Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1885-07-16
Work for Farmers Wives.
BY MRS. REBECCA SHEPHERD.

In the beginning of the present ceptu-
ry the duties of farmers wives embra+
ced round of hard labor and varied du-
ties that many of US at its close know
practically but little about.
The wife and mother then was ex-
pected to assume control and manage
ment of house, children and garden, liv.
ing almost wholly for their interest
training their children as best they
could in domestic eeonomy-to spin,
weave, knit, make, mend, wash, iron,
cook, bake, and a host of other things,
besides making garden, milking, chuIn-
ing, and lending helping hand in the
corn or hay field-now and then one
possessing sufficient knowledge to in
struct in the rudiments of education,
embroidery or fancy work. And the
question now suggests itself, Are We de-
generating in these physical labors, and
only partly keeping pace with the men"
tai? With the march of progress and
development in this age,the old spinning
wheel, loom and hackel have given way
to machinery, and much of our labor is
shortened and lightened by sewing, wash
ing and churning machines-suchi is the
advantage of modern improvents; but
there are yet many cares and trying
questions to be solved or disposed of
While many of our sisters have thrown
aside domestic life, and entered the field
of literature as writers, speakers and
teachers, to carry instruction to the
young, and forward gems of poetry,
prose and morality to the world, where
fifty years ago such women as Harriet
and Elizabeth Beecher, Fanny Fern, Mrs
Hemans and Maria Edgeworth, stood
almost alone, quietly and earnestly
working without "a thought of fame"
but whose memory is ever dear to TIE
hearts of parent, teacher and children.
But we whose lives are cast in an hum>
bier and different sphere, must labor and
study to reach the very highest and best
standard of domestic economy, that our
labors and influence may be stamped
upon our children or those who take up
this work where we lay it down. For
life is lent for noble Deeds" and home
the fountain of civilization. if well or
dered-if not, sadness, contention and
strife are the results, for the home circle
should be guarded from all impure lsn>
guage or conduct, and honesty, truth
fulness, economy. and industry should
not only be taught, but practically en-
forced, for the children and youth claim
our first and highest attention, for the
elements of character in youth are mold
ed by the parents. and while the soul is
soft the lines made are not easily erased.
The first joy, the first sorrow, and the
first success and failure, paint the fore
ground and continue always with the
child. TheE it is parents duty to mako
home so attractive that no outsids in
huence will draw them away. Many a
child goes astray simply because home
lacks sunshine. Encourage the old hab-
it of conversation on topics of the day
with interest, and the good. kind and
true things we all of Us have in our
hearts having loving. watchful care
over them. Bring back the songs and
hymns of childhood, which so often
break in on our busy, or perhaps weary
thoughts, as a CLEAN of sunshine, from a
clouded sky, to encourage US, Develop