Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1870-1876

13^thWhere is the best place to keep canned fruit? In the cellar, and in the dark, though some think the light does no harm.

Anna Moore, read an article, describing a cemented box, to keep Fruit & vegetables in for winter use. Mary E Moore read a very interesting article on education. Then adjourned to meet at P. T. Stablers, 10^thmo. 2^nd1875. M. L. Bond, Sec

58^thMeeting The Home Interest met at Philip T. Stabler's 10^th mo 2^nd1875. The house was called to order by Beulah L. Thomas, about an hour later than the proposed time. Eighteen members & five guests present. After reading the minutes of the last meeting here, we proceeded to take our usual walk through the yard, and garden

Questions 1^stHow to cultivate celery? Plant in rows and cultivate with a horse and plow, and hill up by hand. Eliza Bentley mentioned having read of

a Home Interest in New York State, where the members had not only improved their own homes, but had made the road sides objects of beauty

2^nd What is the simplest way to preserve Citron melon? Make a syrup of 3/4 of pound of sugar & 1/2 pint of water to one pound of melon & preserve as you would any other fruit.

3^rd Is it too late to plant Strawberry plants? No.

4^thHow to keep Sweet potatoes? The Jersey men place them in a box in the field as soon as they are dry, and put them near a stove where they will keep warm.

5^thHow many of the members have Ice? Answer 7.

6^thHow can I get rid of Plantain in the yard? Cut it up in August, or mow before going to seed, some recommend top-dressing with Ashes.

One member informs us, that Cauliflower, that has not already headed, will do so if planted in sand in the cellar. Paltie R. Stabler read an article on the importance of teaching girls some trade, or business by which they can earn a living if necessary. She also read that Frying was the the perfection of cooking, if properly done. Jamie L. Brooke, and Mary B. Thomas were appointed readers for next meeting to be held at Alban G. Thomas, 11th mo 6th 1878 Mary L Bond Sec.

59th Meeting

The "Home Interest" met at the house of A.G. Thomas, one month later, than the usual time in consequence of affliction in the family of his father, who has our heartfelt sympathy The company gathered slowly, but so surely that every member then in the neighborhood except the secretary was present, whose absence the secretary pro tem, had abundant reason

to regret, as is apt to be the case when a man has to assume the duties of his wife. He had also a number of guests. The company seemed so comfortable, congenial and happy, that no more was made for business, until nearly dark; when the meeting was called to order by B. H. Miller. After reading the minutes of the last meeting here, the company declined the pleasure of the usual walk, and ordered the minutes of the last meeting read.

The ever recurring and all important subject of soap, claimed the first question. Will the salt remaining in the wood of a well washed fish barrel, prevent grease left in it, making soft soap? It was thought not.

2^nd Is it necessary for the members of the Home Interest to make their wills ? This question was put around, & seemed to claim the serious attention of the members

many of them feeling the importance of doing so, but having postponed it for various reasons a few had accomplished the object; and are preferred to allow the law to make this. This view was objected to by several, particularly ladies.

3^rd What should be done with celery in the ground, with the tops frozen, This thought it would not injure more, if protected from frond freezing.

4th Will carrots stand frost? No.

5th Does it pay to raise celery? 9 say yes 7 say no.

6th Can an old Asparagus bed be moved, or shall I plant a new one? Journal cases were mentioned; where it had been done, and improved the bed.

7 How deep ought it to be planted? About 4 inches some say five, or six inches. A E Hartshorne, was requested to inform us how he raised celery?