32 BULLETIN" 825, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
As an aid to their future club work in experimental agriculture, 
the 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 
sufficient 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 building 
as a general rule must be accorded a high place. Not all communities 
which own them are awake as yet to their potential possibilities, 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. 
