Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1896-1899

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274 Meeting

Sunnyside 2-3-96

The 274 meeting of the Home Interest was called to order at Sunnyside at 5.45, on the afternoon of Feb. 3. W^m W. Moore in the chair pro tem. Sodden earth and a saturated atmosphere effectually subdued any latent desire we might have felt to inspect the premises after the last meeting here had been read; so after reading and correction, the minutes of the meeting at Oak Hill were adopted, as were alsothose of the meeting at Mt. Airy previous to that. Then a question as to who is chairman of this body brought out the proof that Asa M. Stabler had been duly elected and had accepted the office "under protest". Whereupon he gave notice that he is "not a candidate for re election next year".

Under the call for new business, the sale of the old Club books was announced and a choice selection from the Clip box made us all rejoice that the delicious supper, which was then announced had not been served in the concentrated form of a pill.

There were many opinions as to whether it would be advisable to raise from turkeys that had survived the coup, but a majority seemed to favor not raising turkeys on the infested premises another year. It was generally conceded that four inches of earth from a plowed field spread over the ground where poultry runs would greatly lessen the danger of disease among the fowls. J. J. Shoemaker, we were told, has Pekin ducks for sale.

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Sunny side 2-3-96.

It is time to cover ice: sawdust around the edges and straw over the middle being the preferred method. Not being a stenographer the sec'y will not undertake to report the witty remarks called out by the question How many farmers give their wives half their profit? but she noted two who claimed to do it besides one who declared that his wife held the purse.

The Early Rose was the earliest potato of a number of varieties tested at the Experiment Station. Rural Blush is also our early kind while for a some what later potato Acme Seedling and Early Harvest were recommended.

The owner of a flourishing heliotrope that does not bloom was advised to give it plenty of sun and manure water. Oxalis should bloom every year

The main question of the evening was: "Shall we have free text books for the public schools?" And much eloquence was exercised pro and con. On the one hand it would be a great expense to the tax payers, who in farming district, are low already at a disadvantage as comared with the laboring class, who are chiefly benefitted by free schools. Free books are more liable to defacement and destruction, as what comes without effort is less appreciated, The teachers as a rule are opposed to free books, and the present law provides for all children who are too poor to buy for themselves On the other hand, it was urged that every argument against free books was equally strong

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Sunnyside 2-3-96.

against free schools: and free books are a necessary step to compulsory education. The vote when taken, was a tie, but there was a large majority in favor of compulsory education.

Dr. Brooke gave an earnest warning against the dangers of skating on such deep water as the Patuxent, as ice that has stood for several days is treacherous, and water over three feet deep may make a break in the ice fatal to the skater. That the young people might be provided with a safe place for following this delightful sport be suggested that the neighborhood club together and make a shallow pond for future use. Such a pond by providing abundant malaria, was thought particularly desirable on the Dr's account: and the idea was one that took root in the Home Interest imagination and grew suddenly to wondrous proportions. Inside of ten minutes we had a swimming pool, with bath houses etc., a large fleet of row and sail boats: electric launches, gondolas, and the whole neighborhood lighted by electricity. A committee, consisting of Dr. Roger Brooke, Chas E. Bond, A. G. Thomas, Newton Stabler, and R. H. Miller, was appointed to take the matter in charge, and see if any part of the plan could be carried out.

A wooden trough would be a musk rat proof conduit for an extra water supply for a [?].

The only feasible plan suggested for an effective emergency signal at the telephone exchange out of hours,

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Magnolia 2-26-96.

particularly on Sunday was to raise the rental on instruments and keep some one at the switch board all the time. The only way to prevent gossip over the phone is to reconstruct human nature. An interesting article on a new way to raise potatoes, so then they would mature in six weeks from time of planting, was furnished by A.M Stabler, but as the hour was late the appointed readers. Sarah T. Miller and Cornelia H. Farquhar were continued to the next meeting to be held by special invitation at Magnolia, Feb. 26. Then adjoured

Rebecca T. Miller, Sec'y.

275 Meeting. Magolia 2-26-96

In response to Mary T. Bond's kind invitation the Home Interest held its 275 meeting at Magnolia 2-26-96 with 21 members and half as many guests in attendance. As usual the company was late in gathering, and it was 5.30 when the Prest. called to order. Minutes old and new having been disposed of tho' the weather suggests gardening and other interesting things out of doors, the walk was omitted and a lively and varied collection of scraps filled in the time till supper was announced.

That ample that ample and delicious repast set all tongues wagging so that it seemed hard to quiet them and settle down to our monthly catechism; but when we at last proceeded to business our hostess set

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Magnolia 2-26-96

the ball rolling with an inquiry about grafting. Grafts should be taken at once, if they have not been cut before, and kept in moist sand in the cellar till the middle of March, when cherries should be grafted: apples may wait till later.

It might not injure grass on a lawn to burn the dead top off provided the ground was wet but to avoid all danger of killing the roots, and of setting ones buildings on fire it was suggested that a lawn might be cleared of dead grass by running a fine harrow over it in several directions, and then rake.

In view of the scarcity of cream in the neighborhood we agreed with the chairman of the lunch com^ee that it would be better to buy cream for the Farmer's Convention lunch next year, instead of levying contributions from those who have given it for several years

The multiplier onion called forth no enthusiasm from any one present. few had raised it, and they "did not want any more

We were told in answer to a question that Miss Ann Scofield used to have a knitting machine, but her experience with it is not now available for any one who might think of getting one.

Pride of the West muslin was recommended as a good brand for underwear.

Mary B. Thomas, a guest, made some