Club Minutes: Enterprise Farmers Club, 1873-1878

117 1^st Mo 27^th 1877 The Enterprise Club met at the House of Fredc Stabler , all the members present except Samuel Hopkins, he being much engaged elsewhere and no doubt thought that the dry conversation of the Club would be incompatible; with his own views at this time . The guests were Chas Stabler, W M Stabler, Dr Thomas, and R H Miller . We were welcome into the new parlor it being an addition to our Hosts House since the club last met here. after following the example of our government for some time in solving the difficult question as to who was to be our presiding officer for this meeting, but were fortunate enough to escape the necessity, of a returning board, or a commission, for this purpose and Roger B Farquhar was duly elected as foreman. The Secretarys book not being at hand, we had no minutes of the preceeding meeting, but proceeded to make an examination of the stock. Barn 8c, live very fine brood sows, and some pigs of the Poland China breed were seen in the pens. The farm implements were mostly under cover and protected from the weather the wheel rake swinging high in the barn, and we were informed by our Hosts oldest Son which we have every reason to believe is being educated as a farmers boy should be to know what is going on in his Fathers House that it had taken its airial flight

118 that morning, now who can say that our annual visits, are not of material benefit ? After an examinationof the cattle which looked well in their comfortable quarters, the farm still buriese in snow neccssarily made the barn the extent of our walk so returned to the House where the following questions were discussed.

1 Question by foreman. Are there any essays or communications to be read ? The same sterotyped answer no 2 How long should meat be smoked ? from 5 days to 3 weeks according to taste 3 What shall I do for sick sheep ? no remedy suggested 4 What is the cause of meat [rusting?] ? it is thought dampness effects it, and some members recommend washing it when taken fromsalt 5 Should I buy Millfeed at present price or Hay at 50^c for hundred delivered ? Unanimous for Hay 6 Does it pay to cut fodder ? 14 say it will 7 Where is the best place to feed long fodder ? Most of the members are in favour of [.B.yard?] 8 Shall I top dress wheat ? Several members gave their experience that if put on in the fall it is a benefit, but if applied this late it would be a waste of the raw material 9 Dr Thomas wishes to know what to do with Pear trees that have been eaten by rabbits

He was advised to eat them off and but the surecoming 10th how much better are throughred hogs than common stick 10 to 25 [?] 11th world after that [?] pork weighing 100 lbs? No

An uncommon vate of thanks was externated to E P Thomas for the able, and efficient report the Jared by him for the J'ammers bouvention, and he was regemented to act in that capacity this year, which office he declined accepting for the hesent and the subset was continued to on October meeting. After much talk and a very pleasant time adjourned to meet at P J Slablen Feb 24 1877 Asa M Slablen Seap

2nd mo 24_[?] 1877 Enterprise Club met at P J Stablers visiting to a funeral which a number of the members attended we were unusally late [?] , W D Brooke, R B Jiangnhar I J Lea and Joa J Mouse were absent. Bemy [?] Miller was elected [?] [?] Slatler Eolwoe Dillian and Dr Thomas were the violators.

After heading the [?] of the last meaing of the place, we took a short walk to inspect the stock, and out-building, a large stable meanly finished will be a valuable addition to the comfort of out [?] - stock when completed. Some grade and throughbred AL demy calves were admired and thought to be doing well, the sheep were in comfortable quarters, but evidently had not eaten enough good clover hay to satisfy their appetites It being quite late and the ground wet, and muddy, by the time we had gotten this much done, we were very soon back to the comfortable [?] in House, the [?] of over last meeting were made Le Le Dillian gave us some account of family in the West by Marylanders, the permits of which are calculative to make us [?] of their broad [?] and deep fertile [?]

Question 1^st Does it pay to raise colts? eight members say it will, provided your mare is of fine size, and a perfect animal for purpose, and good blood on the part of the sire, five say it willnot pay, and one says it might pay to raise one in 25 years. 2^nd Will it pay to plow in Bonedust ? considering the benefits to be derived from it in future crops? Nearly all present think it willnot 3^rd Shall I now strip of oats and clover in my young orchard to be planted this spring? It was thought it would be a benefit, rather than an injury 4^thW S Bond asked if he should sub stitute any of the new ingredients to supply amonia for Guano in his Fertilizer? all that expressed an opinion thought he had better not make a change while Guano can be had 5^th Will it pay to grind corn for pigs Majority present think it will 6^th What must I do with wheat straw? Use as much in Barnyard as is ne cessary for an absorbant, and spread balance on grass land 7^thWhat is it worth to ??? and burn pants? Ans 7^e apiece (4 rail fence Adjd to meet at E P Thomas 24^th 3 mo 1877