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You are here: Home » Resources » Little River County History » Home Demonstration Club 1948 – 1949

Home Demonstration Club 1948 – 1949

The following information was taken from a scrapbook compiled by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Home Demonstration Club of Ogden, Arkansas.

THE GOALS (A History of the Ogden Home Demonstration Club)

On March 22nd, 1948, a group of women of Ogden had a meeting with the purpose of organizing a Home Demonstration Club. This was just a beginning of a club the women had long been wishing for. Miss Irma Vest was at that time the Agent for Little River County and she, with the women present, formed the club, which was later called “Lakeside Home Demonstration Club” by popular vote. The name was suggested by Mrs. Vesta Furlow.

The charter members were: Mesdames: Cecil Johnson, J. H. Furlow, Pat (Virgie) Dollarhide, Charles E. (Cora) Lummus, Jim Fondren, Andrew Waddell, Eddie McDowell, Oscar McDowell, and James B. (Lucille) Davis.

The officers elected were: Mrs. James B. Davis-President, Mrs. Eddie McDowell-Vice President, Mrs. Andrew Waddell-Secretary/Treasurer, and Mrs. Oscar McDowell-Custodian of the Scrapbook.

The goal of the Club was to learn how to have more comfortable, convenient and attractive homes, to learn how to care for their families better, to can, preserve and otherwise take care of food, to learn the proper care of children and of infants, to meet with their neighbors in a social way, to work with them in common projects and to play together.

They thought that by improving their way of living and learning more modern, easier ways of home-keeping, they would have more time for hobbies and recreation.

They also planned to help in worthy local causes, to help each other, and to help the 4-H Club girls in their housing project. They planned to take part in the County Council meetings, and take part in the County Fairs.They also planned to keep a record of their activities and make as complete and as attractive scrapbook as they knew how. They planned to meet once a month with their members at their homes and have as much recreation as they could, as well as learn new methods of work.

Newspaper Articles

Lakeside H. D. Club

March 22, 1948

New H.D. Club

A group of nine ladies met at the home of Mrs. Oscar McDowell, with Mrs. Andrew Waddell as Co-hostess, for the purpose of organizing a home demonstration club. Miss Erma E. Vest, H. D. Agent, was present to assist with the organization of the new club. The name of the club will be decided in a contest at the next meeting.

The following officers were elected and installed: Mrs. J. B. Davis, president; Mrs. Eddie McDowell, vice-president; Mrs. Andrew Waddell, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Oscar McDowell, reporter. Different community leaders were appointed.

The club voted to meet the first Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. C. E. Lummus and will be on food preservation.

The group sang “In the Garden” after which Mrs. Eddie McDowell gave the devotional. During the business meeting plans were made to attend the council meeting at Ashdown on March 27. Miss Vest tested pressure cooker gauges and gave helpful advice on their care.

During the social hour delicious refreshments were served. Miss Vest took pictures of the charter members for the scrapbook.

March 27, 1948

County H.D. Council Meets at Ashdown

The Little River County Home Demonstration Council held an all day meeting Saturday, march 27, at the Community Building in Ashdown. Registration was from 10:30 to 11: a.m. The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by Mrs. A. E. Hale, Council President.

Group singing, “It’s a Good Time to Get Acquainted” and “The More We Get Together,” was led by Mrs. Jim Wise of the Waldrop Valley Club, in the absence of a representative of Winthrop Club, Mrs. J. P. Price, who was to have led the singing.

The devotional, a Psalm of Praise, was given by Mrs. D. L. Baggarly, secretary-treasurer of Peytonville Club, after which the Lord’s Prayer was said in unison by the group.

“Educational Information Relative to Improving Little River County Curb Market” was given by Mrs. W. E. Boehmer of Texarkana, since Mrs. Edna Griffith, president of the Genoa H. D. Club of Miller county, was unable to attend the meeting. Mrs. Boehmer had been in the curb market work for twenty years and has made a close study of the subject. Whether women of Little River County H. D. Clubs shall or shall not take an active part in the Little River county Curb Market, they at least had a better view of things which they can do to improve their curb market after hearing Mrs. Boehmer’s discussion which was given in a very capable manner.

