Some of the best life lessons are learned from those who came decades -- or centuries -- before us. Their words can remind us of common knowledge that has been lost as modern life becomes more "sophisticated."
The editors of the Dorchester Times recently stumbled across a rare piece of local history: a palm leaf fan given to customers of Citizens State Bank in Dorchester during the 1920s.
On one side of the fan is a poem titled “Boost Dorchester.” On the reverse, “Fourteen Points of Community Progress” under this headline: Boost Your Town. These pointers drive home the wisdom of doing business in your hometown to help it grow and to help your neighbors prosper.
While a century has passed since this fan was printed and distributed, the wisdom it carries is more relevant than ever. We have reprinted the 14 points below.
1. Are you helping our Home Town and Community?
The wealth of our citizens is the capital of our Community. Its prosperity depends upon business. Money deposited in Banks in big cities or invested in other towns, takes capital away to build up other communities at the loss of all in our own Community.
2. Money spent away from home won’t pay our Home laborers, or teachers' salaries, or build school buildings, or provide other Community needs.
3. If a Community is worth living in, it is worth trading in.
Money spent away from home never returns to make the Home Town prosperous.
4. The business men are counted upon to keep the town progressing.
Help them by doing business with them. Our Town can be no better or bigger than its business.
5. It’s the solid worth of Home-spent money and co-operation that will make our Town bigger and better in every way.
6. Our children will not live in a “dead” town.
Home-spent money keeps the town growing and our boys and girls at home.
7. It is the money spent in our Home Town that gives our property greater value and protects it.
8. Our Town depends upon the money spent in it by all the citizens of the Community for its growth and prosperity.
9. Who wants to live in a “dead” town?
The merchants, the Banks and professional men are important in the life of our Town. Do business with them and help keep our Town growing.
10. The rate of our taxation depends on the wealth of our Community.
Increase this wealth and reduce taxation by building up our Home Town and Community.
11. You like to live in a prosperous town.
Prosperity, like charity, begins at home. Every dollar spent out of town is a check against our town’s prosperity. Trade at home.
12. Dollars spent at Home return to the spender.
Dollars spent at Home mean better Government, better protection, better Schools, better Churches and better Service, and better Homes — more and better Business — a better town to live in.
13. Money invested in Blue Sky enterprises in distant towns and cities in unproved undertakings robs our Community
for all time of needed working capital for our Home Town and our Community.
14. Actions speak louder than words.
Let us build in a spirit of neighborly interest — from a genuine desire to co-operate — banishing selfishness, and developing instead a Spirit of Community Brotherhood.
These words from the 1920s are applicable in 2025. They remind us that Dorchester's future depends on the support, investment, and spirit of those who call it home.
Thanks to all who are leading and supporting efforts to boost Dorchester today. You know who you are.
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