Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1899-1902

28 320 meeting Mt. Airy

was suggested as a suitable division fence. --

The sentiment against any form of gambling was very strong. At the same time the duty of [Elderising] was considered a very delicate matter and it was the general opinion that those of us who had indulged in the recent shooting matches had evidently done so to show our skill as marksmen with no thought of the evil influences. We trust and believe that the excitement will soon blow over --

Adjourned to meet at Mt. Airy Martha F. Farquhar. Sec

March 19^th 1900. In the dark of the moon the Home Interest gathered at Mt. Airy. Just think of it! We are curious to know what effect the dark of the moon will have upon us. Time will make manifest. -- And while we are on this subject, one year ago, some one else wanted to have her H.I. during the dark nights. One or two opposed it, saying they would not go. The H.I. shows a great deal of partiality. Some few of the members are allowed to change the time of holding their meetings to a day that suits them best, while the majority are willing to put themselves to great inconvenience to take these cast off meetings. Now it seems to me that each one ought to have her meeting in turn, unless the reason for a change is very serious. In that case the hostess should arrange with some one to change with her, before the time of the

29

March 19^th 1900

meeting. We always have more respect for a society conducted in a business like manner.

Our long lost membes E.P and M.B. Thomas were cordially invited to join our ranks again not to fill others places but their own. When we voted on their names a year or so back, we all wanted them, still there was a year lest our number grow too large but since P.T. Stabler, Anna and Arthur so seldom attend we felt that the time was at hand to receive these most valuable members.

The supper was beautiful, everything being arranged in a most attractive manner. As we sat at the table we could only count fifteen guests, the smallest number we ever remember having seen at this most hospitable home. The flowers were exceedingly pretty, some seemed to have bloomed especially for this occasion.

The servant question was discussed from its many stand points. We gleaned that most pay 75¢ to women when they stay late or do extra work. Some feel it best to pay Carroll by the hour. The lateness of the hour at which most day labor is allowed to arrive seemed a difficult matter to change. One cook is reported to come every morning in a buggy and a driver, and at a very late hour. If this is the custom at the close of the 19^th, what changes will the next century bring. We can imagine that the only help worth having, will demand not only high wages but to be conveyed to and from her house in a coach with livery at the hardest sum of a dollar instead of 18¢ per hour. Yes, the question of labor is

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serious, and grows worse and worse. The men who drive our wagons seem to drink more and more. The fact of any one, keeping in their employ, a man who drinks seems inexcusable to most of us. Why cant our voters take a more active part in this most weighty temperance question? Dr. Brooke seemed to think the present condition of this matter largely our fault. E.P. Thomas said there were two things he would not have on his place a drinking man, and a false horse. A.G.Thomas reported having seen 6 K of whisky and 19 kegs of beer at Laurel, in [his] place. This was distressing. But what hurt us most was to learn of the increasing amount of liquor sold in our very neighborhood. And is far we are powerless to prevent the growing evil. M.B. Thomas told of an anonymous letter she had rec'd from Balto. lady evidently catholic, expressing her sympathy with equal suffrage.

Chairs may be reseated at a cost of 50¢ at Spencerville Hurlerays can graft trees and understands how to garden Very few had young chickens. A poor outlook for fried chickens any time soon for the H.I supper. Mrs Haviland wanted to know if we were glad to be a Quaker and if we considered it a privilege, referred to next meeting. For early and table use most plant early rose potatoes. What are the most re liable varieties of cherries? [Hentials] Curiosity and Early [Richmonds]

Adjourned to meet at Mr. Olney Martha T. Farquhar. Sec.

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321 Meeting April 17 Plainfield

Owing to sickness at Mt Olney and Olney the Home Interest met 4^th month 17^th at Plainfield. The April showers of the morning held up quite conveniently for the guests to assemble.

As we drove up we admired the lawn the grass looked like velvet, not a weed nor a bit of litter to mar the beauty.

The plants in the Conservatory were very flourishing indeed showing luxurious growth and much bloom.

We judge this is the most modern house the H.I. visits, and it is certainly well adapted for entertaining such a body. The spacious rooms and halls reminds us of the open arms which are always ready to receive, not only children and grand children but friends as well. These are indeed typical members of the H.I.

We regreted the absence of so many, especially as the cause was mostly due to illness. After partaking of the good things spread before us, we had an unusually long recess: which was enjoyed alike by members and guests. When called to order. William Moore wanted to know the most approved plan for turning a

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