Free realty a possible reality
In my high school history class, we learned about programs where land was given away for free; the only stipulations were the people receiving the real estate had to cultivate it and live on it for a certain amount of time.
I thought, “Wow, that’s a little crazy! I wish that when I get old enough, I could have free land too.”
When I got a little older, I began to think this so-called free land was unattainable in present-day life. However, I was proven wrong when I recently read a news story from the KETV 7 Web site about Marne, Iowa.
This little town of 150 was looking to add to their population, and apparently thought giving away land is the best way to do it. However, there is a stipulation that comes along with the land: owners are required to build a house on the land and must meet the minimum standard building code for the homes.
How can a town afford to buy lots just to give away to the public? Mayor of Marne Randy Baxterbought allocated several lots with his own funds. I can’t help but think he is either rich or very devoted to the town. In the article, Baxter said he would appreciate being reimbursed, but didn’t care if he actually gets any money back.
This offer sounds too good to be true. Free lots for anyone — local residents or not — in a safe, small town atmosphere sounds like something you’d only find in the 1800s.
Local residents also praise the town and confirm the story. I then wonder why there isn’t a land rush for Iowa reminiscent of the Oklahoma Sooners in 1889.
Maybe people just aren’t very excited by the thought of moving to a small town in southwestern Iowa. If only this notion would migrate to the states of North Dakota and Minnesota. I’m waiting for both governors to look at Marne and proclaim, “Hey! They might have something there!”
With North Dakota’s declining population in the western half, it couldn’t hurt to try. Whether one agrees with this, you can’t help but marvel at the generosity of such a kind mayor — who is interested only in the well being and longevity of his town — or chuckle at the thought that some of the old-time lifestyle can show up in modern society.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum