122 COMMISSION ON COUNTRY LIFE 



they are in a state of arrested development and 

 have not yet put themselves in consonance with 

 all the recently changed conditions of life. The 

 very forces that have built up the city and town 

 school have caused the neglect of the country 

 school. It is probable that the farming popula- 

 tion will willingly support better schools as soon 

 as it becomes convinced that the schools will 

 really be changed in such a way as to teach per- 

 sons how to live. 



The country communities are in need of social 

 centers, places where persons may naturally 

 meet, and where a real neighborhood interest 

 exists. There is difference of opinion as to where 

 this center should be, some persons thinking it 

 should be in the town or village, others the library, 

 others the church or school or grange hall. It is 

 probable that more than one social center should 

 develop in large and prosperous communities. 

 Inasmuch as the school is supported by public 

 funds and is therefore an institution connected 

 with the government of the community, it should 

 form a natural organic center. If the school de- 

 velops such a center, it must concern itself 

 directly with the interests of the people. It is 



