Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-06-16
ACLUB FOR MOTHERS
THE HousExEEPeRs' ORGANIZATION
OF cocoANUT GROVE.

Away down on the east coast of Flor
ida, 300 miles south of st. Augustine, is
the pretty little settlement of Cocoanut
Grove. 1t is situated on the banks of
Biscayne bay, one of the loveliest sheets
of water for winter cruising and fishing
that it is possible TO conceive of for
those who are not afraid 10 go beyond
the daily mails and telegraph wires, for
at present there are no railroads or
steamboats,, not even wagon road, con-
Meeting us with the outside world-sail-
boats only, but plenty of those, and good
ones, too, which is very necessary, rs the
nearest market or source of supply is
Key West, $50 miles 10 the south.
OF course there is a hotel, postoffice,
store and Sunday school building,
which. with the Biscayne Bay Yacht
club house, the various winter residences
of the northern yachtsmen and the pref
ty little houses of the pineapple growers
and cocoanut planters of the keys, each
built according 10 its owners fancy or
means, and set in the midst Of cocoanut,
lime, orange, banana and guava trees,
form most attractive picture, to which
may be added the ever changing life OF
the bay, the coming and going of the
yachts, the arrival and departure Of the
Inailboats and freight schooners But
il the place is attractive, very much
more are the people who have helped
make it. and this is especially so OF the
women, whose husbands and sons are
the spongers, wreckers, carpenters and
boat1nen Of the reef. when not engaged
In truck farming or pineapple raising.
II is to these women and their club
q housekeeper's club-that | wish TO in
troduce my readers. A woman's work
ing club in every sense of the word, with
an attending membership of twenty and
a correspondence membership Of ten, the
latter residents of New York, Boston,
San Francisco, Brooklyn. Staten Island
and Key West.
To most of the women born and
brought up ON the keys Of the reef or in
Key West. and of English parentage-
fer the majority Of tho settlers came
originally from the Bahamas-the ex-
perience of belonging to u society, how
ever simple, for women only, was nov
city. Although "our club Is now a
frequent and proud expression among
them. and member, in talking it over
with her husband, assured him that the
bylaws Of her club were as well made
and Just as binding IA those concocted
in the capitol at Tallahassee."
And SO they are TO the faithful band
of women who gather every Thursday
afternoon in the little Sunday school
building, and Join heart and hand in
helping each other TO enjoy and mn
prove the two hours n week rescued
from their household cares. For nearly
every membeE is "A mother, not of one
but in several cases of eight and ten
children. with no one TO assist in tn,
daily and hourly work attending such
household, SO that the first rule made
and rigidly enforced. mo babies allow
ell at the meetings" is "a genuine relief
and gives time and freedom for mucl
that would be otherwise impossible.
Sometimes the children are taken 10
neighboring house, ten OF twelve httl
tots from one TO three years old, and
husband or eldest son volunteers to oven
see those that are able 60 walk, in whic
case. rs It draws near closing time, on
little head after another will be see
coming. Indian file, along the mario,
path. an of them bareheadcd OF nearl
SO. in search of mamma and general
in great glee at having escaped.
course thero follows a grand baby show
The originator Of the club is its pres
don't. Miss Flora McFarlane, Of Ne
Jersey. a woman who has proved he
self In every way capable for the Iii
she intends leading, having homosteade
q hundred and fifty acres Of govcrnmet
lands. which she has gone bravely
work to clear and improve,
The officers Of the club are the pres
dent, secretary, assistant secretar,
treasurer and carctSker. who has entii
charge OF the clubs workbasket, givir
out the work and collecting material
such as scissors. thimblcs, needle book
patterns and button box, after ca,
meeting These meetings occur eve
Thursday afternoon from to5.
AT the organizing Of the Climb it W
voted that the time b. spent in maks
useful articles Of clothing from mater
either given o. the club VherVupou {
vr,Sslent presented dozen kitch
arrcasl or bought with the clubs fun,
the funis being derived from memb
snip dues (Which were promptly paid,
that the TREASURER found herself busy
oncel or gifts. That such articles shoy
b sold al each meeting. and TO me
hers. AZ cost prise.
That the money received FOR the f
year b. spent in the purchase Of mate
ais and also in suitable and useful al
cles for barsAr. 20 De held az the
rral meeting for the benefit Of
church builiing. That resident me
beSs te elected By means Of a vote c
with black and white beans. distant
ccrresrorlcucs ueubers On the Z,
faith g ths house Seepsr posing ths
ELL IVY keen. ara recail