Publisher’s Note: The following article, published in the June 18, 1909 edition of The News Messenger highlights what today, would be considered a radical and controversial proposal: springing forward two hours instead of one on May 1. A portion of this article will be featured in the new book: “The Sesquicentennial: Cultivating 150 Years of History in Marshall and Lyon County.” Books can be ordered for $44.95 by calling The Independent or filling out the form included in an advertisement in today’s paper.

(June 18) — If, on May 1st of each year, the standard of time throughout the United States was advanced two hours, so what is now five o’clock became seven o’clock, etc., and changed back to our present standard Oct. 1, it would add greatly to the health, comfort, and pleasure of all, through the summer, without necessitating any change as to daily habits, or create any more confusion than if a western man went to some point east, having a time one or two hours faster than to which he was accustomed, but would give two hours additional light for recreation and health-giving exercise, and the use of two of the coolest and best hours of the day for labor. Americans, in this manner, would obtain what those in England greatly enjoy today, namely, two additional hours of light.

This would leave the same number of hours for business and sleep as now, and would give two better hours for the day’s work, and two additional hours of daylight to the evening hours, which today are too short to be of much benefit to those living any considerable distance from their place of business, and, as the hours after business are the only portion of the week day devoted to pleasure and exercise the lengthening of same would be appreciated by all.

Nothing is more conducive to health than outdoor exercise, such as ball, tennis, golf, boating, bathing, gardening, etc., so why not readjust the hours devoted to business, sleep, and pleasure to the benefit of all?

As elderly persons and children are given to early rising, the breakfast hour will become more regular, and many annoyances of today will be avoided, and, during the heated term, it should prove of special benefit to the school children.

As a rule, nearly every proposed rule, law, or custom works a positive injury or hardship to many who club together and bring about much opposition; this delays and discourages those Interested in its passage, but in this case, as no property is destroyed or depreciated, no one can be opposing it, and it is one of the few changes that could benefit all citizens of every state the same, and not call for the expenditure of money by the government, state, or people.

To be beneficial and not confusing it is necessary the law or custom become universal throughout the country. It has no political significance, so all may lend their aid. Talk it up. See that your friends thoroughly understand it. Remember millions in England, for centuries, have been accustomed to exactly these same hours and benefits. If you do not need these additional hours for recreation yourself aid in obtaining it for those who do.