Residents of Patten Will Discuss Development Plan

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Men’s Club: Calls General Meeting June 23 to Present Community Development Program for. Discussion; Progress on Playground and Tourist Projects.

 

PATTEN: June 16th Men’s club of Patten voted at Its last meeting to hold a general meeting of towns people, tentatively set for Wednesday, June 23. when a plan for town development, prepared by A. E. Whitehill of the NEWS staff at the request of the club, will be presented for general discussion. Various aspects of the plan, including the development of a playground area around the high and grade schools, and the improvement of tourist accommodations, were discussed at the meeting of the Men’s club. Mr., Whitehill explained the steps that have been taken In the Merrill & I Ills matter as a result of the club having requested the NEWS to lend Its support In the effort to reestablish- the mill, formerly the towns peoples principal source of Income. A general discussion brought out further suggestions In connection with this project. Discussion of -the playground project brought out the fact that, with ample ground available around the high and grade school buildings for an excellent playground area, the only obstacle to establishing the recreation center seems to be lack of Information as to how to lay out such an area and what equipment should be constructed for the use of school children and adults.

 

The club has been in communication with Benjamin Houser, head of the National Youth Administration in Maine, and Mr. Whitehill reported that he had received assurance that Mr. Houser would be in Patten to look over the project within a few days and would furnish all the necessary plans and data for carrying out a complete playground program. Club members also discussed the question of Increasing tourist accommodations and working out a program to attract more tourists to the Patten region. Members brought out the point that there Is no re, son why Patten, situated la the Katahdin area and in a region which has spectacular scenic attractions, should ' not be flooded through the spring, summer and fall with fishermen vacationists and hunters.

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Present accommodations for tourists are limited. As first steps in developing Patten's tourist business, a committee is to be appointed to ascertain just which private homes will be opened to accommodate overnight guests, and an Information bureau Is to be established by Mr. Krummert, manager of the local Cities Service station. As information is gradually made available at this station incoming parties will be assured of securing the information necessary to make their stay in Patten comfortable and enjoyable, whether they come for fishing, hunting, or a rest in the country. As a further step toward attracting tourists to Patten, the Men club named Hal Patterson, first selectman, as chairman of a cleanup committee whose duty it will be to promote cleaner streets, more attractive lawns and gardens, the use of fresh white paint mi 'shabby buildings, and the removal of some unsightly landmarks.

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Lester Grant and Gilbert Brown will serve on the committee with Mr. Patterson. Club members felt that, while a small group such as the newly organized Men’s club could accomplish a great deal within its own circle, far more progress could be made In a community development program through the cooperation of the entire town. With- a view to enlisting community cooperation the club voted to hold a general meeting open to all townspeople. At this meeting the entire development plan will be presented for general discussion and the features which have already been endorsed by the Men’s club will be explained in detail..