--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 20 number: 3 published: 1917-01 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, \"Mutual Work,\" *Improvement Era* 20, no. 3 (January 1917): 271–278." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2003unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2003unse start_page: 271 end_page: 278 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1917-01) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2003unse publication_year: 1917 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1917, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Mutual Work ("MUTUAL m WORK 1 The "Era" and Fund An Example for Era Workers Elder R. Savage, of Glenwoodville, Alberta, Canada, is a shining example to workers for the Improvement Era. The town in which he lives has a Church population of 279 people, and out of this number he has secured a subscription list for volume 20 of the Era of 48 subscribers, or over 17% of the popultaion, which is a record to be proud of. Last year this ward had the highest single record of any ward in the Church, in Era subscriptions. Elder Savage is proud of the fact that although a child of four years in the Church, he is sixty-six years old in the flesh, and considers himself as yet in possession of great power for work in the gospel and in the cause of the Church. We congratulate our friend upon the splendid showing that he has made, and he may be assured that not only the editors of the Era but also the members of the General Board highly appreciate his labors, not only for the Era but for the welfare and advancement of the young people. He has been instrumental in establishing a ward library in his ward, and in connection with the subscriptions for the Era has sold 113 copies of the New Testament for the reading course. It might be interesting to our readers to know that Elder R. Savage. Elder Savage has four sons at the front in the terrible war now raging in Europe, and we are sure all will join in hoping and praying that they may be preserved from destruction. Stake Work Efficiency Reports We are pleased this month to call the attention of stake and ward officers to the efficiency report which appears for November. There has been considerable improvement in the number of stakes that have reported this month, as compared with only four for October. In transmitting their monthly reports a number of stakes have given us the standing of each ward, and these are extremely interesting to the general officers, from the fact that they show that in a number of the stakes perhaps one or two wards are holding back the whole stake. This is valuable information for the stake officers, because they will know upon what backward wards to concentrate their efforts to bring them up to the efficiency figure. One stake, for example, places only one "10" on the stake efficiency report, but they 272 IMPROVEMENT ERA had only one ward out of eight that did not take part in special activities, one ward that did not hold a successful social, one ward that lacked scout work, and one ward, vocations and industries. When these acquire efficiency the stake will be able to add four more activities to their report, and thus show good work. The stake secretary, in sending in the report, closes with, "We are going after these other four '10s' for next month." Another superintendent writes: "We lack only two wards to have 10 in our membership, and also in Era. We know through these reports exactly what to go after in our ward visits, and may thus talk to a purpose wherever we visit." As to the value of these reports, they are perhaps more useful to the stake officers than to the General Board, as they show at a glance how each ward stands each month. One superintendent who had not waked up to the value of these reports wishes to know what good they are to the General Board. In reply, we will say that they enable the General Board to see where the stakes stand now, instead of waiting till next May, when the annual report comes to hand, and thus their work and attention is directed to the delinquent stakes. They serve the same purpose for the stake boards in regard to their wards. Stake officers should therefore be prompt and emphatic in demanding that every ward shall report its condition of efficiency each month. One stake reports eight scout organizations in eight wards, with a very good prospect of getting the full quota next month. Boys and Girls Clubs During the year 1916 there were 64 boys' clubs in Utah, in which two thousand members were enrolled and one thousand of whom finished the work. The clubs consisted of organizations for raising potatoes, sugar beets, mangel wurzels, poultry, pigs, gardening, cow-testing and the production of better seeds. There were sixty-five girls" c'.ubs with an enrollment of eight Curtis Holland— his father's pig and the boy's pig are both same age. Curtis keeps accurate account of his ivork, and is learning to make the most of the least. The large pig belongs to Curtis' father. The supervisor is W. S. Burton, Idaho. MUTUAL WORK 273 hundred, six hundred and fifty of whom finished their work. Their labors consisted of sewing, baking, flower and vegetable gardens, household accounting, table service, remodeling home kitchens, etc. These organizations were supervised by the Utah State Agricultural College. The Y. M. M. I. A. are affiliated with the college. Vocations and Industries Vocational Guidance By Earl J. Soelberg It seems very strange to. me that it should take the world about 2,400 years before it could see the need of adopting the suggestion of Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, to teach vocational guidance