Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 August 1908 — A LAUDABLE UNDERTAKING [ARTICLE]

A LAUDABLE UNDERTAKING

Which Other Towns Would Do Well To Imitate. Noblesville, Ind., August 10.— The contest started early in the spring to beautify Noblesville with flowers ended Saturday afternoon with the awarding of prizes by a committee consisting of Mrs. Samuel Matthews, W. E. Bpnfoy and J. A. Gleason, all residents of Tipton. Mayor Young, of that city, appointed this committee at the request of the Noblesville Business Men’s Association. The names of the committee members were not made public until they arrived in Noblesville at noon Saturday, and being strangers here their decisions were accepted as impartial. The first prize of $lO in gold for the most beautiful appearing home was awarded to Miss Frances Hoen. Prizes were given to Lewis Gwinn for having the prettiest lawn in the First ward, Henry Gaeth in the Second ward and Elmer E. Crane in the Third ward. Many individual awards were also made.

More than 200 property owners engaged in the contest and as a result Noblesville has been one of the prettiest cities in central Indiana this summer. William Hoen, president of the Noblesville Business Men’s Association, suggested this movement early knocking them off the posts. He ranged, the association deciding to pay all premiums in cash out of its treasury, and it also furnished the flower seeds free of charge. Old people, middle-aged people and children became interested in the contest, and there was scarcely a home in Noblesville that did not have from one to six extra flower beds. They were located around the houses and on the lawns and sidewalks. Many lawns were beautified with potted plants. This large display of flowers attractedthe attention pf all strangers who came - to the city, and it is i understood that many other cities in Indiana will have the same kind of. contest. Noblesville 'will follow the same plan on a much larger scale next season.