Where it all started, Laying The Ground Work

Laying the ground work. ​Originally there was interest from people around Stanford to organize a district. Some meetings were held, but not quite enough interest developed to continue plans. Then, interest in a soil conservation district began to develop in Washington township.

A meeting was called at the Consolidated school in Washington township, with 22 farmers and wives attending. Mr. R.O. Cole from the state committee attended and discussed that this is an educational way of doing things and he told the people in attendance what they might expect from a soil conservation district if one was formed.
At this meeting the question was asked, “Well what are we going to do now? If we leave this meeting tonight and nothing is done, what are we going to do?”

It was stated that this program is the program of the people of Monroe County. So Walter Rogers, County Agent appointed Mr. A.A. Ulmet chairman of a formation committee, because A.A. had been one of the first to speak about the formation of a soil conservation district. Other members of that committee included: Russell Whiley, Hilt Hite, Fred Brown and Herschel Cowden.

This committee met from time to time and at the first meeting each member was given a petition to secure signers. Each member got out and met with neighbors and community members as the law required 25 signers. The committee secured 37 signatures and the petition was sent to Mr. Cole to present to the state committee.

The state committee suggested that more territory be included. More petitions were taken out and the committee went into other regions of the county. In total there were 117 to 125 signers across the county.
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The petition was again presented to the state committee and the committee suggested that the hearing be called.