in the schools. He wrote and talked about the physical types of temperaments, and the physiognomy of the young men and women of his day, and worked with untiring efforts to help the young in selecting the work in which they could succeed. After his death, however, this part of his philosophy seems to have passed into oblivion, and it was not until within recent years that this phase of education has received the careful thought and consideration of those whose business it is to teach. In speaking of the work of vocational guidance in the schools, I do not wish to be understood as one advocating the principles of phrenology, nor necessarily commending the study of physiognomy, although I do believe that one's external appearance, and especially one's countenance, is nature's most perfect mirror of the characters and habits of mankind. But what I do feel to be a fundamental prerequisite to the successful study of vocational guidance is a scientific analy sis of the demands which are made by the various vocations. This inquiry must be more than a tabulated enumeration of the technical requirements, or it will be of little use to the struggling students. It is not a superficial outside view of our vocations, but a satisfactory understanding of the deeper, inner demands of our occupations and professions that is needed. And in connection with the analytical study of society as a whole, and its needs, we must also consider the individual; his needs, both mental, moral, physical, and spiritual; his heredity, and present and past environment. If these facts were understood by the teacher, and he really desired to use them, what a wonderful aid he could be to the poor students who have been unable to fathom the meaning of life or to comprehend seriously their own great possibilities. Truly "the day of success for the Jack-of-all-trades is past." We are living in an age when society, with its multiplicity of changing events, is calling for men of special training, of special talent. We have come to the mile-stone in the march of human progress and development where a man must accept one of two alternatives. He must "differentiate or die." This being so, what is a young man going to do; what can he do with the little special training he receives in school? At the age of six or seven he is compelled to enter school, and is immediately ushered into the kindergarten with probably ten or fifteen other children whose temperaments, inclinations and adaptabilities are often very far distant from one another. Through the elementary school, the high school, and even on through college, these students are arranged together in classes, studying the same books, writing the same themes, and working the same problems. One child may have natural tendencies and inclinations along mechanical lines: another may be musically inclined; another may be of a scientific trend of — 274 IMPROVEMENT ERA mind, and so on, all differing in their natural abilities and desires. Yet these children, and the rest of their school mates, regardless of their natural genius, are to be made poets, historians, mathematicians, grammarians and orators alike. It seems a pity to me that we should take more pains in preparing score cards for horses and cattle than we do for school children. Why not determine to some means to what class a child belongs? whether he is built for work which requires speed, or for work which requires great strength and endurance? I believe if we did more work along these psychological and scientific lines, and less along other lines, we could see our schools producing a much higher type of human product than they have ever done before. If we can take our children with their diverse natures, abilities, tendencies, habits, traditions, hopes, aspirations, ambitions, and minister to these, build on and through them in such a way as to send them out just as diverse as nature intended them to be, then we will have done much towards solving the educational problem. Idaho Falls, Idaho Athletics and Scout Work Seventh Anniversary Week, Boy Scouts of America "Be Prepared" The seventh anniversary week of the Boy Scouts of America begins on Thursday, February 8, 1917. As a part of this great national boy organization, the M. I. A. wish to celebrate the occasion with our fellow scouts. The General Board of Y. M. M. I. A., with the sanction of the Y. L. M. I. A. General Board, has set apart Sunday evening, February 4, as M. I. A. Boy Scout evening, with the suggestion that all of our ward associations use that date for the discussion of scout questions. All should have the privilege of hearing about the movement so thai they may form a correct idea of its aims and purposes. The Scout Committee of the General Board has outlined two suggestive programs, one for the association where there is no ward scout organization, the other for the association where there are scouts. References for material for the talks are given. The Boy Scout Hand Book is very complete in itself, and the ward officers should place one of these books in the hands of the speaker chosen for that night. It can be ordered from the Deseret Sunday School Union or the Deseret News Book Stores, Salt Lake City, or from the Boy Scouts of America, 200 Fifth avenue, New York, price 30c postpaid. The program submitted may be changed to suit the conditions of the ward, but no ward should let Sunday, February 4, pass without a scout program being carried out. The Young Ladies, officers of both ward and stake, should be consulted, as this is an evening for joint meetings. Invite them to co-operate with you in making this a big event. The Scout Law and a Few Suggestions to M. I. A. Officers — A Scout is Trustworthy. A great honor and a compliment is conferred upon us when we are entrusted with the care of young people. But the responsibility, too, is great. To him who proves trustworthy to the call and is diligent in the work of the Lord the reward is sure. A Scout is Loyal. We can best prove our loyalty to our charge by seeing MUTUAL WORK 275 that every method and plan is adopted that will help the boys to think and do the right. A Scout is Friendly.