Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1873-12-17
Dress for Farmers Wives.

We copy some extracts from q paper
read before the Washington Grange of
the Patrons of Husbandry by Mrs. r.
B. Bruce.
She says: In regard to dress in the
first place, let us dress within our
means, and for comfort and convent
ence, instead of fashion. First in order,
let us dress the head. God in his in
finite wisdom covered the head with
hair, and the good book says that long
hair is an ornament to a woman, and
since Gods works are perfect and no
work of art can compare with his, let US
then arrange our natural hair in tasty
manner, and not let fashion load our
heads with hemp or borrowed hair.
Then the covering for the head Of
what real account is the present style,
except for ornament. Our husbands
and brothers wear q hat that protects
their heads and faces from the hot rays
of the sun in summer, and In winter
fur cap or hat which is both warm and
comfortable to shield them from the
cold blasts, while we place upon our
heads q cupola, enormously called
bonnet or hat, held in position by guy
ropes and stays, and if We wish for
comfort we must carry parasol to pro-
tect our heads from the scorching rays
of the sun in summer, and in winter,
over this cupola, wrap some extra fix
ings to keep out the cold, which is
neither handy or convenient, especially
when the team is waiting for as. Oh
for the good, old-fashioned days when
a bonnet was made to cover the head,
light and cool for summer, and warm
and comfortable for winter. 1 could
hardly adopt the Quaker styles, yet
think they are far preferable to the
fashions of the present day. Perhaps
medium between the two would suit my
taste.
And our dress, of whatever fabric it
may be made in becoming style, easy
fitting and convenient. and not counter
felt deformity by carrying pack upon
our backs to the inconvenience of our
selves, and to the utter disgust of all
sensible men and women. Deformities
Will come to us fast enough at best; let
us, then, not tempt our Maker by ridic
ulously attiring ourselves, lest He in
his vengeance may deal with us or our
offsprings. II We had been born thus
deformed, Oh, what pity it would
have been then why do it for fashions
sake? And then again, how much more
convenient it would be, if, when dress
is made, it would stay made and look
well until it is worn out, and how much
it would lessen our labors. And then
how much good could be done with the
time and means now spent In useless
display. My tastes are plain and SIM
pie. 1 consider such an overloaded,
puffed out concern as you see at the
present time for dress, not only ridic-
ulous but vulgar.
The question arises, What are you to
do with the girls? they want to dress
in style or as others do. 1 will answer,
as the twig is bent SO the tree inclines.
And our under dress, let it be suffi-
GENTLY warm, as many of the aches and
pains that we have can be traced to in
sufficient clothing. Let our shoes be
such as will keep our feet dry and warm,
as our health depends much upon this
point. 1 would recommend thick
woolen stocking for winter, and cotton
only for summer wear. And, finally,
let our whole apparel be for comfort
and convenience. Let there be variety
in our wardrobe, for variety is the spice
of life.
These views l would recommend for
the following reasons First, 1t would
lessen the burden of many who now find
ithard to maintain their place in society.
1t would lessen the force of temptations
which often lead men to barter honesty
and honor for display. If there was less
strife in dress, it would enable people
into society. 1t would enable all classes
to attend church. 1t would save valu-
able time. 1t would relieve our means
from a serious pressure, and thus enable
us do more for good enterprises.