Litchfield enquirer., 1878-03-07
A Village Improvement Association
 What has been Done in Litehr 1, } k s field, Conn.

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 In several villages of New England, there have been established of late, what are known as Village Improvement Associations or Con- panies. These consist of a number of public spirited. energetic, and liberal people, both ladies and gentlemen 4who associate lhenl- selves under the operation of state law, which regulates the formation of joint stock companies without capital, for the pupose of improving the condition of the streets, side walks, crossings public squares, fences, shade trees, and other conveniences and adornments of the villages. Every resident of village knows how slowly reforms and improvements of this character are offered, and how difficult it is to induce some persons to see their inter- est in beautifying or improving, either their own or the public-property It is true, what 'siths bhsihess Of nobody in particular goes undone very easily, and that it is only by a great effort on the part of the more enterpris- ing and enthusiastic citizens, that the indo- fence, or inertia rather, of the majority is over come, and a course of improvement is set in action. The benefit accruing from the pre- cept and examples of these enterprising peo- pie, are very great indeed; cleanliness, neat ness, and order, are provocative of sobriety, industry, and thrift and these again, tend to- wards higher condition of morality. So that morality and comfort, as well as agreed ble appearance, if not elegance, result from the operation of these village improvement as- sociations. While they; are desirable every where, they are still more useful and effective in those places where a large portion of the summer business is, to entertain strangers from the large towns and cities. These people are greatly attracted by clean streats, smooth walks, green lawns, bright gardens, neat houses, and the certainty of general order and respect ability which these things indicate. Without distinguishing any one place in particular, there are many such villages as are referred to which at first sight put the stranger upon good terms with them while there are many which sadly need the reforming influence of an i'm provement soceity, for their own good and for the comfort of those who visit them. For the benefit of the latter we give some account of the operations of the Litchfeld Conn Village Improvement Company. What has been done will speak for itself, and may serve to fern a model for other villages to copy. Q
 This Association was formed in April, 1875, and consisted at first of about 100 members. The first season there was expended $2, 147. .78 in the ollowing manner: 10, 478 feet of con- crete sidewalk was laid; street crossings were made of stone, where foremerly there was deep mud in wet weather, and deep dust in dry weather seats were put up in the public parks wooden bridges, (culverts we suppose are meant), weremade rubbish was removed,' and railings were repaired 10 meet theBe expenses $1 ,412.29 was raised of this sum, $17 was from members fees; $714.08 from entertainments of various kinds $129. 83 from donations, and $391. 38 from repayments for sidewalks. A debt was thus left to be car ried over to the next season. The entertain tainments consisted of lectures, readings, and .,.Ix ally patronized. These, in themselves, were undoubtedly valuable aids to improvement, though not included in the original bill. In the winter of 1875-'76, walks were cleared of snow, and such shade trees as were broken or endangered by severe ice storm, were trimmed. $567. .59 was expended that winter. During the second year $2, 2,214.9 was expend- ed and the sum of $1 923. 69 was raised by similar methods to those already mentioned.
 Besides all this work, much was done by private individuals, in emulation of the Im- provement Company. Thus the example giv- en by the Association, has led to a general disposition to improve the condition of private property, and as nothing is more infectious than 3 taste for flowers, green lawns neatly kept foot paths, and fences, the desire to inn prove spreads beyond the village and the farmers outside begin very soon to adopt the
 
 far this may go when it is once started, and what an immense influence for good is exert ed far and wide. In beginning this improve ment it is the first step which is the most diff fcult, and this must be taken by one Aenerget- ic and experienced person. This was the case in the instance here referred to, but it was for tunate that his efforts were readily supported by others. It is to be hoped that this example may be copied in many villages, and although it may not always be possible to enlist so large a company of helpers, yet small beginning should not lead to Encouragement, as propor- tionate success may be achieved. The profits resulting from these improvements are faI greater than the original cost. Not only is there a direct value received for the money expended in the increased worth of the prop erty benefited, but there is, besides, not esti- mating the resulting comfort and satisfaction, a large extra value added. A we'll kept gar den, neat fences and gates, land shade trees, add to village lot- or farm, many times theil cost, so that no more profitable outlay than this can be made.-Anae''tcGn AgrtcuItarist
 The Rev. J. l.. Lyoussof Jacksonville, Fla, hes received a letter from parties in the Turk ish empire, who, weary of Turkish tyranny and oppression, desire to emigrate to the Unit ed States. They are from the ancient city o1 Damaseus They represent that they have ( few thousand dollars in gold, and several thou sands in Turkish consols, which, however, they
 consider worthless. The want to come tt Florida, as the climate is similar to that O their own native land. They inquire abou the cost of land, expense of the voyage, tn, probability of securing home, etc.