The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-03-26
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY,"
An Organization Effected by South Port
land Young Men.

An enthusiastic meeting, attended by
twenty-five of the most enterprising and
progressive young men of Cape Elizabeth,
was held in Union hall, South Portland,
last evening. VIM. Fl. Gardiner was
chairman and VIM. 3. Allen secretary.
The records of the preliminary meet
ing held one week ago, were read and APP
proved.
The committee appointed to make in
quiries and examine the rules and regu-
lalions and methods of the Deering Vii
lage Improvement Association, reported
the substance of an interview with Mr..
r. o. Bailey. the president, and present
ed a COPY Of the bylaws of that associar
ton.
From the report of the committee it
would appear that the original idea of
the movers in the South Portland asso-
citation had been to make it an exclusive
ly Young mems association, but the COM
mittee had been advised not to restrict
the membership in any way as such
course would tend to defeat the object of
the society.
Following the report, Mr.. Herbert R.
Cole and Mr.. Chas. "A. Studley spoke
upon membership restriction, and advO-
Gated the admission of lady members.
Mr.. Studley made a motion that ladies
be admitted members, and the same was
voted and carried without opposition.
The meeting then proceeded to the
business of permanent organization. On
motion of Mr.. Niles Nelson, it was voted
to elect officers by ballot. Ballots were
prepared for the Office of president with
the following result, plurality electing:
Niles Nelson had ..................1a
J.. S. Arey. ..........
VIM. II. Gardiner. ................
John f. Merriman.
w. E. Allen. ..-....... ..-.....
The election of Niles Nelson was made
unanimous, and ballots were prepared
for vice president. On motion of Mr..
Gardiner it was voted to leave the office
of second vice president vacant for the
time being with intention to ill 1T by cleo
ting lady member at later meeting.
The vote for first vice president was as
follows:
L. :. Arey: ..... 10
j. f. Merr1man ~
Fred Henley
w. I'll. Gardiner. ...................
Mr.. Arey withdrew in favor OF MI.
Merriman, and the election of the latter
was made unanimous.
The vote for secretary resulted in the
election Of Mr.. w. c. Allen, but he felt
obliged to decline on account OF other
business engagements and resigned IN
favor of Mr.. Ira NJ. Davis. the next high
est candidate.
The vote for treasurer was as fol-
lows:
Charles A. Studley .................lS
David Ti Z. willard ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 5
VIM H. Gardiner .................
John E. Fisher. >. -.......-.
The other principal Office decided upon
consists of an executive council OF 10
members. A discussion arose as to
expediency Of filling this Office at the
present, and it was finally voted to APP
point a committee who would select the
16 council members in such manner as
would give Representatives from all parts
of the town so far as practical. The fol-
lowing committee was appointed by
nomination from the floor: r. Fl. Cole,
L. S. Arey, w. Ell. Gardiner, John f.
Merriman, B. L. Cole.
The name, South Portland Improve
ment Association was adopted.
President Nelson then took the chair
and made an acceptable address, in which
he spoke briefly of needed improvements
to be made, and outlined progressive
policy, which he hoped would be pur-
sued.
A committee on bylaws, and other
minor committees were appointed, and
the meeting then adjourned.