Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1899-1902

10 313 Meeting Walbrooke

The Home Interest Society met at Walbrooke June 19^th according to adjournment.

The level shady lawn was most attractive with groups of members and visitors in lively social concourse, when the Secty arrived. The meeting settled into quiet in the breezy outdoors as Chas. Farquhar the Chairman called it to order.

After reading the first minutes the premises were inspected and found to posess more features of interest and practical value than the limited space would suggest to a casual observer. Several apple trees were noticed that were full of fruit a cherry and plum beside a variety of shade trees of ample size though in the shadow of the venerable roadside chestnut which has failed to dwarf them in spite of its great bulk. Some rows of fine tomato plants were walled in with robust nasturtiums and sweet peas and places had been found for Chrysanthemums and house plants. Hollyhocks were ranged along the wall; while lilies were in bloom and many other plants attracted attention.

Our neighbors furnished specimens of cabbage, onion beets, potatoes, tomatoes and melon vine in bloom from Drayton. Tanglewood had specimens also of cabbage and onion also, salsify and carrot.

One of the most interesting features of The Home Interest always, is the supper, but on this occasion it was outdone by the taking of The Home Interest picture. Much time was required to pose

11 1899

everybody and the babies as well as the dog. Some of the grandmothers regretted that only two of the promising grandchildren were present and the absence of six members was lamented.

At another meeting we shall know whether the activities and risibilities of such a miscellaneous company may be suspended and suppressed simultaneously with satisfactory results.

Returning to the minutes it was found that the usual routine had not been followed, but the recalling of scenes and conditions of the 4^th of July last year was interesting and the record of weather crops etc. was found to compare favorably with the present. A.G. Thomas presented the cause of the song birds. He described the formation of the Balto Andoton Soc. for the enforcement of the laws we have for their protection and for the promotion of further work in this line. It is desired that branch societies shall be established. Much sympathy with this subject was expressed and cooperation was promised when opportunity arises. The temperate ways in which the usual divergence of opinion upon the question regarding the Philippines was delivered, shows that we are improving with age. Time was when political subjects were rigidly ruled out.

C.N. Stabler read of the sad state of things in Cuba owing to the introduction of saloons. While deeply interested in these subjects of world wide importance we realize the needs of daily

12 Tanglewood

life at home as questions were asked about the home garden. Sweet potatoes may be planted for use as late as the 4^th of July. Lettuce and radishes for use later in the season may still be planted. Straw is good mulch for tomatoes, where the early fruit is likely to blight, but the vines may be tied up so that the fruit does not rot on the ground. Roses may be mulched with stable manure. Hemlock trees should be moved early in the season to ensure success in transplanting.

Adjourned to Tanglewood for July 17^th L.W. Haviland Secty.

314th Meeting.

The Home Interest Society met at Tanglewood on July 17^th 1899 according to adjournment

The minutes of the last meeting held here were read and then the usual walk was taken.

The garden was most luxeuriant but our hostess expressed fears for the tomato crop which she thought showed signs of blight. Members in attendance brought specimens of fine vegetables, some large cucumbers, tomatoes etc. After enjoying supper and a time of sociability characteristic of our meetings, an attempt was made to call the companhy to order by Asa Stabler who held the gavel in place ofa the absent Chairman but the men failed to respond with alacrity. Politics and moonlight on the cool dry dewy lawn entrapped them, so that a number missed the reading of the last minutes

July 17th 1899

and must wait a year to review the remarkable exercises set forth in those notes. Mrs. Thomas asked if her rose bed was mulched too heavily. There was a variety of opinion but the only danger would be from continued hot dry weather. Those who wish a succession of lettuce through the summer, should sow frequently and in some shade during the hottest part of the season.

The seed stalks of hollyhocks should be cut. If seedlings are wanted throw the stalks in some out of the way corner where the young plants will not be disturbed until wanted for transplanting.

It is best to pinch lima bean vines. Strawberry plants on poor soil should be treated at once with a sowing of S.C. Rock, mulched during the winter and fed with nitrate of soda in the spring. July 15^th is the proper time to plant for cucumber pickles. A crop of more than a thousand pickles was gathered without any rain from time of planting. Cherry trees mutillated by horses should be trimmed into shape. A box elder may be cut back but not severely at this season. Corn may be planted now and tomatoes also for a late crop. An inquiry regarding fish laws was referred to Henry Miller who is game warden for the Co. No one seems to have tried to raise onions sets grown the same season. A letter was read from Eliza Moore dated at Hamburg. It was most interesting

14 315^th Meeting Woodbrooke

and gives the impression that the European party of which she is a member is enjoying a most charming vacation. A few chips were read but a soto voce motion to adjourn met with so much approval that the meeting concluded to meet at Woodbrooke August 21^st. L.W. Haviland. Secty.

Woodbrooke's forest shaded lawn made an attractive sitting place for the goodly company assembled on August 21^st 1899 to hold the 315^th mtg. of the Home Interest Society. To the late coming secretary the picture seemed to represent the home and social jestures of our neighborhood. Called to order our hostess remarked upon the dark clouds looming upon the horison and proposed that the usual inspection of the premises take place at once in view of a possible summer storm. It was found that much has been accomplished in the development of lawn and garden from a piece of woodland and much remains to be done, but remembering that the old places we so much admire have had many years of inteligent labour expended upon them, our friends who have evolved so much in a short time may take the courage and go forward hopefully.

Comments suggestions and advice were fully offered. Neighborhood news and wider interests were discussed and occupied the time until supper was announced. Reverting to business the minutes