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BETTER HOMES IN AMERICA
Plan Book
_for Demonstration Week October 9 to 14, 1922_
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON
July 21, 1922.
My dear Mrs. Meloney:
I am directed by the President to assure you of his earnest endorsement
of the Better Homes Campaign which has been launched by the Advisory
Council and is being carried on by representative women of America. He
regards the campaign as of particular importance, because it places
emphasis not only upon home ownership, which he regards as absolutely
elemental in the development of the best citizenship, but upon
furnishing, sanitation and equipment of the home.
The President feels that as many millions of dollars and the best minds
of this generation have been devoted to improve factory conditions, the
home is deserving of its share of the same intensive consideration.
There are twenty millions of house-keepers in America. For them, the
home is their industrial center as well as their place of abode, and it
is felt that altogether too little attention has been paid to
lightening the labors and bettering the working conditions of these
women.
The President feels that the women, who are so successfully conducting
this campaign are entitled to all consideration and recognition, and he
hopes that every community in America will exhibit a model home.
Your sincerely,
Secretary to the President.
Mrs. W. B. Meloney, Sec'y., Advisory Council for Better Homes Campaign,
223 Spring Street, New York City, N. Y.
BETTER HOMES DEMONSTRATION WEEK
Advisory Council
CALVIN COOLIDGE _Vice-President of the United States_
HERBERT HOOVER _Secretary of Commerce_
HENRY C. WALLACE _Secretary of Agriculture_
JAMES JOHN DAVIS _Secretary of Labor_
Dr. HUGH S. CUMMING _Surgeon-General United States Public Health
Service_
Dr. JOHN JAMES TIGERT _U. S. Commissioner of Education_
C. W. PUGSLEY _Assistant Secretary of Agriculture_
JOHN M. GRIES _Director Division of Building and Housing, Dept. of
Commerce_
JULIUS H. BARNES _President Chamber of Commerce of the United States_
JOHN IHLDER _Director Housing Conditions, Chamber of Commerce of the
United States_
DONN BARBER _Fellow American Institute of Architects_
JOHN BARTON PAYNE _Chairman Central Committee American Red Cross_
LIVINGSTON FARRAND _Chairman National Health Council_
Mrs. THOMAS G. WINTER _President General Federation of Women's Clubs_
MRS. LENA LAKE FORREST _President National Federation of Business and
Professional Women's Clubs_
* * * * *
Bureau of Information, THE DELINEATOR, 223 Spring Street
IN AMERICA--October Ninth to Fourteenth
Co-operating Governors
ALASKA SCOTT C. BONE, _Governor_
ARIZONA THOS. E. CAMPBELL, _Governor_
ARKANSAS T. C. McRAE, _Governor_
COLORADO O. H. SHOUP, _Governor_
FLORIDA CARY A. HARDEE, _Governor_
IDAHO D. W. DAVIS, _Governor_
INDIANA W. T. McCRAY, _Governor_
KANSAS HENRY J. ALLEN, _Governor_
KENTUCKY E. P. MORROW, _Governor_
MARYLAND A. C. RITCHIE, _Governor_
MASSACHUSETTS C. H. COX, _Governor_
MISSISSIPPI LEE M. RUSSELL, _Governor_
MISSOURI A. M. HYDE, _Governor_
NEBRASKA S. R. McKELVlE, _Governor_
NEVADA E. D. BOYLE, _Governor_
OHIO H. L. DAVIS, _Governor_
OREGON B. W. OLCOTT, _Governor_
PENNSYLVANIA W. C. SPROUL, _Governor_
SOUTH CAROLINA WILSON G. HARVEY, _Governor_
SOUTH DAKOTA W. H. McMASTER, _Governor_
TENNESSEE ALFRED A. TAYLOR, _Governor_
UTAH CHAS. R. MABEY, _Governor_
VERMONT JAMES HARTNESS, _Governor_
VIRGINIA E. L. TRINKLE, _Governor_
WYOMING ROBERT D. CAREY, _Governor_
* * * * *
New York City Secretary, Mrs. William Brown Meloney
_Better Homes_
_By_ CALVIN COOLIDGE
We spend too much time in longing for the things that are far off and
too little in the enjoyment of the things that are near at hand. We
live too much in dreams and too little in realities. We cherish too
many impossible projects of setting worlds in order, which are bound to
fail. We consider too little plans for putting our own households in
order, which might easily be made to succeed. A large part of our
seeming ills would be dispelled if we could but turn from the visionary
to the practical. We need the influence of vision, we need the
inspiring power of ideals, but all these are worthless unless they can
be translated into positive actions.
The world has been through a great spiritual and moral awakening in
these last few years. There are those who fear that this may all be
dissipated. It will be unless it can be turned into something actual.
