Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1870-1876

at this season of year when put in the churn From 62^o to 65^o

8. Our visitors wished to know how long you must treasure a dead oleander before you throw it away ? To properly consider this question it was necessary for us to know some of the history of said plant prior to its departure from this life, which was given substantially as follows. " A friend who as devoted to oleanders, or who not only lived surrounded by them himself, but could not see exactly how others could live happily without them, offered to present our visitor with one. There upon he declined the offer very politely believing he had no turn for oleanders. A short times after, however, his friend hailed him & stated that his oleander was ready for him, box, earth, & all, & he had better send a cart for is immediately, Not being able to throw off the delight of Oleanders

any longer, our persecuted visitor chartered a cart for the whole of half a dollar, or had the new pot landed at home, but where was it to go to, and who was to put it there? a great tree, in a large box filled with earch wont fit every where, especially in the house.

So it was unloaded in the yard until arrangements could be made to build an addition to the house or to take out some partition or ceiling to accomodate its proportions. But Lo! one might while it wated in the yard the mercury crept down almost to zero and poor Oleander had to die. Now the question is asked how long must our visitor treasure this oleander & what must he reply when his friend asks after the welfare of his pet. All sympathize but none could advise

Before we adjourned it was urged that members bring some thing to read next time.

Next meeting to be held at F. Stanblers 1s Mo 28^th 1871

6 Meeting At Oak Hill

More members than usual where present notwithstanding a violent snowstorm was raging until a late hour. The principle subjects discussed were 1st the propriety of having appointment readers. We decided to have two appointed at each meeting to read selections at the following meeting to read selections as the following meeting, or B. H. Miller or Carrie ^L Brooke were appointed for next month. It was proposed to the resolution made some time ago to limit the number of members to 20. which finally carried, or upon a unanimous note E.P. Thomas and wife were elected members. Upon motion it was when resolved to close the roll to be satisfied with our present numbers 24

1st question. Does anybody want a cat? 2. Was a proposition to join in getting flower seeds. 3. How to get rid of red spiders on Geraniums a. immerse in cold water b. A weak solution of carbolic acid recommended 4. What is a proper size for nest boxes for hens?

Ten by twelve inches in the clear,

5 How does Sarah Miller make the kind of rolls prepared for the Home Interest? See in Society's recipe Book.

6. Recipe for yeast? See recipe Book 7. How to destroy earthworms in house plants? Lime water.

8 Shall B.H. Miller raise poultry next year? his fowls having been destroyed with cholera? most persons advise an entire change of stock. About half the company advise not raising any for one year, some advise a trial of ducks

Adjourned to meet of W. W. Moores 2^d Mo 25^th 1871

7 Meeting At Plainfield

The Home Interest met at W^m. W. Moores 2^d Mo 25^th 1871 and in the absence of the secretary Pattie R. Stabler took the pencil. A motion was made for each couple to contribute 25 cts to defray the expenses of the society.

All except two couples, who were absent, paid that amount to the secretary. Quest 1st How soon to apply salt to asparagus When you fork over over the bed.

2. When to plant an asparagus bed? At usual gardening time in Spring.

3 Would you plant raspberries for home use? yes.

4. When uncover Kale? not yet awhile.

Carrie Booke read from Mark Twain "on the danger of lying in bed" B.H. Miller read about "Farmer John"

5th. Quest How to train raspberries? To stakes

6. Is it too soon to uncover strawberries? yes

7. Is it best to plant strawberries in Spring or fall? Spring

8. Had Will Moore better kill part of his chickens several having died of disease? No. readers for next time Walter H. Brooke and Mary B. Thomas.