a five-mile race for local
riders, a 10-mile race open to all corners, a. mile race open
to all comers and' the finals in. the trials for track records.
The La Grande speedway is attracting wide attention
throughout the United States and queries are being re
ceived continually from the Eastern sections which fore
cast for this year the greatest event of this nature ever
staged upon the Pacific Coast. At this time it is too
early to give the names of just who the riders for the big
Speed 'Em Up event will be, but it is positive that the
three big factories the Indian, the Excelsior, and the
Harley Davidson will all have their best teams, of speed
merchants to represent them and their interests.
Be Mecca For Auto And Motor Fans
FUNS W
A PARK GROWING
is never appreciated until one takes
the trip and sees below ribbons of
road lapping back and forth around
the mountain. Then comes the can
yon road which is very desirablo and
one that is appreciated by everyone.
Following the road out of the canyon's
m.i.ll. mo antaw imnn 4 1.. -fll-flla Wu!. '
Iowa valley where the riches of the
county are (piled up each year and ag
riculture in its most pronounced form
is pursued.
The automobile and motor cycle
dealers of Washington and Oregon
should never sell a machine, a tire
or a gallon of gasoline without ask
ing the customer if he has ever been j
to Wallowa Lake. If he has not di-
rections should be given as to how
the elesired resting ' place may be
reached. Try this a while and see '
what ai difference will -be felt in the ,
tourist pulse as he reaches Ia Grande.
For, instead of pushing forward on
the main highway he will invariubly
want to take the trip to the Lake.
ground of the American flag fly
to the breeze. The Goddess is striding
forward to the dawn of a new day
carrying laurel and oak branches
symbolic of civil and military glory,
perched high on a mountain craig,
folded. Growing from a rift in the
rock is a young rift in the mountain
pine, symbolic of America.
The design of the quarter is intend
ed to typify the awakening of the
country to its own protection. It is
shown stepping toward the country's
gateway bearing upraised a shield
from which the covering Is being
drawn .The right hand hears an olive
branch of peace. Above the head is the
word, "Liberty" and below the feet
"1916". The reverse bears a figure
of an eagle in full flight, wings ex
tended, and the inscriptions "United
States of America" and "E Pluribus
' Unum."
I Both the half-dollar and the quarter
ilear the inscription "In God We Trust"
I The design of the dime is simple.
1 Liberty with a winged cap is shown on
I the fore side ?.nd on the reverse is a
design of a bundle of rods and a bat-il!e-ax,
symbolic of unity, wherein lies
thhc nation's strength."
One way to make friend.? koop
.our ;wvice to you' self.
More men can remember the num
ber of fish they enutrht. last Sund-ay
! than the text of the mjrmon they
! heard.
j
4
J- BIG CIRCULATION TONIGHT
This evening's edition of the
Observer, containing definite de
seri&rtitMl not only the coming
Chautauqua, but the Speed 'Em
Up as well, will probably he as
widely read as any Observer edi
tion in past history. Motor fac
tories throughout the United
States,- riders in all parts of the
country, amd friends and ac
quaintances in the four corners
of the United States, will be
reading the news contained here
in before the issue is a week old
V V
a vj ;
Staid London Paper Prints Unusual
Prediction of War's End June 17
London, March 81. An English
army officer was starting for the front
lust year. He called at his bank to
settle up certain affairs before de
parting. "You'll be back soon with a wounded
hand," said the bank manager. He
was.
His wound healed, the officer made
ready to go back to the front. Meet
ing the bank manager, he inquired:
Any more predictions :
"You'll be gone longer this time,"
said the manager, "and when you do
return, it will 'lie quite a bad leg
wound."
This also happened. The officer
was much surprised. Hunting up the
banker, he inquired: "Since you
know so much, why can't you tell me
when the war will end V
"It will end," said the manager, "on
June 17, 1910, but I shan't live to see
it. I'll just about live until New
Year's day and not much more." He
died Jan. 2.
Special Train to Brownsville
Iiebanon, Or., June M. A special
truin is being run through this city
for two days from Albany to Browns
ville by the Southern Pacific com
pany for the accommodation of those
attending the Linn county pioneers'
picnic today and tomorrow.