In our own country conditions have developed which make this more than
ever easy of accomplishment. It ought to be expressed not merely in
official and public deeds, but in personal and private actions. It must
come through a realization that the great things of life are not
reserved for the enjoyment of a few, but are within the reach of all.
There are two shrines at which mankind has always worshipped, must
always worship: the altar which represents religion, and the
hearthstone which represents the home.
These are the product of fixed beliefs and fixed modes of living. They
have not grown up by accident; they are the means, deliberate, mature,
sanctified, by which the human race, in harmony with its own great
nature, is developed and perfected. They are at once the source and the
result of the inborn longing for what is completed, for what has that
finality and security required to give to society the necessary element
of stability.
The genius of America has long been directed to the construction of
great highways and railroads, the erection of massive buildings for the
promotion of trade and the transaction of public business. It has
supplied hospitals, institutions of learning and places of religious
worship. All of these are worthy of the great effort and the sustained
purpose which alone has made them possible. They contribute to the
general welfare of all the people, but they are all too detached, too
remote; they do not make the necessary contribution of a feeling of
proprietorship and ownership. They do not complete the circuit. They
are for the people, but not of the people. They do not satisfy that
longing which exists in every human breast to be able to say: "This is
mine."
We believe in American institutions. We believe that they are justified
by the light of reason, and by the result of experience. We believe in
the right of self-government. We believe in the protection of the
personal rights of life and liberty and the enjoyment of the rewards of
industry. We believe in the right to acquire, to hold, and transmit
property. We believe in all that which is represented under the general
designation of a republic.
But while we hold that these principles are sound we do not claim that
they have yet become fully established. We do not claim that our
institutions are yet perfected.
It is of little avail to assert that there is an inherent right to own
property unless there is an open opportunity that this right may be
enjoyed in a fair degree by all. That which is referred to in such
critical terms as capitalism cannot prevail unless it is adapted to the
general requirements. Unless it be of the people it will cease to have
a place under our institutions, even as slavery ceased.
It is time to demonstrate more effectively that property is of the
people. It is time to transfer some of the approbation and effort that
has gone into the building of public works to the building,
ornamenting, and owning of private homes by the people at
large--attractive, worthy, permanent homes.
Society rests on the home. It is the foundation of our institutions.
Around it are gathered all the cherished memories of childhood, the
accomplishments of maturity, and the consolations of age. So long as a
people hold the home sacred they will be in the possession of a
strength of character which it will be impossible to destroy.
Apparently the world at large, certainly our own country, is turning
more and more for guidance to that wisdom born of affection which we
call the intuition of woman. Her first thought is always of the home.
Her first care is for its provision. As our laws and customs are
improved by her influence, it is likely to be first in the direction of
greater facility for acquiring, and greater security in holding a home.
Some of the fine enthusiasm which was developed by the required
sacrifices of war may well find a new expression in turning towards the
making of the home. It is the final answer to every challenge of the
soundness of the fundamental principles of our institutions. It holds
the assurance and prospect of contentment and of satisfaction.
Under present conditions any ambition of America to become a nation of
home owners would be by no means impossible of fulfillment. The land is
available, the materials are at hand, the necessary accumulation of
credit exists, the courage, the endurance and the sacrifice of the
people are not wanting. Let them begin, however slender their means,
the building and perfecting of the national character by the building
and adorning of a home which shall be worthy of the habitation of an
American family, calm in the assurance that "the gods send thread for a
web begun."
Here will be found that satisfaction which comes from possession and
achievement. Here is the opportunity to express the soul in art. Here
is the Sacred influence, here in the earth at our feet, around the
hearthstone, which raises man to his true estate.
(Signed) Calvin Coolidge
THE HOME AS AN INVESTMENT
By HERBERT HOOVER
One can always safely judge of the character of a nation by its homes.
For it is mainly through the hope of enjoying the ownership of a home
that the latent energy of any citizenry is called forth. This universal
yearning for better homes and the larger security, independence and
freedom that they imply, was the aspiration that carried our pioneers
westward. Since the preemption acts passed early in the last century,
the United States, in its land laws, has recognized and put a premium
upon this great incentive. It has stimulated the building of rural
homes through the wide distribution of land under the Homestead Acts
and by the distribution of credit through the Farm Loan Banks. Indeed,
this desire for home ownership has, without question, stimulated more
people to purposeful saving than any other factor. Saving, in the
abstract, is, of course, a perfunctory process as compared with
purposeful saving for a home, the possession of which may change the
very physical, mental, and moral fibre of one's own children.
Now, in the main because of the diversion of our economic strength from
permanent construction to manufacturing of consumable commodities
during and after the war, we are short about a million homes. In cities
such a shortage implies the challenge of congestion. It means that in
practically every American city of more than 200,000, from 20 to 30 per
cent, of the population is adversely affected, and that thousands of
families are forced into unsanitary and dangerous quarters. This
condition, in turn, means a large increase in rents, a throw-back in
human efficiency and that unrest which inevitably results from
inhibition of the primal instinct in us all for home ownership. It
makes for nomads and vagrants. In rural areas it means aggravation and
increase of farm tenantry on one hand, an increase of landlordism on
the other hand, and general disturbance to the prosperity and
contentment of rural life.
