Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1920-08-21

ket ball There are also social room for pool,
cards. and other games which is used for a
general informal meeting room committee room.
wv" rooms FOR caretakers. two rooms five
oaths toilets four bowling alleys, and heater and
N'oraSe rooms The basement also contains a
"eil-equiB9ed 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
'""'eS bowling alleys basketball games. and the
Ieh'ai OF the auditorium for lectures and con-
'eFtS- An average OF 500 people use the build
ing weekly
Two problems faced the people of Woodstock.
hFing in the open country, far from town or rail-
way, in Shelby county Tennessee They were
animated by strong desire for the betterment of
community life. cooperative club had been
formed. but there 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 ii
building.
The second problem what TO do with their
twO-room schoolhouse. abandoned through CONSOLE
daton. the pupils being transferred several miles
TO the new building The schoolhouse old
and dap idaied. 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
=
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. ]; had enrolled practically every
person in the neghborhood 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 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 give an indefinite lease of the gr0un.is
and huildmg to the cooperative club, the county
retaining title Thea began fine example of
community co-Operatio in public work The
grounds two 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 ttelr home. APP
preaching roads were laid ont the grounds were
Ieveled and drained. trees, both useful and orua-
mental were planted. weeds were destroyed and
gravel walks were laid. leading in various direc-
tons At the front Of the house beds of fragrant
flowers were planted. As aid to their future
club work in experimental agriculture the vacant
space in the rear planted 10 vegetables and
berries In connection with this Well was Dag
and a pump Installed
The building neatly painted without and
within rugs. shades. and curtains placed floors
yyaxed and the walls hung with appropriate pic
lures The furniture installed included a 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-
sils The building is of cottage form. one story
high and is provided with an entrance hall s bv
20 feet used also library and reading room
an assembly hall u 20 feet with stage and
a dining room and kit Of the same size The
plant is valued at S2:a0 and is a signal tnonu-
ment 10 community spirit and practical neighbour
hood cooperation and ans example Of what
may be accomplished in ruaI community Of
limited financial resOurceA