The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-08-29
Summer BOarders.

l am thankful to the sister who
opened up the topic of taking city
boarders, for 1 want to air my thoughts
on the subject. Mrs. jones' trials did
not inspire me with either ridicule or
contempt, but sorrow, for put myself
in her place and lamented that so many
seeking recreation and rest in the
country for a merely nominal price
have the selfish element in them so
sadly predominant. But in the first
place the poor, faithful wife, who keenly
felt the need of making an effort to aid
her husband, was but one of the mis-
taken souls that think taking boarders
is always clear profit. And again the
idea that any real help could be given
to a man who had not the brains or
energy to make the farm pay for itself
is absurd. Why, a woman might as
we'll "pour soap-suds down a rat
hole ito use homely simile-with
the expectation of filling it, as to think
she could run into debt for supplies and
have much left, after summering three
or four boarders at one dollar or less a
day. Then she was an acquiescent
soul who established no rules! There
are few in this unregenerate age that
will not run rough-shod over willing
heart. If she had given them to under
stand from the first that all extras over
certain limits would demand good extra
charges she would have had less trouble
and better remuneration. They would
have respected her, and no doubt
curbed or covered up some of the self
love that is often so unadulterated by
any human kindness whatever.
should not have purchased carpet,
as Mrs. Jones did, but should have
given them a clean, cool, painted floor,
with few rugs. The food should have
been plain, but nice of its kind, and
abundant, but if certain kinds were dis
liked l should have dropped them and
tried to give the boarders their mon
ey's worth. But as to furnishing
nurse or walters outside of the cham
Der or dining-room, should have no.
titled them at once that it could not be
expected. | have city friend that
goes into the country for six or eight
weeks every summer, and she is always
more than satisfied to pay for extras.
But she is lady, and this is the differ
ence. a female from Montreal comes
to this vicinity every summer and
is the dread of all serving-maids, as she
requires more waiting upon than any
six of the others. She is always so
sick she can not eat, but gobbles up
more than her share of ice-cream and
fruit before the others are served.
have taken few city boarders, but
they were extra nice ones, and really
gave me pleasure instead of trouble.
Darbanc IL hanonca thav cnopnoI TO
feel that | was doing them very great
favor to take them. | always made a
clear profit of at least four dollars per
week on each one, as meat and sugar
were most that was obtained outside
and tea and coffee were not wanted
strong. But if they had demanded
other attentions than | was prepared to
give at 81 or S1.25 per day | should
have Immediately given them up.
There is no sense in being waiter
upon people in the country: when they
want walters they can 90 to hotel and
pay for them. But they are usually out
boarding cheaply, saving to spend more
profusely on luXuries when they return
to the city. But consider my advice as
regards extra expenditures in accom-
modations for them, for it never pays.
advise taking gentlemen or ladies and
not families but men are always the
best boarders, and at least mind their
own business. Advertising for help
may be necessary, but a g cheap" girl
is always an eXtravagant nuisance. If
hammocks and easy-chairs are wanted
by boarders more than change and fresh
air, let them bring them or stay at
home. See how much more comfort
able Mrs. Jones made them than any
hotel could or would, and observe the
difference in compensation. Aim for
the better class and charge enough to
save yourself at least.