There is no incentive to thrift like the ownership of property. The man
who owns his own home has a happy sense of security. He will invest his
hard earned savings to improve the house he owns. He will develop it
and defend it. No man ever worked for, or fought for a boarding-house.
But the appalling anomaly of a nation as prosperous as ours thwarted
largely in its common yearning for better homes, is now giving way to
the gratifying revival of home construction. Accordingly the time is
ripe for this revival to afford an opportunity to our people to look to
more homes and better ones, to better, more economical and more uniform
building codes, and to universal establishment and application of
zoning rules that make for the development of better towns and cities.
We have the productive capacity wasted annually in the United States
sufficient to raise in large measure the housing conditions of our
entire people to the level that only fifty per cent, of them now enjoy.
We have wastes in the building industry itself which, if constructively
applied, would go a long way toward supplying better homes, so that
what is needed imperatively is organized intelligence and direction.
For the problem is essentially one of ways and means.
And, finally, while we are about Better Homes for America and are
lending such indirect support to the movement as the Government,
States, counties, communities, and patriotic individuals and
organizations can rightfully give, let us have in mind not houses
merely, but homes! There is a large distinction. It may have been a
typesetter who confounded the two words. For, curiously, with all our
American ingenuity and resourcefulness, we have overlooked the laundry
and the kitchen, and thrown the bulk of our efforts in directions other
than those designed to make better homes by adding to the facilities of
our very habitations. If, in other words, the family is the unit of
modern civilization, the home, its shelter and gathering-point, should,
it would seem, warrant in its design and furnishing quite as large a
share of attention as the power plant or the factory.
We believe, therefore, that in every community in which it is possible
a "_Better Homes in America_" Demonstration should be planned and
carried through during the week of October 9th to 14th, 1922.
(Signed) Herbert Hoover
THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1922.
Dear Mrs. Meloney:
Naturally I am interested in the "Better Homes in America" movement.
When we consider the all powerful influence of home conditions and home
atmosphere on the lives and character of our people, both young and
old, surely every proper effort to improve those conditions should have
the support of all good citizens.
Our people in the Department of Agriculture will be glad to advise with
your committee chairmen on any matters in which they can lend
assistance. Our home demonstration agents in different sections of the
country can no doubt be helpful in advising as to the setting up of
demonstration kitchens.
You seem to have gathered to your help the cooperation of a large
number of state governors and also a number of other gentlemen who,
because of their public work, can possibly contribute to the success of
the campaign.
With very best wishes, I am
Sincerely yours,
[Signature]
Mrs. William Brown Meloney,
Secretary to the Advisory Council
for the "Better Homes" Campaign,
223 Spring Street,
New York City.
[Illustration: DEMONSTRATION OF BETTER. HOMES--October 9 to 14, 1922]
A PLAN for COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION of BETTER HOMES IN AMERICA
_Demonstration Week October 9th to 14th, 1922_
_The future history of America will be shaped in large measure by the
character of its homes. If we continue to be a home-loving people we
shall have the strength that comes only from a virile family life. This
means that our homes must be attractive, comfortable, convenient,
wholesome. They must keep pace with the progress made outside the home.
Realization of this has crystallized into a national civic campaign for
Better Homes in America endorsed and encouraged by Federal and State
officials and by prominent men in public life as set forth in this Plan
Book._
The following plan has been prepared to give practical help to citizens
of any community organizing for a _Better Homes in America_
Demonstration Week, October 9th to 14th, 1922.
The Campaign in each community centers about a _Better
Home_--completely equipped, furnished and decorated, in accordance with
approved modern practice, and placed on exhibition during Demonstration
Week.
Better Homes exhibitions have already been held, but now for the first
time a national organization, endorsed and supported by the President
of the United States and other Federal and State officials, is prepared
to give practical help to every community wishing to share in the
_Better Homes in America_ movement.
The community which exhibits a _Better Home_ during Demonstration Week
will be given a powerful impetus for good. Every civic interest, every
business and industry will be favorably affected. A _Better Homes_
demonstration is a stimulus to better living, civic pride and community
morale. It encourages thrift and industry. It develops a higher
standard of taste. It means a better community in every way. This has
been proved by the experience of many communities which have held
successful exhibitions. They have ranged from cities as large as
Cleveland, Milwaukee, Columbus, Kansas City and Dayton to villages of a
few hundred population. In every case where the demonstration has been
properly organized lasting benefits have followed.
_Follow the Plan_
The National Advisory Council of _Better Homes in America_, through its
Bureau of Information, has made a thorough investigation of previous
exhibitions of this character.
