Box 56

This series consists of general correspondence maintained at Homeplace by Lula Hale. It forms a comprehensive record of day-to-day work conducted during her lifetime. Arrangement is chronological, although it appears her original filing system was subject based. Subject areas include her arrival at Ary in 1929, relations with Health Departments, University of Kentucky, and county school systems. Her letters also reflect efforts to supplement her extension work expertise through contacts with such agencies as the American Library Association and the Conference of Southern Mountain Workers. Among important correspondents in the early years were Olive Dame Campbell of John C. Campbell Folk School, Helen Dingman of the Berea Opportunity School program; and Thomas Cooper, dean of the University of Kentucky College Of Agriculture. Other important correspondents include Loretto Conroy Martin, W.H. Hyden, Ross Sloniker, Howard P. Fischbach, Keith Cameron, Francis S. Hutchins, Luise West, and Fred Bryant.

Letters during the period 1929-1934 exude an atmosphere of excitement about the developing Homeplace programs. While the unexpected death of E.O. Robinson somewhat dampened these hopes, subsequent correspondence reflects the persistent efforts of Hale, Homeplace staff, and Fund Trustees to continue the development of programs designed to realize Robinson's vision. Although his fundamental aim -- economic self-sufficiency -- was not directly achieved, these letters document Hale's efforts through the Mountain Fund, to ameliorate many of the area's harshest health, education, and economic problems. The construction of Homeplace Hospital in 1948 is perhaps the best example of the Fund's responsiveness to local needs.

Letters from the 1950's and 1960s document the increasing degree to which Hale's role was changing. Programs she had administered in the areas of agricultural demonstration, industrial arts, and library extension were fast being duplicated by state and local agencies. More of her time was taken up with housekeeping and financial matters relating to the expanded pool of hospital employees.