Connecticut western news., 1895-03-21
e.n.cr,ps,.. Accouns.
THURSDAY. MARCH 21, 1895
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES.

B. c. Northrop, the father of the vil- lage improvement societies, explains in the March Forum the method of work and the excellent results of these organ nations throughout the country, giving specific instances of the improvements that have been made in towns and the resultant profits, financial and aesthetic. Among the towns and villages which he mentions as having beer greatly benefit d by tho work of these societies are: 8tockbridge, Mass. New Milford, Conn. Wyoming. O Fairbault, Minn.; North Aeld, Minn; Nebraska City, Neb. ; Evanston. Ill.,; Honesdale, Pa :; Mont clair, N. J.; Springfield, Mass; New Haven. Conn Pasadena, Cal and he describes in more or less detail the work that has been done in each.
 Nr Northrop's sketch of the Laurel Hill Association, of Stock kbridge, Mass, tho first incorporated village-improve- ment society in the United States. tells how the village of Stockbridge was beautified and enriched. The sketch is suggestive. and reads as follows:
 At the first annual meeting the treas urer reported that the amount paid in labor or cash was $l, 396 The number of trees planted the first year was four hundred and twenty three. At this meeting Cyrus W. Field and E w. Pomeroy together gave $250 to be used for prixes. Fifty cents were given for every thrifty tree planted of kinds specified; $l0, or silver cup of equal value, to the planter Sf the best l5 trees, to tho second best $6, to the third best 94. All the trees were to be planted within certain specified limits. Another prize of $l0 was offered for the largest number and the best trees planted along any public roads of the town. A prize of 410 was given to the person who made the longest and best sidewalk, and another $l0 to the person who made the greatest improvement in the grounds around his dwelling anywhere in the town. A reward of S10 was offered for evidence which should lead to the con- viction of any one injuring the trees and foot bridges under the care of the asso- ciation. About 4.OOO trees have now been planted, and the association has the income derived from about $4,OOO of invested funds, supplemented by in- dividual subscriptions. When S2. GOO were given for free town library by a single benefactor, this amount was near ly doubled by individual contributions. The library building.a a fine stone edifice. with reading room and lecture hall cost ing $25. 900 was the gift of the late z Goodrich. Mir Cyrus w. Field gave BIO. 00O for park. and Mir David Dudley Field. in the last year of his life. gave to Stockbridge 57 acres of land, inclnd. ing the romantic lice Glen." for . mountain park, together with $5 900 fol its improvement. The Laurel Hill As sociation with an offer to pay one-hal tho expense induced the railroad com pany to add an acre and half to the grounds about it's station and to erect m elegant building This association has beautifully adorned these grounds 1ts snnivarsary, fitly observed on the fourth Wednesday of every August oommemors.ed last summer forty year, of successful work Every acre of land and every homestead in Stock bridge ha, appreciated in value by reason of this society.