This investigation has shown clearly that when the local organizations
proceed in the right way a _Better Homes_ demonstration may easily be
made a great success. Causes of trouble as well as of success have been
analyzed to bring out the methods that should be avoided. The Advisory
Council, therefore, is in a position to recommend plans that have stood
the test of practical experience.
With Federal and State governments endorsing and encouraging this Plan
of educating the people to _Better Homes in America_, the conduct of
local demonstrations is given tremendous impetus and support. And with
the suggestions and the Plan for conducting such demonstrations
herewith presented, any community may confidently undertake the
production of a _Better Homes_ Exhibition during Demonstration Week,
October 9th to 14th, 1922.
A comparatively few energetic and capable women, with the support of
local civic organizations, can effectively put into practice the ideas
and plans with which they will be supplied by the Bureau of
Information. The expense of a _Better Home_ demonstration need not be
great; in some communities it may be kept as low as $25.00. Builders,
merchants and prominent citizens will combine to supply the Model
_Better Home_, and to furnish it. Civic organizations and newspapers
will cooperate to interest the public.
The most successful demonstrations have been so managed as to impress
upon visitors that they were not selfish enterprises, intended to help
special interests, particular firms or individuals. They have been so
conducted as to benefit every line of business and to help the
community as a whole. Neither the name of the builder or owner of the
home exhibited, nor the name of any person or business firm furnishing
any portion of the exhibit, is permitted to be displayed.
The motive behind the demonstration is primarily educational.
_How to Form a General Committee for Better Homes Demonstration Week_
A Better Homes Demonstration should be organized and directed by a
disinterested group of prominent women, working from motives of public
service. This group should be formed of a Chairman and a General
Committee of from four to seven members, depending upon the size of the
community.
Each member of the General Committee is Chairman of one or more
sub-committees as outlined later in this Plan.
The Chairman of the General Committee is appointed through the National
Advisory Council of _Better Homes in America_. She appoints the members
of the local General Committee. They in turn appoint the members of the
Sub-committees. In the case of the Sub-committees it is particularly
important that appointments should be made with the knowledge and
approval of the local civic and commercial interests whose co-operation
is desired. Detailed suggestions for procedure are outlined later.
The duties of the members of the General Committee fit naturally into
the following arrangement of Sub-committees with a member of the
General Committee as Chairman of each Sub-committee:
(1) Sub-committee on Advertising and Publicity.
(2) Sub-committee on Selection of Demonstration Home.
(3) Sub-committee on Equipment of Demonstration Home.
(4) Sub-committee on Furnishing and Decorating.
(5) Sub-committee on Reception of Visitors and Management of Home.
(6) Sub-committee on Program of Events.
(7) Sub-committee on Budget for Demonstration Week.
Where the size of the community makes it desirable to have a General
Committee of only four members, some such distribution of the
Sub-committees as this is recommended:
(1) Chairman (a member of the General Committee) heading
(a) Sub-committee on Advertising and Publicity; and
(b) Sub-committee on Progress of Events.
(2) Chairman (a member of the General Committee) heading
(a) Sub-committee on Equipment of Demonstration Home; and
(b) Sub-committee on Furnishing and Decorating.
(3) Chairman (a member of the General Committee) heading
(a) Sub-committee on Selection of Demonstration Home; and
(b) Sub-committee on Reception of Visitors and Management of Home.
(4) Chairman (a member of the General Committee) heading
(a) Sub-committee on Budget for Demonstration Week.
_How To Secure Patrons for Better Homes Demonstration; Full Cooperation
of All Local Interests Essential_
Following the organization of the General Committee, the first duty of
its Chairman should be the arrangement for meetings of the
Committee--or its individual members--with the various City Officials,
and Civic and Commercial Organizations in the community, to explain the
Plan for a _Better Homes_ Demonstration and to secure their endorsement
and active support.
Those endorsing and supporting the Demonstration may be known as
Patrons and should comprise the following:
The Mayor Commissioner of Education (or Superintendent of Public School)
Publishers or Owners of Local Newspapers
Presidents of Important Women's Clubs
President of Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Home Bureau, etc.
President of Real Estate Board
President of Rotary Club
President of Kiwanis Club
Presidents of Building & Loan Associations
Presidents of other Business or Trade Associations related to the
Home Building and Furnishing Industries.
Churches should also be asked to support the movement.
Additional Patrons may properly be selected from prominent citizens of
the community, who are noted for their public spirit and are not
included in the above list.
The two essentials for a successful _Better Homes in America_
Demonstration are genuine co-operation from all local civic, financial,
commercial and educational interests, and full and extensive publicity
through the local newspapers. From the youngest boy or girl scout to
bank president, business man, school teacher, minister, manufacturer
and city official, everybody in a community should have a real personal
interest in the Demonstration. When the benefits of a successful
_Better Homes_ Demonstration are once understood this interest is
readily aroused.