The roll call of clubs was answered by members of each club standing as their club name was called. The following clubs were represented: Arden, by four members; Fomby, by 10 members; Hicks, by four members; King Ryder, by three members; Ogden, by two members; Peytonville, by four members; Waldrop Valley, by four members; West Side, by nine members; and the recently organized club, which has not yet been named, by seven members. Active club not represented was Winthrop.

The minutes of the December Council meeting and February Board of Directors meeting were read by Mrs. Wade Welch, and approved by the Council, with one correction, namely: Mrs. G. A. Hale of Peytonville Club had attended 23 meetings instead of Mrs. A. E. Hale.

The meeting then adjourned for a picnic lunch and feed sack exchange. The group was called to order again at 1 p.m. Group singing, “There Are Eats,“ was led by Mrs. Jim Wise.

The Home Demonstration Agent, after hearing this talk by Mrs. Friend, the club leaders realized that there is much for them to do in order that the Home Demonstration Council may function in a way that shall be an inspiration to all of us and to those who shall come after us.

Following Mrs. Friend’s talk a short business session was held in which the Council voted to have a special “flower fund,” and that each club would pay a sum necessary to keep enough money in the fund to purchase flowers for at least one person, in case of death in the immediate family of a club member.

The recreational period consisted of a game and a square dance. Those taking part in the game were: Mrs. Curtis Crow, Arden; Mrs. Eugene Jacobs, Fomby; Mrs. Wade Welch, Hicks; Mrs. Scott Key, King Ryder; Mrs. Irvin (Myrtle Lee) Turner, Ogden; Mrs. Elbert Hinton, West Side; Mrs. Hal Hale, Peytonville; Mrs. J. A. Hollowell, Waldrop Valley; and Mrs. C. E. (Cora) Lummus, from club which has recently been organized. The game was a race in which the problem was to dress in a complete set of men’s clothing. Prizes were won by Mrs. Curtis Crow, Arden; Mrs. J. A. Hollowell, Waldrop Valley, and Mrs. Elbert Hinton, West Side. Judges for the game were Mrs. W. P. Leslie, West Side; Mrs. John Turner, Ogden; Mrs. J. D. Waldrop, Waldrop Valley, and Mrs. Guy Foster, Sr., West Side. Two members from each club took part in the squre dance which was called by Mr. Claude Cobb of Arden.

Music for group singing was furnished by Mrs. William Welch of Hicks Club, and that for the square dance by Mrs. A. N. Gilbert of Fomby Club.

Prizes were given for the club having most members present, and for club having greatest percentage of members present. These prizes were won by Fomby and the new club. Fifty-eight adults, including 47 club members, attended the meeting. Those present other than club members and guest speakers were: Mesdames Ella Johnson, Leta Collins, Opal Tyrrell, Claude Cobb, J. C. Cowling, Mr. Claude Cobb and Miss Jenny Betts, home demonstration agent of Miller county.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. by the group repeating the Club Creed. The next meeting will be the 4th Saturday in June.

April 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

The new home demonstration club at Ogden met Thursday afternoon with Mrs. Charles (Cora) Lummus, for its first demonstration, which was on frozen foods. Mrs. James B. (Lucille) Davis had charge of the business. Mrs. Andrew Waddell called the roll and signed up several new members. Mrs. John (Helen) Spates Jr. read the Scriptures and all joined in singing “The More We Get Together.” Miss Vest, the H. D. Agent, demonstrated preparing vegetables and fruits for the frozen locker. Mr. Lowery answered questions and instructed the members on the correct method of preparing meats for the locker.

Members voted “Lakeside Home Demonstration Club” as the name of this club. Mrs. Sid McDowell won a box of stationery as a prize in the voting contest. For the May meeting a cotton dress review and an all-day picnic was planned. Delicious refreshments of frozen strawberries, ice cream and cookies, furnished by Mr. Lowery, were served to 16 members and several children present.

