In August 1930, three years after the development of Cromaine Library, Crouse initiated the second step in his plan to help the people of Hartland to help themselves. A committee, including the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was formed to determine the size and boundaries of the Hartland Area.
Mr. Crouse felt that there were between thirty and forty activities that directly influenced community growth and improvement,which could be accelerated under carefully trained leadership.
Among these were the 7 educational objectives set forth by the NEA: MUSIC, LITERATURE, DRAMA, ART, HEAlTH AND WELFARE SERVICES, SPECIAL TEACHING PROGRAMS AND RECREATIONAL PROJECTS.
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Hartland Area Project Unveiled
“Friendly Association for Wholehearted Service” -Hartland Area Project slogan In August 1930, three years after the development of Cromaine Library, Crouse initiated the second step in his plan to help the people of Hartland to help themselves. A committee was formed to make recommendations and suggestions in regard to policies, initiation and putting into operation…
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Ministry of Music
“Music Exalts Life” -Hartland Area Project slogan In 1931, Mr. Crouse once again hired Emil Lorch, Dean of the College of Architecture at the University of Michigan to renovate, enlarge and equip the church for use as a music hall. The reconstruction included such changes as lengthening the auditorium, the addition of a stage, a…
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Dramatic Arts Department
“Drama interprets the soul of man” -Hartland Area Project slogan The Dramatic Arts Department worked closely with the Music Department as they both shared the Music Hall. The drama program was extended to both the community and schools. It included the direction and presentation of high school plays and dramatic activities in the lower grades. The…
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Cromaine Crafts
“Things Useful and Beautiful” –Hartland Area Project slogan In 1933, Crouse created Cromaine Crafts, a community handcraft program. He purchased an old tavern and made it a workshop and display area for the crafts program. Courses in pottery, weaving, basket making, book binding and leather craft were offered and instructors were brought to Hartland from…
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Community Life Newspaper
“Friendly Association for Community Service” -Hartland Area Project slogan The concept of a paper for the Hartland Area Project grew out of the need for a regular means of communication among all the homes in the area. In October 1933, the first issue of Community Life, a local monthly newspaper, was published. This was an outgrowth…