BUILDING THE HOUSE 69 



cial center of the house, the workshop and labora- 

 tory, where everything was accomplished as a family 

 matter, and individuality was only partly considered 

 in sleeping rooms. 



Bridget entered to break up this social life, and 

 now we have to provide for it with what we call a 

 living room or home room, while the kitchen has been 

 degraded into an outside apartment, where no mem- 

 ber of the real family is more than tolerated or 

 allowed to pass through. In this country-home 

 house of ours, I would first of all restore the kitchen 

 to its pristine dignity as a food laboratory. I dream 

 of the old-time kitchen of my boyhood, where the 

 little mother presided with a science and dignity that 

 far exceeded any glory that can be secured by suf- 

 fragettes. 



I place the main room of a country home, after the 

 kitchen, as first the home room. This is the gather- 

 ing place, the social life All, where we grow together, 

 exchange thought, blend emotions, and learn to be 

 truthful, faithful, and loving bearing one anoth- 

 er's burdens. The best part of piety is home piety, 

 social good will and helpfulness. This home room 

 should have the best inlook and the best outlook of 

 the house full of inspiration, sweetness, and sun- 

 shine. 



Next to this I place the mother's room, where the 

 babes begin life and child character is shaped. It 

 should be a quiet and sunny room, taking in a lot of 

 morning and free from any sort of casual intrusion. 



