PROCEEDINGS STATE AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION 81 



give with profit to all. The play was in charge of Miss Dodson and 

 Miss Anders, of Iowa State College. 



At 1 o'clock each afternoon Mr. Clifford Bloom, of Drake University, 

 led the audience in community singing. Only a few years ago this 

 delightful means of getting together was unknown, and any attempt to 

 get people to sing in large audiences would have fallen flat. Now it is 

 a rare gathering which does not start off with a good sing. Mr. Bloom 

 says every lowan should know all the words of America, The Star 

 Spangled Banner, and Iowa. 



After the sing Miss Leiby, of the extension department, gave one of 

 the most helpful features of the women's program, choosing a Becoming 

 Hat. Women representing the various types of figure, face and hair 

 dress, served as models. Many praised it as the most instructive part 

 of the program, for in general women know less about hats and how 

 to wear them than any articles of clothing. 



Then followed a demonstration of good posture, and its effect on 

 health. Such simple things as the way we breathe, walk and stand 

 were made decidedly important. It is not vanity to desire a good figure 

 and a graceful carriage — it all counts in the big thing, health. Hollow 

 chests, stooped shoulders, protruding abdomens, are all results of over- 

 using some sets of muscles and failing to use others. So even the house- 

 wife who has work a-plenty to do, should watch herself to see that she 

 keeps all her muscles in good condition. Stopping two or three times 

 a day to take several deep slow breaths will keep the chest muscles 

 from disuse. 



The latter part of the day was given over to conferences and features 

 which were more purely entertaining, plays and pageants, with a change 

 in this part of the program each day. Then, of course, there were ex- 

 hibits which were open all the day and one could drop in at any time. 

 The child welfare exhibit, under the direction of the parent-teachers 

 association. The art exhibit, which contained paintings and drawings 

 by our own Iowa artists, as well as a fine exhibit of art from St. Louis. 

 The library commission had a room where one could get information 

 on libraries and the state traveling library in particular. Many farm 

 women realized for the first time that no community in our state is too 

 remote to get the benefit of Iowa's State Traveling Library for their 

 schools or clubs. Mrs. Voldenberg was on hand to show women many 

 kinds and styles of sensible shoes. At certain hours a free examination 

 of feet was possible with expert advice as to causes and relief of 

 trouble. There was the pleasant nursery and playgrounds where moth- 

 ers could "park" their babies and little folks while they wandered about 

 the exhibits unhampered. Incidentally the kiddies were much happier 

 and more comfortable. 



Then, last but not least, in either Importance or entertainment, was 

 the baby-judging room. And it was a rural baby this year who carried 

 off the sweepstakes ribbon for boys. 



