In the Year Book of the Department of Agriculture for the year 1915, the story is told of Christian County, Kentucky. [Footnote:  “How the Whole County Demonstrated,” 1915 Year Book, U.S.  Department of Agriculture, pp. 225-248.]

A CASE OF COUNTY COOPERATION

This county is almost wholly agricultural, but the county seat is a small city of 10,000.  There had formerly been more or less jealousy between the city and county, as too frequently happens.  But a businessmen’s association was organized in the city, which interested itself in bettering the agricultural conditions of the county, because the business of the city was very dependent upon the neighboring agriculture.  A “crop improvement association” was formed, including farmers in its membership.  A county agricultural agent was employed, and local community clubs were organized in different parts of the county, which held meetings attended by the farmers and their families, and by businessmen from the city.  A good roads association was organized, and a “good roads day” was held on which businessmen turned out with the farmers, stores of the city were closed, and on one of the principal roads at least 90 per cent of the workmen were city men.  Stone was contributed by contractors, concrete firms furnished men gratis to repair bridges, one company supplied outfits for trimming trees, and a large amount of work was done by the county and town working side by side ...  Such results could only be accomplished through unity of purpose and cooperation of all the people.

Among other things accomplished in this county, a fair association has been formed; medical instruction has been introduced into the schools; a public library and hospital have been built; the school system of the county has cooperated in all educational work; both town and county merchants have offered prizes to members of the boys’ clubs; also for cooking in the schools, and have put women’s restrooms in the stores for the use of the public.

There is now an active girls’ canning club in every community in the county, attended by the girls and also by their mothers.  There are 12 social clubs which meet regularly; 15 parent-teachers’ and mothers’ clubs; and there is not a school in the county which does not have some form of community meeting.  The schoolhouses are generally used for the meetings of the community clubs.  In some instances farmers have given sufficient ground for amusement purposes at the schoolhouses.  Here may be found the ball diamond, tennis court, and basketball courts.

It is said of this county that it “stands as a demonstration of the effect of education and organization under the proper leadership.  The town and the county are one.  The result is better agriculture, better business, and better living.”  Write a brief theme on one of the following topics: