The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1920-07-23

ket ball. There also social for pool,
cards, and other games. which is used for
general informal meeting room a committee room,
TWO rooms for caretakers two coat rooms five
oaths toilets. four bowling alleys. and heater and
storage rooms. The basement also contains a
weii-equipped 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
livng in the open country. far from town rail-
way in Shelby county. Tennessee They were
animated by strong desire for the betterment of
community life. A cooperative club had been
formed but there was no adequate meeting place,
no 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
building.
The second problem what to do with their
two-room schoohouse, abandoned through consoll-
dalton. the pupils being transferred several miles
to the building The schoohouse old
and dilapidated had been used as a gypsy camp
and the school authorities had offered it for sale
for 5000.
Both problems were soon solved by the decision
of the club to secure control of the old building
and to reconstruct and equip ii 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
ambitious but practical program for its ac-
compshment. 1t had enrolled practically every
person in the neighborhood sixteen years of
age, elected the usual officers together with
board of six directors, who given charge of
the carrying out of the building plans, and APP
pointed committees sanitation, education civic
Identification. 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 fine example Of
community co-operatio in public work. The
grounds, acres in extent. put into CON
dition and the building reconstructed entirely
through voluntary effort Some gave lumber,
some labor some material. some equipment All
took part.
The club realized the value of a pleasant ap-
proach and beautiful setting for their home. Ap-
nronching roads were laid out, the grounds were
.leveled and drained trees both useful and orna-
mental. were planted weeds destroyed. and
gravel walks were laid, leading in various direc-
lions. At the front of the house beds of fragrant
flowers were planted 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 well dug
and pump installed.
The building neatly painted without and
Within rugs. shades. and curtains placed floors
vaxed and the walls hung with appropriate pic
lures The furniture installed included number
of easy chairs. several dozen folding chairs.
library table bookcases heating stove an oil
stove several dining tables. a kitchen cabinet
china and glassware cutlery, and kitchen uten.
sis. The building is Of cottage form, one story
high and is provided with entrance hail. by
20 feet. used also as library and reading room :;
an assembly hall 81 by 40 feet. with stage and
n dining room and kitchen of the same size The
plant is valued $1,000 and is signal NOM
ment to community spirit and practical neignbor-
hood cooperation and a fine example of what
may be accomplished In a rural community of
limited financial resources.