The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1915-11-04
W()MEN'S WORK IN
TOWN PLANNING;
What a Village Improvement
Has Accomplished.
A Real PUBLIC BENEFIT.

IL taAhA SSEaS DAisGi Is
The Village Improvement Association
of Canton, Pa, Is Very Active In
Civic Affairs, and the Town Is a
Much More Attractive and Sanitary
Place Because Of These Efforts.
A foremost organization in the Brad
ford County Pa) Civic league, one
whose founding antedates that of the
league, is the Village Improvement as
sociatlon Of Canton, Pa. The Brad
ford County Civic league is an asso-
chiffon of women's clubs devoted to
town Improvement in It's various de-
yelopments
The Village Improvement associa-
ton Of Canton was established in 1903
and entered the league in 1918.
The V. J. y. meets each month in
the year considering as basis for ac-
ton topics in their Thickness. The
first meeting of this year was devoted
, 10 q review OF the borough ordinances.
In February the auti-fy campaign be-
gan, and garbage disposal was studied.
In March protection Of the towns birds
was the subject The water supply
and ACCESSIBILITY Of establishing play
ground followed in turn. With the sea-
son OF natural growth at its height. the
August meeting was given to discuss
ing what Is the Next Step In Beau
flying Our Town. Another question.
"What Can the V. I. A. DO to Aid the
Cause Of Temperance ut Homer is 10
be taken up in October.
The membership of the association
now exceeds 100 From the first it has
been active in civic affairs, and its
home town is a much more attractive
and sanitary place because of the thor
0Ggh and systematic efforts of the cilrl
TO make and keep it 50. lis activities
have included the annual cleanup
weel, in May keeping weeds cut and
papers and rubbish picked up. Anti
splitting signs are kept posted. defec-
tive sidewalks are reported to couu-
ellis, and public nuisnnces are referred
TO the health boards attention Prizes
have been given for identifying front
yards and for the greatest sanitary inn
provemcuts in back yards
To the public library 5000 was do
mated, and in the interest OF good roads
$500 was given into the borough treas
ury, Contributions have been made to
the volunteer fire department and the
Canton band has received donations to
is fund for uniforms. An attractive
band stand has been built near the
public square. and in the basement Of
'ioo IS a room in which food
sales and other local enterprises for
fund raising are arranged.
Metal street signs have been placed
at all intersections Of streets, and a
modern street sprinkler has been
bought and successfully operated for
two seasons All money for this en-
terlmlse was collected and paid out by
the association.
The women consider rs the greatest
achievements Of their club the thor
ougb, daily flushing during the sum
mer season of the water plugs in the
town and the keeping constantly he
fore the board Of health the necessity
for an adequate filtration plant for the
water system. Success has met this
effort in an order from Harrisburg
calling for such n filtration plant as
soon as il can be constructed.
The association was one of the first
in the town 20 contribute
to the Belgans, and much charitable
ana humane work is continually min
gle1 in lis civic duties.
The most ambitious work yet at
tempted is the purchase Of land 10 be
used rs an athletic park and play
graund. Two acres Of land near the
center of town have been secured.
The price. $2.950, is a reduction Of
5000 from the real value, concession
made possible by the interest Of an ac-
tive members husband in encourage
ment OF the associations valiant I'M
The Improvement and
will add to the cost, ana the
association members prophesy that the |
own viii be a busy place until these !
funds are in hand. Immediately after
he purchase Of the play park site its |
Use WAS donated during Chautuuqua |
week for the site of the entertainment |
ent. This act was natural sequence
md in line with the asociation's rec
,rds for good work, for it was largely |
trough this Endorsement that Chau-
auqua week was made possible to the
'iciniIy.
The local board Of health and Dor
ugh council have learned to respect
md depend upon the women Of the
Tub for active work and constant Wig
lance in making their town a better
lHce in which to live.