Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1920-05-18
IDEALS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

During the war Camp Cody pructi-
cally submerged Deming and business
and social activities revolyed about
the camp or some form Of war work.
The camp disappeared ns II by magic,
and without warming and Deming was
left To salvage what she could for the
future. Not only did the camp depart,
hut likewise several thousand civilian
camp followers. residents of the city.
This meant revolutionary industrial,
commercial and social readjuStmentS.
The future seemed dark and the thread
of civic life hopelessly tangled. Dem
ing citizens were shaken and uncertain
what ought to he done Ia hasten re-
turn to normal village life. But as II
matter Of fact, the wartime camp had
brought benefcient things to Deming
which Il could not take away. ana Il
few of the citizens caught the vision
Of the future and initiated action look
ing to the preservation of whatever
could he salvnged from ruins of the
wartime structure. II was largely II
| thankleSs task. for some citizens could
not look into the future and see the
ACCESSIBILITY Of securing whit could I've
had for scramble with the wartime
organizations.
War Camp Community Service was
In possession of property within the
city that could he made OF great value
TO the community. The Dcming Arm
cry, state building. had been used hy
the war organization as Il social centef
for soldiers; why not for citizensf y
survey showed the building with a
main drill hall 1870 by so feet with a
running track and gallery all the way
around cloak rooms, offices, store
rooms. reading room. library. billiard
room. kitchen social room. dining room
shower baths. toilets, In fact everything
needed as plant for a community
building. And all this building was
adequately furnished by the war or
ganization. Steps were taken Ia So
cure the furnishings and they were So
cured through the intervention OF
Community Service. Inc. successors t.
the war organization Of similar name
The Armory board gave possession 81
the building.
In addition to the building and fur
lnishings there was large swimming
pool located ON city property ON PIN
street II would take al least S23.Oh
to $4,000 to duplicate this plant. |
could not be very well salvaged, 50 TIN
war organization turned It's rights owe
10 the city and the ely TO the loca
organization Of Community Service
: Inc. After strenuous efforts the prop
crty, so much desired. was secured an,
the gains made were consolidated b.
: the organization OF an executive com
mittee that should have charge Of tn
: property and direct the community nc
. tlvltles with view Of securing tn
} greatest good to the greatest number.
At this point Il would he just n
/ well To unote from the minutes Of tn
community organization
"The first effort was To get the bust
ness men together at n luncheon az
ranged In the Armory dining room OF
the first Wednesday in July. A com
mittee was formed 20 see II the proper
, ties could not be acquired and wen
TO work with spirit. Mr.. Bassett q
| w. c. c. s. co-operated and startel
communications with New York Cit
I and soon plans were laid. A Dime
each Wednesday followed and plan
were discussed. Visitors In town wer
b made welcome and asked to sneak o
the subject that had brought them IN
An offer from W. G. G. 5. came 20 tn