The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1909-04-23
GRANGE AND VILLAGE
A Public Work of Much lmpor-
tance to the Community.
How the Grange May Assist In the
Improvement of Our Villases-Some
Valuable Sussestions-Shade Trees
and Their Protection.
Especial Correspondence

and Their Protection.
Especial Correspondence
The relationship between those liv-
ing in the country and those residing
In villages should and may be help
full. While the interests are different,
| they may be mutual along some lines.
The grange, having as one of its OBJ.
jects the improvement of social condi-
tons among farmers. may be of value
In helping the social life of the village,
particularly where the grange meet
ings are held, as many are, in village
centers. The business of the village
| merchant is dependent very largely
upon the farmers, and If they can min
gle somewhat socially and know more
Of each other they will both be bene-
flied.
Open sessions Of the grange may be
held at intervals, to which the village
people may be invited, at which time
some members of the grange may con-
tribute a paper ors address on a topic
touching farm life that will be in
structive and entertaining. The ad-
vantages Of farm life may be set forth
In a manner that will not fail to inter
est those in other lines Of work.
On the other hand, some village rep
resentatives may be asked to contrib
ute an address or paper on the advan-
tages of village life. Prizes could be
offered for these and judges appointed
to determine the arguments, when
some very interesting discussion could
be had that would be suggestive and
helpful to both classes.
The grange may give valuable sug-
gestions on how TO make a village
most attractive and comfortable. Plans
may be suggested for the planting of
shade trees and for their care and pro-
lection, the kinds of plants and dis
lance at which to plant them. Most
villages plant trees too close together
and those that spread out too much in
their growth, which spoils the lawns
and keep the roads muddy. Valuable
information may be given on how to
prune shade trees and control the in
sects that injure them. Accommoda-
lions for the tying of horses in the
sheds are needed and may be suggest
ed. Many valuable trees are ruined
by tying horses to them with no pro-
lection provided, yet there is no other
way to do in many instances.
Every village should provide water
troughs or fountains for horses. Many
do, but many do not. A central stable
would be a great accommodation,
where farmers could drive under COW
er and leave their teams in a comfort
able place, for which accommodation
moderate charge should be made
and would willingly be paid. Where
only hotel sheds are provided those
who use them are expected to patron
lie the bar, and this accommodation
should be provided without an obliga-
ton imposed to smoke or drink over
the bar. In places where these public
stables. and sheds have been provided
they have paid well on the investment
1t is only necessary sometimes for
farmers to suggest or demand such
improvements when some enterprising
business man will provide them and
by so doing get new business in his
line. Villages should be the social and
business centers of the country COM
munities, and every improvement they
can inaugurate to make 1t easier for
the farmer to come and transact bust
ness or attend churches, lectures, con-
certs or plays the more money they
will spend, and the spending Of money
is the life Of the village, for the more
money judiciously expended the great
er the incentive to make II.
On the other hand, villages may well
consider these and other suggestions
and give aid to efforts to extend to
farms telephone communication, cleo
trio lights and where possible between
villages trolley accommodations. BY
enterprise and push on the part Of the
business interests Of the village often
large increase In the volume Of
trade may be stimulated. The grange
may do valuable service in these direc-
lions in making demands upon villages
for improved facilities and in so doing
greatly benefit their organization and
farm life generally.
GEORGE II. POWELL,
President Agricultural Experts Asso-