The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-06-04
Farmers Club.

readers might be interested in the
now quite popular organization
known as the Farmers Club" |
Thought would give you short his.
tory of "The Burton Farmers Club"
which was organized at the residence
Of Mr.. Charles r, Woodin, in Middle.
bury, on the 4th of last February.
The farmers of this vicinity had for
some time been talking of starting
Club, and in fact had once or twice
made a start only to result in failure.
To the energy and good sense of Mr..
g. r. Woodin and wife, must be given
the credit Of the successful starting of
the Burton Farmers Club, they hav-
ing taken the trouble 10 invite twelve
or thirteen families TO their residence
for the express purpose of forming
the Club; they also furnished an ex-
cellent dinner, which is made one OF
the features of the mceting-the diff
ferent families taking turns in pro-
viding the dinner or supper, as the
case may be At the first meeting
the Club was organized by electing
c. c Rowell, PRESIDENT F. NJ. Shep-
ard, vice president, and Mrs. Will
Park. secretary. A constitution was
adopted, also few plain and simple
bylaws. The plan adopted was, to
have a committee to select topic at
each regular meeting, for discussion
at the next succeeding one. There
are one or two persons appointed to
prepare papers on the subjects under
discussion, after the reading of which
there is general class meeting, as it
might be called, each one giving his
or her views, also criticising the
points made in the opening essays.
After the discussion of the subjects,
and the transaction of the necessary
business, there is generally some time
spent in social enjoyment, after which
comes the bountiful repast, which all
farmers wives know we'll how to pre-
pare. In suitable weather visit to
the farm, stock, buildings, etc., is in
order. should perhaps mention
that the discussions are taken part in
by the ladies, there being two ques-
tons reported by the committee.
At the second meeting of the Club,
held at the residence of G. G. Rowell,
the subject of "Winter Dairying, twas
taken up and great many points Of
interest discussed. The third meet
| ing was held at the home of S. M.
Woodin, at which time the subject
of Farm Fencing" was introduced
by an essay written by f. M. Shepard,
followed by general discussion of
the subject by the members of the
Club. The fourth meeting was held
at the home of +. M. Shepard, at
which the topics were, alfred Help
on the Farm, and in the House," also
"House Cleaning
At the last meeting, held at the
residence of Charles A. Doane, May
18th, paper on the Cultivation of
Spring Crops" was read by c. r.
Shepard; also one on Gardening"
by Mrs. r. w. Park, followed by an
interesting talk on these subjects, in
which many points of practical inter
est were brought out.
The Club has been having special
sessions or evening meetings. more
especially calculated for the benefit
of the young people, consisting of
declarations, dialogues, select read.
ings, music, etc. These meetings
have been we'll attended and have
proved quite success. The last one,
held at the house of Mr.. G.. T. Mason,
May 18th, was attended by about
sixty persons, young and old, and
the speaking, reading and excellent
music, followed by delicious ice cream
and cake, made truly delightful
evening.
Having thus given you short
sketch of the starting and successful
working Of the Burton Farmers Club,
l will try in the future to give more
of the practical work of the same.
Yours, &C.,
+ M g