Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-23
PINGREE GARDEN PATCHES
Omaha WOmen Seek to Use and Beau
fifty -UnsightIy Vacant
Lots.

OMAHA, March 22.-To the Editor OF The
Bee; The social science department of the
Omaha Woman's club appointed a commit
tee last fall. known as the city Improvement
committee, to cooperate with the city off,
cials In bringing about better enforcement
Of the laws and removing unsightly objects
from streets and vacant lots and identifying
the city in such ways as might be deemed
expedient.
Tit committee has investigated what Is
Familiarity known at the Pingree garden
system, which has proved so successful In
other cities, and, realizing that the plant
ing Of vacant lots with vegetables and
flowers would at once transfer them from
unsightly weed patches to objects Of beauty,
and that many worthy poor would be glad
Of a chance to cultivate these tracts Of
land, has decided to undertake a similar
work In Omaha. 1t undertakes this work
not only for the purpose Of relieving those
who may be In need Of temporary assist
ance, but also with the conviction that
this plan has In 1t many elements OF sue
cess for both those who are interested in
philanthropic work and those who desire
to improve their condition and prepare
themselves for better things In the future.
We ask space In your paper to acQuaint the
people who may need such assistance with
the manner Of obtaining It; also to tell
what has been accomplished and solicit
contributions.
About $500 In cash will be needed to
pay the wages Of q superintendent and other
expenses. A large amount of garden seeds
are necessary, part Of which has been pro-
vided by the Department Of Agriculture,
Washington, through the kindness Of Sena-
tor Willard. The county commissioners OF
n-..-l-. z.ANu Aawn NaAxnNaa1 att. AMaAAls
Of seed potatoes and assistance In other
ways. The committee appeals to the citi-
Gems Of Omaha for the money, seeds, tools
and other supplies necessary to carry ON
the work. Assurances of approval and
promises of assistance have been received
from the mayor, the park board, the Real
Estate exchange and many citizens, and
the committee feels greatly encouraged
thereby.
A superintendent has been secured whose
references show that he has special quail
ihcations for this work. Fifteen acres Of
land will be needed. Of which about seven
acres have been obtained in the following
locations; Eighteenth and Clark. Nine
teenth and Clark, Seventeenth and Charles,
Twety-fourth and Cass and Twenty-hfth and
Chicago streets.
To show what can be done at mall ex-
ponbe 70 Deaul1y the vacant loIb OF ue
city the committee has secured from w.
A. Paxton, jr., the use of the lot east OF
the Public library building and will plant
II with lower and vines. The plan Of the
garden will be laid out by Mr.. Adams and
Mr.. Craig Of the city park department
and the hremen OF engine house No. 3 at
Eighteenth and Harvey streets. will assist
In taking care Of the plot. II the work
OF the committee proves successful this year
as lie confidently expected, 1t Is probable
that Il viii be undertaken on a larger scale
next year.
All contributions OF money. seeds or tools
should be sent to Mrs. George Tilden. 124
South Nineteenth street. Those having
land which can be used for this purpose
are requested to advise Mrs. Tilden at
once by mail or through telephone No. 1853.
Please take notice that two members Of
the committee will be at the once OF the
agent OF the Board Of County Commission
srs. 1922 ST. Mary's avenue. from 10 a. IN.
to u m. for four days Of next week. COM
mencing with Tuesday, March rs. and will
give fu1l information to all desiring to Sc
cure ground and seeds for gardening pur-
poses.