306 
PARK AND CEMETERY 
IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 
CONDUCTED BY 
FRANCES COPLEY SEAVEY. 
FORMING AN IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. 
We are in receipt of a large number of inquiries 
relating to the formation and management of im- 
provement organizations, and feel that we can do no 
better service to those who need such advice than by 
outlining the methods of some successful existing 
organizations. 
To begin with what is probably the oldest society in 
the country ; the Laurel Hill Association of Stock- 
bridge, Mass., was organized in 1853; adopted a con- 
stitution in 1863; amended it in 1878; and amended it 
further in 1896, at which time it prepared and pub- 
lished a little pamphlet containing its constitution, as 
places these meetings are likely to be pleasanter at 
the residences of members than in a public hall. 
6. In some states, as in Massachusetts and New 
York, a special statute is not needed for these organi- 
zations. They can be incorporated under the general 
law applicable to similar organizations. 
iMany eastern improvement organizations deem it 
necessary, on account of bequests received and the 
expectation of further gifts, that their societies be in- 
corporated, which accounts for paragraph six. 
For instance. Miss Grace E. Blodgett, Secretary of 
the Village Improvement Society of Templeton, Mass., 
wrote us some time ago that in the fall of 1900 their 
society had a hotel given it, the “Templeton Inn,” 
which, she stated, is valued at about $45,000. The 
society has full control of this property and has the 
privilege of selling it if it sees fit to do so. The inn 
is utilized as a summer resort hotel. This interesting 
fact should certainly be an encouragement to all. Look 
Templeton Inn, 
Templeton, cMass,, 
^^The Heart of 
the ^Massachusetts 
Highlands , " 
Valued at 
About $45,000, 
Built in 1900 by 
S^oses 
W, Richardson, 
Th'esented by him in 
1901 to the Templeton 
Improvement 
Society, 
amended, together with the following suggestions to 
new organizations ; 
1. Funds to a considerable amount to serve as a 
nucleus for investment as well as for immediate use, 
should be secured before starting work. 
2. Annual subscriptions should be obtained, and 
when practicable pledged for some years ahead, to 
insure the permanence of the organization and the 
continuance of its work. 
3. Endeavors should be made to interest all classes. 
Children might be permitted to set trees themselves 
under the direction of the Association. 
4. It is well to begin operations at some point in 
which the whole community is interested, such as the 
cemetery, or the public green or square. Avoid at- 
tempting to do too much at once. 
5. To keep up the public interest in the Associa- 
tion and to look after its work, it is important to have 
monthly meetings of the executive committee. In small 
around and consider who may in future donate ground 
for parks, squares, playgrounds, etc., to be under the 
control of your local improvement organization. 
The Laurel Hill Association, and many other so- 
cities, own real estate which is, of course, conducted 
in the interests of the purposes for which such organi- 
zations are formed. 
The officers of improvement societies consist of 
president, one or more vice-presidents, treasurer, secre- 
tary and, in some instances, of a corresponding secre- 
tary. These officials, together with the chairmen of 
standing committees, usually torm the Executive 
Board, and this board comprises the active working 
force. In it, too, is usually vested the practical control 
and management of the affairs of the society and the 
expenditure of all of its moneys. 
The following simple constitution is that of a promi- 
nent organization. It has appeared in this depart- 
ment before, but will serve the purposes of societies 
