Searching for Good Cheap Land

In February of 1902, Mr. Blalock, and his friend, Mr. Wesley S. Ricks a forty-year-old farmer, also from Greer County, ventured into Mexico searching for real estate opportunities.[13] Mr. Ricks had been corresponding “for some time with parties in Mexico” and had learned, “...that American farmers were encouraged by the then government of Mexico to emigrate…”[14]

Mexican government officials took notice of their presence and activities. Mr. Blalock remembered that when he was scouting for property he had the opportunity to meet then President Porfirio Díaz. Blalock recalled, "While I was in Mexico City I met President Díaz, though casually; but he knew of me and my business in Mexico."[15] Mr. Blalock wrote, "[I]...put in eight months traveling looking around,”[16] and he and Mr. Ricks discovered a land full of promise and hope for a better life.

While on their trip, Mr. Blalock came to the realization that land in Mexico offered a unique opportunity for men of meager means to improve their condition.[17] The land was rich and the price was low compared to land in Oklahoma. This was just what they were hoping to find.

Report and Early Plan

Mr. Blalock and Mr. Ricks returned to Mangum, during the first week of July 1902. Mr. Blalock reported that farms in Mexico produced, "...the finest cotton and the largest crops per acre of the world".[18] He also announced plans to sell his holdings, in Greer County and move to Mexico. He hoped to entice fifty families to pool their resources to buy a large tract of property and move with him. Mr. Ricks was already interested and actively promoting the plan.[19]

Mr. Blalock explained that when they collectively purchased land, each participant would be allotted 200 acres of good agricultural land. They would, "...either hold the balance in common, or in a stock company or sell it to persons who want to become members of the colony".[20] Mr. Blalock added that, "...the balance of stock would be disposed of by a board of directors selected for the purpose, prorating proceeds among stockholders."[21]

The Mangum Sun-Monitor's headline of July 10, 1902, labeled Blalock's idea a "big scheme." This characterization did not impede Mr. Blalock since he was not one easily cowed. He received