Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Making a Difference in Rural Illinois
A Foundation for Sustainable Rural Community Development
American Country Life Association Conferences
From 1919 to 1976, the America Country Life Association (ACLA) held fifty-seven conferences throughout the country to address rural affairs including: family life, health, education, social service, government and legislation, recreation, social life, morals and religion, means of communication, cooperation of local, state, and federal agencies, and international aspects of the Country Life Movement. By the 1930s, the conferences were attended by thousands of farmers, representatives from agricultural agencies, housewives, students, and government officials. The organization canceled the 1941, 1942, and 1945 events as a result of World War II.
By the end of the Second World War, a new generation of leaders was emerging. However, according to Wunderlich (2003, p. 91), “The war had hastened the decline of the Association but it probably would have disbanded or transformed itself, anyway, to face a vastly changed and changing environment.” Following the Second World War, the ACLA continued to host yearly conferences, but encountered decline in membership and funding, competition with other farm and rural community development organizations, and lack of support from the government.
Recommended Resource
- Wunderlich, Gene. 2003. American Country Life: A Legacy. Dallas, TX: University Press of America. This material is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to copy, distribute or reprint.
