KURAL COMMUNITY BUILDINGS. 31 



their work, but feel that since they can not command exteasive funds 

 they can not have such a building. While it is true that a com- 

 modious building with various rooms for different purposes, provided 

 with convenient furniture and different lines of useful equipment, is 

 a gi'eat aid to a community organization, it is surprising how much 

 can be accomplished in the way of a building with slight financial 

 resources. 



Two problems faced the people of Woodstock, living in the open 

 country, far from town or railway, in Shelby County, Tenn. They 

 were animated by a strong desire for the betterment of community 

 life. A cooperative club had been formed, but there was no ade- 

 quate meeting place, no building whose arrangement would lend itself 

 to the successful carrying out of their plans. Moreover, these farm- 

 ing people could not command funds sufficient for the erection of such 

 a building. 



The second problem was what to do with their two-room school- 

 house, abandoned through consolidation, the pupils being trans- 

 ported several miles now to the new building. The schoolhouse, old 

 and dilapidated, had been used as a gypsy camp, and the school 

 authorities had offered it for sale for $200. 



Both problems were soon solved by the decision of the club to 

 secure control of the old building, and to reconstruct and equip it as 

 their social center home. 



The club had fixed as its purpose "the betterment of community 

 life from, the social, educational, and economic standpoint," and had 

 planned an ambitious but practical program for its accomplishment. 

 It had enrolled practically every person in the neighborhood over 

 16 years of age, elected the usual officers, together with a board of 

 six directors, who were given charge of the carrying out of the build- 

 ing plans, and appointed committees on sanitation, education, civic 

 beautification, and recreation. 



After the proper guaranty of its future use for civic welfare, the 

 county school officials were induced to give an indefinite lease of the 

 grounds and building to the cooperative club, the county retaining 

 title. Then began a fine example of community cooperation in public 

 work. The grounds, 2 acres in extent, were put in condition and 

 the building reconstructed, entirely through voluntary effort. Some 

 gave lumber, some labor, some material, and some equipment. All 

 took part. While the men were working on the building the women 

 were preparing and serving lunches. 



The club realized the value of a pleasant approach and beautiful 

 setting for their home. Approaching roads were laid out, the grounds 

 were leveled and drained, trees, both useful and ornamental, were 

 planted, weeds were destroyed, and gravel walks were made, leading 

 in various directions. At the front of the house beds of fragrant 

 flowers were planted. 



