Roads. A table of the county roads was given in connection with the 

 discussion of markets. It would be hard to overestimate the social 

 importance of good roads. A system of good roads must inevitably 

 extend the limits of a community, by increasing the distance which 

 it is possible conveniently to travel for social intercourse, attendance 

 upon public gatherings, churches, schools, etc. It also tends to increase 

 the solidity of a community and the strength of its social bonds by 

 facilitating inter-communication. It is interesting to note that in 

 Montgomery County social organization of every sort is closely de- 

 pendant upon the availability of adequate transportation facilities, 

 particularly upon the existence of good roads. Where there are good 

 roads, as in the Olney District, there is developed social life; where there 

 are no good roads, as in the Barnesville District, there is little or no 

 social life except in the villages. This point will become clear if in 

 connection with the discussion of social organizations and of recreation 

 facilities reference is made to the table of roads. An incidental result 

 of good roads is that ultimately they mean the decline of the cross- 

 roads store on account of the increased tendency to drive to the villages 

 and towns. 



R. F. D. and Telephones. There are 30 Rural Free Delivery Routes 

 starting from post offices within the county. These average 100 families 

 each on a 10 to 27 mile route. There are also seven routes starting 

 from points in adjoining counties. All the farmers in the county not 

 immediately adjacent to some post office are served by these routes. 



There are approximately 1,250 telephones in the county. About 30% 

 of the entire number of farm homes, are equipped with telephones. 

 This is rather a small proportion for a prosperous county; in three counties 

 surveyed in Missouri, for example, 88% of the farmers had telephones. 

 The telephone on the farm, aside from its advantages for the conducting 

 of the farm business, greatly aids social intercourse, though it has some- 

 what diminished the practice of neighborly visits. 



Centres of Informal Meeting 



That is to say, the places where people are in the habit of congregating 

 informally for small talk and gossip. Before the advent of the rural 

 delivery, the post offices served that purpose. To a considerable extent 

 the stores are such centres now, both in the villages and in the open 

 country. In Rockville the Court House, especially when court is in 

 session, the drug store, the pool room, the club house and certain stores 

 all have their habitues. Throughout the county the churches provide 

 the meeting place for many who remain to chat a few moments after the 

 service. Other places frequented by some are the village streets, the 

 depots and the sheds erected at principal stops of the Georgetown trolley. 



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