Martha Mary Chapel and Community House, Richmond Hill, Georgia, July 1940

Henry Ford purchased vast amounts of land around present-day Richmond Hill, Georgia, beginning in the 1920s. After acquiring the property, Ford became interested in the economic and civic improvement of the area. He built schools, churches and community centers. At the Community House, local residents gathered to take cooking, sewing, home economics and dancing classes. It also served as a place for local social events.