Historical notes, The Rural Mailbox [nos. 79-87], statement of objective, "A Philosophy of Rural Life for Today's World" [a paper written by J. Howard Kauffman], final financial statement and other annual financial statements, inventory, correspondence related to closing the books in 1969, other correspondence, minutes of the executive committee of R.L.A., "Report of the Committee on the Future Direction of the Rural Life Association" [dated 1966], newspaper articles.

• The Rural Life Association was founded in 1942 with the support of the Quakers, the Mennonites, and the Church of the Brethren. 
• From the newsletter (The Rural Mailbox), "The Rural Life Association is composed of people who are concerned with the impact of our changing society on the rural community, the rural church, the family, and on the values or ethical principles by which all of us live.  While feeling no nostalgic attachment to our rural past, neither do the members of the R.L.A. accept the drift towards a secular urban culture uncritically.  The R.L.A. accepts social change as inevitable, but is concerned that such change be judged by the values of our Judeo-Christian heritage."  The R.L.A. was also closely associated with Heifer Project (now Heifer International).
• More R.L.A. conferences were held at Manchester College than at any other place, and the offices were located at the College from 1958 until the R.L.A. disbanded in 1969. --from notes compiled by A. Ferne Baldwin, MC Archivist 1989-2001

For related information on Rural Life, see:  Manchester College Bulletin  April 1952 p.1; August 1952 p.1, 4; November 1952 p.1.

Description prepared 30 October 2007 by Sara L. Smith.