Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-09-25
California Beauties Highways

There is one factor which has done more TO gain
for California the position she now holds as the
"tourist~ state than either climate or natural attrac-
tions. and that j. the state and civic pride and the
spirit Of cooperation with which the major portion Of
the population Is imbued.
California is one Of the best organized states in the
Union. The growers are organized to market their
products; the entire state is organized 10 advertise its
resources, climate and advantages ii offers tourists.
Californians have the organization habit to such an ex-
tent that any movement inaugurated for public inn
provement is quickly organized and the force Of the
organization exerteS until the objective is gained.
a statewide campaign to clean up and beautify the
rosdsides az California has been launched under the
leadership ~ the Automobile Club Of Southern Califor-
mia. With their usual readineses to cooperate in any
public move. the various luncheon clubs, chambers Of
commerce. women's declarations. and even the churches
and schools are joining. As a result the movement
has gained considerable momentum in the minimum Of
time. and California this winter will have clean road
sides. well kept lawns and innumerable beauty spots
70 greet the influx Of tourists.
Under the plan inuagurated by the automobile as
ISOLATION, civic clubs. women's organizations, news
papers and officials Of the various communities are
entrusted with the job Of setting their own houses in
order The campaign c~ontemplates removal Of I'M
tenanted. dilapidated, shacks. painting, cleaning and
otherwise improving all highway stands, residences and
premises along the main arteries Of traffic; elimina-
NAA "a 49," ENHNEA' NNN' AN@~NN+
signs and placards; in Fact, a statewide effort to
make every highway in the state attractive and inter
esting 70 the throngs Of visitors.
Special committees have been appointed 10 arrange
planting Of palms. flowers, shrubs and other orna-
mcntals at points Of vantage. These committees have
enlisted the active cooperation of property owners.
and experts have been provided to superintend the
paintings.
There has been practically no expense attached 10
the campaign. The appeal to state, civic and irdivid-
nal pride has accomplished more in cleanup Of high
ways and practical Identification than could be ac-
eomplshed by the expenditure Of millions of <ollars.
Organization has accomplished what could be attained
through no other medium.
The Herald is firmly convinced the Lower Rio
Grande Valley is negleeting one Of it, most important
assets in failing to adopt a Valley-wide cleanup and
Identification program. Several communities and hun
dreds Of individuals have devoted considerable time
and money TO Identification, but their efforts have
been nullified to a great extent by failure Of other in
dividuals and communities 10 cooperate. Not until
the Valley adopts the California plan OF effective or
ganization and the campaigns made Valley-wide can
It expect to achieve real results in making the lower
border country more attractive for homeseekers and
tourists.
California Is developing this asset to the maximum.
and this development J. being accomplished through
organisation. That state has proved conclusively the
financial returns = semi-tropic region may secure
through well organized and systematic Identification.
With CALIFORNIA; example and experience as an index.
there should be no difficulty in eniisting the cooper
alton Of every resident Of the Valley in a movement
which would have far-resshing results IN assuring
future development of natural resources and The ~
Enlistment Of recreation centers which would make
this region even more attractive for tourists than
California.