May 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

The Lakeside H. D. Club met Thursday at the farm house on Clear Lake belonging to James B. Davis. Ten members and Miss Irma Vest, H. D. Agent, as well as two visitors, Mrs. Ralph Gordon and Mrs. Waldron. The meeting was called to order and all joined in singing, “There Are Eats.” The 23rd Psalm was read in unison, after which prayer was given by Mrs. Pat (Virgie) Dollarhide. Miss Vest gave a demonstration on the correct way to put in zippers and to make plackets.

Lunch was served in the dining room, consisting of fried chicken, sandwiches, peas, iced tea, hot coffee and cookies. After lunch several of the members went fishing, with more or less success. The cotton dress review was very successful and the members winning the best grades on general finishing were Mmes Andy Waddell, Oscar McDowell, Jim Fondren, James B. (Lucille) Davis and Cecil Johnson.

June, 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

The Lakeside H. D. Club met last Thursday at the home of Mrs. J. M. Spates with Mrs. John Spates as hostess. Miss Vest, the H. D. Agent, 11 members and 10 visitors were present. The meeting was called to order by the president, followed by singing, “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me.” Scripture reading and prayer was by Mrs. A. J. Garrison. Roll call was answered by each member stating the electrical equipment she intended to buy during 1948. Instructive talk on the selection and care of electrical equipment was given by Mrs. Winifred Williams, Home Economist of the Southwestern Gas and Electric Co., Texarkana.

During the social period games were directed by Mrs. Pat (Virgie) Dollarhide, with the prize going to Mrs. Charles (Cora) Lummus. Pimiento wafers and iced drinks were served. Visitors were Mmes. Winifred Williams and Ethel Collins (Texarkana), jack Judd (Fomby), Mary Lipscomb (Hope), A. J. Garrison, John Garrison, W. B. Duncan, A. T. Turner and Elmer Turner.

July 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

On Thursday afternoon, July 1, the Lakeside H. D. Club of Ogden met at the home of Mrs. J. H. Furlow. The rooms were decorated with an abundance of summer flowers. Twelve members were present. The meeting was called to order by the president, Mrs. James B. (Lucille) Davis. The devotional was read by Mrs. Furlow, and all the members sang “God Bless America.” The discussion on selection of exhibits for the fair was led by Miss Vest, the H. D. Agent. Refreshments of Iced tea and delicious banana cake were served by the hostess.

August 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

The Lakeside H. D. Club of Ogden met Thursday, August 5 at the home of Mrs. Pat Dollarhide. Mrs. Eddie McDowell, vice-president had charge of the meeting. There were 11 members present. Meeting opened by members singing “Give of Your Best to the Master.” Scripture reading by Elizabeth Hulse, followed by prayer in unison led by Mrs. Dave Coulter. Plans for the coming Fair were discussed. A scrapbook ws assembled and actual work was done on articles for the Fair. Bottled drinks and homemade cookies were served to adult members while a private party was held on the back porch for the small guests coming with their mothers. After the meeting was adjourned the guests made a tour of the new home of the hostess.

September 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

The Lakeside H. D. Club of Ogden met Thursday, September 2, at the home of Mrs. Eddie Mcdowell. The meeting was opened by the president, and after the Scripture reading and unison prayer, plans were discussed for the members to furnish a community booth at the Four States Fair. There will be a called meeting September 25 at the home of Mrs. Dave Coulter to arrange final details for the exhibits.

The theme of the program, Good Grooming was presented by Miss Irma Vest in well prepared charts, quizzes and demonstrations. An article on how personality is expressed in clothing was read by Mrs. Dave Coulter. At the close of the program a delicious refreshment plate was served by the hostess, assisted by Mrs. Oscar Mc Dowell. There were 10 members and one guest present.

How Do We Express Our Personality Through Our Clothing?

A Home Demonstration Club program conducted by Mrs. Irma Vest, September 1948

When you are watching a motion picture are you able to tell anything about the different characters from their personal appearance? Do you guess the characteristics of the heroine as soon as she appears on the screen? Can you tell whether she is bold and dashing or quiet and timid from the way she is dressed? The clever motion-picture producer gives much time and thought to this part of his production. The players must look the parts which they are acting. If a girl is supposed to be well educated, cultured, and refined in type, her clothes must express these qualities. If she is a vulgar and uneducated type, her clothes will reveal these qualities. All of us read character and personality in the appearance of the people we see, though sometimes we are hardly conscious that we are doing it. We find it quite as possible to do this with men’s clothing as with women’s clothing. It is astonishing how much we can tell about the personalities of the strangers we see on the street. We realize this when we later come to know them personally. Occupation, interests, education, refinement, and our attitude toward the world in general are alarmingly revealed by our personal appearance.

