Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1920-07-16
Il H0k Lzzrzch Roo Cross

ket ball. There also social room for pool,
cards and other gaines which Is used for
general Informal meeting room committee room
two rooms for caretakers. two cont rooms, five
paths toilets four bowling alleys. md heater and
storage rooms. The basement also contains
wetl-equipped Kitchen. The house Is entirely self.
supporting through the earnings Of the recreation
department. the receipts from moton-plcture
shows entertainments dances eard parties, pool
tables. bowling alleys, basketball games. and the
rental of the auditorium for lectures and con-
eefts. An average of 500 people use the build
Ing weekly.
Two problems faced the people of Woodstock,
living In the open country, far from town or rail-
way. In Shelby county, Tennessee. They were
animated By a strong desire for the betterment Of
community life cooperative club Ind been
formed. but there was no adequate meeting place,
no building whose arrangement would lend itself
10 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 was what to do with their
two-room schoolhouse, abandoned through conso
datlon the pupils being transferred several miles
TO the building. The sehoohouse, old
and dilapldated, had been used as a gypsy camp.
and the school authorities had offered It for sale
for 500.
Both problems were soon solved by the decision
of the club to secure control Of the old building.
~
center home.
The club had fixed as It's purpose the better
ment of community life from the social, educa-
tiona and economic standpoint" and had planned
an ambitious but practical program for its &C
eomplishment II had enrolled practically every
person in the neighbOrhOOd over sixteen years Of
age elected tho usual officers, together with q
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.
After the proper guaranty Of It's future use fol
civic welfare, the county school officials wer'
induced 10 give indefinite lease Of the grounds
and building to the cooperative club. the COUNTY
retaining title. Then began fine example d
community cooperate In public work TIT
grounds two acres In extent. were put Into con
dition and the building reconstructed entirely
through voluntary effort Some gave lumber
some labor. some material. some equipment. Al
took part.
The club realized the value Of a pleasant ap
proach and beautiful settling for their home. Az
nroaching roads were laid out the grounds wer
Ieyeled and drained, trees. both useful and orna
mental we're planted, weeds were destroyed, an
gravel walks laid, leading in various direc
lions At the front Of the house beds OF fragran
flowers we're planted. AZ an aid to their futur
club work in experimental agriculture. the vaean
space in the rear planted 70 vegetables an
berries. In connection with this well vas du
and pump Installed.
The building was neatly painted without an
Within rugs, shades, aud curtains placed floor
waxed and the walls hung with appropriate pic
tures The furniture Installed included q humble
Of easy chairs several dozen folding chairs
library table. bookcases, heating stove. 81
stove several dining tables. kitchen cabinet
china and glassware cutlery. and kitchen utter
sis The building II Of cottage form. stOr
hIet. and Is provided with an entrance hall 9 h
doIa
an assembly hall p by 10 feet. Wtth stage an
a dining room and kitchen Of the same size Tn
plant Il valued NJ $500 and Is 3 signal monI
lnent 20 community spirit md practical neig.bcl
hood cooperation and nne example ~ Wha
may he accomplished In a rural colanlllnitx g