The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-10-29
Burton Farmers, Club


lake, of Middlebury, were "at home" to the
Burton Farmers Club.
The roll call showed the absence of all
the gentlemen who were appointed to speak
upon the general topic of the day for that
side of the house, and it was therefore de-
cided to defer its discussion until the next
meeting, when the delinquents will be ex-
pected to lead in the discussion, as previous
ly arranged.
Mrs. G. r. Woodin read a paper upon the
subject, "Are the people of today happier
than they were fifty years ago?" She be-
lieves that with all of the advantages Of the
present, people really enjoy themselves no
better now than they did fifty years ago.
The old saying is true, ''the more we have
the more we want" 1t Is also true that the
more our neghbors have the more we want.
Those who have much want more and those
who have little find it hard to enjoy that
little, and be behind the times In the matter
Of dress, living and entertainments, while
in the earlier days there was less care and
tendency of the people of today to go in
debt for the purpose of keeping up with the
times, and then spending the rest of their
lives paying interest and borrowing trouble
about the principal. Mrs. Randall thought
the oldtimes were the happier. She gave
her experience in making her first rag carpet
and said she had never enjoyed any other
carpet so we'll as she did that. Representa-
tive Shepard in speaking of his boyhood life
said Webster's spelling book and one other
volume, constituted his library; that once
when his father took load of grain to Pom
tiac TO market, he brought back for him
history and geography, and the pleasure
he derived from them was greater than
words could tell. Pontiac was Owosso's
nearest market then and at Pontiac was its
nearest postoffice. Mrs. Rose said that one
great source of happiness In the lives of our
early settlers consisted In the thought that
they were building up homes for themselves
for their declining years, and for their chill
dren who would occupy them after they
were gone.
The best plan for farm home lawns was
discussed quite extensively. L. 8 Bowles
would have the lawn extend on three sides
of the house forty or forty.fve feet, with q
gradual descent to the highway. There
should be trees outside this space, but neith-
er trees nor shrubs within, nothing to OBJ
struct the view. The lawn mower should
be in frequent use, and IL there were no
water works available, there should be q
shower once in two or three weeks to keep
up the verdure of the smoothly shAven grass.
The no.tree idea met with deal OF op-
position. In fact, all who expressed them
selves after the first speaker were strongly
in favor of having few trees near the
house, and many of the ladies would have
flowers as we'll as trees. Mrs. Bowles had
noticed that her husband always on a hot
day took his rest under the shade of tree.
Mr.. Randall was asked the best method
to train children, by precept, example, or
the rod? He said precept and example
should be in accord, and that kindness and
love should be the controlling power; that
IL parents would govern themselves there
would be very little, II any. use for the rod.
Mrs Myrtle Merrill gave recitation en-.
titled, "The Amen Corner"
The club adjourned to meet at the resi-.
dence Of l.. s. Bowles the first Thursday In
November. s. G..
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