Perhaps you have sometimes seen two people together who seemed to be friends and who yet did not appear to have much in common. Their dress and general appearance was so different that you were struck by the dissimilarity. Surely no one can fail to read the different personalities expressed by the clothing which these two persons wear.

Whether we wish it or not, our clothes will, to some extent, express our personalities and individual characteristics. We are sometimes confronted with magazine articles discussing the problem of how to express individuality in our clothing. This is somewhat misleading because we are bound to express our individualities in spite of ourselves provided we select our own clothing. To be sure, it may happen through accident or carelessness that we make a selection which is not in keeping with our usual style of clothing, but for the most part we will select clothing which bespeaks our type of education and experience in the world at large. How important it is, then, that we acquire high standards of what constitutes true beauty, both in general and with particular reference to dress!

How Does Personal Grooming Help One to be Well Dressed?

True or False

• 1. Real beauty is found only in the natural and genuine. (true)
• 2. Straight hair cannot be curled attractively. (false)
• 3. The theatrical effects in complexion brand the women as cheap and tawdy. (true)
• 4. Filing the nails in long sharp points are desirable. (false)
• 5. Cleanliness and health lay a foundation for real personal attractiveness. (true)
• 6. Those who object to lipstick and rouge are old-maidish. (false)
• 7. We express personality through clothing. (true)
• 8. Hair should be shampooed on a weekly schedule. (true)
• 9. Regardless of warm or cold weather one should use a deodorant (true)
• 10. When sitting on a chair, legs should be straight down. (true)

November 1948

Lakeside H. D. club

The Lakeside H. D. Club of Ogden met at the home of Mrs. Cleve Ward Thursday afternoon, with Mrs. Sid Ward as hostess. The president opened the meeting by singing “Praise Him.” Scripture was read by Mrs. Eddie McDowell, followed by repeating the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

During the business meeting new officers were elected for the coming year. All the old officers were reelected with the exception of secretary-treasurer, for which Mrs. John Spates was elected. Miss Vest conducted a program on Christmas decoration, wrapping Christmas packages, using homegrown berries and evergreens. She also demonstrated the art of spatter paint for Christmas cards. The afternoon was enjoyable and Miss Vest is a very excellent instructor. There were 11 members and two visitors present, the latter being Mrs. J. E. Johnson and Mrs. Mary Bratton. Refreshments of pimiento cheese sandwiches, icebox cookies, and coffee were served.

December 1948

Lakeside H. D. Club

On December 2nd, the club met with Mrs. Lummus. There were fifteen members and three visitors present. The meeting was called to order by the president, and the devotional was read by Mrs. Eddie McDowell. Group singing followed by unison prayer completed the opening of the meeting. Roll call was answered by each one present giving her favorite Christmas dessert. Miss Vest read a poem called “Only Then Can You Keep Christmas,” by Henry Van Dyle. Mrs. Vesta Furlow and Mrs. Sid McDowell sand “White Christmas.” A demonstration was given by Miss Vest on wrapping and tying gift packages. Refreshments were served.

Lakeside H. D. Christmas Meeting (1948)

A Christmas meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Dave Coulter. Three kinds of candy was made in the kitchen, all the members bringing their share of the ingredients. Games were played and later Santa Claus appeared and handed out gifts from a beautiful little tree that was standing on the stair landing in the front hall, lighted and decorated. All the members were present at this meeting, including Miss Vest and there were three husbands present, Dave Coulter, James B. Davis and John D. Coulter. The candy that was made formed the refreshments.

Achievements in 1948

During the year of 1948, the nine months of it that was left to the Club, after it was organized in March, several other women joined and the regular meetings were held each month with different members. It was agreed that the dues would be .50 a year and the meeting day became the 3rd Wednesday. The first demonstration the agent gave was on the correct method of preparing meat for the frozen locker.

