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WRITTEN BY J. SHELTON GORDON IN 1946PUBLISHED IN THE LOCAL PAPER OF PALMDALEThat could come true! (with apologies to Mr. Easop) Once upon a time there was a beautiful well-planned town in Antelope Valley called Palmdale. Its buildings were well designed, its merchants prosperous and its streets were clean. The children were happy and healthy, the surrounding small farms were prosperous, the people who owned them had money in the banks and love in their hearts for their fellow men. This little town was an example for larger cities to follow. The City Fathers were often asked to go to other places and help plan similar communities, and as the influence of Palmdale grew, it gradually affected the whole nation and was one of the reasons that the United States became a power for good in the world. How did this wonderful transformation take place? What caused this desert community to "about face"? Well, it seemed that all of a sudden the people in that town became ashamed of their petty, childish bickering, and some of the leading men and women got together and began to talk about better things. They asked God to forgive them for their sins of omission and commission, and with a spirit of love and understanding began to plan for each other. Instead of blaming one group for the things they had done, the civic minded people were complimented and praised for the accomplishments that they had achieved. Good men and women were encouraged to become active in the activities of the town. They were thanked for what they did. As other people saw that public services were appreciated, they became interested and soon a wealth of talent had been discovered right among the people of Palmdale. The young people took part and became the leading citizens. The older people's council was listened to and considered. The veterans became very Palmdale minded, recreation grounds were planned for the boys and girls, and a fine community pool was built. The offer by the County for a recreational park was acted upon. The churches got busy and had some clean plays, socials and dances for young and old so that good church members and prospective church members were not found in some of the questionable places of the Valley looking for entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Community gatherings were held. Old friendships were renewed- differences forgotten. Cooperation was the keynote of Palmdale. The desert blossomed like a rose. This ideal area became the playground for Los Angeles County. Good families from Los Angeles and Pasadena and other cities came here to get away from the fog and the smog. The foothills were covered with lovely homes. The Valley was fertile and well-planned into active, prosperous small farms. The people raised the things that did not exhaust the water supply. The water problem was solved by conservation and common sense administration. Fantastic? No, indeed! All this and much more can happen right here in Palmdale. It must happen, and we must get busy now. How to do it? In a spirit of love and humility and unselfishness, get together and start to plan for a better Palmdale. Make no little plans. But let's start with a good community get-together and learn to be friends and neighbors. Then keep going from one good thing to another. Work, plan and cooperate. It is the good old American way.
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
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