Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-06-01
THE IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTRY
VTTTAGES

VILLAGES.
Village improvement societies were In
existence in this State many years ago,
aud in one village, at least, an organization
OF ladies accomplished good deal. AT
present we hear Of no society OF this kind
In Maine save in Brunswick. In Massa-
chusetts there are twenty-eight village i'm
provement societies, having membership
OF 495. The Laurel Hill Association,
located at Stockbridge, and now In its 9th
wear, is the parent of these societies. The
object of this association, as set forth in
their bylaws, is "to improve aud orna-
ment the streets and public grounds of
Stockbridge, by planting and cultivating
trees, cleaning and repairing the sidewalks,
and doing such other acts as shall tend TO
beautify and improve said streets aud
grounds" Its work Us been the subject
of many newspaper articles, and its exam
pie has been the incentive for the forma-
ton of many similar associations in difier-
ent parts OF the country. During Its ex-
istence IL has expended 81 900 in carrying
forward its work, planted more than lGoo
trees and hedges, and built miles Of side
walks, foot bridges, etc.
Instances of some of the work perform
ell by these societies are given, To show In
what directions their efforts have been en-
ployed In Williamstown hundred streets
have been put in order, trees planted, ana
village lighted. In Danvers the village
common has been fenced and many trees
planted. The society in Shelburn has
made sidewalks, planted trees, and lighted
the streets. In Longmeadow, tree culture
has been encouraged, borders cut and trim
med, and sidewalks repaired. In West
field street six rods wide and over three
miles long, has been laid out and lined with
trees. In Carlisle the cemetery has been
beautiied The Field and Garden Club
of Lexington has fenced many vacant lots.
In Stow $50 maple trees have been planted.
In Pepperell trees have been planted, lights
put up. and courses of lectures have been
delivered
The organization of these societies is
simple. rs il Is found that the less machn-
cry aud formaliiy to them the better they
do their work; and they cover, IL will be
seen. wide range of improvements from
improviu. the streets 20 Improving the
mind. There Is hardly town or village
in New England which does not need such
society. and we should be glad To hear
of their organization in this scctipu.-
B,ifIS' .i"HrRGl.
The Beifas; Journal is wrong in stat
ing that there Is but one such society in
Maine. There is u village Improvement
society in the village Of Paris Hill, which
has done good and useful work for nearly
three years. 1t has placed number of
lamps for lighting the streets, has balit a
large amount of sidewalks, has cleared
the roadsiles and common OF brush and
weeds, each season, and has been the
means Of cultiyating a village pride that
has led to many Improvements by indi-
yiduals who would otherwise have neg
lected such trifes. In addition it has
read the law to persons who had habitu-
ally allowed their stock 70 roam the
streets. so that this ofense l. now quite
uncommon, when before the village green
was a village pasture.
The funds necessary for prosecuting
this work have been obtained by means
of entertainments. and by membership
fees % cents per year. The public
entertainments have brought our people
together. and cultivated a spirit of socia-
bili;y and a sympathy Of interest which
is beneficial in any village. The Club
meetings have served to unite the men,
bers in a closer friendship, while they
have furnished many pleasant and profit
able hours to those in attendance. We
cannot too strongly urge upon the people
of our villages the Importance of such
organizations, nor the ACCESSIBILITY Of Sc
curing one and only one in each village.
\ centre of interest Is formed for all
undivided by political or religious asso-
cia,ions-while the improved appearance
Of the village will ever be a source OF
pride and satisfaction TO those who have
assisted in the good work.