2/25/2014:
If you look at an old-enough photograph of the main blocks of any town in North Dakota, you will notice a common thread – the roads were not paved.
On this date in 1913, Mandan residents were investigating what it would take to pave their Main Street. There was more to contemplate than might be suspected. They had to consider what type of paving should be used, the cost of the paving, the effect of the North Dakota climate, and the amount of sidewalk needed.
Due to the "rather unsatisfactory results in the colder climate,” they decided not to use asphalt. However, bitulithic pavement was a possibility. It was made through a "hot mix" asphalt paving material and process, typically containing about 6 percent "bituminious cement" and graded aggregate proportioned for low air voids. This was supposed to produce a more "fluid" binder than that used for sheet asphalt. The process was patented in 1903. Moreover, reports were that Fargo had used this type, for $1.80 per yard.
Mandan figured that it would have to pave curb to curb, rather than "narrow up" their main street, which they considered. They estimated the cost per block to be around five thousand dollars, using an estimated cost of $2.20 per yard.
By that August, Mandan's Main Street was torn up with the now-familiar summer sight of road construction. Cement crossings were being put into all of Mandan's side streets (with each section of cement requiring four horses to pull it into place). Curbs were put wherever the majority of property owners petitioned for it, and ornamental street lighting was installed. With all the commotion going on, Oscar Olson, who just concluded his duties as sheriff, was appointed as a special policeman to, quite literally, watch the street(s).
The Bismarck Tribune and Mandan Pioneer both reported that Mandan's Main Street looked like it had been hit by a cyclone, in its preparation for the incoming pavement. However, "practically everyone" was pleased at the prospect of the paved streets, which assuredly would beautify the city. The Mandan Pioneer stated, “While we are fixing up, let’s do it right.”
Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker
Sources:
The Mandan Pioneer (weekly), Friday, March 7, 1913; August 22, 1913
The Bismarck Tribune, August 22, 1913
http://www.asphaltwa.com/2010/10/18/welcome-asphalt-pavement-history/