Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1902-1906

several washing machines in the neighborhood only 2 in use. The Universal Ringer is used.

It is too soon to put cabbage away for the winter. Election day was thought the right time. To prevent growing, pull up a little.

Grey mineral ash will destroy worms. It was thought that Mr. Cornnel should notify members or owners of bundles if he takes them to his own home. It is too soon to plant cabbage for Spring use. It is best to mow grass at Sunnyside as the cut grass would be a protection and act as a mulch. The best laundry soap is Far, Colgates Octogin, St. Clairs, Babbitts, Oleine, Ivory. The best way to keep chestnuts is by putting them in a stone jar and cover up. No earlier corn known than Stabler's Early. A corn "Cosmopolitan" was spoken of. Very few eggs gotten, they are retailing at 23 cents in town and 20 in county. The fresh growth of retards is good to put between clothing in the spring, takes the place of mothballs, etc.

Kale should be cut if 6 or 8 inches now. Some advise leaving alone. In answer to Smith Cider apples making jelly, one lady declaired in the most emphatic tone "they would not." While another was equally certain "they made the best jelly in the world." For the

352 Meeting Olney Jan. 17th, 1903

benefit of the land, peas should be cut if high enough, or pigs could do the work with profit to both. Dr. Brooke would like to refer our trouble in regard to the laundry question to Pres. Roosevelt, nothing satisfactory seems forthcoming from any other quarter.

The coal strike was discussed and as it is now over, so that question is settled. Then adj. to Olney, Nov. 10th Nellie H. Farquhar, Secy.

The Home Interest met at Dr. Farquhar's, 1st 17th, 1903. Owing to recent visitations of death in our midst this meeting was small. We had however a number of pleasant visitors who helped to make the experience agreeable. Asa Stabler was in the chair, and Dr. Thomas acted as secy. A few of the questions are as follows: Would you remove gutters from eaves to prevent danger from fires by accumulation of leaves? Clear the gutters and leave them to carry off water. Have all properly covered celery. Most present who grow it have it protected. How do you get at celery for winter use? Some dig a month's supply and put in cellar or flower pit. It was remarked that the best celery is bleached when first planted. Will old ice in the house

injure the new crop? There was a difference of opinion on this point; but a house that will keep ice over to next season is almost sure to keep said ice if it is shown the same chance if it is 3 years old. How many take the Farm Journal and what would you do with cannas in cellar; leave them alone. Have any tried raising rhubarb in cellar? No. A lengthly discussion on the use of safety matches and the advisibility of having legislation against the use of the dangerous parlor matches. When Mrs. Farquhar asked about her 2 yr. old lily, there were some very sage remarks by our flower experts, but it was all dutch to your secy. so he will not attempt an answer. Margaret Magruder asked how to bleach a friend quilt that had grown yellow from age. None present old enough to know. A very interesting talk about hens and the production of eggs ensued. We learned that some were getting 2 dozen eggs per day from 15 dozen hens, one party gets 1 egg a month from 20 hens. Another 20 eggs a day from 20 hens, while in most cases it requires a dozen hens to ensure one egg this winter. All present seem to know exactly how hens should be treated, but in spite of all she has struck and is waiting for the coal commission to adjust her wrongs. Adj. to Plainfield 2.9th, 1903

Plainsfield 1903

Feb. 9th found members and guests assembled at Plainfield, the hospitable home of W. W. and Mary E. Moore enjoying the welcome always so heartily given at this place. The president being absent, Edward P. Thomas was called to the chair and business began. The absence of 10 of our members was noticed. Our ex-secretary having gone to Bermuda, the President and his family flitting to the sunny South, and sickness, we are sorry to say keeping the others from being with us. Their places were in a measure filled by Chas. F. Brooke and wife. Dr. and Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Bedder and Mrs. Jos. F. Moore, Sr.

Both sets of minutes were read and questions followed. The chip box proved more attractive and was read empty by B.H. Miller. No one had heard of the treatment of a rag carpet spoken of in the Farm Journal. Sarah T. Miller told us how she had used flour paste and some material to mend hers.

Rust in celery is thought to be a disease caused by pulling up when damp.

It is not known why the hollow is found in the stalk. We were advised to buy garden seeds now as they are going up in price. Five members use Burpees, 2 unknown, 1 Moores, 5 Landreths, 7 Hendersons, while 3 use both Burpees and Landreths.

There was a difference of opinion as to the quickest growing evergreen for a wind break. Spruce, cedar and Hemlock were mentioned. A double row of the latter 5 or 6 ft. high was thought best. It is better to cover strawberries in December but if it has not been done, do it right away now. The ground should be very rich for berries. Cow stable manure and nitrate of soda should be used as soon as the vines begin to grow in the Spring. Of course the nitrate must be mixed with something, ashes or ground rock, for example.

Onions for pickles should be planted at the time early garden vegetables are planted in the Spring. Must be well weeded and dug when right size.

April is the month to trim blackberries.