Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-07-12
JOHN X. SNYDER
On Vacant1ot Cultivation

HN1VlNG a man or woman chance
" to show their individuality and help
themselves is one Of the best possible ways
of helping people in this world in the
opinion of John *. Snyder, superintendent
of the Philadelphia Vacant Lots Cultivation
Association.
"God helps them who help Themselves
said Mr.. Snyder ''and that is our motto,
too. The reason so many people need as
sstancc is they never have had an oppor-
tunity to show their individuality.
''The vacant lots cultivation idea had lts
inception about twenty five years ago and
has continued without break ever since.
Its value was discovered at the time of the
great unemployment situation in lSoo-
1897. in Detroit. Mayor Pingrce inaugu-
rated the Pingrec potato spatches to re-
licve the general distress. They proved such
success that the experiment became
permanent thing and the vacant lots culti-
vation idea spread rapidly to other cities.
Cooperation Plan Failed
"At first the plan was made a cooper
ative one. Men and women were employed
at n nominal salary and given work to do,
which was disposed of partnership
basis. This developed a tendency on the
part of some to let George do the work,
so the plan was ultimately abandoned i'll
favor of the present one.
Each individual is given n small plot of
ground which for the time being he is to
regard as his own. We try to make it an
individual proposition and interfere as little
as possible. We allow him to work out his
plot on his own initiative and according to
his own ideas. We direct only when we
see him going wrong.
"At first the plan was designed only for
the benefit of the unemployed. but we
broadcncd our scope and extended it to the
aged individual who could not obtain self
supporting labor. At present we have one
nj iuht tN'
eight and twenty more than seventy tillng
their little plots of ground. Not only does
it enable them to maintain themselves in
food but it does ycoman service for their
health.
their time to self supporting labor also are
included. In many cases they have the help
of thcir children We also take care of
unfortunate 'cripplcs. Some Of them are in
a convalcscent condition and some of them
are permanently disabled. Some of our men
n"c night watchmcu who, with their Culti-
vation work during the day, are enabled
| to support themselves more comfortably.
Must Furnish Own Funds
"As this is purely n proposition of help
ing themselves, our individuals are given no
money except in special crises. We some
| times lend them money, but then only in
| cascs of absolute necessity and where we
| know they are going to earn and pay it
"It is our idea that in compelling them
| TO helm themselves we help them maintain
their self respect
Just now there are about POO, 900 uncm
| Moved in Philadelphia. We cannot give MI
| thc helm we would like to. If we had moro
money we would cndcavor to carry the worl,
into the congestcd districts now heavily
affected like Kcnsington and Frankford
We shall try to extend our work to these
sections next year.
'At present we have about 100 acres of
vacant lots. Each gardener gets n plot 30
| by 100 feet We have about 700 on our list
this season, which is slightly less than last
ycar During the war, when patriotism was
n factOr. we had as high as 100 gardeners
We are giving out gardens even at this late
date
"Whcn we present a piece of ground wc
first have it plOwCd and then furnish thr
seed and fertilizer. \ normal charge is made
| for these things to cover their cost in nnrt
We find that this develops desirable scnsq
of responsibility.
"FrOm time to time we inspect the por.
dens. We then check up on the work Of rho
gardeners and give them advice if if is
necessary.
Few Failures Reported
Although we do not permit the sbftIoye
or the irresponsible to put things over ON ms
and punish this kind of action with for.
ffture for all time Of the gardens. we have
SFery small percentage OF failure. Two nov
cent Is about the highest we have ever had.