Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1902-05-08
WAKE UP, RANDOLPH.
Heart-to Heart Talk Over Matters
That Concern Us All.

| These are growing times.
! The spirit Of activity, Of enterprise, of
progress, is abroad in the land.
Vermont is enjoying her measure of the
general prosperity.
/ Every day, almost, We read Of new in
| dustries established in this or that YER
mont town, giving employment to dozens,
/ scores or hundreds Of workmen.
In the midst Of this golden era, what is
Randolph doing?
| Is this fair little town claiming her share
OF the. good things that are raining all
about
Hardly, we fear.
To be sure, our farmers are unusually
prosperous; what industries we have are
running on a safe basis; and trade is good.
But Randolph is not growing as it
ought.
1t is being outstripped by its neighbors
and, relatively, is losing ground.
Towns and villages without a tthe of
the advantages we possess are leaving us
behind.
And that without due warrant or reason.
Randolph has plenty of money to do
with.
Few towns Of its size are as well sup
piled with capital.
Randolph is well located, being the CEN
ter and natural market Of large, rich Sec
tion.
Randolph is unburdened by debt.
Taxes are abnormally low.
Randolph has splendid lighting and
water systems, with rates the lowest in the
country.
Randolph has fine streets, fine side
walks, fine stores, fine buildings, church.
es, schools and residences.
No village Is prettier or more desirable
in Ell ways as place Of residence.
Few places can surpass Randolph in
uries.
No town is more healthful
No town has better class Of individual
citizenship men and women keenly alive
to the present, well-informed, thrifty,
temperate and order-loving.
But, withal, Randolph is not growing as
| il ought.
Why?
The answer is easy.
There is a lack OF united, concerted ef-
fort for the public good.
Citizens pull apart instead OF pulling to-
gether.
There is too much thought and effort for
self, and too little for others.
Our people are reluctant to take hold
with each other for the good OF all.
There ought to be a wholesale introduce
! tion ceremony, so that citizens may get
acquainted with each other and take
wholesome interest in the promotion Of
The gods help those who help them
selves.
Randolph will never be much more than
il is unless some effort is put forth in its
behalf.
other towns are growing-not by sitting
down in idleness, but by getting a hustle
/ on.
Their citizens are all pulling one way
! toward their town.
And sooner or later they see and enjoy
the fruits OF their labor
Randolph is an excellent town to live in
ii one can only live.
But people cannot exist on fine scenery,
good sidewalks, electric lights or even
pure water alone.
II takes bread and pork and potatoes to
live on, and that's why Randolph doesn't
grow.
There is too little chance for the poor
man or woman, or the wage Garner, on
whose shoulders rests the prosperity of
every community.
In word, Randolph needs more indus
tries than she has.
How is she going to get them?
Not by moping, or going to sleep, but
by trying.
That's all that's necessary.
just plain, honest, active try, and we
can land them.
A pull-all-together attempt will do
wonders.
II our men OF means and business inter-
ests would just unite for once and do what
is easily within their power, a great and
joyful surprise would follow.
There ought to be an association of
those who have or should have the welfare
OF the town at heart; the larger the mem-
bership the better.
This association could act in a represent
ative way In many directions.
There should be committees ON indus
tries, home improvement, public health
and other things.
The work should be divided, vet all
should have part in IT,
Such funds as are necessary should be
provided by the association as a whole.
II could be a social, as well as a business,
organization, with frequent meetings, and
an occasional reception or banquet.
Such things are successfully carried out
in other towns, and the growth Of town
and civic pride that follows is among the
most encouraging features.
A constant watch could be kept for OPP
portunity TO add to the material benefits
OF the town, and when found to offer the
necessary inducements.
In five years time, with such effort as
Randolph is capable OF, Il she only secs fit
10 put Il forth. there would be an amazing
change for the better.
Think il over, and don't stop with
thinking, but act