Putnam patriot., 1930-09-18

the idea of roadside Identification to cur people and prove to them that 1t pays not alone in beauty, but in the saving of money, conservation Of resources. increase in property values and in providing an inherit ance to be handed down to the future generations.
 Let us as citizens and representa- tives of New England, in which We are particularly interested. visualize for the future the whole of New Eng land as one scenic park-its net work of trunk line highways constructed for modern traffic and landscaped harmoniously.
 Connecticut and Massachusetts have the work under way and I hope that the other New England states will soon follow. As a representa- tive of the State of Connecticut can promise you any assistance that it is our power to give, and l hope we may all join hands and help to make the vision a reality.
 At the New England Conference Of the state federation of Women's Clubs recently held in New London, Connecticut. the time allotted for roadside identification matters was short and after the addresses there was little time for discussion of the program suggested.
 Proper Legislation
 l have read the suggestions and it seems to me that the securing of proper legislation in each state au- fhawfrtk.ar he. ef, Lfrpb.ssuts k.a.sA commission to appoint a landscape engineer and fix definitely, if pos sible. the jurisdiction that the state csn exercise over its highway rights of way is of first importance, and. of course. the providing of funds is absolutely necessary if the work is to proceed. We think in Connecti- cut we have very good law.
 Next in importance is the eoopera- tion of the people and in securing this l believe the Women's Clubs can be of great assistance.
 The programs outlined for the im- provemnt of roadside stands, filling stations and the reducing of the mum Der of legal signs adjacent to high ways is good. But I believe that it will be found that after start has been made to improve the roadsides an improvement of the abutting property will soon be noticed, and as better wayside places and filling stations are built that more business will go to them and the others will either go out of business or improve their places to meet the standard set.
 Identification of roadsides tends to awaken civic pride. Beautify the sides of section of highway and soon the houses along that road tide will show an improvement in their yard and fields adjacent othe high way. This We have found to be true in Connecticut
 In regard to securing the removal of large signs located just back of the highway line on private property. this is a subject much discussed. No one deplores the obstruction of beau tiful landscape view by sign more than l do. but it seems to me the im- proyement of roadsides and the elim- ination of signs must go along togeth- CT. In other words, if We improve our roadsides, prune our trees and cut out slash growth to openup views, We have better reason to request. or force in some way, the re- moval of the signs. In a number of instances we have secured the re- moval of signs at points where we were making improvements.
 Unless conditions are too deplor- able l do not think We should act in radical way toward roadside stands, filling stations, and signs on private property. but rather through an edu- cational program. The improvement of state rights of way and the awaken ing of civic and community pride will secure the results which are wanted
 To review and state briefly the sug- gestions uotlined I believe it is neces- sary to secure proper legislation giv- ing the Highway Board CT Comrnis- sion of each state authority to appoint 2 ma. ::.: charge of the work, to se- cure legislation clearing up any un- certainty as to rights of way and Jurisdiction therein, to provide a method of financing the work, to se- cure in every way possible the inter- est and cooperation of the public and to carry on a joint program of con struction and improvement of road sides and the improvement of adjacent property, including the elimination of unsightly places and structures.
 
 Lisping Lou-Could you do thome-