706–712 Commerce Building,
Des Moines, Iowa.
Gentlemen,
We take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th inst., and sincerely appreciate the interest which you have shown in our association. We must find a permanent location for our Chautauqua, and believe that we have found lots which will be satisfactory, especially since they are in a really pleasant locality, convenient to the college. Since it will be necessary to investigate this business opportunity immediately, we are referring the matter to a committee and we feel the analysis of the situation will be complete. The committee to which this matter is referred will probably recommend giving a mortgage but quite certainly will receive advice on this point from representative citizens. The money to carry on the investigation is in the First National Bank, the certificate of deposit being in the hands of the treasurer of the association.
If possible the members of the association would like to issue the bulletin which contains the course by the beginning of the season, whether the matter of permanent grounds is thoroughly investigated, or not. Experience has taught us, too, that the bulletins are received with more enthusiasm at an early date.
The truly awful accident of last year in which two people were killed when the tent fell will have its influence on our present campaign for a permanent building.
Kindly give this matter your attention at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully yours,
Henry Jones.