Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1892-1895

38 MT AIRY 3-27-93

What to do to be rid of the rat pest: cats traps, poison were all proposed, but probably will not prove entirely satisfactory.

At this juncture each guest was handed a slip of paper on which a number was written, upon which followed a general scramble to find the bearer of the corresponding number - thereby insuring a more decided mixing of the company, and the plan was effectual, tho' in two cases man and wife drew the same number.

After tea we were asked who intends to wear crimoline. Twelve would not unless they had to. Eight were doubtful. Three would wear it. One would be one of the last twenty four to adopt the hideous and unwelcome fashion. One would not wear it.

A letter from Benjamin H. Miller was read, telling of his travels.

What to do with roses that were thrown out of the earth & winter killed? Earth up around them, and tramp well.

Some information was then given us regarding accommodations at the World's Fair.

39 MT. AIRY 3-27-'93.

Miss Bradley of Washington told us how she raised very large double violets in a cold frame in their city yard - putting out strong thrifty plants in the Autumn. She had an abundance of bloom.

Hellebore is recommended as a remedy for green bugs.

Roses badly winter killed should be cut to the ground.

Is the Jury System a failure? Most are in favor of a 2/3 or 3/4 rule instead of the unanimous vote now required to convict.

Ink blots can be removed much better with fine sand paper than with a knife.

The three best strawberries: Early- Gilrof medium, Horry, late. Gandy. R. H. Miller can give information on the subject.

Cornelia N. Stabler then read a most excellent piece called "Speaking Out". If more would follow its advice the world would stand on a firmer basis.

The readers' for next timeRoger Brooke Sue L. Thomas.

Adjourned to Plainfield May 1^st.

Sue L. Thomas Sec'y. pro. tem.

40 245th Meeting PLAINFIELD 5-8-1893

The Home Interest was called to order at Plainfield at the usual hour, but a week later than the appointed time, owing to the death of Sarah Brooke. But on the 8^th May 17 members and a goodly number of invited guests, among whom was the secretary, assembled and listened to the reading of the minutes of the last meeting here. Fine weather encouraged most of those present to go out and view the premises, when the chairman made a movement in that direction. In the flower garden tulips in bloom and nicely prepared beds gave promise of summer beauty, while the vegetable garden was not less encouraging. Cold frames showed lettuce ready for use, pansies in bloom, tomato plants of good size etc. and a long bed of new rose bushes aroused the envy of at least a few ill regulated hearts among us. Harry Davis displayed his chicken palace with pardonable pride and everyone was constrained to admire the comfortable and convenient arrangements for the hens, wile numerous broods of flourishing young chickens and

41 PLAINFIELD 5-8-93

ducks proved that the outfit was a practical value. On our return to the house the minutes of last meeting were read, & after slight correction, adopted, before the asking of qustions, began, with one about a vapor kerosene stove. No one present but the propounder of the query had ever heard of such a thing, but she reported a very favorable criticism of it from Jas. P Stabler. Many ladies however, spoke in high praise of gasoline stove, this some husbands look askance at them, and one, who is director in the Fire Ins. Co. has hauled his wifes gasoline stove back to Laurel. Beulah L. Thomas was the only person present who could propose a second remedy for a cat that eats chickens:- a little shooting, a little pounding of its head against a tree, and a month's retirement in the wood, she assured us, would cure the most obstinate of chicken killers.

Aid asked for W^m Cuff who has lost two calves by a recent freshet.

Inquiries from different persons during the evening elicited the information that hop vines could be got at Mt. Airy & Sunnyside; that Dr Aug. Stabler could probably

42 PLAINFIELD 5-8-93

supply those wishing pieplants, and Anna Lea those who want Madeira roots, Sarah J. Miller has dalia roots to give away, and Allan Farquhar had a cow to rent for the summer.

It appeared, from figures given that Home Interest hens have hatched an average of 12.3 eggs out of their 15 eggs apiece set upon; but it was not considered necessary to select eggs for setting by size, this a well shaped egg is more likely to hatch.

Pelargoniums should be cut back close, and the trimmings planted, but old plants will bloom.

After the flowers fall is the best time ot move pyrus Japonica, cutting the roots 1 1/2 ft. from the trunk will make a flowerless tree bloom.

Lavender may be grown from seed, or plants procured from Center Market, Washington.

To protect currants and gooseberries from the savages of the worms spray the bushes sith hellebore or Bordeam mixture 5lbs sulphate copper. 5lbs lime 50 gals. water.

Dr. Thomas had been advised to let his