WG Hiett to Cary T. Grayson
Title
WG Hiett to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Hiett, WG
Identifier
WWP16649
Date
1930 February 3
Description
W. G. Hiett writes to Cary Grayson about the benefits of building a hospital near Arlington, Texas on Colonel Waggoner’s property.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My Dear Admiral
Our fellow townsman of Arlington, Dr. Valin R. Woodward, has just returned from the East, and having told Col. Waggoner and myself how very courteous you were to the Fort Worth Committee; and what a delightful dinner you gave them in your home etc., prompts me to write to you personally and tell you that Col. Waggoner and myself appreciate your hospitality to Dr. Woodward just as much as we know he did. Infact Admiral, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce asked me to accompany the Fort Worth Committee, since it seemed apparent to every one in Texas that Arlington was the ideal place for an NP Veteran’s Hospital. But it was impossible for me to go because Col Waggoner wanted me in Austin at the opening of the Special Session of the State Legislature. Then, Too, Dr. Woodward was the man to represent Arlington along with the Fort Worth Committee, since he has resided in Arlington a number of years, having formerly had charge of such an Institution located in Arlington, and perfectly familiar with facts as to why Arlington is the best place in Texas for an NP Hospital.
Since the Committee was not seeking information as to a definite site, of course, it was not necessary for Dr. Woodward to speak up for Arlington.
But to be perfectly frank with you, Admiral, aside from the fact that Arlington is the ideal place for the hospital, because of the beautiful site we have just across the railroad from Col Waggoner’s place. I submit the following brief facts: This site has a main gas line on two sides of the 120 acre tract, which is the finest soil, in Tarrant County and well drained. It is just outside the town of Arlington on the Electric Interurvan running from Dallas to Fort Worth and just half way between the two cities and is also on the Texas and Pacific Railway. There is the Bankhead Highway between Col Waggoner’s place and this piece of land. Then there is still another highway on the South side of the land. With very little expense, the sewage situation is solved, since our new and modern sewage disposal plant is located out in this direction and Arlington will gladly, without cost, allow the Hospital to connect onto this plant. Electric power passes on both the North and South side of this tract and the water is abundant and of the best Artesian. The City of Arlington will be glad to furnish this or Col Waggoner will be glad to; or the Government can have their own supply if this seems advisable and best. Our Municipal Golf Course would be just across the South highway from the site suggested, being located in our beautiful City Park, which also contains what is said to to be one of the best Open Air Swimming Pools in Texas. This pool is supplied with Artesian Water. All of this would be accessible to our Veterans.
I simply mention this, Admiral, for the purpose of picturing to you in a way how ideal this location is; and how well the natural surroundings and improvements are, that are already there. This will make for the best possible site in Tarrant County or Texas for an NP Hospital.
We know you are for Fort Worth, Admiral, and that is fine; we are too, you understand. That is why Dr. Woodward came along with the Committee. Dr. Woodward has told us confidentially what he thinks the situation is; that is, that Fort Worth is going to get it and WHY? He thinks he knows who the Key man is. That is why I am boring you with this long letter, and to impress upon you that we want you to “hip off” the man or committee that will come to Texas to look over the exact site or location; to take time to hear Arlington and allow us to show them what we have to offer. Absolutely, Admiral, we’ve got the rest backed off, and on this proposition alone, we feel confident.
But, Admiral, confidentially, here’s why Col. Waggoner and we Arlington folks want the Hospital. We believe with the Hospital Col Waggoner would be justified in expending another million for an ideal Hotel-Club in Arlington, since there would probably be a demand for such a place. We think the Hospital would be one of the best things that could happen to help public sentiment along in favor of the Racing situation at Arlington Downs, which in a large measure would be helpful to the Staff and Patients in such an institution as an NP Hospital. I do not think I need to write further; I think you know what we want, Admiral, and I want to express my personal appreciation right now, and beg you to know I am, with kindest regards,
Sincerely yours,
WG Hiett,
Mayor.
Our fellow townsman of Arlington, Dr. Valin R. Woodward, has just returned from the East, and having told Col. Waggoner and myself how very courteous you were to the Fort Worth Committee; and what a delightful dinner you gave them in your home etc., prompts me to write to you personally and tell you that Col. Waggoner and myself appreciate your hospitality to Dr. Woodward just as much as we know he did. Infact Admiral, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce asked me to accompany the Fort Worth Committee, since it seemed apparent to every one in Texas that Arlington was the ideal place for an NP Veteran’s Hospital. But it was impossible for me to go because Col Waggoner wanted me in Austin at the opening of the Special Session of the State Legislature. Then, Too, Dr. Woodward was the man to represent Arlington along with the Fort Worth Committee, since he has resided in Arlington a number of years, having formerly had charge of such an Institution located in Arlington, and perfectly familiar with facts as to why Arlington is the best place in Texas for an NP Hospital.
Since the Committee was not seeking information as to a definite site, of course, it was not necessary for Dr. Woodward to speak up for Arlington.
But to be perfectly frank with you, Admiral, aside from the fact that Arlington is the ideal place for the hospital, because of the beautiful site we have just across the railroad from Col Waggoner’s place. I submit the following brief facts: This site has a main gas line on two sides of the 120 acre tract, which is the finest soil, in Tarrant County and well drained. It is just outside the town of Arlington on the Electric Interurvan running from Dallas to Fort Worth and just half way between the two cities and is also on the Texas and Pacific Railway. There is the Bankhead Highway between Col Waggoner’s place and this piece of land. Then there is still another highway on the South side of the land. With very little expense, the sewage situation is solved, since our new and modern sewage disposal plant is located out in this direction and Arlington will gladly, without cost, allow the Hospital to connect onto this plant. Electric power passes on both the North and South side of this tract and the water is abundant and of the best Artesian. The City of Arlington will be glad to furnish this or Col Waggoner will be glad to; or the Government can have their own supply if this seems advisable and best. Our Municipal Golf Course would be just across the South highway from the site suggested, being located in our beautiful City Park, which also contains what is said to to be one of the best Open Air Swimming Pools in Texas. This pool is supplied with Artesian Water. All of this would be accessible to our Veterans.
I simply mention this, Admiral, for the purpose of picturing to you in a way how ideal this location is; and how well the natural surroundings and improvements are, that are already there. This will make for the best possible site in Tarrant County or Texas for an NP Hospital.
We know you are for Fort Worth, Admiral, and that is fine; we are too, you understand. That is why Dr. Woodward came along with the Committee. Dr. Woodward has told us confidentially what he thinks the situation is; that is, that Fort Worth is going to get it and WHY? He thinks he knows who the Key man is. That is why I am boring you with this long letter, and to impress upon you that we want you to “hip off” the man or committee that will come to Texas to look over the exact site or location; to take time to hear Arlington and allow us to show them what we have to offer. Absolutely, Admiral, we’ve got the rest backed off, and on this proposition alone, we feel confident.
But, Admiral, confidentially, here’s why Col. Waggoner and we Arlington folks want the Hospital. We believe with the Hospital Col Waggoner would be justified in expending another million for an ideal Hotel-Club in Arlington, since there would probably be a demand for such a place. We think the Hospital would be one of the best things that could happen to help public sentiment along in favor of the Racing situation at Arlington Downs, which in a large measure would be helpful to the Staff and Patients in such an institution as an NP Hospital. I do not think I need to write further; I think you know what we want, Admiral, and I want to express my personal appreciation right now, and beg you to know I am, with kindest regards,
Sincerely yours,
WG Hiett,
Mayor.
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Hiett, WG, “WG Hiett to Cary T. Grayson,” 1930 February 3, WWP16649, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.