Investigation of successful exhibitions in Kansas City, Indianapolis,
Cleveland and elsewhere proved conclusively that the cooperation of all
local interests was the biggest single factor of success.
_How to Form Sub-Committees_
It is important to appoint as Chairman of each Sub-committee a member
of the General Committee who is particularly fitted to the specific
work assigned to her Sub-committee. The special abilities of the
members of the General Committee should be taken into careful
consideration and so used in the arrangement of the Sub-committees as
to secure the best and quickest results.
The formation of Sub-committees is necessary not only to divide the
work effectively, but also to arouse the interest and cooperation of
the various local interests directly affected by home building and home
betterment. All the local business groups--furniture dealers, hardware
dealers, wall-paper and paint dealers, electrical dealers, real estate
dealers, etc.--should be interviewed and asked to nominate a
representative from each group to serve on the appropriate
Sub-committee. In this way the appearance of favoring special interests
will be avoided and the fullest co-operation secured.
It may be well to stress here that the Chairman of the General
Committee should not become immersed in the details of the
Sub-committees' work. She establishes a point of contact and a clearing
house for _all_ Sub-committees and directs the _Better Homes_
Demonstration as a whole, but not in detail. Neither should the
Chairman of a Sub-committee attempt to enter into details of the work
of other Sub-committees not under her direction. The Chairman of each
Sub-committee is responsible to the Chairman of the General Committee,
and to her alone.
Suggestions for the formation and activities of the various
Sub-committees are given in the following:
_I--How to Form Sub-Committee on Budget for Demonstration Week_
A member of the General Committee is the Chairman.
This Sub-committee should be made up of prominent citizens,
representing both the financial and mercantile interests of the
community. It would be appropriate to secure a Bank Cashier, who is
accustomed to keeping accurate records of receipts and expenses, to act
as Vice-chairman of the Sub-Committee. He may also act as Treasurer of
the General Committee. This committee should have charge not only of
the securing of the modest expense fund necessary for Demonstration
Week, but also of the recording of facts and figures regarding the
operation of the Demonstration Home, and the results obtained. Such a
record will be exceedingly useful to the local General Committee as
well as the National Advisory Council. Accurate figures on the local
_Better Homes_ Demonstrations will be invaluable in continuing the
_Better Homes_ in America Campaign, and arrangements have been made for
prizes to be given to those Committees submitting the best reports and
records of successful demonstrations.
_Suggestions for the Sub-Committee_
There will be certain general expenses incurred in conducting a _Better
Homes_ Demonstration. These general expenses may range from $25 to $500
or more, depending upon the size of the committee and the extensiveness
and completeness of the Demonstration.
Some of the items of expense which may be incurred are: insurance of
borrowed property; special advertising in the form of street signs,
window cards and posters; printing; prizes for contests; lecturers,
and, possibly, special forms of entertainment.
In many communities where Demonstrations have been held, the small
contributions necessary have been readily volunteered by the various
organizations, business firms or individuals directly interested in the
financing and furnishing of homes. Contributions may be secured from
bankers, stores, public utilities, real estate dealers, building
material dealers, insurance men, etc. The amounts contributed by the
various interests should be carefully apportioned and only a sufficient
sum collected to pay the actual expenses of the Demonstration.
In Dayton and other cities it was found that volunteer contributions
were readily made by manufacturers of, or dealers in, trade-marked
articles, such as pianos, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, electrical
equipment, etc. As these articles, because of the trade name affixed,
received special advertising in the Demonstration Home, it was
considered proper to accept contributions from the dealers. The
selection of trade-marked articles which may be shown in a
Demonstration Home should be made in a disinterested manner by the
Subcommittee on Equipment.
_2--How to Form Sub-Committee on Advertising and Publicity_
A member of the General Committee is Chairman.
The success of the Demonstration rests largely upon the thoroughness
with which this Committee does its work. It should, therefore, be
composed of all of the Publishers or Advertising Managers of local
Newspapers, and the Advertising Managers of Department Stores and other
large business houses. The fullest co-operation should be secured from
all the local publishing and advertising interests.
Local newspapers will gladly aid a _Better Homes_ Demonstration, for
such an exhibition presents unusual opportunities for selling
advertising space to local merchants. In some of the cities where
Demonstrations have been held, the newspapers have brought out large
special editions carrying a great amount of local advertising, and
filled with interesting and instructive reading matter regarding home
building and home betterment.
_Suggestions for the Sub-Committee_
The campaign publicity should commence with an announcement of the
organization of the General Committee and the selection of Patrons. It
should be continued, in advance of the opening of the Demonstration
Home, by the use of reading matter descriptive of home planning,
furnishing, decoration and equipment.
