THE OLD TOWN'-A. FOLK MUSEUM' [To the Editor of the
SPECTATOR.]
SIB,--Your correspondent, Sir Thomas Hohler, makes some most valuable suggestions regarding the use and desirability of Old Town Folk Museums. One great fault of our present time, that is affecting the health of individuals and of com- munities, is the too fast rate of living. The word health is used in its very fullest sense as applying to body,. mind and soul. A proper regard for the family and home life is essential to bring back a steadier and more balanced rate and mode of living.
Reeaktly, in the distressed mining areas you, by the revival Of industries, such as the quilting industry, showed a practical method of helping not only unemployment, but also those who were unemployed. You did far more than this—you suggested very great possibilities. Handicraft can be health giving and can show the character of the people. Many people with the power to purchase at the present time must rely on shops, and on what is shown there, for the opportunity' to select, the furnishings and decorations they get. They would be helped by an Old Town Museum, showing the evolutionary changes from furniture and decorations that Once were made to things still being made, many of which could be purchased locally. I would' suggest that there should be a library with books of reference. I think the Organizers should be philanthropists with minds free from prejudice whether Or not the scheme were self-supporting.—
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