West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-10-28
LOCAL IMPROVEMENT
Value of Organized Effort In
Beautifying a Town.
SIMPLE PROGRAM ADVISABLE.

What Betterment Societies With Sue
cessfui Careers Have Undertaken at
First--Exceilsnt Objects For Which
q Massachusetts Organization Stands
There is a world Of common sense
and wisdom in the following remark
which was made concerning Cana
dian town: ''The lack OF united effort
retarded the beautfying OF the place
rs a whole" individuals working
alone have accomplished much, but
they inevitably need help. A commu.
nifty should have an organized effort,
and when this conclusion has been
reached by the conference steps
should be taken to effect one.
The organization completed. what
nextf
A very simple program should he
organised after n study OF local con-
ditions- Here are some OF the FIRST
things" undertaken by organizations
that have had successful careers:
Eniisting the children in keeping the
streets clear Of papers and other rub
bish.
The maintenance OF rubbish barrels
for the litter Of the streets.
The caring for the space between
tho sidewalks and the curb and for
the cutters themselves. that they may
be kept clean and free from rubbish.
The elimination of weeds.
A.
II there Is one, or whoever may have
charge OF the trees. II there is no
one In charge there Is no more impor-
tant first step than to have some one
oficial charged with this duty.
Preventing telephone and electric
companies from hacking of and mutt
lating the branches and tops OF trees.
The enforcement Of ordinances relat-
Ing to expectoration. the throwing OF
papers and circulars on the streets.
Keeping the individual premises I'm
good order. including the back yard.
The erection OF window boxes and
their proper maintenance summer and
winter.
Having the city keep the streets be-
tween the curbs clean. II Its officials
don't know how, show them. Lots of
organizations have, and 1t has meant n
new era for the community. IL you
can only begin with n small block, do
so. but make the beginning. That Is
the important thing.
birmingham, Mass. has an improve
ment association that will repay care
ful study. Here are some OF the OBJ
jects for which 1t stands:
To encourage the beautifying OF pri-
waite places. however limited I'm extent.
The betterment Of parks and other
public grounds.
roadways.
Streets and roadside planting.
Improving street signs, poles and
lights.
The removal OF unsightly fences and
buildings or concealing them by vines
and shrubbery.
The regulating or removing OF often
Bive billboards.
Regulating or limiting public dump
ing places.
The preservation Of groves and other
natural features.
To provide opportunity for the public
discussion OF all important questions
the solution OF which may affect the
vital interests Of our community.
Finally not only to create "a more
beautiful birmingham" but to pro-
mote "all the higher interests of our
town"
This program could be adopted in its
entirety and the new society would
not 60 far astray. Many successful
organizations have created widespread
interest through the maintenance Of
departments in the local papers, which
almost without exception have boon
willing TO cooperate In civic improve
ment. Such publicity has both an ed
ucattonal and corrective value. The
birmingham Tribune has been a great
force, not only locally, but throughout
the country, 80 effectively has the
work there been done.
Another way to promote interest is
TO foster competition. Many commu-
nities now offer prizes for the best
kept front or back yard. for the best
garden, for the best kept lawn, for the
most effective single bit Of local i'm.
proyement. Such contests stimulate
interest not only among those who
take part, but likewise among onlook
ers, who are very apt soon to becom,
contestants themselves. Moreover, sucl
methods create additional publicity
which is always helpful.
Another effective way Of increasing
public interest is through Lantern
slides. These can be had so arranged
as TO show what has been accomplish
ed IN progressive communities, ant
then pictures can be secured TO sbov
what II allowed to remain unchange,
or unimproyed at home The Munlcl
pal league Of Los Angeles and the Sc
attic Post-Intelligencer stirred Nd tb,
people OF their respective communl
ties by Showing up" the worst sid,
OF the cities sud thus making then
ashametl--DesIgner
Keep cUrbstonss In Repair.