The local newspapers should co-operate with the Sub-committee in seeing
that advertisements of exhibitors during the demonstration week do not
mention the fact that the advertiser is an exhibitor. This, of course,
should not preclude the general advertising of goods suitable for the
equipment or furnishing of _Better Homes_. This regulation is in line
with the non-commercial policy of the campaign, and merchants will
readily understand its fairness.
This Sub-committee should provide painted signs announcing the location
of the Exhibition Home. These signs should be placed at neighboring
street intersections. Signs in the form of arrow pointers should be
tacked on telephone poles in all parts of the city pointing in the
direction of the Demonstration Home and announcing its exact location.
Automobile Posters or Banners for the cars of the members of the
Committee may be furnished by local sign painters or printers.
The Committee should also see that show cards advertising the
Demonstration are properly distributed and displayed in store windows
and that posters are put up in suitable public places.
Show cards, posters and stickers bearing the imprint of the _Better
Homes in America_ campaign, with space left for local announcements,
may be obtained by application to the Bureau of Information, _The
Delineator_, 223 Spring Street, New York City, Secretary, Mrs. William
Brown Meloney.
A circular descriptive of the show cards, posters and stickers may also
be obtained through the Bureau of Information, which has arranged to
have this advertising display matter prepared for the use of local
Committees. It is strongly recommended that these posters and cards be
used in order to standardize the various local Demonstrations.
The stickers should be widely distributed among local merchants for use
on city mail during the week preceding and the week of the campaign.
Small electrotypes of the _Better Homes in America_ campaign insignia,
or trade-mark, may be obtained through the Bureau of Information for
use on printed matter and in newspapers. They are shown in the circular
descriptive of the advertising display material.
_3--How to Form Sub-Committee on Selection of Demonstration Home_
A member of the General Committee is Chairman.
The selection of the home to be used for the Demonstration should be
made by a _disinterested_ committee. Experience has shown that this is
the only satisfactory method, as all personal interests are thus
eliminated and criticism avoided.
Previous experience also indicates that this Sub-committee, with a
member of the General Committee as Chairman, of course, should be
composed of the President of the local Real Estate Board (if there is
one in the community), a representative of the Chamber of Commerce or
Merchants Association, a representative architect, and a representative
of the Building Material Dealers. Here again is illustrated the
importance of securing the full co-operation of the various groups of
business men directly affected by home building and owning. These
groups should be interviewed and each group asked to appoint its
representative on this committee. When the National campaign for
_Better Homes in America_, and the Plan as outlined here, have been
clearly explained to these interests, a Sub-committee for selecting the
Demonstration Home may be organized, which will act disinterestedly and
effectively.
_Suggestions for the Sub-Committee_
The three cardinal principles to be observed in the selection of a
Demonstration Home are: first, situation with respect to accessibility
and nearness to street car lines; second, type of architecture; and
third, cost.
A Demonstration Home should be situated within a reasonable distance of
the business section of a community, and it should not be more than
four blocks from the nearest street car line. In a city where the
Demonstration Home was selected some eight blocks from the car line and
upon a hill, the attendance was disappointingly small. The
Demonstration Home should not be situated in the outskirts of a
community. This was found to be a disadvantage in a city where a
Demonstration Home was selected in a new, partially developed suburb,
some distance from the city limits.
An extreme type of architecture should be avoided in a Demonstration
Home.
With respect to the cost of the home selected, it has been shown in a
number of cities that a house priced slightly above the average cost of
homes in the community attracted the larger number of visitors. The
public apparently likes to visit a home costing more than the average,
because of a desire to see and admire better things. Demonstration
Homes, therefore, may range in price from $5,000 to $15,000, including
the land, but not including the furnishings and equipment.
Other essentials of an ideal home for demonstration purposes are fully
outlined in an article prepared by direction of Secretary of Commerce
Hoover and included in this Plan Book on pages 7 and 8. The builder or
owner of the Home selected should be willing to loan it to the General
Committee for the Demonstration Week, without charge. He should also be
willing to landscape the grounds, decorate the walls and carry all
insurance and damage risks. This has been gladly done by builders in
Syracuse, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Kansas City and elsewhere. There is no
better selling method for homes than that of putting on display a
completely furnished and equipped home.
If the entire plan of campaign is explained to the builder or owner of
a suitable home, and the advantages of indirect selling methods are
pointed out to him, his co-operation will be readily secured.
The name of the builder or owner is not to be displayed on the
Demonstration Home in any manner, shape or form, nor is his name to be
carried in any of the advertising during the campaign.
This will do away with all appearance of favoritism in the choice of
the house to be used. It is proper, however, to insert a reading notice
in the newspapers announcing the selection of the Demonstration Home
and giving the name of the owner or builder. No further reference
should be made to him in any of the advertising matter during
Demonstration Week, though the attendants in the home may properly give
his name to any person inquiring for it.
_4--How to Form Sub-Committee on Equipment of Demonstration Home_
A member of the General Committee is Chairman.