Some of the members attended the county Council which met at Ashdown and Lakeside Club was represented in some of the recreational activities. At the next meeting, the agent gave a demonstration on the correct method of sewing in zippers and of making plackets.

National Home Demonstration Week was observed by an all-day picnic and a dress revue. There was a good attendance at the picnic and several members showed dresses they had made. Mrs. Sid McDowell and Mrs. James B. Davis entered into a contest (county) on writing a paper called, “Why I Belong to the Home Demonstration Club.” The papers of both contestants of Lakeside Club were favorably commented upon.

Mrs. Winifred Williams, Home Economist of the Southwestern Gas & Electrical Company of Texarkana gave a talk, at one of the meetings, on the selection and care of electrical equipment.

During the late summer, plans were made to enter a Community Booth at the Four States Fair at Texarkana and also to enter individual exhibits, as desired. Also, hobbies in the hobby show.

A scrapbook was purchased, assembled and clippings were pasted in. At one of the meetings, the agent gave a demonstration on the correct method of making a welt pocket. Also a talk on “Good Grooming” and how personality may be expressed in dress. 5 jars of canned food was sent to the Crippled Children’s Home and $25.00 was donated by the Club to the 4-H Co-operative House Fund.

Miss Vest gave a demonstration on wrapping Christmas packages, using homegrown berries and evergreens. She also demonstrated the art of spatter painting for Christmas cards.

In November, officers were elected for the coming year. The same officers were elected with the exception of the office of Secretary-Treasurer and Mrs. John Spates, Jr., was elected to fill that.

The final meeting of 1948 was observed by a Christmas party at the home of Mrs. Dave Coulter, at which meeting, members were permitted to invite their husbands and friends. They played games and made candy, three kinds, which was later enjoyed by all. From a lighted tree in the hall, Santa Claus distributed the gifts. A pretty scarf was given by the members to Miss Vest.

January 1949

In January of 1949, the meeting was held at the home of Mrs. J. H. Furlow with fifteen members present and one visitor. The meeting was called to order by the president. Roll call was answered by each member giving a New Year’s resolution. The song, “Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us,” was sung and the scripture was read by Mrs. John Spates, Jr.

A demonstration on “How to Make a Rug” was given by Miss Vest. A committee was named for sending flowers to the sick, as follows: Mrs. J. H. Furlow, Mrs. Oscar McDowell, and Mrs. John Spates, Jr. The meeting closed with the reading of the Club Creed in unison. Refreshments of coffee, salad and cookies were served.

February 1949

Lakeside H. D. Club The Lakeside H. D. Club met at the home of Mrs. G. D. Weaver with five members, also Miss Irma Vest, Mrs. Nora Jones of Winthrop, Mrs. Flora Friend, District H. D. Agent, and Mrs. Lawrence of the REA. The meeting was called to order by the president Mrs. J. B. (Lucille) Davis. Mrs. Vesta Furlow led the song, “Lily of the Valley,” followed by the devotional by Mrs. Weaver. Miss Vest voiced the prayer. In the absence of the secretary Mrs. Weaver read the minutes and called the roll. Mrs. Davis read a letter from our council president asking the club to participate in the Pantry ’store in May. It was voted that each member give a jar of canned food to the pantry store. It was also voted to pay for our year books out of the club treasury, which was $1.00.

Mrs. Lawrence gave a demonstration on converting oil lamps into electric lamps. She also brought out the importance of the right shade and size of bulbs.

The hostess served delicious coffee and doughnuts. The club adjourned by repeating the Club Creed, and made plans to meet with Mrs. J. B. (Lucille) Davis on March 3.

March 3, 1949

The club met for the March meeting at the home of the president, Mrs. James B. Davis with twelve members present and four visitors present. After the president opened the meeting, Mrs. Vesta Furlow led the singing of “Higher Ground.” The 46th Psalm was read and unison prayer. Roll call was answered with each member giving the breed of chickens best liked and reason why. It was voted to have a pantry store and Mrs. Cecil Johnson and Mrs. (Cora) Lummus were named to collect a jar of canned fruit from each member to add to the store. Refreshments of strawberries with whipped cream and cake, plus tea, were served.

