Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 55, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 March 1913 — CIVIC MOVEMENT FOR RENSSELAER [ARTICLE]

CIVIC MOVEMENT FOR RENSSELAER

Plan of J. H. Holden for City's Beautification to Be Augmented With Association. ■ C- -■ --- The movement started several weeks ago by J. H. Holden to create greater civic pride has inspired Superintendent Clarke of the city schools to suggest that a local organization be formed to aid in carrying out plans Mr. Holden has started, and at meetings held at the school building Monday and Tuesday evenings it was decided to take steps at once to create an interest in the civic welfare of the city, but urging the co-operation of every resident of the city and by employing the school children throughout the year in making Rensselaer beautiful and healthful and its people happy. The concrete plans of organization were not performed, that action awaiting a general meeting to be called shortly, but those who were present at the meetings expressed the belief that the local organization should at once federate with the American Civic Association, of Washington, D. 0., from wtiich headquarters considerable literature had been received, explaining the object of the associated and what it accomplishes. It has been a national organization for the past eight years .and has received recognition for the making of better living conditions for all America, especially in improvement in the physical and structural growth of tile communities. Its purpose is briefly stated as being “the cultivation of higher ideals tit civic life and beauty in America, the promotion of city, • town and neighborhood improvement, the preservation and development of landscape and the advancement of outdoor art.”

The general office of the association has been in Washington foi the past three years and from them has been conducted a vigorous propaganda by correspondence and distribution* of printed literature ‘extending to all parts of the United States and Canada. The cost of federation is $5 and Dr. M. D. Gwin, city health officer, volunteered to pay this amount himself. Local ideas will control in the formation of the local organization, which will be governed by a constitution and by-laws. The mose effective manner of creating interest with every one will be sought out and adopted. These things have been discussed to some extent and some good suggestions made. Further action will probably await the calling of a general meeting when a short program will be held, lantern slides used to illustrate the possibilities of beauty-seeking enterprise and the organization affected by the election of officers. The slides to be used will come from the Nation al Civic Association, and a magazine and various literature will also be furnished and advice given without cost upon request. Mr. Holden is very much impressed with the possibility of the new organization, realizing that it will mean the higher fulfillment of the very things he had hoped to accomplish when the plan was first suggested. It is quite probable that the organization’s efforts will not quit off with the front lawns, but that back yards, alleys, gardens and vacant lots will be given attention. It will also work along improved sanitary lines. The fly nuisance, the slop disposal proposition, the weed menace and every phase of sanitary neglect Will be taken up. The Republican is requested to impress upon every citizen of the city that they are by virtue of their residence here members of the association. It is probable that there will be no roster of names, except of the officers and their aids; that there will be no membership fee and no dues, but that all. moneys required will be raised by collections. It is hoped to have every man, woman and child in Rensselaer get into the spirit of making Rensselaer more beautiful, more healthful and better in every way. Without the co-operation of every one the plan will not be successful, but if every family will get into the spirit of the movement and help it along our city will be. the best in Indiana before the frost comes again. Another suggestion that may be successfully worked out ls to Jiave an exhibit of garden products at the proper time next summer or fall. This would probably be restricted to school children competition and would be held at the high school gymnasium. Remember, that you are all members of this big movement for the physical and healthful improvement of this city and that every house, no matter where located, will be viewed during the progress of the summer by many people, large numbers of them from outside of Rensselaer. We want every person who comes to our city to go away with a feeling of pride in our enterprise. The Republican will be glad to help the movement along by printing from time to time such suggestions as the committee on flower culture may submit. Let every one give the plan some thought and be prepared, the women, the men and the children to attend the big organization meeting to be held very soon, .