The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1920-10-21

ket ball. There are also social room for pool,
cards. and other games, which is used for a
general Informal meeting room committee ROOM
two rooms for caretakers. two coat rooms. five
baths, toilets, four bowling alleys. and heater and
storage rooms. The basement also contains
weiiequpped 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 or rail-
way, In Shelby county, Tennessee. They were
animated by n strong desire for the betterment of
community life. cooperative club had been
formed, but there was 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
tworoom schoolhouse, abandoned through consoll-
dation the pupils being transferred several miles
to the new building. The schoohouse, old
and dilapidated, had been used a gypsy camp.
and the school authorities had offered 1t for sale
for $500.
Both problems were soon solved by the decision
of the club to secure control of the old building
and to reconstruct and equip It as their social
center home.
The club had fixed as Its purpose "the better
ment of community life from the social. educa-
, tonal, and economic standpoint" and had planned
an ambitious but practical program for Its ac-
complishment. II had enrolled practically every
person in the neighborhood sixteen years Of
age, elected the usual officers. together with n
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 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 a fine example Of
community co-operatio" in public work. The
grounds, two acres In extent were put into con-
dition and the building reconstructed. eatlrely
through voluntary effort. Some gave lumber.
some labor, some material some equipment. All
took part
The club realized the value Of n pleasant ap-
proach and beautiful setting for their home. APP
preaching roads were laid out. the grounds were
leveled and drained, trees, both useful aud orna-
mental were planted. weeds were 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 planted to vegetables and
berries In connection with this well was dug
and pump installed.
The building was neatly painted without and
within, rugs, shades, and curtains placed floors
waxed and the walls hung with appropriate pie
lures The furniture installed included n number
of easy chairs several dozen folding chairs n
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
an assembly hall 21 by 40 feet, with stage and
a dining room and kitchen of the same size The
plant is valued at 81 800 and is a signal monu.
ment to community spirit and practical neiehbor-
hood cooperation and fine example Of what
may be accomplished in rural community Of
limited financial resources.