Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1913-09-26
TOWNS SOCIAL LIFE
CIVIL GATHERINGS AND ENTER
TAINMENT FEATURES SHOULD
BE PROMOTED OFTEN.
SHOULD NOT GET IN SANE ROUTINE
Make Use of School House During
Evening and Vacation Period for
Social Gatherings of People
of the Town.

Every country town should strive to
develop and increase its social activi-
ties, civic gatherings, entertainment
features and the means of healthful
recreation. These are especially
necessary to counteract the drawing
power of,the big cities upon the young
people of the community. Without
these activities the town is inevitably
dull and unprogressive.
In too many country towns there Is
always nothing doing" except the
daily routine of life. The mixing with
ones neighbors and acquaintances in
social as well as business affairs and
certain amount of play and recrea-
ton, is a strong factor in developing
character, an optimistic and enterpris-
ing disposition and in bringing out the
talents and latent possibilities, espe-
cially of young people.
Make the country town a more de-
sirable place to live in and it will be
better. bigger and more prosperous
town.
This problem need not be difficult
one. Every community has a school
house, and most school houses are
unused over half of the time in spite
of the fact that interest on the money
invested for this property amounts to
a considerable sum, and heavy taxes
are levied for the maintenance. Why
not see that the school building is
giving returns all the year around?
Why not use it in the evenings as well
as during a few hours of the day?
would liven the town up to have lit
erary society and dramatic clubs and
musical organizations. And all may
have their separate nights for meet
ing at the school house. The town
hall or other community building may
be utilized for meeting places.
The value of entertainments. social
affairs, scientific societies, art clubs,
ETC., is inestimable. The older folks
are given ample opportunity for
amusement and social discourse, while
the younger people are enlivened and
let to put forth their best efforts for
self Improvement, by competition in
debates, oratory. the writing Of es-
says, music, art, amateur theatrioals,
or other line of endeavor.
Under the stimulating influence of
such organizations the town is bound
to take on a livelier, healthier and
more progressive tone; but without
, any such bodies the community must
be dull and the people in the main
cannot lead other than a humdrum
existence. Then, too, the younger
+ generation, with nothing to break the
{ daily routine of their work, soon tire
? of the monotonous existence and are
4 led to forsake their home town for the
: attractions of the cities, or for the
, more inspiring tone of some neigh
] boring community.
The great difficulty in any move
ment of this nature is to get someone
e to take the initiative. There are
b plenty who are quick to follow, but
a there are few to whom it occurs tC
e take the lead. We read some sug
Z gestion and mentally comment, "Thai
}. is a good thing; why don't they de
s it?" But it never occurs to us tina
y we may be the very ones who are
most fitted to act upon that very sug
gestion. You, Mr.. Reader, think thii
over; probably you are in an excel
lent position to start something IL
" your own town.
Get in touch with some of you
8 friends. talk these matters over ant
q start something
o No Cutters Here.
r Rome was not builded in a day;
For centuries they worked away
l. No cutters they.
- And, If this town of ours is slow,
= Remember that 1t is often so
- That cities grow.
Just keep on boosting 1t bit;
Just show that you have faith in it,
And never quit
" Just make your cash. and spend |
here,
re- And. day by day and year by year,
"a Still persevere.
I'd
I'd This town, amid the fertile loan,
TX Is just as good town as Rome;
is So boost for home.