"Seventeen years have rolled away
Since on one golden summer day
This town was started on the very lands
Where farmer boys, with browned hands,
In former days had planted corn,
And milked their cows at early morn.
But waving grain, o'er hill and dale,
At last gave way for the iron rail.
The years passed on, and settlers came
By prairie schooner and railway train.
They built a town and now point with pride
To schools and churches, side by side.
They prospered well, for churches four,
Point their spires toward the pearly door;
And two school houses, one large-one small,
Dispense their knowledge free to all.
There is also a large Germania Hall
For theaters, operas and public ball.
Two railroads, the best in the state,
Send in their trains, both early and late.
A mill manufacturing the finest grade
Of flour and meal that ever was made.
Two weekly papers dispense the news,
Each setting forth their political views;
One English-one German, with valuable skill,
Record events, sifting the good from the ill.
And the Manning papers are right up to date.
As reliable as any within our great state.
Of legal lights we boast of five;
And doctors six keep us alive.
Thus enterprising men have made,
This place a busy mart of trade,
Where all our wants may be supplied,
And everybody satisfied. "