{"value"=>"<p>Also known as the Rural and Agricultural Department and the Rural Betterment Department. The department's purpose was to promote cooperation among farmers, further the improvement of rural economic and educational conditions, initiate better living conditions on farms, increase production and profits, and to help consumers and farmers to form closer economic ties.</p> <p>The files include correspondence relating to the department's study of agricultural and rural problems. Correspondents include Andrew Carnegie, Thomas N. Carver (Rural Service Organization of the Department of Commerce), Grace Kirkland (Farmers' Union), the capitalist Adolph Lewisohn, and Henry Wallace, Sr. (editor of Wallace's Farmer). There are also the minutes of three meetings held in April-May 1914 and other departmental records.</p>"}