The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-01-12
Village Improvement.

We note with much satisfaction the
growing desire to adorn and beautifv
homes and villages. 1t is II good sign
of the times that this desire to combine
beauty with utility in the architecture
of houses, the laying out of grounds
and the cultivation of flowers increases
SO rapidly. And with this goes de-
sire to remove unsightly objects from
houses and grounds and streets. We
hope this spirit will spread all over the
land, and we ere sure it will result in
great good.
1t is not necessary to have much
money to begin with. 1t is necessary
to begin to think upon this matter.
First thought, then the creation Of a
strong public sentiment in favor of i'm
provement, with intelligent ideas of
what ought to be done and then the
money will be cheerfully given, gratu-
itous work done and decided improve
ments brought about. What followsp
Home becomes more attractive
place within and without. Unsightlv
objects vanish. Good roads and side
walks and better fences enhance the
neat and pleasant appearance of the
village.
The village gets name for Eeatness
and beauty, for noble trees, lovely
flowers and green sward. The value
of property increases Men and women
become neater in their attire and take
better care of their children. Pub
lie buildings lose that dismal, neglect
ed look too often seen. The morals of
the people improve. They have begun
to think, and one thought leads to an
other. Improvement in one direction
leads to improvement in many direc-
tons. A moral reformation follows
Kindly fellow-feeling replaces the cold
isolation of former times. Meeting each
other face to face, uniting in common
work in village improvements, breaks
down old partition walls, gives pleas
anter themes for discussion and rouses
a real brotherly interest all through the
community.
Now, dear reader, these results are
worthy of attainment, and they lie
within your reach. But they will not
come without thought and work, some
trials, more discouragements and not a
few defeats. Still the ends are so i'm
portant as to warrant all the outlay of
thought, time, strength and patience.
Begin at once. Organize a society If
you cannot get more than two mem
bers to start with. Others will fall into
line. Lay your plans through the win
ter, and hold stated meetings (say once
in four weeks) to discuss the various
subjects which will more particularly
engage your efforts as spring comes on.
Here are a few of the topics which ii
will be well to consider: The planting
OF trees. and where to place them in
your village, rs also the preference to
be given to this or that kind. Shall we
set out oaks, elms, NAPLES, evergreens
or fruit trees in this place or that?
Fences, gates, walls and hedges might
well be discussed. Then take up the
sanitary condition of the village, and
the subject of lights, of wells, and
water for public uses to supply the
needs of man and beast, and in case of
fire. Also streets, and how to improve
their appearance, should be discussed;
cemeteries, and their improvements;
and nuisances, and how to abate them.
Having discussed these subjects dur
ing the winter, and having aroused
public interest and obtained some
money, 90 to workin the spring in real
earnest. How different the village will
look when that unsightly dead tree is
removed, or that tumble-down out
building; old rags taken out of win
dows and newpanes of glass put in; the
lawn carefully mown; trees set out by
the roadside, and flowers and ivies
around the homes; sidewalk repaired;
new walls and fences put up; a fresh
coat of paiut on this building or that;
the old pond-hole drained off; the neg
lected cemetery repaired and beautifed;
trees set out around the school house;
a good pump in the old well, or
fountain erected; lamps on the com
mon, and the spirit of Improvement all
abroad in the village and working revo-
buttons in doors and out; also in dress,
manners and morals.
You cannot do all this at once. but
begin. Do not be discouraged, but
keep on. Others will help you. The
crustiest neighbor will sooner or later
fall into line. Pride in the appearance
of the village will grow; outsiders and
old residents returning will speak of it,
and, best of all, you will leave legacy
to posterity for which children's chill
dren will hold you in grateful remem-
brance. Do not talk about this and do
nothing, but organize and begin work
in an intelligent, earnest and practical
Golden RUIe.