Thanks for the offer of help. I have tried prioritizing construction and trying to get people to build, but nothing happens (ca. 24 hours of trying). Although as one hopeful sign, I did get a message that housing was needed. I have:
Harvesting - Level 3
Building, Medicine, Science, fertility and spirituality - all level 2
Puzzles - I have solved 1st hut, clearing the beach (a mistake I think!), clearing the blocked creek and the graveyard.

I have 15 villagers, finally lots of food, and a lot of free time for them. If there is anything I can do to get them to learn to build, I would love to keep this game going (I have gotten fond of them!) - otherwise, I would rather know if I just have to start it all over again. It sounds like from ladycfii's post earlier (which for some reason didn't show up on my screen until hours after I sent mine?) like my only chance w/this group of villagers is to wait & see if an Event happens that would give me an opportunity to build. As I understand it, the Events are random & might never occur in a given game? Then I guess I had better be ruthless and start over again....