The selection and installation of all practicable labor-saving devices
and appliances in the Demonstration Home is left to this Sub-committee.
It should be composed of representatives of dealers in home equipment,
architects, builders, and, if possible, a Home Demonstration agent of
the Agricultural Department. (See announcement of special co-operation
of Department of Agriculture by Secretary Wallace on page 9).
_Suggestions for Sub-Committee_
On pages 47-49 will be found a statement of the best modern practise in
the equipment of a home permitting the most efficient and economical
housekeeping.
It is probable that many communities will be unable to equip the
Demonstration Home completely, in accordance with the standards laid
down. So far as practicable these suggestions should be followed, but
local conditions and the stock of equipment carried by local dealers
may require some modifications in detail.
_5--How to Form Sub-Committee on Furnishing and Decorating_
A member of the General Committee is Chairman. In the selection of this
Sub-committee the greatest care must be taken to secure the cooperation
of all the business firms and individuals concerned in the furnishing
and decorating of homes. Each group--furniture dealers, hardware
dealers, paint and wallpaper dealers, department stores (if any),
decorators (if any), art and book stores--should be interviewed on this
important subject and asked to appoint representatives to serve on this
Subcommittee.
_Suggestions for Sub-Committee_
In order to maintain the non-commercial aspect of Demonstration Week,
no exhibitor's name should be displayed on any article shown in the
Demonstration Home. No price tags should be permitted on any article.
In this way all appearance of commercialism is avoided. This feature
will appeal to the fair and broad-minded merchant and will secure the
enthusiastic support of all the merchants in the community, no matter
how small their business may be.
The attendants at the Home, in response to inquiries as to where
certain articles may be secured, should be instructed to reply that
they may be had from the inquirer's own dealer or from any dealer in
the city.
In Dayton this non-commercial plan was wonderfully successful.
In communities where suitable furnishings and decorations are not
obtainable from the local stores they may be borrowed from public
spirited citizens, who have such articles as are adapted to the scheme
of decoration and furnishing. For the guidance of the Sub-committee,
which may not include expert decorators or furnishers as members,
practical suggestions on good furnishing and decorating have been set
forth on pages 30-42 of this Plan Book. These suggestions will
undoubtedly prove helpful in assembling the furnishings and decorations
for a Demonstration Home. If more detailed information is required,
write to the Bureau of Information, _The Delineator_, 223 Spring
Street, New York City, Secretary, Mrs. William Brown Meloney.
In all cases the basement of the Demonstration Home should be very
carefully arranged, equipped and prepared for exhibition.
The furnishing of the Demonstration Home should include well-selected,
standard home literature and reference books, properly arranged in
book-cases or on shelves. A printed list of this selected library may
be supplied for distribution to the visitors.
_6--How to Form Sub-Committee on Management and Reception_
A member of the General Committee is Chairman.
The members of this Sub-committee should be selected for their ability
to manage the Demonstration Home and to receive and care for the
visitors. It may be composed of representatives of the various women's
organizations in the city.
In order to insure the keeping of accurate records of attendance, one
or more bank tellers should be members of the Sub-committee.
This Sub-committee is to provide the attendants at the Demonstration
Home and to handle the visitors in such a way as to avoid confusion and
damage. It should also keep an accurate record of attendance, of
interesting inquiries and the general results. It should report in
detail to the Budget Committee, so that the General Committee may have
an opportunity to compete for the prizes offered for the best report of
a successful Demonstration.
_Suggestions for the Sub-Committee_
During the hours of exhibition the Demonstration Home should be in
charge of a capable woman of suitable personality. This may be a
volunteer, or a paid worker, for the entire week, or several volunteer
workers may undertake the management of the Home, having definite days
of attendance assigned to them.
The hours of exhibition should be from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. continuously.
It has been found in exhibitions that the home need not be kept open
during the morning hours. During this period it may be cleaned and
placed in readiness for visitors.
An attendant for the bedrooms and two attendants for the first
floor--one in the hall or living room and the other in the dining room
and kitchen--will be required to direct and control the visitors and to
keep the house in perfect order during the exhibition hours. These
attendants may be club or committee members who volunteer their
services for certain days in the week.
It has been noted in several exhibitions that visitors usually
congregate at certain hours in the afternoon and evening, and
frequently overcrowd upon the lawns. It is necessary, therefore, to
erect light guard rails along the sidewalk leading from the street to
the house. And it may sometimes be necessary to have an outside
attendant who will keep the visitors in an orderly line of entrance.
This is work that may very well be performed by Boy Scouts.
During times of congestion visitors should be taken through the house
in groups not to exceed fifteen in number. They should be conducted
through the rooms in an orderly manner by the attendants. In some cases
it has been found advisable to send the visitors to the second floor
first, so that they may depart through the kitchen after inspecting the
first floor and basement. Girl Scouts may be used for conducting the
visitors through the home.
