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Steamboat Springs — From the Thursday, May 22, 1958, edition of The Steamboat Pilot:

A highway budget calling for the expenditure of $83,781,177 was signed Saturday by Gov. McNichols.

The record-breaking budget covers the period from July 1, 1958, to June 30, 1959. Final touches on the budget were placed the preceding Monday. Homer L. Bash is the member of the highway commission from this district.

This area fares well in the new budget. Of principal importance is the $2,600,000 for completing the Rabbit Ears Pass rebuilding from the end of the present project to the first top.

Hospitality conference stresses need for courtesy

Ed C. Johnson, former governor and U.S. senator, gave a forceful speech before a large group of Chamber members from Northwestern Colorado yesterday at the Harbor Hotel, urging the entire group to "see that our old customers come back" by extending them every courtesy possible.

Johnson said the $50 million in tourist revenue lost to Colorado in 1957 represented many times that amount in "velocity." He explained he meant the speed with which the money would change hands in a short time if available.

The big ex-governor said he was greatly disturbed by Colorado's drop from 10th to 27th place in the United States as far as spending for the tourist promotion.

He said the downtrend, if continued, might find our state at the bottom of the heap in the highly competitive field of attracting the tourist's dollars.

Johnson emphasized the need of gas station attendants, waitresses in hotels and diners, and all people connected with the business of serving people to make the stranger feel a welcome guest.

"I am positive the stranger will return if he is left with a warm spot in his heart through the courteous treatment he received while visiting."

He called for the unselfish courtesy of sending somebody to a locality where his interest will best be served, rather than selling him something he did not need in the first place.

"We've got a big storeroom filled with wonders in Colorado," he said. "Let's use it fully."

Indian travelers greatly pleased after accident

Five travelers, originally from India, were surprised and pleased at the splendid hospitality received here when they became involved in an accident Saturday.

The accident happened about 3 p.m. when the driver of a 1956 automobile, Raghu Nandan Mekta, 39, presently of Baltimore, failed to negotiate a curve at the junction of U.S. Highway 40 and Colorado Highway 131.

The car went off the road into the borrow pit and hit a guide wire leading to a power line pole, splitting the pole and causing an hour's power failure.

State Patrolman John Wright, who investigated the accident, estimated damages to the car at $500. The travelers were shaken, but apparently unhurt.

The men traveling in the car are doctors who are touring the United States.

Charged with reckless driving, Mekta was fined $10 and costs by Justice of the Peace H.E. Combs, who then suspended the fine and the costs.

The group stayed at the Juanita Motel until Monday, traded cars with Homer Bash, the Buick-Chevrolet dealer here, and continued south on their journey to Baltimore, impressed by the kindness and the courtesy of the many people who gave them help.