The San Luis Potosí tract was the first property that attracted serious interest from the Greer County residents. They were thrilled by the chance to purchase a large tract of high quality land. The committee of Greer County men, who inspected the property, returned to Mangum and spread their excitement about the promising deal.

Recruiting Stockholders

The July 24 Mangum Sun-Monitor newspaper article generated significant interest in Mr. Blalock’s plan and the agricultural richness of the San Luis property. Curiosity also peaked as news spread by word of mouth throughout Greer County. As a result, fifty to sixty people attended a meeting for those interested in forming a colony in Mexico. The meeting was held at the Arbor on the square in Mangum on Saturday, August 23, 1902. At this meeting the participants elected a chairman, Mr. G. A. Fink of Navajoe, and a secretary, Mr. J. L. Sweet of Mangum. Mr. Blalock described the plan for the stock company, and the group who had inspected the San Luis Potosí property in southern Mexico described the country and its potential.[38]

During this meeting, many of the investors needed to implement the Blalock plan committed to join the business partnership. Some investors were interested in joining only if they could sell all their currently owned assets. According to a Mangum Sun-Monitor article on August 28, 1902, "Enough subscriptions were received to ensure at least partial development of the plan proposed."[39] Another meeting was scheduled for the following Saturday at the same location.

Some of the families that were seriously considering participating in the Blalock plan required further evaluation of the proposed San Luis property and the living conditions in Mexico. As a result, a second committee of men was formed for this purpose. The evaluation party's goal was to independently verify reports about the San Luis Potosí land and life in Mexico in order to answer questions and provide additional information to prospective investors.

The September 4, 1902, issue of the Mangum Star, reported that six prominent Greer County citizens, Mr. G. E. Blalock, Mr. W. T. Dotson, Mr. G. B. Townsend, Mr. W. R. Derr, Mr. Jim Cleary, and Mr. Young, had left Tuesday, September 2, 1902, "...to investigate advantages of Mr. Blalock's proposition to organize a colony of fifty families to move to Mexico and purchase a grant of land." The group spent about two weeks assessing the property. Since Mr. Blalock's option on the San Luis Potosí land would expire soon, it was critical that they quickly share their findings with those back in Greer County so the colonists could make a final decision on the purchase.