Semi-weekly herald., 1916-01-17
!. c. GILBERT ON CIVIC BEAUTY.

Il. I. GlLbEKl ON SlflO BE4A u Il I I.
| Durango residents will be interest
| ed in the following comprenensive
communication from +. c. Gilbert, "a
member of the Civic committee, which
| was read at this weeks meeting of
the Civic club:
Our committee has had one meet
| ing and plans were discussed for
vigorous campaign in the very near
future to arouse interest in home
gardens.
The enclosed circular has been
placed in the hands of the smelter
| employees who can be counted upon
to do their share in this most i'm
portant movement for better Du-
range.
A complete success cannot be Sc
cured. however, without the active CO.
operation of all the residents of tho
town.
feel confident that the Civic club
can do more in this line than any
other agency, both in giving il pub
llclty and by active service when the
time comes for planting the seeds.
The committee is now collecting data
from various sources and hopes very
shortly to outline definite line Of
procedure to you for your approv-
al.
We all realize that outside help in
the way of better railroad facilities
and new industries is greatly needed
here, but the lack Of these should only
stimulate us to set up new standards
of civic usefulness, but we need to
work ourselves and use our own re-
sources to the fullest extent.
The benefits of work along the lines
4 a. Gi.. ststt f..ll
only will we train our people in the
appreciation of beautiful and whole
some surroundings, but the, economic
results are often far reaching. Real
estate values will be effected by beau
tif Al streets and well kept homes.
The spirit of neighborliness will be
cultivated, local pride will be stimu-
lated.
From the interviews | have had
during the past few weeks with indi-
viduals of all classes, | am positive
that we are on the eve of a big move
ment; everyone including county and
city officials, school directors, etc,
are moast heartily in favor of shak-
ing off the spirit of waiting for the
railroad, which has kept us so far be-
hind many communities which have
less natural advantages than Duran
go.
| have been reading, lately. book
from the Public library, entitled
Village Improvement" by Paris 7.
Farwell. Those Of your club who de-
sire to keep in touch with modern
views on this subject would be greatly
interested in it. Suggestions are
made in this book as to rules for
garden contests which have been of
the greatest aid in interesting the
school children in this work. | be-
lieve that we should aid in interest
ing the school children in this work.
believe that we should not fail to
enlist their cooperation whatever We
attempt.
The question of vacant lots has
been brought up in connection with
our campaign for Improvement of the
homes.
Mr.. Hood, city manager, assures
me that the city is willing to aid us
is solving this problem. Water sup
ply will be ample and all we will have
to do is get the land prepared and ar
range for the water.
] expect to 90 to Denver very soon
and learn something Of the methods
which have been successful there in
this matter.
If possible, we are going to have an
illustrated lecture on home gardens
which will be the starting point to
arouse public interest.
In fact no effort should be spared
from now until spring to advertise
our desire to make Durango city
of fine lawns and gardens.
! wish to thank you for the honor
of the appointment on this committee
who will do their best to deserve
the confidence you show In them.
Yours truly.
f. C. GILBERT.