The Rural Home Economics Home Demonstration Club (known as the R.H.E.) was founded November 12th, 1915 by Mary Pearce of the Sorosis Club in Magnolia, Columbia County, Arkansas. The club's goals were to advocate the appeals of country life through home, civil, and civic improvements. The club met twice a month and had 17 initial members. The R.H.E. is the second oldest home demonstration club in Arkansas, behind the Mabelvale Club in Pulaski County, which was established in 1912. On April 7th, 1916 the R.H.E joined the National Federation of Women's Club. In September 1931, a related organization branched from the R.H.E.: the Columbia County Home Demonstration Council. This new council brought in students at the University of Arkansas through home demonstration agents to uphold the original goal of the R.H.E. Formed in Magnolia, the Council was first led by Zealia B. Pearce, and Etna McGough was the first Home Agent.
From the description of Rural Home Economics Home Demonstration Club materials [manuscript] 1915-1961 (University of Arkansas - Fayetteville). WorldCat record id: 778902952
