Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 February 1919 — Page 2

VILLAGE LIFE FOR CITY DWELLERS

“Social Unit" Experiment in Cincin- i nati Has Been So Successful That It Mau Be Generallu Adopted. I

fAN THE advantages of vidngr life Be irestoretFln the city*' 1 Can city dwellers have the friendly nnd~ neighborly feeling which marks the relations between men and women In the small town, where no QQe_ can bo ill. or out of work, without receiving ‘ neighborly assistance? Can we find for the cities something to take the pb-ice u| llie town meeting, where all the population gathers together ro discuss common problems and government is interpret»-d 1n 1 erms of eoni munit y service, instead of being housed in.-some remote - city hall? The “Social Unit," newest experiment in applied democracy. believes that these advantages can be restored to cites, and In a section ot Cincinnati is attempting to prove that they can. So successful has this experiment been, in the few months during which it has been tried, that people all over the country are "i;rid tii talk about it. and intiuential men and women are even saying -that the “Sochi| Unit" has the biggest reconstruction program .to offer Atnerica which has yr! been formulated. The little Cincinnati district, which is trying to reestablish the sort of neighborliness whieh exists in small towns, has the most distinguished of visitors, men on reconstruction missions from the European countries, fnelHcal organizers and social service workers. For instance. Dr. Rene Sand of the University of Brussels was recently sent to this country to study methods for rehabilitating and reorganizing Belgium. He visited Cincinnati and said of the Social Unit: “I shall carry back to my people no more construc-

tive suggestions than those which I have gotten from the Social Unit” _ This Social Unit district of Cincinnati, has acquired fame because the people are trying to be helpful each to the other and have gone to work to effect an organization T which .would make it I>ossible for every one to be of service. Neighborliness in the Village. In the small village it is impossible for any-, one to be sick or bereaved or out of employment without the folks of the village knowing about it and wanting to do something about it. A death or a contagious disease affects the entire vil-

lage and the only, people who go unbefriended are those who rebuff kindliness or who wear it out. But in the crowded city people get away from this neighborliness, and seem to care nothing about the folks around them. Babies die because the mothers do not know how to care for them. Many people who have consumption and other diseases live with small children around them, exposing them to sickness. Many invalids spend months at home, alone and unbefriended. All this is not because- the-people of the city are not as kind hearted and as willing to be helpfuL _ ” but because the city is too large fur jevery one to know every one else, and many people live near _each other for years without knowing even each other's names. The Social Unit organization has divided the district of 15.000 people in which it is working into thirty-one small blocks of about 500 people each. The plan is to make each of these blocks a tiny village where folks will, come to know one another and to be interested in having their neighbors happy and contented. In a country village there is usually some one woman who-ts-TUsort of village mother to whom folks go in times of trouble, who knows every one and is always busy getting people to help those in need. Taking her as an example, the Social Unit organization has found in each tiny block village a woman who serves as a “block worker.” who knows When anyone needs help of any kind and sees that help is given by the right agency. This worker is chosen by the people of her block and is paid enough So that she wiH be enabled to employ someone to do part of her housework during the times that she is “mothering” her block. > The thirty-one block workers, together, form what is called the Citizens' Council. The work of this Citizens’ Council is to learn what the needs of every part of the district are and to see that plans are worked out for meeting these needs. In doing this it uses the knowledge of the different skilled groups in the community. Use People With Expert Knowledge. In every community there are certain groups. each of which knows more about one particular thing than any other group. For example, the doctors know more about the prevention of disease than anyone else, the teachers know more about educating" children, the plumbers about plumbing, the business men about business, and . so on. ■ ,„i ■ The Social Unit has organized people with special skill for the good pf the community as a whole. The doctors are the board of health of the district; the employers • &nd trade unionists are the Industrial experts; the social workers are the department of public welfare: the teachers the board of education, and so on. When the Citizens’ Council, or the , "block represents fives” discover a health need in the district it puts tße problem up,to the doctor group. From that tine on the doctors are responsible for findr ing a solution for the problem and for submitting the plan they devise to the Citizens’ Council.’ If

the block workers in the Citizens' Council should rind that there ar£ many men out of work in the various blocks, the business and labor groups would be held responsible for the working out of some plan to' meet the problem. In this way, everyone in the Social Unit district is enabled to work for the whole community itt the same time that he is working for himself. Everyone is a part of the big force for good in the community. Slowly, one by one. each occupation is being or--and -will—have- -aa- -executive -iu—charge. - Thecommittee made un of the executives of all Hie occupational groups is called the Occupational Council of the Social Unit. The Council and the Citizens’ Council acting together are the means by which the community governs itself. Children Given Medical Attention. When the doctors and nurses of the Social Unit district were organized they found that there were many babies dying every year quite unnecessarily, either because little diseases which they contracted were not taken in tifne, or becajtse their mothers were not properly educated in caring for them. The doctors asked the Citizens’ Council to go into their blocks and find out how many children under six years of age there were. tljat there were 1,179. The doctors decided to give each of these children a complete medical examination, and the “block work-

“Yoti made a bad break just now when you remarked that congressional humor was dry stuff.’. ••I noticed one gentlAnan in the party looked hurt; —Whftt-was. wrong?" —_——- ——-—— person you spoil k of is a professions J writer of anecdotes. I understand he does a brisk business with congressmen.”—Birmingham AgeHerald.

