The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-21
NEWS OF THE DAY
 IN SOCIAL WORLD The Arrivals and Departures
 ChronicIed NOTES HERE AND THERE Work Continues in Block Improve ment-The Fence Unnecessary
 and Ugly-Removal of
 Weeds-Personals.
BY MYRTLE MILES. Telephones: Bell, 116o; Peoples, 299.

ieIepnOncSs Deliy | iVoy FSoPiSS, NSS'
 Block improvement societies have been formed by women interested in the City Beautiful movement in neighborhoods all over Birmingham, and in most instances work has begun in earnest In spite of the many absent from the city and the consequent number of unoccupied homes, it is thought that there are enough en- thusiastic residents remaining to carry the plan forward to a successful finale. The movement is receiving the indorse- ment of people of every class. The edict issued last week from the Mayors office asking for the immediate cutting of weeds came not day too soon. Vacant lots in the most fashionable residence portions of the city are covered with rank growth, sometimes two feet in height. However, the notice requires such prompt attention to them that yes terday, the beginning of the week, was marked by a perfect war against the ef- lending plants. The grass cutter was at work with his hoe and scythe, and the city wagons were kept busy removing loads of grass and stubble, piled higher in some instances than the size of the wagon could well accommodate. Citizens seem in less haste, however to remove the disfiguring fence, probably because it is something that can wait. If every fence owner could just realize what an incalculable improvement the removal of his own particular fence would make in the appearance, not only of his own but h .1;.~ . generosity would enter into his sacrifice of it.
 The fence has, in many instances, be- come a habit. One may become at- tached to all sorts of things. A man may get used to seeing his house the same color year in and year out and, though his family are unanimous in ab- horing it. continues to have the same color put on just because it has always been that color. He likes to look out and see the same old fence, too, and know that it's still there If it were gone he would miss it, he thinks. In reality, after getting rid of a fence, one is always gratified at the result. There never was a pretty one. The only excuse fence has ever had for being was as pro- lection from cattle, and that excuse is gone now, not only within the city but the suburbs, too.
 There are a number of attractive homes in Avondale some of them exquistely kept, though there are number of fences still left to disfigure an otherwise attractive locality. There is, notably whole block of cottages which are quite tasteful and indicate that those who live within are prosperous and fond of their homes. However, each one is inclosed with a fence. It requires little imagina- tion to know what charming effect could be produced if the fences were all taken away.
 The pretty homes of Birmingham are not confined to any locality There are gems in architecture to be found in any direction, and many without financial means to produce the effect of magni- ficence have given to their homes a beauty that money alone has not the power to produce, planting tree here, a rose there, filling up rough places with the use of a little wheelbarrow, maybe, and little energy. A place often mo- ticed by those who walk into town from the South Highlands is a little store oc- cupied by foreigners. It is one of the neatest places one could find, and on the south side of the walk beyond the pave ment there is little space running it's entire length that has been put into cul- tivation. Where there are no flowers the grass is kept green and fresh, and there is a narrow walk so that one may go inside this miniature park The people therein have made the best of every inch of ground at their disposal
 Pretty homes, yes. We find them every where. At Norwood place a great broad street with bitulithic pavement has houses on either side that are especially attractive for the originality oI design oharacterizing each Street, sidewasNs, lawns and houses are alike models of care and neatness. Truly 1t is good to see an entire neighborhood whose homes show not a single flaw.
 The home of MT. Rufus N Rhodes is an evidence of the beautiful results that one with artistic taste and skill may bring about The park in front of the dwelling is abloom with the brightest flowers and the grass looks always smooth and fresh.
 At Woodlawn there are number ot. lovely homes. MT. M. H. Proctors home on Sixtieth street. with It's broad, well kept lawns and pretty shade trees is one of which the city may well be proud. Mr. s. Jesse Johnston's stone house of Span ish architecture adds decorative touch to the surrounding neighborhood Mr. and 
 cottage on whose wide lawn large calla- oiunis give cool touch of green.
 Avondale park promises to be the mosf alluring attraction about the city. It IS being built anew and with horde of workmen laboring to get it ready for use presents fitting illustration of the work being accomplished in beautifying the city. The Carnegie library is nearing comple- tion, and will be very pleasing with it's pretty lawn, though that, too, is a matter