A careful check on the attendance at the Demonstration Home should be
kept. This can best be done by assigning a Boy or Girl Scout to count
the visitors as they enter the home and keep an accurate tally, which
should be reported to the manager in charge. In some cities it has been
found that a list of visitors to the home may be readily obtained by
having them register upon a numbered card, which can be used for a
drawing contest--a prize being awarded to the lucky number. In smaller
communities where the attendance will not be large at any one time the
names of visitors may be kept in a small register or list book.
_7--How to Form Sub-Committee on Program of Events_
A member of the General Committee is Chairman. This Sub-committee
should be composed of persons who are particularly capable in arranging
programs of entertainment, and may be selected from members of the
Board of Education, School Principals and Teachers, Theatrical and
Moving Picture Managers, Community and Song Leaders, etc.
_The Following Events Are Suggested_
1--Sermons, Addresses and Sunday School talks in all churches on the
Sunday preceding the opening of the exhibition.
2--Color slides relating to home owning, home management, home
furnishing and decoration to be shown in moving picture houses.
3--Four-Minute Talks on thrift, home owning, home financing, home
furnishing, home decoration, etc., in all moving picture houses.
4--Block Parties in front of the Demonstration Home. Lights for the
block party may be supplied from the headlights and searchlights of
automobiles properly arranged.
5--Window Dressing Contests for hardware merchants, house furnishing
merchants, department stores, etc.
6--Erection of Miniature Home, suitable for a girl's playhouse, on
Public Square--this playhouse may be given as first prize to the girl
of school age writing the best essay on "Why You Should Own Your Home."
7--Showing special _Better Homes_ films in all moving picture houses.
(See special announcement on page 24.)
8--Prizes for the best example of a Model Kitchen in the community.
9--Cooking Demonstrations by Home Demonstration Agent, or some
well-known local cook, High School or Normal School student.
10--Singing by Choir or Quartette on porch of Demonstration Home each
evening at about 7:30 and 8:00 o'clock.
11--(a) Guessing contest as to how many visitors enter Demonstration
Home.
11--(b) Prize for best essay by a boy on Home Owning.
(c) Prize for best essay by a girl on Home Equipment or Furnishing.
(d) Prize for best landscape design for Small Home by High School
or Art student.
12--Radio Program at Demonstration Home, or elsewhere in the city.
13--Lectures on Home Equipment, Decoration or Furnishing by experts, in
local auditorium. It has been found that admission to these lectures
may be charged, to help defray the expense of lecturers.
_Lecture Courses and Lectures_
Lectures on Home Building, Furnishing, Decoration and allied subjects
have been found to attract large audiences in cities where they have
been given under the auspices of local organizations. Undoubtedly many
communities co-operating in the _Better Homes in America_ Demonstration
Week, October 9th to 14th, will desire to include in their program of
events lectures on _Better Homes_ subjects.
_Better Homes in America Bureau of Information
The Delineator 223 Spring Street, New York City
Secretary,_ Mrs. WILLIAM BROWN MELONEY
The Bureau of Information has been established to support and
coordinate the work of local _Better Homes in America_ committees.
Additional copies of this Plan Book may be obtained from the Bureau of
Information.
Other data and material will be supplied as indicated in the Plan Book.
Bulletins will be sent out from time to time to keep local committees
posted on the national development of the _Better Homes in America_
campaign.
In the following pages of the Plan Book are special articles prepared
by governmental and other authorities on various phases of home
building, equipment, decorating, sanitation, etc. The Bureau of
Information will either answer inquiries in regard to any of these
special articles or, when necessary, will refer the questions to the
authors of the articles.
MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS & DISTRIBUTORS OF AMERICA, INC.
522 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
WILL H. HAYS president
COURTLAND SMITH SECRETARY
Telephone Vandebilt 2110
July 19, 1922
Mrs. W. B. Meloney, 233 Spring Street, New York City.
My dear Mrs. Meloney:
I am immensely interested in the Better Homes Campaign. This is
something that the motion picture industry should be interested in and
I am sure that they will want to be.
I would like to help you to have available for your Better Homes week,
October 9-14, pictures that would show clearly just what the modern
home should be.
I am glad that the Better Homes Council has had such an encouraging
response from the governors of the various states and from the women of
this country. Certainly it is a matter to which all of us should give
our very best. It will have an enduring influence on the lives of our
people and it is one of the most creditable movements that I know of.
I have a little home in Sullivan, Indiana, that we are most anxious to
equip in just exactly the best way, and I am as much interested as any
one could be in learning how this should be done, so I am looking
forward to October 9-14 with much interest.
With best wishes always, I am,
Sincerely yours,
[Signature]
Essentials for Demonstration Home Suggestions on Buildings and Grounds
By JOHN IHLDER
DIRECTOR, HOUSING CONDITIONS, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES