The Village Improvement Society was organized in 1900, when a public meeting was called in Mattheissen Hall. Dr. Harrison was chairman, and introduced the Rev. Lyman Abbott, who explained the object of the association, which was that each one should pledge themselves to take care of their premises, and use their influence to abate anything that would detract from the beauty and order of the village. Nearly everyone present agreed to become a member. The following day a meeting was held and officers elected. Mrs. Lyman Abbott was chosen president; Mrs. Seaman, first vice-president; Mrs. Hunter, second vice-president; Mrs. Furey, secretary; Miss Laura Currie, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Dr. Harrison, treasurer. A handsome loving cup was purchased to be given to the person who, in the estimation of the judges, should show the best kept garden for the year. Anyone who should win it three years in succession would own it. Mrs. John Noe held it the first year, Mrs. Milton Couser the second, but the three following seasons it was held by Mrs. John Noe, who then became its permanent possessor. Almost the first work done by the society was offering ten cents a hundred for the nests of the tent worm. Seventy-two thousand were brought in by the school children, with the result that while the neighboring villages lost hundreds of trees the place was free from the pests. Trash cans were placed in different parts of the village, and thirteen hundred posters were removed from trees, fences and telegraph poles. Many friends have made generous donations; among others Mr. Weeks who, during the past four years, has offered $50 each year as door-yard prizes. A boys' horticultural club has been formed, land rented and a portion assigned to each boy who owns all he raises. The two most successful receive prizes. Enough money has been subscribed to meet the expenses of this work for five years. The second year of the organization, it lost by death the efficient treasurer, Mrs. Dr. Harrison, and last summer the loved president, Mrs. Lyman Abbott, died beyond the ocean and sleeps in a little German graveyard. The present officers are: Mrs. Ernest Abbott, president; Miss Cocks, vice-president; Mrs. Seaman, second vice-president; Mrs. Fleming, secretary; Miss Josephine Youngs, treasurer, and Miss E. M. V. McClean, corresponding secretary. PAPERS.