OREGON FARMER 121 



THE OREGON RURAL HOME. 



By HENRIETTA W. CALVIN, 

 Dean School of Domestic Science and Art. 



T the time at which this preliminary Agricultural Survey was 

 started it was not intended to include any special data in regard 

 to the Oregon rural home. Therefore our statistics are rather 

 meager and much of that which will herein follow is based upon 

 observation personally made in the various parts of the state rather 

 than on the statistics. 



There are a number of conditions essential to the contentment and 

 welfare in rural homes; comfortable and sanitary houses equipped 

 as far as possible with modern conveniences; possibilities for the 

 women of the household to meet other women who are similarly 

 located; organizations for social and intellectual betterment; 

 opportunities for the members of the household to be able to converse 

 and receive information over telephones and daily receive news from 

 the outside world; possibilities for the children to acquire a good 

 fundamental education without leaving home and for all members 

 of the family to have the opportunity of social intercourse with their 

 families; and that, arrangements by which the manual labor be 

 so provided for that no member of the household shall be exhausted 

 physically or so constantly occupied that there is not time for intellec- 

 tual or social improvement. 



The country houses represent very naturally three stages in their 

 evolution. The first dwelling of the new settler, in any community, 

 is of the smallest and most temporary type that will protect him and 

 his family from the elements. It is usually quickly constructed, 

 located near to the road and often the proximity to a known water 

 supply is the most essential matter to be considered. The first home 

 is not always convenient but often represents both hope and happiness 

 because it is recognized as a symbol of the first beginning of a new 

 life which offers great opportunities. 



The average cost of dwelling, as exhibited in chart in financial 

 report of this volume, is but $533.00 in Central Oregon. This 

 portion of the state is of the most recent development and these 

 homes are often in their first stages of evolution. There is another 

 reason for the low cost of these dwellings which is that they are 

 constructed from local building materials which can be purchased 

 cheaply or prepared on the homestead. 



After a few years, more rooms are added to the first small structure 

 and there is a gradual betterment and general improvement of 

 surroundings. This enlarged country home is comfortable. Though 

 it may not be particularly convenient it often meets the more pressing 

 needs of the family and many of the really important events of the 

 family take place within its walls. It so thoroughly represents to 

 all of the family the real home that it is not strange that this second 



