The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-02-21
Village Improvement.

Village Improvement.
We note with much satisfaction the
growing desire to adorn and beautify
homes and villages. 1t is a 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 a de-
sire to remove unsightly objects from
houses and grounds and streets. We
hope this spirit will spread all over the
land, and we are 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 II 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 follows?
Home becomes a more attractive
place within and without. UnSightly
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
$ oh, oh
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 fellowfeeling replaces the cold
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
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
Dortant as to warrant all the Outlay.Of
thought, time, strength and patience.
Begin at once Organize a society il
V OH cannot get more than two mem
bers to start with. Others will fall into
line. Law 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 few of the topics which it
will be well to consider: The planting
Of trees. and where to place them in
YOUR village, as also the preference to
be given to this or that kind. Shall we
set out oaks, elms. NAPLES, eyergreens
or fruit trees in this place or that?
Fences, gates. walls ana 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;
and their Improvement;
and nuiSances, and how to abate them.
Having discussed these subjects dur
inc the winter, and having aroused
public interest and obtained some
90 to work in 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
lows and newpanes of glass put in; the
avn carefully mOwn; trees set out by
the roadside, and flowers and iyies /!
around the homes: sidewalk repaired; +
new walls and fences put up; a fresh 7.
coat of paint on this building or that;
he old pond-hole drained off; the neg /
ected cemetery repaired and beautitied;
.rees set out around the school house;
4 good pump in the old well, or a
erected; lamps on the COM ,
non, and the spirit of Improvement all 4
abroad in the village and working revo-
utions in doors and out; also In dress, /
manners and morals. +,
You cannot do all this at once. but .
,egin. Do not be discouraged, but :
Keep on. Others will help YOU The .
,rustiest neighbor will sooner or later
all into line. Pride in the appearance
If the village will grow; outsiders and
I'D residents returning will speak of it,
md, best of all, you will leave legacy
o poSterity for which children's chill
lren will hold you in grateful remem-
France. Do not talk about this and do I
but organize and begin work
n an intelligent, earnest and practical
Tay.-Golden Rule