WEARING IS RIGHT.

“Doesn't your—wife—find—the—demands—of—the social whirl very wearing?” asked the inquisitive man of the husband of a society butterfly. • Wearing, well. I should say they are wearing" commented the poor husband as he remembered half a dozen dressmakers’ bills in his pocket.

COMING AND GOING.

“A fine looking boy." « “My grandchild.”- , “Got any teeth, has he” .' ■ y,' ,■ ; f “I wish I had as many,” said the old man sadly. —Louisville Court er-Journal. .

THE ALL-FOURS RECORD.

A correspondent, of Collier's, who was shell fire on Hill 212 in the battle Of the Ourcq. says: “I think it was the ninth or tenth shell that for the fraction of an instpnt fully convinced

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN. IND.

A FAUX PAS.

ers" bm-l, to their blocks and told the mothers ami fathers that the district physicians would examine their children and tell them if there was anything wrong and how it could be remedied. One thousand and forty-three of the children were brought to the district health station. Hundreds of defects- were discovered and remedied. Classes ,wer«r- organized—fort he lumbers; - tire district nurses went into the homes to follow up the children who had been examined and ne'e that the ents were giving thvni the right care. When the epidemic of influenza broke out. everyone knew that somewhere in his or her block, within calling distance, was a woman who would exert the qtihost effort to see that those who were ill got help. The doctors ftnd nurses were mobi lized through the district headquarters, so that cases could be cared for in the shortest possible time. There was hardly a case in the district which was not reported, gnd when the epidemic was over it was found that the death rate in this

pie were willing to make it. because they were doing it themselves, and because they knew that if they found housing conditions bad they at an organization which could remedy them. If thev found children and'young people without opportunities for healthful, happy play they could see that such a condition did not continue. Secret of a Successful Community. The men and women who are backing the Social Unit experiment—for the Cincinnati district is .really a - .laboratoryfor -social - experimentation and Hundreds of men and women of vision are interested in it—believe that the secret of a successful community organization lies in making everyone feel that he is Important. It is hard to feel that you are important, and that what you do counts for good or ill, in a city of half a million or more. But in a city block, which is really a little village* with its Own council, its own. “block worker.” its own program of health, recreation and civic endeavor, every man, woman and child is important. If they fail to do thqir part they can see immediately the effect upon the life -orThHUTTttierteptnronßnyu^nTtrey^wcrK^in - ffie interests of their little community they can see the good effects as well. And this, after all. is the advantage which the village has over the city. People don't get lost in the village as they do in th? city. And no one can “get lost” in .the Social Unit.

me that I was through. The explosion turned me quite over where I lay flat, all huddled up. At the end of 45 or 50 minutes the captain decided that we might duck, one at a time. We rolled out of the shell hole on all fours for an old wall 100 yards away. I don’t know what the all-four record for 1(X) yards is, but I think I hold it."—Outlook. ,

THE MODERN ATTITUDE.

“Say, waiter.” growled the chronic customer, “there's a dead fly in my soup.” “Well, what of it" muttered rhe knight of the tray and napkin. “You'd be dead, too, if you'd been In hot soup since the day before yesterday:”

STICKING UP FOR THE CORP.

Raw Recruit (late of the criminal bar) —I say, old top, do you believe In corporal punishments in the.army? ~ ■’ ■ Seasoned Soldier —Naw. the corporals ain’t a bad set. but these dem sergeants ought to have sumpin' coinin’ to ’em.

■¥ - . ’’Are you tlown'ffli matrimony?” • *-• “Not at all," said the old bachelor. “Matrimony is well enough." . ■ “ “Yes?” ' .. “And I believe ip lettiifg well enough alone.”— Loul-sville Courier-Journal. ' ,4.—.-.

district had been a third lower that in the rest of the city. Census Is Taken. A little while ago the people of this district decided that they could not work out their problems as they should unless they knew more about each other, so they decided to take a census of themselves . and .find out who they were and where they lived and what countries they came from, how many rooms they lived in and what they did for a living. “Uplift” organizations bave taken census of this kind before, hut probably never before has a district voted through its block representatives and its skilled groups to make a study of its own life and present that study to the world. The peo-

HE EXPLAINS.

