GIRLS' HOME CLUBS 



the first woman agent, lie was told that no woman had ever 

 been appointed by the Department of Agriculture for field 

 work. The Secretary was doubtful whether the appropriations 

 made by Congress could be used in this way, although he was 

 anxious to help the girls and also to encourage Dr. Knapp in 

 the expansion of the work which he had in hand. The Board 

 had the faith and confidence to underwrite the work in its 

 pioneer stages and to promote its development. Its money 

 was used freely in getting equipment and supplies. The revo- 

 lution in the manufacture of canning outfits, sealers, fireless 

 cookers and such articles was brought about because the early 

 demonstrations showed the necessity for better appliances and 

 more practical conveniences for work in the home. No other 

 factor has had such a far-reaching influence upon the mechani- 

 cal and physical equipment and improvement of the country 

 home; likewise, more liberal salaries for women agents were 

 made possible. Thus it was that the finances of these philan- 

 thropists were used until the demonstrations attracted national 

 attention. Then Congress assumed the responsibility. Pro- 

 vision was gradually made in larger allowances and broader 

 authority was given in annual appropriation bills. Afterward 

 it was written into the permanent law of the land by Con- 

 gressman Lever, who had been a constant friend and student 

 of the Demonstration Work. The fact that home economics 

 has a place in the Extension Act alongside of agriculture is 

 directly traceable to the work done by the women agents who 

 began with canning clubs. 



That the General Education Board was satisfied with its 

 investment is evidenced by the fact that they responded with 

 increases just as rapidly as Dr. Knapp thought he could use 

 the money wisely. A letter from Dr. Wallace Buttrick shows 



[63] 



