32 BIJTuLETIN 825, U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



As an aid to their future club work in experimental agriculture, 

 tlie vacant space in the rear was planted to vegetables and berries. 

 In connection with this a well was dug and a pump installed. 



The building was neatly painted without and within, rugs, shades, 

 and curtains placed, floors waxed, and the walls hung with appropriate 

 pictures. A stage was provided for entertainments and local plays. 



The furniture installed included a number of easy chairs, 24 folding 

 chairs, a library table, bookcases, a heating stove, an oil stove, 4 

 dining tables, a kitchen cabinet, china and glassware, cutlery, and 

 kitchen utensils. 



No direct money contributions were solicited. Entertainments, 

 suppers, sales, and ice-cream socials provided considerable cash. 

 Much furniture was donated. A "parcel-post sale" provided 

 sufl&cient funds to purchase a phonograph. A "good-book week" 

 resulted in various contributions to the library. A "china shower" 

 furnished the necessary dishes. 



The building is of cottage form, one story high, and is provided 

 with an entrance hall, 8 by 20 feet, used also as a library and reading 

 room; an assembly hall 21 by 40 feet, with stage; and a dining room 

 and kitchen of the same size. 



The plant is valued at $2,200 and is a signal monument to commun- 

 ity spirit and practical neighborhood cooperation, and a fine example 

 of what may be accomplished in a rural community of limited financial 

 resources. 



On July 4, 1916, a happy and contented neighborhood gathered 

 in the building to dedicate the fruits of their united labors with an 

 appropriate "sunset celebration," since which time the building has 

 been in almost continuous use. 



Not only was the building reconstructed and equipped without 

 financial contributions, but it is maintained and the work carried on 

 in it by a club without dues or membership fees. Wood, coal, 

 janitor service, and repairs are voluntarily contributed or provided 

 for by receipts from entertainments. 



Besides the ordinary social activities are included agricultural 

 meetings, canning and cooking demonstrations, sewing, classes in 

 rug and basket weaving, floral exhibits, book and magazine ex- 

 changes, waste-paper sales, quilting parties, garden contests, com- 

 munity, county, and tri-State fair exhibits, barbecues, community 

 singing, and the celebration of national holidays. 



If the value to the neighborhood of a community building is to 

 be estimated by the uses to which it is put and the needs which it 

 satisfies, then this study would indicate that the community buUdmg 

 as a general rule must be accorded a high place. Not all communities 

 which own them are awake as yet to their potential possibiHties, but 

 there are enough examples of efficient use combined with far-reaching 

 plans to warrant the conclusion that they will prove to be effective 

 instruments in the improvement of rural social conditions. 