FOR SPRING WEAR

Brighter fabrics Used in After War Designs. Garments Being MWe Fancier, Will Require a Greater Amount of Material Than Formerly. ' *' ’ ' Following the convention of the National Cloak, Suit and Skirt Manufac--1 urers’ association in Cleveland, 0., the committee on designs prepared styles for the coining spring which are of to the mantifacturersof dress and coat fabrics and dealers in trimmings and other accessories. The designs outlined for the coming season were prepared without the necessary wartime thought which called for conservation in every possible way. This means that greater yardage will, in most instances, be consumed, and as the garments are made fancier, getting away from the former straight, plain lines, the additional trimmings needed will result in materially increasing their many unusual touches of color; of such merchandise. For suits, braid will be extensively used. Belts will be quite commonly worn. The report of the design and model committee reads in the main as follows : “Suits —There is such a variety of suit styles for spring that women will be able to find expression of their owm individuality. Smart and youthful are the short, loose-hanging box models. “Many of these suits are gracefully trimmed wlth brald, cording or embroi simple of outline and are worn with white or bright colored vests or vestees, Ing a most attractive contrast. One of the predominating features of these tailor-made suits is a graceful, longrolling collar so fashioned to display smart vestees or blouses, which are so becoming and fascinating. As sport clothes are timely, much dash and smartness is given in novelty belts and partial belts, making an attractive means of fastening. Large pockets and convertible collars add beauty and distinction to this type of garment. “Skirts —The skirts for spring will .heJbuilt on youthful lines, not too tight and having the appearance of tapering at the footline. There are many smart, novel cuts that accentuate this effect. These skirts are worn about seven inches from the floor. “Coats —A new silhouette has made its appearance. This silhouette finds its expression in the dolman coats and capes, which are built on loose-hanging lines, tapering slightly at the bottom, “Many other new and attractive means of fastening are being displayed, also many new belted effects. The collars are especially noteworthy with their many unusual touches of color, collars that fasten over artistically, scarf collars, shawl collars, each type charming in outline and design.”

NAVY BLUE FOR SPRING WEAR

Brilliant Linings, Striped Vests, Braid and Buttons in Gay Array Among Things Forecast. It is said that fully 90 per cent of the spring, suits will be in that favored color of all well-dressed women—navy blue. It is further prophesied, however, states a writer in the Philadelphia Record, that gay touches in the way of colorful linings and bright ovprcollars will relieve any somberness. -Many- of them will bain- wash materials, chiefly stripes. • Braid trimmings will be in evidence, as will also buttons covered with the fabric. Link buttons, by the way, fabric covered or bone, will be used in the cuffs, quite an odd and refreshing idea for suits. The lines, it is prophesied, will be little different from the present silhouette. except, perhaps, the box lines of some of the hip-length models. Straight and box lines will predominate generally. A few “Chicken” models, disrespectfully so-called, will ap-

SMART HAT AND SCARF SET

This smart hat and scarf set Is Ih mauve velvet. Gray and yellow checked velvet forms a striking trimming.

VICTORY COLOR COMBINATION

The new victory color combination! is shown in this Lady Duff Gordon model by draping the finely crossed tucked navy georgette over deepcherry cashmere cloth (soft satin). Cherry colored wood beads emphasize the crossing of the tucks and finish the hem. Same two combinations are used for the girdle and sash.

pear, those having high waistlines and an emphasized flare. Collars, when they exist, will be of the long shawl variety, suggesting the tuxedo. The collarless square neck will appear on some of the more extreme jackets. Semi-belts will appear at the back and front, but not at the sides. On the average suit the waistline will be normal. There will be a few coats on the wrap order. Thesewill have fitted vests to give them tightness.

ART OF MIRRORING VELVETS

Hot Iron and Steady Hand Necessary, as Material Must Be Stroked on Right Side. Mirrored velvet is so much in vogue that a word of explanation as to the home process may be helpful. Any ordinary piece of velvet may be mirrored with the proper care. All that is necessary is a hot iron and a steady hand, for the velvet must be stroked with the iron, on the right side, at regular intervals. The iron must be kept moving quickly and in the samedirection, in order to insure a smoothand mirror-like surface. The amateur would do well to practice for a few moments with an old piece of velvety before attempting to work with her actual materials. The process is not difficult and, if carefully “done, will save the extra expense charged for the finished product. Mirrored velvet hats are pretty, when trimmed with chenille or ostrich feather trimming, and a fancy braid of crocheted chenille is another attractive finish In the mirrored hat.

PARIS TALKS LOW COIFFURES

Proposed Changt in Headdress Will Mean Marked Difference in Sizes as Well as Styles. Paris is talking of low coiffures for the new season and if this-style is launched it will naturally mean a tremendous difference in head sizes and probably in styles. If the hair is worn low on the neck or low on the back of the head, styles will, of course, not be so strictly tailored as when the hair is worn high and slick. However, it seems doubtful whether this style will he launched or if it is, whether it will be fostered by the American woman. «If the high collars of fur continue in vogue, then this style of hairdressing could not possibly be adopted, but if there is to be a decided change in style from the more tailored and simple things to the more feminine modes, then it may be considered.

Washing Fluid Recipe.

The following will be found an excellent washing fluid: Five pounds of washing soda, one gallon of cold water, put to boil. While boiling add one pound of chloride of lime and stir well; set aside to settle. Strain through a cloth and cork up in a jug. Put your soiled clothes in tbn quarts of water, or enough to cover them, with two handfuls of chipped soap and one pint of fluid.

Long and Short Coats.

Coats for spring are to be long and short. The short ones measure 38 inches; the longer ones from 42 to 45. There are to be capes also, say fashion people.