The Progressive Batavian Batavia, Genesee County, New York State January 22-1875 Batavia as seen by a New Yorker. New York City, Jan. 14, 1875. Editor, Progressive Batavian: Sir: Business engagements compelling me to stop in your village while on my way homeward from the West, I was struck by the marked improvements made in it, since a former visit made some time last spring. Probably the most noticeable is in the view presented on looking for the cars. Heretofore, for a term of years, several unsightly buildings, rookeries, they might be more properly termed, have presented themselves to the gaze, giving the traveler unacquainted with the town's more beautiful portions, a very inferior impression of it. In their stead, one now sees a neat, beautiful, and unique business office, conveying a favorable impression, and reflecting great credit upon its proprietors. But the greatest improvement is one which every town the size of yours demands, and of which, I understand, you have long felt the necessity, namely: a suitable place of amusement. Your recently erected Opera House, so commodious, comfortable and ornamental within, and with the stores beneath, so city-like in appearance without, completely fills the bill. These, with the remodeling of the buildings nearly opposite the Opera House, speak well of the architectural taste of your citizens. As for the business prosperity of your village, the occupancy of every available opening, the neat, tidy, and attractive appearance of your stores, their extensiveness (the most noticeable of which being a mammoth dry goods and clothing establishment on the south side of Main St.,) all speak in flattering terms of it. In short, with your magnificent school-house, with the architectural beauty of your commercial buildings, with your matchless streets, bordered by its stately trees, beneath whose luxuriant summer foliage, on star-light nights, no doubt, while promenading to the music executed by your excellent band, "--Soft eyes Look love to eyes that speak again," all place your village on an equal with, if not exceeding in beauty, any in the country. Yours truly, R.J. WALLACE. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************