Mdrrill Votes Water Bonds
Merrill. Or.. June 14. At a speciu
election held here yesterday, the
electors nmended the city charter
authorizing a bond issue of SoUUU
ofr the purpose of installing a water
system for fire protection.
Fined for Trespass of Cattle
Contraliu, Wash.. June 11. O. J.
Loves, George W. Robinson and John
Hopper, all of Pryad, were arrested
Monday on the complaint of the
Northern Pacific that they allowed
their cattle to trespass on the -railroad
right-of-way. The mun . were
fined.
KACE VISITORS
IN GREAT GOBS
ENTERTAINMENT AT NIGHT OF
BIG SHOW WELL DE
VELOPKD EAJtLY
MARDI GRASUKELY
TO BE RELEGATED
Jitney Dances in All Dance Halls of
the City Is Newest Scheme for En
tertainment Saturday night Giant
Smoker for Visitors and Member
Friday Night Is Talked of.
Entertainment for the hundrcdE of
visitors to lLa Grande during the two-
day Speed 'Em Up events in La
Granile this year, is now being draft- ,
eu and elaborate plans are entertnin- :
ed. While too earlv to definitely fore
cast what the nature of the fun will
be, it is alpparently certain that there
will not be a Mardi Gras, or street
daiice, a method of amusement which
meets with vigorous opposition from
many, and the committees on enter
tainment feel that it is best to ameli-
orate this sentiment. Consequently
they are looking elsewhere for amuse
ment. A jitney -round robin dance is
probable, though definite announce
ment will be made in this regard in
due time. Many of the committees
propose -to gain the promise , of ull -dance
hulls in the city to co-operate
with jitney dances, that the hundreds
of visitors in the city may go from
one to the other, dance for a nickel
one time or as many times in each
place as they desire. This would give
ull an opportunity to get on a dance
floor somewhere. Just which night
of the two nights this should be re- .
mains to be determined but probab
ly Saturday.
Luncheon the Night Before .
Some of the committee are talkini?
of as informal buffet luncheon and
smoker in which local talent, and prob
ably some outside performers as well,
appear in wrestling bouts and- boxing
matches for the entertainment of visi
tors. It is suggested that this par
ticular affair have a buffet .luncheon
where each guest helps himself to a
sandwich and hot coffee, and top off
with a good cigar. This, it is sug
gested, should, be open to all visitors
from out of town free, and as far as
the home-gunrd is concerned, mem
bers of the Motor Club alone should
have access. Riders, however, would
be special honor guests, and anybody
whose home is not in La Grande
would bo as welcome as the flowers
in May. In this way some big com
modious hall would no doubt bo filled
to 'capacity on the first night. Thus
the Friilay night smoker would get
everybody acquainted and work up en
thusiasm for the Saturday opening
fair would be a big topper-off for visi
tors and all citizens in general who
could celebrate the night between the
two programs with great gusto. The
main races would end the 1916 cele
bration.
Everyone agrees that it is quite
necessary amusement be provided at
night, and the Observer feels fully
justified in saying that when the fans
ifi-om far and near come to attend
the big show they will have amusement
galore, during the hours there is no en
tertainment at the track.
Transportation looked After
It is likewise too early to positive
ly outline the means of transportation
but al who see the races must pass
through the gate and the club will
not lose as heavily on tree spectators
as they did last year. The facilities
will be first-class, as the roads are
good at the big ovul and as two roads"
reach it. outgoing travel can go one
wav and returning the other so there
will be no useless or inconvenient
passing of auomobiles to and fro.
HiAvever. these are minor affairs that
will be duty adjusted before Refereo
Van Huron calls the racers to the
track.
Pacific Coast Tennis Championship
Del Monte. Cal., June 17. Will
.Thnsn?i. Maurice Mclough'in, Mrs.
May Sutton Bundy and other nation
ally famous tennis experts started
play today in the annual Pieific Coast
championships here. One of tho
features was a sectional junior eham
niimtliin events, ooen only to lads un
der twentv years of age. The winners
in this division will play in tho na
tional tournament at Forest Hills, be-;
filming Att rust 31.