GIRLS' HOME CLUBS 



mer in New England where she was given good opportunities 

 to visit institutions giving instruction along domestic science 

 lines. Dr. Knapp sent a representative of the Department of 

 Agriculture to Aiken County to help the girls in the canning 

 of their tomatoes. There was cordial co-operation on the part 

 of the county superintendent of education, the business men 

 and the state college responsible for such lines of work. Win- 

 throp College, Rock Hill, South Carolina, furnished a special 

 instructor to give timely aid to these girls. The following 

 quotations bearing upon the beginning of this work are taken 

 from a special report made to Dr. Knapp on July 28, 1910, 

 by the representative of the Department of Agriculture, who 

 helped in the inauguration of the work there : 



"As soon as the names of the members of the clubs, with their 

 addresses, were sent in, special letters and leaflets were sent to them. 

 A selection of Farmers' Bulletins bearing upon their work was also 

 sent. Each girl had been instructed to plant 1-10 of an acre in 

 tomatoes." 



"The officials reported that the girls take a great deal of pride 

 and interest in their plants. They also found that the circulars were 

 carefully studied. A great deal was being learned about the soil and 

 plants, by growing and studying one plant. It was also their obser- 

 vation that they could make many valuable suggestions with regard 

 to sanitation, hygiene and general home improvement after having 

 secured the confidence and good will of the girls and their mothers 

 through the club." 



"Encouraged by the interest taken and the ability shown by the 

 various members of the club, as well as by the boys and parents, 

 also, it was decided to leave the canning outfit in the county and have 

 it moved from place to place. It was suggested that the girls have 

 ^Canning Parties.' The outfit was left in a community where there 

 were 11 girls who have tomatoes ripening from time to time. One 

 girl is to invite the other girls to come and bring their tomatoes to 

 her home and spend the day. Two of the mothers in that community 

 manifested unusual interest and have been present every day. They 

 will be chaperons at the canning parties. There are also two or 



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