COMMUXITY ACTIVITIES 289 



that will bring the people together monthly or semi-monthly 

 furnishes a very desirable change from the ordinary routine 

 of farm life. Every one is interested in making the most 

 of oneself and one's life. An important part of one's pleasure 

 and development comes from meeting people and gaining 

 the ability to mingle with them freely, without which one 

 cannot appear at one's best or get the most out of life, 

 either socially or in a business way. 



One needs to get away from one's own work and home 

 and get an opportunity to see things from a different 

 angle. As a rule, a man is better satisfied with his own 

 conditions when he sees how others live and do. A better 

 acquaintance with people usually results in more tolerance 

 for their shortcomings. Many times, when left to ourselves, 

 we begin to think unkindly of our neighbors and really 

 believe they are not what they should be. Usually a closer 

 acquaintance and a clearer knowledge of their trials and 

 struggles shows us that they are really better than we had 

 thought them to be. A community in which all are inter- 

 ested in one another, know one another, and are boosting 

 for one another and for the community, is a much better 

 place in which to live than a community in which there is 

 mutual distrust. As a rule, knowledge of one another 

 increases confidence. Play is an important part of one's 

 life. One cannot do one's best, if every minute is devoted 

 to work. Relaxation and pleasure are absolutely essential 

 to good living. Clubs that will bring some entertainment^ 

 social gatherings, or other means of amusement into the 

 community, are very important. 



Educational Advantages. — A good farmers' club may be 

 of the greatest possible influence in broadening the knowledge 

 of its members. The community has more information 

 than any one of its members, and the club meeting tends 

 to give each member the benefit of the knowledge and ex- 

 perience of every other member. 



Being called upon to present various topics at club 

 meetings stimulates study. No one farm or community 

 has in it all that is good. Being forced to study what is 

 being done in other places increases the general knowledge 

 of the community and of each individual therein. 



