Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-06-08
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT,
Extracts from an Address by Prof. j
w. Livingston.


Prof. j. w. Livingston, of the
Stevens Point Normal School, recent
ly delivered an address before the
Woman's Club of that city, on Civic
Improvement" The address brought
forth general communication, and
The Stevens Point Gazette decided to
publish it in full. Prof. Livingston
is known throughout Wisconsin as a
educator of ability and man of the
highest character. We make the fol-
lowing extracts from his address on
Civic Improvement"
"The elements that build stable
nation are the same that make for
civic progress and prosperity. An
American city is a republic in
miniature, and her men and women
make or mar her fortune. Every
good citizen takes pride in the fair
fame of his town, and welcomes oppor-
tunity to work for her welfare.
Whatever tends to attract and re-
tain good class of citizens, must
be regarded as public boon. What
are the things demanded by the aver
age American of the town that is to be
become his permanent home? First
and foremost he seeks to find pros
porous and progressive community
one marked by business stability and
possessing public spirit-as evidenced
by we'll kept streets, substantial pub
lie buildings and proper enforcement
of order in all public places. There
must be in the home town of his choice
good water, wholesome environments,
congenial neighbors. He demands
that the spire of the public school
shall rise side by side with that of the
church-the two institutions that give
mental and moral uplift to home and
community. Attractive homes, genial
social life, the beauty of n city park,
the privilege of a public library, are
some of the factors that aid toward a
favorable verdict on the part of the
homeseeker. A people and public
press that delight in saying a good
word for the home town, do much to
create favorable impression and at
tract worthy citizens. No town has
any place for the chronic grumbler,
who takes grim satisfaction in growl
ing at every Improvement that is in
augurated and speaks desparagingly
to strangers concerning both people
and community. Some one has said
that the world is divided into two
classes, those who go ahead and do
something and those who stand back
to find fault with what is done.
There are several homes in this
town that one rarely passes without
experiencing a feeling of positive
pleasure. | do not mean, now, state
ly buildings with fitting environment;
but those humber homes whose every
surrounding bespeaks thrift, taste,
and refinement. More than once,
have | walked several blocks out of
my way for the privilege of looking
upon such cottage in the southeast
ern part of the city. | have never
seen the owner of this cosey home,
but would like to thank him for the
pleasure he has given and for the good
lesson he is imparting in civic inn
provement. The little lawn in its coat
of emarald green, the thrifty shrub
berry and graceful vines, the border of
bright foliage and flower partly
screening the neat vegetable garden,
the we'll sodded boulevard planted
with handsome and hardy shade trees,
all make a picture that pleases each
beholder and calls upon him to go
and do likewise.
This spring the Woman Club could
lead no happier or worthier movement
than the adornment of our school
grounds. 1t would not cost a great
sum to grade the grounds, enrich the
soil, and seed them with lawn grass
and white clover. A few native vines,
as the clematis, honey-suckle, Virginia
creeper, or bitter sweet planted by the
building would give added grace to
its architectural beauty. A few clumps
of shrubbery and groups of shade
trees would make it all more homelike.
A bright bed of phloX or geranium
would add touch of color TO the
scene, delight the hearts Of the child
rem whose school-home is there, and
please the eye of every passer-by.
THE flowers would not stay there and
the shrubbery and trees would be de-
stroyed by the children Don't you
believe it, That was what | was told
both in Dodgeville and Sparta, when
we started to adorn the school
grounds. Very pretty, very pretty:
but they won't stay there long: the
children will take delight in destroy
ing them During ten years at
Dodgeville and eight at Sparta, /
never knew boy or girl to iniure a
single plant on the school grounds.
On the contrary the very toughest
boys were among their most loyal
protectors.
In response to an inquiry on the
part of our guest we take him to our
city library There we prove TO him
that even in its present eramped quar-
tiers this excellent library is proving a
potent factor for good. Our friend
notes the great freedom accorded even
to the children who patronize the
library and hears with astonishment