The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1920-07-16
II hot Zx>1H -Red Cross

ket ball. There also a social room for pool,
cards. and other games, which is used for
general informal meeting room committee room,
two rooms for caretakers. two coat rooms i've
paths, toilets four bowling alleys, and heater and
storage rooms The basement also contains
well-equpped kitchen The house is entirely self
supporting through the earnings of the recreation
department, the receipts from motion-picture
shows, entertainments. dances, card parties, pool
tables, bowling alleys, basketball games, and the
rental of the auditorium for lectures and con-
certs. An average of 800 people the build
ing weekly.
Two problems faced the people Of Woodstock.
living in the open country far from town rail-
way, in Shelby county, Tennessee. They were
animated by a strong desire for the betterment of
community life. cooperative club had been
formed but there adequate meeting place,
building whose arrangement would lend itself
to the successful carrying out of their plans.
Moreover. these farming people could not COM
mand funds sufficient for the erection of such a
building.
The second problem what to do with their
two-room schoolhouse, abandoned through consoli-
dation the pupils being transferred several miles
and dilapidated, had been used gypsy camp
and the school authorities had offered it for sale
for 5000
Both problems were soon solved by the decision
of the club secure control of the old building
and to reconstruct and equip it as their social
center home
The club had fixed its purpose "the better
ment of community life from the social. educa-
tional, and economic standpoint, and had planned
an ambitious but practical program for Its ac-
complishment. 1t had enrolled practically every
person in the neighborhood over sixteen years OF
age elected the usual officers together with a
board of six directors, who were given charge of
the carrying out of the building plans, and ap-
pointed committees on sanitation education, civic
Identification. and recreation.
0ty of itc mfr go
civic welfare the county school officials were
induced to give indefinite lease of the grounds
and building to the cooperative club the county
retaining title. Then began a fine example of
community cooperate in public work. The
grounds two acres in extent. were put into con-
dtion and the building reconstructed, entirely
through voluntary effort Some gave lumber,
some labor some material, some equipment All
took part.
Tho c,ub realized the value of a pleasant ap-
proach and beautiful setting for their home. Ap-
nroachinq roads were laid out. the grounds were
leveled and drained, trees. both useful and orna-
mental were planted, weeds were destroyed ana
gravel walks were laid, leading in various direc-
tons AT the front of the house beds of fragrant
flowers were planted. AS an aid to their future
cIuh work in experimental agriculture, the vacant
space in the rear was planted to vegetables and
berries In connection with this well, was dug
and pump installed
The bulding was neatly painted without and
within rugs shades and curtains placed floors
waved and the walls hung with appropriate pic
tures The furniture installed included number
of easy chairs several dozen folding chairs. a
library table bookcases. heating stove, an oil
stove several dining tables. kitchen cabinet,
chino and glassware cutlery. and kitchen uten-
sls. The building is of cottage form, one story
high. and is provided with an entrance hall, by
20 feet used also library and reading room
an assembly hall q by 40 feet. with stage and
dining room and kitchen of the same size. The
plant is valued at $1,000 and is a signal monu-
ment to community spirit and practical neighbor-
hood cooperation and fine example of what
may be accomplished in rural community of
limited financial resources