THE HOMEMAKER ON THE FARM 33 



1. Importance: The home is the foundation of society and of 

 the state. The woman head of the country family is the chief 

 worker in the home. She is largely responsible for the material, 

 social, moral, and spiritual welfare of the family and of the 

 community. 



2. Work Done: Planning the activities of the household, buying, 

 cooking, caring for children, sewing and mending, washing and 

 ironing, cleaning, caring for milk and butter, canning and pre- 

 serving, often caring for a flower garden, sometimes caring for 

 poultry, and numberless other duties of varying kinds. 



3. Advantages: The independence of country life; the possi- 

 bility of spending some time in the open air; happiness in one's 

 own home, and with one's own children; the permanent and 

 intimate friendships that often exist in the country; the social 

 enjoyments of church, grange, or other organization. 



4. Disadvantages: The loneliness of life in the country, espe- 

 cially during the winter; the lack of educational and social ad- 

 vantages for one's children and oneself; the lack of labor saving 

 devices in many country homes and the consequent overworking 

 of farm women; the constant round of duties which keep the 

 woman tied to her home, not allowing her a necessary annual 

 vacation; the necessity sometimes of association with unde- 

 sirable neighbors or farm workers; the narrowness, loss of 

 idealism, and loss of ambition that may result from lack of 

 inspiring associates and surroundings; the lack of money when 

 crops are a failure. 



5. Preparation: A high school and liberal arts course if possible, 

 followed by a modern course in homemaking or domestic 

 science. Some knowledge of nursing, extending to first aid 

 treatment at least, is desirable. 



6. Other Requirements: Good character, health, unselfishness, 

 thoughtfulness for others, resources within oneself to avoid 

 loneliness, good taste, managing and business ability. 



7. Income: A home and often full legal ownership of it, and ample 

 spending money under normal conditions. The employed 

 housekeeper has fair wages in most communities at the present 

 time. 



