The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1920-08-14
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ket ball There are also social rco-c for pool,
cards and other games. (which is used for
general Informal meeting room; committee rooh'
two rooms for caretakers coat rooms, five
baths toilets. four bowling alleys, and heater ana
storage The basement also contains
Weequipped kitchen. The house is entirely self
supporting through the earnings of the recreation
department the receipts from motionpicture
shows entertainments, dances card parties, pool
tables, bowling alleys, basketball games, and the
rental Of the auditorium for lectures ana con-
certs. 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 had been
formed, but there 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
lnand funds sufficient for Tie erection of such
building. a
The second problem was what to do with their
two-room schoohouse. abandoned through consoll-
dation the pupils being transferred several miles
to the new building. The schoolhouse, old
and dilapidated. had been used as gypsy camp
and the school authorities had offered it for sale
for $500
Both problems were 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 its purpose 1.-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. 1t had enrolled practically every
person in the neighborhood over sixteen years of
age elected the usual officers. together with a
board of six directors. who were given charge OF
the carving out of the building plans and ap-
pointed committees sanitation, education, civic
Identification and recreation
After the proper guaranty of its future us" for
civic welfare, the county school olciaS 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 cooperation in public work. Inc
grounds two acres in extent, were put into con
diton 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 pleasant APP
nroacb and beautiful setting for their home. Ap-
nroachine roads were laid out. the grounds were
eveed and drained, trees, both useful and orna-
mental were planted. weeds were destroyed, and
gravel walks were laid. leading in various drec-
tions At the front of the house beds of fragrant
flowers were planted. AS an aid to their future
,luh work in experimental agriculture lHe vacant
snace 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
,vithin rugs shades. and curtains placed, floors
,raxed and the walls hung with appropriate pic
tures The furniture installed included number
of easy chairs. several dozen folding chairs, a
library table bookcases, heating stove, an oil
stove several dining tables. kitchen cabinet
avH toban l1tou
si1s The building Is Of cottage form, one story
bioh and is provided with entrance, hall, by
% feet used also as n library and reading room
an assembly hall 81 by 40 feet, with stage, and
A dining room and kitchensof the same size. The
nlant is valued at So, 300 and Is a signal monu-
nent TO community spirit and practical neighbor-
hood cooperation and a fine example of what
NAV be accomplished in a rural Coz immunity q
limited financial resources.