I 



KURAL COMMUiNriTY BUILDINGS. 21 



The cost of the buikling was $2,000 and of the equipmont $500, 

 making a total of $2,500. 



The hall is a one-story wooden structure, 28 by 60 feet, with a 

 stage 12 by 20 feet, and a rest room and a kitchen at the other end of 

 the building. Both interior and exterior are painted in pleasing 

 colors, and there are front and side doors. Theater chairs are used 

 for seating, and the floors are of hard wood. There is a piano in the 

 building. The hall is lighted by gas lamps. 



Funds for the construction of the building were obtained as fol- 

 lows : 



Funds in the club treasury $175 



Receipts from voluntary contributions 1, 050 



Receipts from picnics 420 



Receipts from socials 205 



Value of labor contributed 650 



Total 2, 500 



The principal items of maintenance are for light and heat. These 

 are being met by membership fees, monthly luncheons, socials, picnics, 

 and amatem' theatricals. As considerable money for the building 

 fund was raised by these methods, it is felt that the maintenance 

 problem is solved. 



The title to the building is vested in the farmers' club, which in- 

 cludes in its membership practically every family in the community. 

 The club annually elects five directors, who control and manage the 

 hall. 



While the hall has been in existence but a short time, the fre- 

 quency of its use and the large numbers which avail themselves of its 

 privileges attest its value. Club meetings, with programs, are held 

 twice a month. At alternate meetings pay luncheons are served. Fre- 

 quent picnics are given at which refreshments or luncheons are sold. 

 Socials and entertainments of various kinds are featured, not the 

 least interesting being the plays managed, staged, and acted by the 

 people of the neighborhood in "the little country theater." 



The farmers, through the club, are enabled to cooperate in buying 

 certain supphes and in selling certain farm products, and to make 

 other advantageous business arrangements. 



In general, the primary advantage which this buildmg has brought 

 to the community is that it has furnished an adequate and convenient 

 place, specific in purpose, where all, through ownership, feel freedom 

 of use, and where the social and civic ideals of the community can 

 find expression. In addition it has made possible the centermg of 

 the interests of the community in a club which, as a compact medium 

 of expression and authority, has tended to unite rural and urban 

 interests. 



