Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-12-08
Written for the Democrat.
IAE EARMER,S MlEE Al IhE GLIB

Paris. Ne
Written for the Democrat
The FARMERS WIFE AT The CLUB.
A friend wrote TO me recently: II
have just been TO Portland 10 attend the
Federation Of Women's Clubs. How
wish you could have gone. You would
have enjoy Ell IL SO much. Do join some
club II YOU can. Women (fsrmers' wives
especially are 50 apt u get into ruts. =
WE'LL was lin rut", and knew it.
30, when one of the members OF the
village literary club invited me to attend
one OF their meetings, | decided 20 90.
The appointed hour wss : Z. NJ. As |
lived so far from the village | had 10
neglect part OF my mornings work In
order net to get too led and have time
To dress before dinner. Baby usually has
had her nap before dinner. but she had
To be kept awake ill after dinner, so
that the girl would get chance to do
up the work while baby slept.
As soon as ate my dinner, | ordered
my team and departed, among the older
children's teasings To go too.
called for my friend, aud away we
started for the club. As | had 10 put
up my team after reaching the village,
We were the last 20 arrive. Now, don't
think went to criticise or that | was
disappointed.
From the moment the pretty young
hostess grssped my hand, till left, 1t was
feast 10 my hungry soul. IL was not
Only the programme. which WAS enter
tanning. instructive and well carried out,
but il was the social atmosphere. Some
thing new: lifting out Of the rut; an
awakened interest in forgotten studies;
a desire for new studies and associations;
beginning OF many trains OF thought.
But the sweet toned clock on the mantel
licked away the moments all too fast.
The setting sun gave Us parting oene-
dictiOn through the dainty curtains OF
the western windows, and twilight was
upon Us ere we were ready TO disband.
nv the time we had called st the store
snd post Office. aud were ready TO start
for home, the lights were shining
throughout the village.
viii YOU blame me for the thoughts
that swelled In chaotic confusion a. l
left the pretty homes, the light and
warmth and nearness Of neighbors, and
the horse splashed out of the village
into the mud and slosh snd darkness and
firRsss OF the country-that little dis
satisfied feeling crept over me with the
thought. We farmers are on the outside
Of things:
Ah. but wouldn't tell YOU that, II |
couldn't tell YOU the rest of II.
when came in sight OF home, there
were lights shining so brightly 10 wei
come me, and there WAS John waiting
snxiously on the piazza, fearing some
thing had happened 20 wife, but so glad
she had had good time.
Indoors all WAS light and warmth and
gladness because Mother has come.
Rshv held up her arms 10 be taken,
y hile the older children danced about
with iOy. Aud supper was waiting on
the table.
Later In the evening when the chill
dren were all Ia bed, and the mail had
been looked over, while John buried
himself ia his armchair and read the
Democrat, had leisure 10 1T down ana
snalyze nv afternoon and decide whether
| had been paid for nv trouble. felt
lust A wee bit ashamed when | recalled
the little dissatisfied feeling and com
pared nv many blessings With those |
had nearly envied, and remembered how
many tunes had said Mas thankful
could bring up my children on farm.
But as regards women's clubs, think
they are a blessing for those who can
attend without neglecting home inter
e.ts. The monOlony and isolation oI
country life make them particularly
beneficial 20 the farmers wives. But l
believe IL would be far better for few
farmerers' wives Of neighoorhood 10
form club Of their own, than 10 Try 10
20 a long distance 10 the village.
Nevertheless, II would be blessing 70
both town and country women could
they lock into Zach s,her's lives little
more. Meihinks there would then De
more conteutment on both sides. IL Il
reiuyensting 20 older women, thus en-
sbling them 10 take up studies IN
pleasant manner. IL will advance the
cause of woman's suffrage by awakening
their patriotism. temperance principles
and interest in politics, current events
and leading questions Of the day.