Climate, soil, altitude and resources combine to make it one of the most productive spots in the fertile valley, while work being done within the city by a progressive set of business men is pushing it rapidly toward the front.

Thirty-eight hundred feet above the level of the sea, short hot days with the long cool evenings are experienced in summer, while, lying snuggly in the North Platte valley it has considerable protection during the winter months.

The valley, eleven miles in width, is under seven irrigation projects, the government Highline and Lowline, the Alliance, the Tri-State, Bayard Short Line and Chimney Rock. But one of these, the Chimney Rock project, lies south of the North Platte river.

Founded thirty-one years ago, following the taking of the tract as a homestead, on which now is located the sugar factory, the city of Bayard experienced little growth until five years ago. In 1916, there were less than 500 people in the place, but, in 1917, with the erection of the factory, the work was started on Webster avenue and within that time and this that street represents thousands of dollars in improvements and presents the appearance of a larger city with its two-story modern and fireproof business houses, constructed for the most part of fire brick.

Sixty-four businesses are represented at the present time, among them being three banks with combined resources of $1,303,263.20.

Extensive civic improvements have been made in that period. A $78,000 water system started in 1916, and extended in 1919. draws its supply from a well near the city. The water is pure and the system is fed by underground springs.