Tyler, Texas, in 1914 was a small town undergoing the challenges of urbanization in the era of Progressivism. The leading ladies urged the ideals of the city beautiful movement which encouraged contiguous front yards with an abundance of flowers. This, however, conflicted with the long-standing rights of chicken owners to allow their fowl to roam the neighborhood in search of sustenance. Class issues emerged in newspaper articles as the community went into World War I and food conservation efforts. Which would win out--free chickens or gardens?