RURAL COMMUNITY BUILDINGS. 21 
The cost of the building was $2,000 and of the equipment $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 amateur 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 supplies and in selling certain farm products, and to make 
other advantageous business arrangements. 
In general, the primary advantage which this building 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 centering 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. 