— By showing an interest in the boys you gain their confidence. No boy is won by men who only preside. It requires a friend. A Scout is Courteous.— True courtesy is the mark of a gentleman. Gentlemen are not neglectful of the interests and happiness of others. The good Samaritan was a courteous gentleman. — A Scout is Kind. You are kind to the boy when you do all you can to save and protect him. — A Scout is Obedient. The acceptance of an office carries with it the promise of obedience in the fulfilment of duty; the putting into effect the purposes and plans of those from whom we receive the appointment. Disobedience to orders may result in a wreck. — A Scout is Cheerful. Duty with smiles needs no pepsin to help digestion. The sweetness of the smile attracts the boy like the flower attracts the bee. — A Scout is Thrifty. It's the taking care of the little things week by week that makes possible the saving of a soul. — A Scout is Brave. Are you satisfied, Brother Officer, in doing only the regular established things, or are you brave enough to try something new along with the old? Scoutcraft has proved to be a winner. It gets the boy. A Scout is Clean.— Does the boy need help to see the beauty and necessity of a clean life? The boy scout program gives such help. Might the temptations of life be too great for some boy to resist if left alone? The scout program helps cut down that risk. What about his crowd, his language, his habits? The scout program with your help will aid in solving the problem for him. — A Scout is Reverent. To appreciate his religion a boy must first learn to know it in a boy's way. Scoutcraft as part of the M. I. A. work helps him to apply and develop his faith in a practical manner. Let's "Do a good turn daily." Presenting a good scout program .on February 4, is a good beginning. Program for February 4 (Where Scout Work has not been taken up.) Song, "Smile, Boys, Smile," page 18, Boy Scout Song Book, or "The Truth, Boys, the Truth," in this number of the Era. Prayer. Song, "Hike Along," page 22, Boy Scout Song Book. "Aim of the Boy Scout Movement," Hand Book for Boys, page 23. "The Boy Scout Promise," Hand Book for Boys, pages 1 to 37. "The Boy Scout Laws," Hand Book for Boys, pages 1 to 37. Song, "Lend a Helping Hand," Boy Scout Song Book, page 15. Additional references for the above subjects: Article on Scout Work by Jacob Riis, vol. 17, July Era, 1914, page 869; "For the Consideration of Parents," Dr. John H. Taylor, January, 1916, Era, vol. 19, page 237; "Are Boy Scout Organizations Military?" January, 1916, Era, vol. 19, page 278; "The Scout Promise and Law," January, 1916, Era, vol. 19, page 237; "The Danger Point," February, 1916, Era, vol. 19, page 374; "Scoutcraft and M. I. A. Work," M. I. A. Hand Book; "Scout Organizations in Country Settlements," January, 1916, Era, vol. 19, page 277; "Scout Work During 191516," Era, vol. 19, page 849. Have special scout music if possible. (See following program.) If unable to have boys' choruses, use male quartets. Any good speaker may easily obtain material for an interesting talk 276 IMPROVEMENT ERA from the hooks referred to. Each ward could profitably supply the speaker with the Hand Book for Boys, 30c postpaid, from Deseret Sunday School Union, or Deseret News Book Store, or Boy Scouts of America, 200 Fifth avenue, New York. Boy Scout Program for February 4 (Where Scouts are Organized.) Song, "Smile, Boys, Smile," page 18, Boy Scout Song Book, or "The Truth, Boys, the Truth," in this number of the Era. Prayer. Song, "Hike Along," page 22, Boy Scout Song Book. "The Scout and the Ward," by member of the Bishopric. Repeating Scout Promise, by Scouts. (Suggestion: Have a printed ' banner on the wall.) "The Promise as a Character Builder," Hand Book for Boys. The Scout Laws, by twelve scouts, each repeating a law and giving explanation as found in Hand Book for Boys, page 33. Scout song, "Cheerful Scout." "How the Scout Laws Operate," by Scoutmaster. "The Daily Good Turn," by a father. Patriotic song, or Boy Scout song, "Lend a Helping Hand," page 15. Additional Exercises Suggestions: Flag raising, and flag salute. If the Socuts haven't already presented first aid and other scout demonstrations it could be done now in place of some of the talks. For the music see the JBoy Scout Song Book, price 15c, which can be secured at the Boy Scouts of America, 200 Fifth avenue, New York. •Where boy choruses cannot be formed male quartets may be substituted. If you have scout choruses or bands use them. Additional scout demonstrations may be used instead of the above. Give a brief talk on star constellations-. Exhibit and tell something about the articles of carpentry and metal work made by the scouts. Talks and where possible exhibitions of trees, plants or birds. Have a talk on first class cooking and how it is done. The mixing of biscuits, hunter's stew, etc., etc., could be shown. Talk on merit badges and what they mean to the scout. Illustrate the way of judging height and weight. Give a talk on "Thrift" and let first and second class scouts walk up and show their savings accounts. Use only appropriate subjects for Sunday meetings. Community "Good Turn" as a Troop, Monday, February 1Z Chopping wood for old people and widows; render