April 3, 1949

Lakeside Demonstration Club members gathered at the home of Mrs. Oscar McDowell, with nine members present and one visitor. After the meeting was called to order by the president, Mrs. Floyd (Hope) Ward led the singing, “The Old Rugged Cross,” being selected as the song. Devotional was read by Mrs. Eddie McDowell and prayer was repeated in unison. Roll call was answered by each member giving a hint on canning vegetables. The subject of the meeting was meat canning, which was demonstrated by Miss Vest. Refreshments of cake, jello, and whipped cream plus coffee were served to guests.

Invitation to a Hobo Picnic

Monday afternoon, May 27th at 3:30 p.m.

Jungle Camp located somewhere on Mrs. Coulter’s Place

Hobos short and hobos tall–
Come, hobos–one and all.
Monday afternoon, if not too damp
Gather ’round the Jungle Camp.

Missionary Mulligan–a tasty stew
Will be ready, waiting for you.
Coffee steaming in the pot–
Always better if its hot.

A contribution from each of you
Is expected for the stew.
A can of corn, a can of peas,
Onion, carrot–What you please.

So come, prepare for a good time
(And don’t forget to bring your dime.)

May 3, 1949

Lakeside H.D. Club

The Lakeside H. D. Club met Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Eddie McDowell of Ogden. Mrs. James B. (Lucille) Davis, president, opened the meeting by members singing “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Higher Ground.” Mrs. Eddie McDowell read the scripture, followed by the Lord’s Prayer in unison. Roll call was answered by members stating the number of vegetables up in their gardens. Mrs Cecil Johnson led with 15 vegetables; Mrs. Jim and Mrs. Dan Fondren second with 14 vegetables.

Miss Vest, the H. D. Agent, took over the meeting and had two original papers read, one a skit by Mrs. Dave Coulter and another an article by Mrs. Sid McDowell, both setting forth advantages of cooperative extension work. These papers will be sent to Little Rock to be judged with papers from other clubs in a statewide contest. Miss Vest then gave a fascinating demonstration in textile painting. Article painted was a white luncheon cloth belonging to Mrs. Charles (Cora) Lummus. Refreshments of iced tea, cheese wafers and peanut butter cookies were served by the hostess, assisted by Mrs. Floyd Ward, to 15 members. Next meeting will be a dress review at the home of Mrs. John Spates, Jr.

May 4, 1949

National H.D. Week Observed

The Little River County Home Demonstration Council met Wednesday, May 4, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ashdown High School. The meeting, which was held in observance of national H. D. Week, was called to order by Mrs. A. N. Gilbert, Council president. Twelve H. D. Clubs were represented, including 54 members, 12 guests and 8 children.

Special recognition was given to West Side H. D. Club for having largest sale of booklets in connection with the Pantry Store Exhibits; to Hicks Club for selling the booklets first; and to Mrs. Guy Cobb of Arden for selling more than any individual member. Recognition was given Mrs. Dave Coulter and Mrs. Sid McDowell of Lakeside Club, and to Mrs. William Welch of Hicks Club for their participation in the skit writing contest. A feature of the program was a demonstration on electric range cookery by Miss Marie Lawrence. The Pantry Stores exhibit prizes went to B. K. Walker, Ashdown, and to Miss Myrtle Boggs of Wallace. The door prize went to Mrs. Jim Wise of Waldrop Valley Club.

July 8, 1949

The Lakeside Home Demonstration Club assembled Friday July 8, 1949 at theJ. B. Davis Store in Ogden and motored to Springlake Park for a club picnic. Before arriving at the picnic grounds the group visited the zoo, which was of particular interest to the children present. Children attending the picnic were Mary Helen ’spates, Mary Ann and Joe Robert Davis. During the morning session the group enjoyed wading in the pool at the park. The children were encouraged to take part in the club program and little Miss Mary Ann Davis led the group in giving thanks for the bountiful lunch, which featured fish and watermelon.Watching the miniature train and making a tour of the J. B. Davis farm completed the day’s program, which was enjoyed by all.

