May 2 marked the close of one of the most remarkable and successful campaigns ever held in North Carolina. This was the home and school improvement campaign conducted in Iredell county under the management of Miss Celeste Henkel, Home Demonstration Agent of the county.
The campaign was launched last September when the club presidents of the county met with Miss Henkel and formulated plans for improving the schools and homes in every possible way. Progressive citizens and business firms added further incentives to the campaign by offering liberal prizes. Home and school improvement was talked on every occasion and each community set to work to make the homes and communities of Iredell model places in which to live. The expenditure of money to any considerable extent was not a prime requirement of the movement. It was more a matter of incentive for the exercise of taste and energy. The home with very limited means had as much chance to win as the home with abundant means. The degree of improvement was what won this or that prize.
A list of some of the prizes offered gives an idea of the campaign. There were prizes for the community making the greatest improvement in its schools, homes and grounds; for the most convenient kitchen; for the greatest improvement in a one-teacher school; for the woman in the county writing the best composition on “Why I need electric lights and waterworks in my home;” for the best composition on “\the value of the tractor to the farmer;” for the community having the most screened homes; for the housekeeper reporting the greatest number of inexpensive labor saving devices. A prize was offered to every school boy and girl in the county over 12 years of age writing a composition of not less than 400 words on “How Electricity Improves Farm Life.” A county-wide debate was also held. The query was, “Resolved that the automobile and tractor are more necessary to the farm family than electric lights and power.”
Everywhere great interest was shown. Old yards and school grounds were made over.
Rubbish was removed and shrubbery and flowers put in its place making the premises much more attractive. In the homes and in the school buildings the changes were even greater. Conditions were made more sanitary and the work of the housekeeper and teacher were made easier by the addition of more conveniences and by more effective arrangements.
On May 2 the campaign came to a close with the awarding of prizes and the final debate. At this time Governor Morrison delivered a most inspiring address.
The results of the campaign were gratifying. During the campaign $20,092 was spent on improvements in the homes of the county, but this does not include the value of labor or the amount of interest aroused in better homes. Moreover, with its close the campaign has really just begun. The Statesville Landmark well expresses it when it says, “Those who have not joined in the improvement, seeing what others have done will feel the irresistable urge to join in the good work; and the others, stimulated by what they have done, will see other improvements that can be and will be made.”
It was a great movement that Miss Henkel started. It might well be followed by other counties in the State. Such campaigns as this will do much to promote home-making intelligence, a better educated, and a nobler citizenship. It will make our State a happier place in which to live.
The University of North Carolina News Letter, May 25, 1921
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