MessageBOX - Putnam

The 100th birthday of the town of Pleasant Gardens will be observed with appropriate ceremonies Monday night, Jan 20.  Speakers, and good music from a string band on the vicinity will mark the evening’s program which will be held at Roe Holsapple’s gymnasium.  One outside speaker and extempore speeches from residents of Pleasant Gardens will probably constitute the program.  Everybody is welcome to the program for which no admission will be charge.    ~~~transcribed by kbz

Pleasant Garden, located on the National Road in Washington township celebrated its 100th birthday Monday night.  Talks by Glenn Skelton of Reelsville, teacher in Greencastle HS and by the Rev. Dallas Rissler of Reelsville featured the program.  The history of the village was traced by Mr. Skelton in his talk while Mr. Rissler stressed the present ideals of the community.  A number of musical organizations of the vicinity appeared.  The following poem to commemorate the event was written by Paul Pickett:

Where hills of western Putnam rise .. the village, Pleasant Garden lies

And with its comrade, Reelsville vies … in sylvan scenic splendor.

Between the hamlets is the gleam … of waters of Big Walnut’s stream

Like light from lover’s eyes a-beam …with loving thoughts and tender

The Old Trails road winds up the hill … with curves that make the tourists thrill

As he with careful driver’s skill … averts a wreck’s disaster.

The road winds upward to the crest … where cottages and school house rest

Like Freedom’s bird in eyrie nest … who of the heights is master.

From here, in panoramic show … the hills and vales and fiends below

As sweet and splendid beauty know … as any ancient Arden

The river in its silver sheen … the meadows in the sere or green

The hamlet’s name fits well I ween … it is a Pleasant Garden.