Middletown transcript., 1909-06-12
GRANGE AND VILLAGE
A Public Work Of Much Importance to
the Cnmmnnifx

4
the Community
| The relationship between those Iivinl
in the country and those residing il
villages should and may be helpful
While the interests are different, they
may be mutual along some lines. The
grange, having as one Of its objects the
Improvements Of social conditions among
farmers, may be of value in helping the
social life of the village, particularly
where the grange meetings are held, as
many are, in village centers. The busi-
ness of the village merchant is dependent
very largely upon the farmers, and if they
can mingle somewhat socially and know
more of each other they will both be
benefited.
Open sessions of the grange may be held
at intervals, TO which the village people
may be invited, at which time some men,
bers OF the grange may contribute paper
or address on topic touching farm lie
that will be instructive and entertaining.
The advantages of farm life may be set
forth in manner that will not fail to
interest those in other lines Of, work.
On the other hand, some village repre-
sentaliVes May be asked to contribute au
address u paper on the advantages of
village life. Prizes could be offered for
these aud judges appointed to determine
The arguments, when come very interest
ing discussion could be had that would be
suggestive and helpful to both classes.
The grange may give valuable sugges.
tions on how to make a village most at.
tractive and comfortable. Plans may be
suggested for the planting Of shade trees
and for their care and protection, the
kinds Of plants and distance at which to
plant them. Most villages plant trees too
close together and those that spread ont
too much in their growth, which spoils
the lawns aud keeps the roads muddy.
Valuable information may be given on
how to prune shade trees aud control the
insects that ipiure them. Accommoda.
tions for the tying Of horses in the sheds
are needed ana may be su. gested. Many
valuable trees are ruined by tying horses
to them, with no protection provided, yet
there is no other way to do in many in-
stances.
Every vii age should provide water
troughs or fountains for horses Many
do, but many do not. A central stable
would be great accommodation, " here
farmers could drive under cover aud leave
their teams in a comfortable place, for
which accommodation a moderate charge
should be made aud would willingly be
paid. Where only hotel sheds are pro-
vided those who use them are expected /
TO patrouize the bar, aud this accommo-
dation should be provided without an
obligation imposed to smoke or drink
over the bar. In places where these pub
ic stables and sheds have been provided /
they have paid well on the investment.
Il is only necessary sometimes for farmers
10 suggest or demand such improvements
when some enterprisiug business man
will provide them aud by go doing get
new business in bis line. Villages should
be the social and business centres OF
,he country communities. and every
they can inaugurste to
make it easier for the farmer TO come and
transact business or attend churches, lee
iures, concerts or plays the more money
hey will spend, and the spending Of
money is the life Of the village, for the
more money iudiciouslJ expended the
greater the incentive TO make it,.
On the other hand, villages may well
consider these and other suggestions aud
give aid to efforts to extend to farms tele-
phone communication, electric lights aud
where possible between villages trolley
accommodations. By enterprise and push
on the part Of the business interests OF
ihe village often large increase in the
volume Of trade may be stimulated. The
grange may do valuable service in these
directions in making demands upon vii.
ages for improved facilities and in So
1oing greatly benefit their organization
and farm life generally.
GEORGE I. POWELL,
President Agricultural Experts Associa-
tion.