August, 1949

The Club met on the lawn at “Singing Pines” for its August session. Roll call was answered by members giving name of exhibit planned for the coming Fair in September at Foreman. Devotional was read by Mrs. Eddie McDowell and The Lord’s Prayer was repeated in unison. “Break Thou the Bread of Life” was sung by members. Plans were discussed for the Fair and it was voted that an apron booth be entered and planned for. It was also voted to send a delegate to the four-day State meeting at Fayetteville in latter part of August, although the delegate was not selected.Miss Vest gave a very interesting demonstration on candy making and taught the members how to make both cooked and uncooked fondant. Refreshments of iced cantaloupe and fruit beverages were served to eleven adults, one visitor included, Miss Juanita Austin of Atkins, Ark, a niece of Miss Vest.

State Home Demonstration Meeting September, 1949

Down at the Courthouse at 8:15 Tuesday morning
See the four HD members from Little River County
See the HD Agent turn a little car wheel
Sputter, sputter, clatter, clatter,
Off to the University of Arkansas they go.

Over hill and dale they found a scenic trail;
As Maggie Turner, Helen Spates, Pauline Hale,
Lucy Hale, and Irma E. Vest went driving along.

It did rain, the sun did shine,
But they kept a steady climb
As Miss Vest piloted the group along.

As “Old Main” came into view, at twenty after two,
Old friends, new friends, they met quite a few.

When the chimes tolled the time, four-hundred fifty-nine
Council members formed a line, at the beautiful Gregson dorm.
All the food they did eat, down to the last piece of meat.

Holcombe Hall seemed to say, “Come on girls, this way.”
So they moved from Loyd Hall up to the Fancy girl’s dorm
Where no one seemed to be forlorn.

From barracks to Holcombe Hall was quite a step;
But the “mixer“ that night returned their pep.

At the break of dawn Wednesday
All the women were up dressed in full array,
Ready for the work to be done that day.

Education for Family Life, from the cradle to the tomb,
Was discussed at length in the Student Ball Room.

Some talks were about home life in far away places,
Costumes were shown for the different races.
Helen Spates modeled a Quatamalian Costume,
Which showed us their deftness with a hand loom.

Farm life in Germany was shown on the screen.
Then Dr. Gregson and Dr. Jones came on the scene
To encourage us to be better homemakers and leaders
In this Democracy.

Business was discussed pro and con;
But, boiled down it was all about Home.

Thursday brought more work and fun,
Which ended up with a Hymn Sing
In the room of Lucy and Pauline.

At the end of the campus tour on Friday,
Little River County delegates were on their way
With resolutions to be better HD Members in 1950.

Why I Belong to the Home Demonstration Club

By Mrs. Sid McDowell, Ogden, Arkansas

I belong to the H. D. Club because it sponsors such worthwhile activities as home canning, preparation of fruits, meats and vegetables for frozen lockers, sewing, cooking, landscaping, home furnishings and many other activities that makes the home a haven for her family.

The Home Demonstration Clubs sponsors County-wide activities whereby home-makers from one community can meet with home-makers in neighboring communities and exchange ideas from different sections of the county. Just as professional and business women are seeking the best way to make their business or profession a success, so the home-makers are seeking a better and more economical way to carry on the activities within her home whereby she can render the greatest service to her family and to her community.

It has been said, The way to be happy is to make others happy. Helping others is the secret of all success in business, in the arts and in the home and that is the work of Irma E. Vest. Home Demonstration Agent of Little River County.

Why I Belong to the Home Demonstration Club

By Mrs. J. B. (Lucille) Davis, Ogden, Arkansas

I belong to the Home Demonstration Club because the 4-H Club girls chose me as their leader. After I was chosen their leader I began to try to find out in what ways I was supposed to lead them. I soon found out that I should be a member of some H. D. club, so I went about trying to interest other women in the Club work, which was a success. The 4-H Club and the H. D. Club should work in close connection to really be a success.

I wanted to learn newer methods to improve my home and to better my way of life.

Our boys and girls need a leader or leaders and I know of no finer work for any club than to try to help them in their 4-H Club work so they can fit themselves to be better men and women.

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