one percent offederal appropriations for roads be allocated to the landscaping of state and federal roads in 1935. 

 

By June of 1934, 4,000 clubs were circularized urging that they produce projects all over the state. Of the 300 suitable projects submitted by the division committees (set up to cooperate with the division directors), 35 projects were accepted by the state, and were executed. Over $1,000 was spent on an educational program of pamphlets and notices related to the improvement of roadside planting. In 1935, a survey was conducted by the council to list objectionable billboards in 20 counties covering 375 main roads. 5,400 billboards were counted, and letters were sent to the advertisers stating that club members preferred products not advertised along state or county highways.

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In 1940-1941, with war clouds close at hand, the council's work decidedly had to take a different course. Paul Walter, who was thoroughly familiar with the methods of organizing for political pressures, took the chairmanship which opened a new chapter in the council's work and policies, well designed to fit the emergencies of the war period. Under his leadership, the council supported the Remodifying the Highway Laws, the post-war development of a Memorial Highway program, the support of the Anthony Wayne Memorial committee work, and the subsequent organizing of 88 county committees for an educational program for the ultimate objective of a county zoning bill. Short courses on highway development were instituted at The Ohio State University, bringing Ohio prestige in line with other states that valued roadside development.

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Since the war, Mrs. F.G. Hodell, our president, has kept the fabric of the Ohio Council together while those faithful to the purpose of arousing public interest in preserving the amenities of the highways and encouraging the best practices in highway development have given her assistance in working toward a program best suited to the post-war period. One might analyze the period of the council from 1933 to now as a 15-year period of barrage in trying to awaken Ohio men and women, and their representatives, to express their standard of thought as to whether Ohio roads will match any in the country in their fineness of
function and beauty of planning, or if we must concede ourselves a backward state and thus reflect our standards by neglected roads and legislation. Measuring the results of effort is often a disillusioning
process. All educators are faced with this dilemma and have to more or less grasp at isolated achievements rather than a collective improvement. That Ohio has benefited from the effort put forth by the Ohio Council can only be judged by the record:

• Roadside planting and conservation practice has improved.

• Roadside parks are an accomplished fact in limited development.

• A state zoning bill is achieved, but billboards are still with us!

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- Written by Elizabeth Ring Ireland Mather

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Protecting Ohio’s scenic resources, and advancing safe and beautiful highway corridors, is still central to our Scenic Ohio’s mission which celebrates its 88th Anniversary in 2013. Hopefully, this will connect you to our love of Ohio’s scenic resources and roadway corridors, a great American treasure.

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