Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-05-21
village Improvement Societies.

Some villages are blessed (or cursetO with
so many different societies" aud "asso-
Citations" of one kind or another (Brlttle-
boro has about thirty y that to suggest the
formation of an additional one, even for the
promotion OF the most laudable and desira-
BILE ends, would be a matter of doubtful
utility; but in our smaller villages, espec-
tally, and in all those where everybOdy's
mind is not distracted and time absorbed
by the work of engineering and attending
the meetings of the "Society for the Intro
duclion of Toothpicks among the Hotten-
tots" or the secret conclaves of the "Grand
Council of Industrious Loafers," we are OF
the opinion that no movement could he
started that would pay better, ;esthetically,
morally, or financially, than the organiza-
ton OF societies for village improvement.
Our bright, cheerful Vermont villages
are much admired by strangers during the
summer months, and each one is regarded
with peculiar love and pride by the person
who there has his home. Beautiful as
these villages are however, no person who
knows them well doubts there being ample
room for improvement in them. There are
always number of public spirited indi-
viduals in a village, who would gladly lend
hand in its improvement, but they are
usually full of the cares of business
and public enterprises of various kinds,
and have little time to give to this sub
ject. II there were well organized socie-
ties for village improvement, these men
would give pocunilry aid, and valuable as .
sistance in the way Of suggestions. Every
village should have society of this kind
composed of men and women of sufficient
character TO make it permanent working
association. Children should be encourage
ed to join the society, as Il means of educa-
lion, and for the work they they could do
as "bird defenders" and in the care of the
playground.
A society in many places would have an
ample field for work in hygienic improve
ments-supplying pure water in album
dance, attending to drainage, pools and
marshes, etc. Cleanliness is next TO god
illness, and we believe that before the mil
lenium, in every village well conducted
clearinghouse will be established and used.
A village society could very properly taxi
| SuCh uHutE It's tuuIEts
In all our villages, streets, sidewalks, and
all sorts of hooks cry aloud for care. Nox-
iOus weeds should not be allowed 10 grow
| in the streets and waste places. In every
village there are points where a group OF
trees, with benches in their shade, would
| be pleasant resting place for those who
are out for breath Of air. Hardy creepers
climbing on the trunks of these trees Wonld
add greatly to the effect, and make these
| spots a rest to the spirit as well as the body.
| a village with a stream Of water flowing
| through it has delightful possibilities in the
way of shady walks and quiet resting
| places. The village green or playground
| should be made as attractive as possible.
There should be groups of trees and shrub
berry, benches, perhaps a fountain, certain
| ly climbing plants, and whole armies OF
birds, who should be well protected by
their defenders. Birds should receive the
| special care of the society, and their num-
Der be increased by every possible means.
| A ground for picnics not far from the viii
| lage, owned and cared for by the society
would he source of much pleasure. Open
air concerts by the village band should be
made one of the attractions of every village
large enough to sustain them. A society
could not do all tho work indicated in one
or two years, but if the society were q
growth, and not spasm, it could accom-
| plish all this and more in few years
Whatever provides healthful recreation
for a community helps TO improve its NOR.
ais, and every influence that can be brought
TO bear is necessary to stem the tide of inn
morality which threatens TO oyerwhelm us
Nothing should be deemed Of little conse.
quence that tends to Increase the peace and
| happiness of a community.