The Civic Improvement Society of Monroe was influential - Monroe Evening News

By Tom AdamichOne of the most influential groups of the early 20th Century in Monroe was the Civic Improvement Society (CIS) of Monroe, which existed from 1901 to 1914, according to the article written by Joanna V. Brace entitled “The Power of Porch Talks: The Civic Improvement Society of Monroe, Michigan, 1901-1914."

In the article, Brace profiles the CIS's progressivist agenda to beautify Monroe, clean up garbage, purify water and preserve Monroe history – among other civic causes and initiatives, including the early glimpses of women’s suffrage.

Sparked by a national movement to address the effect of industrialization and urbanization on towns and cities in the U.S. – as well as the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and its quest to promote healthy living and beautification in urban settings – the Civic Improvement Society of Monroe organized in 1901.

Its first president, Josephine Van Miller, followed the urging of fellow notable Monroe resident Emma Dansard (wife of Benjamin Dansard, Jr. of the B.Dansard and Son’s Bank – which later became Monroe Savings Bank, Monroe Bank and Trust, and is now known as First Merchants Bank) to take action and improve Monroe’s appearance and health.

Tom Adamich is professor of technical services and reference librarian at Monroe County Community College.

Published On: Mon, 29 Mar 2021 16:00:22 GMT