Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1882-05-19
NEW YORK LETTER.

DEAR HOME CIRcLE.-I often won.
der when am writing for publication,
who it Is that l am talking to. and often
l wish for some fairy wand, that would
give me the power to see each one as
they read, and to note the final effect
Of what l write.
1t is not necessary for those who are
possessed of an abundance ofthis worlds
goods, to become such severe econo
mists as those who are compelled to
hesitate half dozen times before they
venture to spend dime.
Furniture that people of moderate
means may re-upholster, paint, or Var
nish, may very properly be sent to the
lumber room by those who can afford
newer and more fashionable styles; but
it not infrequently happens that there
are homes where they are SO pinched
for want of means that new furniture, or
even the re-varnishlng of the old, is an
utter impossibility. IN fact their stock
of furniture is small, and they would be
glad to learn some way of obtaining
an addition TO it without too great an
outlay. 1t is to such as those that l
am talking; and if in any manner l can
help other nomekeepers to tighten and
brighten their daily lives, l shall feel
well repaid for writing.
Never throw anything away, for by
utilizing that which seems to be of no
use, we may save enough to buy few
books, or to add to the amount in the
savings bank.
Several years ago was preparing to
attend the State Normal School at AL
bany New York. Like many others,
had decided to rent room and board
myself, and of course l needed a ia
bic, stove, chairs, and other conven-
lent and necessary articles OF furniture.
Fortunately, my fathers farm was
only twelve miles from the city, SO l
was enabled to obtain a part of my
outfit from home, and was provided
with everything but table.
We had an old washing machine
heavy, numbering thing which had out
lived its usefulness for laundry purposes
and was resting its rheumatic limbs in
the romantic shades of the wood-house.
This was now dragged forth, and dis
emboweled, leaving only the frame and
legs.
The zinc bottom formed half-circle
which left room for a drawer. There
were some pieces of pine flooring, nice
ly matched and planed. iii the loft of
the corn-crib; this confiscated for the
top, and after mailing it on firmly, and
trimming the ends, gave it two good
coats of drab paint, and my table was
completed.
Some people elevate their aristocrat-
noses whenever they see or hear of any 6
thing cheap or homemade; but when q
there is real necessity existing for a :
rigid economy, it is not only foolish but f
1t is dlshonorable, to buy fine furniture l
which you cannot afford. S
There is very good maxim which l
think "Poor Richard gave us. "Pay Q
rs you CO." think very good addi-
ton to that would be, "If you can't =
pay don't CO." A debt hanging over n
ones head is perpetual source of anx- f
iety and discomfort; and unless the con- a
science is hardened by being accustom- Il
ed to debt, it takes away halt enjoy.
ment of life
like the Graphic" very much. if l SC
Am but borrower; and since the ladies m
are allowed to have corner, have a III
much warmer feeling for it. =.
1t is now about eight months sinceI
,ecamc a reader of its columns, and / ~
lm"st feel as though l was personally Sc
with many of the writers. til
am not so selfish. but what I would IN
&c glad to hear again from John c." az
yes, and from the various members of er
he 'Hazlewood' family. frt
| have thousand things that will ~
Tx about in another letter, but have
ready trespassed too long. If I am an
D, consigned to the waste-basket alb
i'll come again. gen ~,