some service about the meetinghouse; give some service for your city or town. Consult your bishop on how you can help. Scout Rally February 17, or One Other Night of Week Suggestions for Scout Rally: (Sign) A boy from each troop may be selected to represent his patrol, for example, in the lion patrol, the boy dresses to represent the lion and becomes part of the parade. A prize could be given for the best sustained character. Wall scaling. MUTUAL WORK 277 Tilting, page 398, Hand Book for Boys. Tug of war. Rope climbing. Scout songs and yells. Scout games, such as antelope race (p. 398), staff run (p. 419), flag race (p. 396). Pyramid building (p. 395). Staff drill contest. Fireman's lift contest (p. 370). Coat stretcher and first aid (p. 369). Bugling contest (p. 298). Sack race. Signal drill work (p. 287). Do not make your programs or rally too long. Select only enough material to make a good lively program. Use any other scout ideas you may desire. We will appreciate a copy of your program. In a Crowd Of what use is this Boy Scout movement? Well, here is one use it served: Out at the fair grounds last week there was a motorcycle race which culminated in a frightful accident to — some of the racers. As soon as it happened the curiosity morbid or sympathetic, whichever way you look at it — of the spectators sent them surging toward the spot. The dividing fence was no obstacle, for the would-be sightseers swarmed over it. Out of the confusion and uproar there came the authoritative call of the policeman, watching for the safety of all: — "Don't climb the fence stay on that side." But the crowd paid no heed to his words; over they went, pell mell, — belter skelter all but the integral parts of it that wore the khaki uniforms of the Boy Scouts. They fell back promptly and obediently, respecting the voice of authority. They were as eager to see the victims of the accident as any man there, but they had been taught, in their camps, and on their hikes, the necessity of obedience to the call of the law, and they put into practice what they had learned. Quickly, and without noisy protest, they drew away from the coveted vantage ground for catching a glimpse of the wrilhing victim, showing by their action the splendid results of discipline and selfcontrol. That one incident was a beautiful illustration of what this scout movement is doing for the boys of this community and this country. The little fellows who heeded the voice of authority to "stand back," may, in the years to come, be the heroes who will, with equal steadiness of discipline, obey the "forward-and-save-the-day" order on some field of honor when the flag blossoms through the rolling smoke and the palms of victory toss like green plumes down below it. All honor to the Boy Scouts who know how to obey. Reprinted in Scouting, from The Commercial Appeal. Central Ward Scouts of Sevier In the December number of the Era, in the article on the hike to the summit of Mt. Baldy, it was stated that the M. I. A. Scouts of Monroe made the trip. However, it should have been the Scouts of Central ward, Sevier county, whose address is Monroe, R. F. D. No. 1. Socutmaster Willard E. Stevenson desires the correction made, as his scouts are not willing to give honor to Monroe where, we are told, no organization of scouts exists at all. 278 IMPROVEMENT ERA Special Activities About Plays For lists of plays, declamations, and subjects for debates which may be used for scoring in stake pennant contests, see October and December Era, 1916. In the plays which the committee on special activities have recommended it will not surprise our officers to find, here and there, expressions which are inappropriate for utterance on the stage. We advise officers to carefully read all plays before presentation and to eliminate all objectionable words and sentences, such as profanity or extreme slang, and references to smoking, drinking, or improper actions. \ Special Contest — Fairbanks Offer Attention is again called to the special contest in dramas, stories, and poems in which the Fairbanks Art Studio offers certain prizes for the best creations in these lines. The contest is open to all, and has been extended from January 1 to May 1, 1917. The productions must be strictly original and must not have been published nor in contest prior to this announcement. The subjects must be based on ''Mormon" ideals. All of the winning manuscripts will be the property of the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A. General Boards. For list of prizes and rules, see Era, for September, 1916, p. 1035 and Journal, for ; September, 1916, p. 567. We urge home authors to enter these contests in which there is excellent opportunity for the development of talent. Utah and the Capitol Building Utah: Area, 84,990 square miles. Settlement July 24, 1847, by the Latter-day Saints, under Brigham Young. Ceded to the United States by Mexico, February 2, 1848. Utah territory organized, September 9, 1850. The enabling act was approved, July 16, 1894. The state constitution was adopted, November 5, 1895. The state of Utah was admitted to the Union, January 4, 1896. Capitol Building: Site granted by Salt Lake City, May 1, 1888. The act creating the Capitol Commission was approved, March 11, 1909. The Commission was appointed, May 13, 1911. The ground was broken, December 26, 1912. The contract for the construction of the building was awarded, February 18, 1913. Construction was commenced, April 18, 1913. The corner stone was laid, April 4, 1914. The building was completed, July 3. 1915. The legislature of 1915, during its closing days, met in the building, thus using it for the first time. Building dedicated, October 9, 1916.