RURAL COMMUNITY BUILDINGS. 31 
their work, but feel that since they can not command extensive 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 great 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. 
