Merritt has history of beautification efforts

From the Merritt Herald, Sept. 27, 1912.

Beautify The City:

Since our mention in the columns last week of the proposal to plant trees along the streets of our city and thus make our avenues such in deed as well as in word, several people have spoken enthusiastically of the idea and there is every prospect of the matter being taken up officially in the near future.

An immediate expenditure of fifty or a hundred dollars would secure an asset which would soon be worth many thousands of dollars to the city. Real estate activity and business are a great asset and drawing card to a young city without a doubt; but a city which may fittingly be described as beautiful will never lack its quota of visitors. It is ridiculous to argue that all the street width is required for traffic purposes. If at any time in the future this should prove true it will then be time enough to remove the obstructing trees but till such time let us have them by all means.

My Thoughts and Observations:

My initial observation regarding this article is that it was rather to-the-point, which was followed by the thought that this article was somewhat out of place. This two paragraph article appeared on the third page; it was inserted between an article regarding the recent condemnation by the health inspector of the poor sanitation in the stables of Nicola Valley dairy farmers, and an article reporting the success of the 1912 Nicola Valley Fall Fair.

Although, the significance was not immediately obvious, it was apparent that this article was not a news item. Rather, the article was an argument that forwarded a specific proposal to achieve a very specific result.

The argument proposed that by beautifying the city through calculated landscaping (trees in the streets) the municipal government would benefit financially by new business development, increased property value, and greater tourist traffic.

Merritt’s growth between 1906 and 1915 was as rapid as it was substantial. The population increased largely as a result of the four coal mines in operation, although service and agricultural industries also contributed to the increased population.

Merritt was connected by rail to the rest of Canada in 1909 via a branch line from Spences Bridge. This allowed Merritt access to coastal (and national) markets: exporting coal and cattle and importing goods and tourists. Hotels were built and boarding houses established (both were licensed) to serve the influx of people; and real estate advertisements indicate that property was being purchased. The 1911 Census confirms Merritt was comprised of several residential neighbourhoods.

On April 1, 1911, Merritt was incorporated. Merritt would continue to grow rapidly until the First World War.

The argument made in the article addressed the interests of the municipal government, local business, and property holders. It was located between the two ‘news’ articles to draw the reader’s attention; whether interested in unclean conditions (tuberculosis specifically) at local dairy farms or in the local Fall Fair, the article in between the two of them would likely receive more attention than it would otherwise have.

It was not unusual to have “booster” articles written, but this one was quite subtle.

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