CHAPTER XIII 



STRENGTHENING THE NEW ALLEGIANCE 



'"TT^HE little village at this period presented a very 

 * pretty appearance. The streets were lined with 

 two rows of poplars, which had grown so richly that in 

 Summer they afforded perfect shade. Grass-plots 

 bordering the sidewalks added to the fresh beauty and 

 repose of the scene. In fact, Woodbine then became 

 really a large park. It was, however, much more 

 than simply ornamental. It had grown into a good- 

 sized village, several new stores grocery, drygoods, 

 shoe and hardware having recently been opened. 



But, attractive as the village was, my husband had 

 plans to improve it still further. He was invited to 

 address one of the Saturday afternoon women's meet- 

 ings, and, amongst other plans, announced on that oc- 

 casion his intention of offering prizes for the cleanest 

 and best-looking house fronts and yards; remarking 

 that he was ready to supply free all the plants and 

 flowers any dweller wished to use. That set the ball 

 rolling. Each family tried to outdo the other in mak- 

 ing the prettiest showing, and the result more than 

 justified his hopes. From that season on, Woodbine 



104 



