160 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



HOME MAKING. 



MRS. H. M. DUNLAP_, SAVOY^ ILL. 



So much is being written and said, to-day, about the home and its 

 interests, that one at times feels that all has been said that can prove 

 helpful or interesting. But as every home is an individual expression 

 of its inmates, perhaps, the story can be prolonged indefinitely and 

 some helpful hint and inspiration be still extended to those who are 

 willing to listen or read. 



After almost forty years of home making effort I still appreciate the 

 help granted me from my household magazines and books pertaining 

 to the home and its interests and from my associations in clubs and 

 otherwise Avhere this all important subject is discussed. 



In no form of civilization has there been slowly but surely such a 

 far reaching change as Ave find in the American home — its life, its 

 growth, its ideals and its purjtoses. If we cast a glance backward into 

 the home-life of fifty or even twenty-five years ago we see its life's 

 activities very different from the present day standards and require- 

 ments. Then the work, that provided food and clothing for its in- 

 mates was done in the home, but no'w most of it is taken outside the 

 home and done in factory and shop. 



Woman's position in the home in the past has been more as an in- 

 dividual subject to the Avill and requirements of the male members of 

 her home. She lost her_ identity, her aspirations, and the natural 

 bent of her mind as soon as she occupied the ])osition of Avife and 

 mother. To-day women are beginning to think and act from an en- 

 tirely different standpoint. Woman is on the "Path of Attainment" 

 and the home Avill be required 1o make changes to meet her attitude of 

 mind. Once started she is never going l>ack to the old form of servi- 

 tude and lost identity, but she is going forward lo reach the God-given 

 position always intended for her, that of comj)anion, partner and help- 

 mate of man. No true companionship is possible, only from those that 

 are equal physically, spiritually, morally, socially, financially and po- 

 litically. Through these different standards arising our home life to- 

 day is more or less in a chaotic condition making ready for the adjust- 

 ments that are sure to come that Avill bring a more perfect relation be- 

 tween men and women in the home, and consequently a higher type of 

 manhood and Avomenhood. 



We do not need to fear for the home of tlie future, for AvUh all its 

 present-day faults, we can look to its future from an optimistic stand- 

 point. And Avhy? Because the Avhole thought and attitude of our 

 National and State governments are changing, and they are beginning 

 to turn some attention toAvard the home and its requirements. De- 

 partments are being established that bear directly upon the home and 

 the care of the child. Money appropriated that must go for home im- 



