Better Homes in America | Page 4

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,