Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1870-1876

Minutes of the organizing Meeting of "The Home Interest" Held at Francis Thomas's 8^th Mo 18^th 1870 Frederick & Pattie Stabler, Asa & Albina Stabler, Wm. S. and Mary Bond, Wm. & M.E. Moore, B.H. & Sarah Miller, Francis & Beulah Thomas met at the house of F. Thomas for the purpose of organizing a horticultural society which was finally accomplished after considerable discussion as to its probable usefulness and proper size. The name of the society was left to be established at a future meeting The number members was limited to 24 Application for membership will be voted on by the society & a unanimous vote is necessary to admit the appliccant. We adjourned to meet at Wm. S. Bonds the 27^th of 8^th Mo. 1870. It was decided to meet at 3 o'clock 7^th day afternoon preceding the regular meeting of the Junior farmers Club. F. Thomas was made secretary.

2^d meeting At a meeting of the "Home Interst" held at Wm S. Bonds on the 27^th of the 8^th Mo 1870 all the members were present. The first important transaction was the naming of the society as read above, The "Home Interst" That we think embodies all we can wish our organization to be, & it is hoped all will unite in making it worthy of its name. We spent the evening in the discussion of various intersting home topics visited the beautiful flower garden of our hostess, & the vegetable garden, then at a bountiful handed supper, & proceeded with questions as follows 1 Why do the leaves of verbenas blight while in full bloom? Some thought it was the want of proper soil 2 What is the best way to propagate rose cuttings? The earth in which they are planted should be neither too rich nor too wet. Half sand packed tight in a

box, with little sun was recommeded by some. Some said pure sand always [wat?] with some sun, others said charcoal earth & sand mixed. 3 Time to dig sweet potatoes? just before 1st frost 4. Time to take up a Canna Lilly? After frost toughens it, cut off and leave in the pot and keep in cellar 5 Do waterfowls have cholera? No 6 Cure for cholera in fowls? Lime used in quantity where the fowls are kept is highly recommended. 7. How to raise eggplant? Plenty of henhouse manure, plant in pots, & place in cold frame, & set out late 8 Hedge for screen? cedars 9 Would you fence in the chickens or the garden? a tie vote.

10^th Mo. 1st 1870 2^d meeting

At a meeting of The "Home Interest" held at Mt. Airy eleven members were present, & we had as guests Edward & Mary B. Thomas & Carrie and Sue Leggett. In the absence of the secretary, who did not arrive until late, B. H. Miller was appointed to the office for the meeting after considerable discussion Fred Stabler and Beulah Thomas both were appointed foremen.

After reading the minutes of last meeting, we walked out to view the flowers & garden, found the former looking well, & in the garden our attention was diverted from everything else by the turnips and celery.

Upon returning to the house the following questions were discussed. Viz. 1st What is the best way to raise celery? A member who had been somewhat successful tried to give his experience

but could not get the attention of the meeting, so gave up. 2: What is the best mulch for strawberries? Pine leaves or boughs. 3: What is the best plan for keeping salsify etc. for winter use? Pack in earth in cellar & sprinkle occasionally. 4: How shall I preserve my Jassamine through the winter? Lay it down & cover with earth. 5th Is there any remedy for slug on roses? None know. 6 Would you plant strawberries now or wait till spring? Wait till spring. 7. How shall I preserve verbenas through the winter? Keep in hot bed.

After tea considerable discussion was had as to the place of our next meeting & it was finally decided to meet at Leawood on the 29th of the present month.

Benj. H. Miller sec. pro term