Report Volume 80 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 Excerpt: ...school buildings which were erected in moments of inspiration under the guidance of individuals who had peculiar notions which they designed the buildings to serve. Their ideas, however, have not stood the test of time and these school buildings which cost a lot of money do not serve well today. Not only should the building serve the traditional functions of a school but it must also provide facilities for physical training and for the activities of the community which are more or less of a social nature. The next great lesson which the American democracy must learn is cooperation. The great work of tomorrow must come from cooperation. The school building must serve as the center where people may gather for study, amusement and recreation. Everywhere we must work together and we can do this only by getting together. The school is the one place where regardless of race, color or creed, American citizens may gather. The more rural the community the more necessary is this feature in a school building. It is said that one reason why it is so difficult for farmers to reach workable plans of cooperation is because in childhood they never learned how to play. As pioneers they grew up in isolation and the only game possible was a game of scrub or pitching horse-shoe. They never learned to do team work and it is team work that counts nowadays. The schoolhouse of the future must be a place where people are taught both how to work and how to play. I am happy to say that in my own state no building of any account has been erected within the last three years which has not provided for all of these things. Michigan is getting ready for a good time. HEALTH Having ascertained the merits of the building as to its utility I would at once inquire as to its provisions for heal...