Daily Kennebec journal., 1905-05-30
A "CIean- Up" Day for Cities.

Some people are protesting that this
country already has 100 iEany holidays,
although the number of our holidays is
far less than that celebrated in the
countries of the Old World. Blu,
whether the number of our holidays DO
the unique holiday observe ed at Denver,
Colo, Saturday. May ~, and which Is
to be hereafter will be an annual day in
Denver's civic life. is one well worthy
of imitation in any or all OF our cities.
1t was known as "Clean-up day." and
was designated by a proclamation by
the mayor after considerable public
agitation upon the subject. 1t is
proposed to celebrate similar day
mayor, on some Saturday, in MAJ
of each year. This year, as stated
above. the call was issued for
Saturday, May Goth. and the results
were marvellous. The city set an ex
ample by thoroughly cleaning all down.
town business streets and alleys, paint
ing all of the poles used in it's fire and
police system, placing new and i'm
proved refuse cans at downtown street
and alley crossings, and erecting a
number of bronzed iron drinking foun-
tains i'm the business section. Hun
lrnl., ~ ,,roporty o,vporc ~ no inta1 and
repaired their buildings. the work
which could not be finished on Satur-
day being continued last week. Lawns
in all parts of the city were cleaned,
shade trees trimmed and flower beds set
out. Weeds were cut On dozens of
vacant lots and sidewalks were repaired
everywhere.
The city was transformed i'm day,
and there is every indication that it will
be kept so. Prizes will he offered for
the most attractive downtown stor.
| front. for. the finest flower garden. for
| the best kept lawn. for the cleanest
vacant lot and for the Elost beautiful
block. and the agitation will be con-
tinued until Denver becomes the clean
est city in the United States.
Here are some of Mayor Speer's sug-
gestions. issued in the form of an Off
cial proclamation to the people:
"A city administration can only do
certain things--much depends upon the
individual effort of our citizens. | am
certain that large majority of our
people want to do everything in their
power to make Denver attractive, and
] hereby designate Saturday, May 20
as the general cleanup day, and ask
every resident to do something to make
Denver look better.
If your store front, residence or
fence is dull or dingy. order it painted.
IF your awning is cid, torn or faded,
get a new one.
IF your sidewalk, fence or gate needs
repairing fix it.
| Destroy the young weeds that are
starting on your property and on your
neighbor's property.
IF your advertising sign Is old or
faded. take it down or paint it.
| Resolve never to throw paper in the
streets
| Take all dandelions out of your
lawn-they spoil its beauty.
| Burn all the rubbish rossibIe-allow
no one to throw it OH streets. alleys or
vacant lots.
Promise not to spit on the sidewalk.
Organize a block improvement So
cicty, and allow no weeds to grow on
sidewalk area or vacant property In
your block.
| ASK your milkmen, grOcerymen and
Iexpressmen to have their wagons
painted.
| irrespective of the size of your
house. make your lawn the finest.
| illuminate the front Of your store in
the business section.
| Every effort put forth or dollar
spent to improve our city's appearance
Iwill be returned twofold."