Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-11-19
BETTERMENT IDEAS
SUGGESTIONS FOR TOWNS FROM IN.
PROvEMeNT WORK IN FLORIDA.
How a Few Enthusiastic Women Are
Beautifying Springfield and the
Way the Good Work Startcd-Its
Prospects Most Promising.

Ideas for improving towns are con-
tanned in the following article on the
work of the public spirited women who
compose the Improvement association
of Springfield, suburb of Jackson
vile, Fla.
Like many other fine movements,
this did not spring full bloom into exist
ence, but is an evolution of IDEAS says
Susie Bouchelle Wight in Floral Life.
Some three years ago Mrs. b. f. Dill
Ion. who IS still president of the body,
had recently returned from Il visit to
her lovely home, which is situated just
opposite the Springfield park, she casu-
ally remarked that it was n pity that
there could not be open air music there
to be enjoyed by the stay-at-homes in
the summer, like it is in the parks in
Havana all the time Her husband
asked her why not take up the idea
and develop it, saying at the same time
that he would contribute a certain
amount for the purpose. Other mcm-
bers of her family followed by sub
scriptions. and there in a family circle
originated the beginning of the ASSOC
citation.
Next day Mrs. Dillon wrote an arti-
Gle for one of the dailies explaining
her plan and asking for contributions
from any individuals disposed to help
along the open air concerts. In re-
Spouse to this more than $500 came
promptly to her and assured weekly
concerts for that summer. y little lat
err Mrs. Dillon again through the dali
lies invited the Springfield Indies to
meet ut her home for the purpose Of
organizing an improvement associa-
tion. Fifty ladies came and after be-
ing forms lily organized took up the reg
ular plans Of such bodies. The music
feature Is still prominent one, and
Jacksonville is assured Of the weekly
concerts each summer. with constantly
improving standards Of excellence.
The first specific Improvement work
undertaken was that of pushing good
things along" that seemed in danger
of tagging. and that Is still the keynote
of the work. The waterworks had
then, as now, very lovely setting Of
grass aud shrubbery. but was so shut
in by hedging and by tall fence that
its charms were practically hidden
from passersby, except the glimpses to
be had through the open gates. The
authorities had intended removing this
fence and Of course would eventually
l,,,t 10 In
gan to 'whereas" the thing was done
and the park thrown open to the de-
light Of those who threaded the streets
passing it. There was also II part Of
the same city property on Laura
street that was far from lovely. and
the ladies' began to discuss that, with
the consequence that it was very soon
with their aesthetic ideas. The au-
thorities had already thought and spo-
ken Of doing this, but again the insist
ence OF the association brought things
to pass.
The Springfield park, which is the
pride Of the suburb, came under con-
siderafion. and through appeals made
by the associations large quantities
Of roses and shrubbery We're donated,
splendid beds and borders made and
great increase of attractlveness
brought about. These appeals We're
met most nobly, some parties donating
plants by the carload. The board Of
bond trustees agreed to place many
lights along the edges of the park,
,v,tI
up to the point Of having these lights
in everyday use, still they are there
and ready for the special occasions
which the Springfield association
makes rather frequent. with Its fetes
and concerts. it's carnvas and games.
1t prefers raising Its funds by plenty
of hard work rather than by constant
begging, and numerous are the plans
it has utilized.
A fete last year netted a very hand
some sum. Practically the whole park
came into requisitiOn for this affair.
There was n fine band playing in the
stand which the association had built
for this purpose. and upon an artificial
mound adjacent was what they called
u Japanese tcu SuluCu, WLcTc SUI
drinks of all kinds We're sold. Here
and there over the grounds We're
candy. cake and popcorn tables and
several little attractions in the way Of
shows. a fete Is already projected for
the present year which is to eclipse
all previous efforts and will be carried
on In manner which will warrant It
being called park carnival The
funds Of the organization are very
wisely administered. and the treasurer
has tidy sum left over from last
year which will make a nest egg for
the new work that is being projected.
One thing that the association did
and which Is evidenced in the attrac-
tive appearance of Springfield streets,
was to write circular letters asking
property owners to remove their fences
and take care Of the strips of parking
between sidewalks and streets. Most
people fell into line, and those who
did not need no comment-their prem
ises speak loudly for their unwisdom.
Tho grammar school in this suburb
Is a great bare building with little to
appeal to ones fancy, but the ladies'
have taken its improvement in hand,
and before long it will be as all school
houses ought to be-lovely The asso-