Source: North Manchester Journal, September 23, 1909

GROVE SALE IS CONFIRMED
Company May be Formed to Plat Harter Field.

The sale of the Harter field and grove in the north part of town to a party of ten local business men, mention of which transaction was made in the Journal a few weeks ago, was consummated in court at Wabash last week. The sale of this piece of land comprising something near fifty acres was made by U.R. Howenstine, who is the assignee of Jacob and Joseph B. Harter and holds their property in trust for their creditors. The price agreed upon was $10,000. Of this sum $6,666.66 is to be paid into the hands of Mr. Howenstine and the balance of $3,333.34 goes to the wives of the Harters as their right under the law entitling them one-third of their husband's estates. The deal having been made satisfactory the assignee's end of it was approved in court and now nothing remains but to make the formal transfers and payments.

It is the intention of the gentlemen purchasing the land to plat the field part of it as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made and place the lots on the market. This tract will no doubt be laid out in conformity with the platted ground adjoining and will make a number of good building lots within a very reasonable distance from the business part of town. As for the grove part of the land it is said to be the intention of the purchasers to hold it until such a time as the town may feel the necessity for a park and decides to purchase one. There is no suitable park ground anywhere near town as conveniently located for the purpose as this tract and should the people decide to have a public park, a better place probably could not be found. It is stated also that in case the grove is sold to the city the company does not expect to realize any particular profit from it but have rather taken the view of public benefactors. In fact it is more their intention to assist in the general up building and growth of the town than to make a money making scheme out of their purchase and whatever profit they realize will come mostly from the field portion of the land.

The following men compose the company: Dr. G.L. Shoemaker, Dr. D. Ginther, J.W. Domer, Ben Oppenheim, S.S. Gump, J.H. Bonner & Sons, John Isenbarger, Charles Wright, J.C.F. Martin, George Burdge. As yet their plans are not fully made, but is quite likely a stock company will be incorporated as the best manner of handling the business. The purchase having just been made they are not ready to commit themselves as to the future operations. In a general way it will be their plan to place the lots on the market so that they may be easily bought and readily built upon. The town needs more dwelling houses and this seems to be a good opening to get them.