(By R. A. Peterson, County Argi. Agt.)

The factors that have entered into the development of the agricultural areas of this country within the past fifty years have been of such a nature as to change the whole scheme of rural life. And it is not even necessary, to move back fifty years to think early of the pioneer, the frontier life of those who were clearing and setting the stage for those of the present day. The log cabin, the little barns, the clearing – an acre or two or three, the rail fence and then the member. And the roads – do you remember them more like trails, so they were, these old "tote" roads, winding, narrow, and then a "corduroy." And yet, they all lead to the cozy homes, the homes that made possible the modern ones of today. Truly these pioneers people have contributed so much to civilization that is too often taken as a matter of course.

There was little of the system and the science that so greatly favors us on our highways of today. Nary a bit of macadam and the same amount of the trunk lines. The telephone was not seen in these cabin homes and the old mallow may have been the "Delco" of the day. And was there the modern conveniences in the homes that are so common now? Running water, heat, lights, power washers, "Fords". Not much of these to cheer the pioneer home was there. Neither was the modern machinery there to ease and to speed up the farmer’s work.

Only lightly have we touched this great development period and we pass to good things of the present day. We still have a few of the pioneer homes, but so many of the homes of the agricultural areas today are building in the direction of the same modern type that is common in our cities. The pioneer is moving away from the day that only city homes may be modernly equipped, and is building a home for his family and himself that is to be enjoyed as a real home.

The telephone is at hand, his electric lights are fine, the waterworks are of the best, and good roads, plus a "Fliver" enable the family to enjoy ther (sic) fine scenery than that of the home grounds. And then we are to come to the big factor – the free delivery and the library. The rural delivery in its influence in raising the general standard of living in the rural districts cannot be measured in a financial way. Its service is beyond that. It has moved the pioneer from his more or less isolated position with reference to the outside world to one of equality with his city cousin. Now he is able each day to feel the pulse of the world thru his daily mail and to step forth accordingly with a keener appreciation of the part that he is to play in the affairs of the world.

And the library – we will not think of the library only as a shelf filled with books. No, let us think of it as a living spirit. These books we see are only the covers that serve to clothe that spirit. We have but to open the covers and to read and the living message of the story reaches us. These daily papers, the weekly, the monthly, the bulletins and books, all these that reach the people of the farms over the rural routes constitute their library. Each day some new message comes to them and with each dip into their library are developed ideas that eventually lead to a better rural life.

To those who have cared to learn in a measure; the degree to which the amount of reading of good literature on the farm affects, the general prosperity thereof, it has been found that well over the average the two, reading, the use of a good library, and prosperity, contended home life,, seem to link in close relationship.

Liberal use is made of our public libraries in the rural districts thru the fine sets of books that are kept in circuit to the many schools, and also thru the direct use of the parcel post system. More use still should be made of the many good books which are available to us. Whether the subject in which you are interested has to do with the house, the barn, the farm in general, your community, state, or nation, with home life of fiction, the library is ready to serve you free and freely. Write in to the librarian for a list of available books, check the ones you want and you will be supplied.

The library is at your service and for the intellectual development of yourself, your family and your community. You should avail yourself of its rich offerings.

Taken from the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune dated Thursday, February 24, 1921.