Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-06-11


trend to the outlying parts of the city
set in with the coming of quick tran
sit to the many formerly inaccessible
districts.
Many people are being drawn to-
ward the country by, a seemingly ire
sistible force, but in the city to offset
that tendency there. are the wonder
fully assembled apartment houses.
with their accommodations so COM
pact and complete. whose numbers
are increasing annually because of The
novelty plps the centralizing of house.
keeping, which are moulding a new
form of existence for hundreds OF fam
lies who never iivel anywhere but in
private houses The fat is gradually
replacing the dwelling as a town
home. and the country residence or
estate is developing with the perma
ncnt exchange.
Many who have responded to the
reckoning of the apartment house at
fractions have succumbea to the nat
ural desire to take up with q country
bone, which becomes 50 desirable
from their viewpoint Of home, as it
grows familiar. that it soon subordi-
place Of living. That element of tran
sition has had much to do with the
population that had gone countryward
where the land in itself holds forth as
lure, to those desiring changes in
homes. unrestrained freedom, stFeng-
thened by many beautiful things Of
nature not despoiled by man. but ae-
tnaIlv enhanced in attracuveness by
the pretty houses they have built and
are now building to wean the toiler-
artisan, the merchant, or banker away
from the crowded city.
If one were to search for the main
factors in the immense development
that has been effected in the nearby
suburbs and the large population now
housed in country homes who former
ly lived i'm the city. there would prob
ably first come to mind transit; quite
as readily as that factor would come
the progress in construction and more
scientific treatment of land. and with
such homes as nave all the advantages
of a country setting. although in real
itv they are in the city, tllere would be
| associated the superior and more nu-
merous opportunities for recreation
and social intercourse. In a big city
fat a family may live for years with
out knowing its neighbors, whereas
the suburban home quickly generates
a feeling of the need for friends
which expands gradually until it is
| felt that a sufficiently large circle has
been created.
Few can afford to ignore the most
important factor of all in their search
| for a home outside of the city-the
facilities for rapid and comfortable
travel to and fro from business, and
vice versa After that matter is be-
lieved to be satisfactorily settled, then
comes consideration of the location
| whether il is properly restricted to in
sure against objectionable improve
ments ii it be healthful. and, lastly
if the building meets with the views
of the seeker Still more important a
matter is the character of the locality
and its Inhabitants there probably
being no more annoying element in q
small community of homes than I'M
congenial neighbors. The most attrae-
tive of suburban homes would. with
inharmonious neighbors, become a
source Of regret.
Reverting to the attractions of the
country now open to home makers,
there is The community or country
club, a most potent factor in the popu-
lating OF a section, and one which has
been recognized by the more wide
awake developers. who have made
such provisions. il mo such facilities
existed in their immediate vicinity. ON
their own land for the free use of re-
sident owners.
The golf club. an adjunct of a pas
time that is gripping nofe people ev-
cry day, particularly The hard pressed
business man. who finds in 1t the relief
he most needs. is not to be overlooked
as it's attractions are proving potent
factor In the establishing of homes III
all the nearby suburbs. where there
are good links to play or TO try to