The Chilhowee echo. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1899-19??, 1900-01-06
EXPERIENCE COLUMN.
RY KENTUCKIENNE.

1t is we'll known that mental
growth depends on proper phys
ical conditions. Circumstances SO
ordered it in the past, that very
few Southern women had to work
in the kitchen, but | must say for
them, that they came very quick
ly and nobly to the front in learn
ing their housewife duties. Our
grand-mothers took pride in their
kitchens, and it depended upon
their intelligent foresight to a
great extent; as the manner of
food, and way in which "black
nanny kept the domain. There
seemed to be some born cooks
among the colored servants, and
we find few such yet, but we
housewives soon found that it
behooved us to be master of the
situation ourselves. OF course,
there is a great difference between
the city kitchen and the country
kitchen. 1t is pity that there
are so few conveniences in the
country kitchen. | could write
column after column upon this
subject, that yields such an inhu-
ence upon our nation, but | will
only attempt to give few
thoughts this time, which are
worthy of being read, | think. 1t
is said our characters are moulded
in a more or less degree, by what
we eat every day of our lives.
Some look upon work in the
kitchen as degrading, but it be-
hooves every woman, rich or poor,
TO Erow something i 81 the uft Of
cooking, Family life and happi-
ness depend upon the home.
Skilled house-wifery means as
much in this progressive age, with
sensible people, as it ever did. Its
foundation is excellent, and
whether "A woman, be rich or
poor. she can possess the charm
which makes the so-called drudg-
cry assume a new role. The hap
Ply faculty Of cultivating the art
Of elevating drudgery of sur
rounding the homely duties Of
everyday life, will show attract
iveness. The simple thought of
washing dishes three times a day,
is revolving to some extent, and |
have heard very charming friends
say they felt very rebellious about
having to clean the cooking YES
sells, they dislike it so much, but
a wise little manager taught me
new method, which acted like
charm, and which was to make
such work attractive. Get a pretty
cedar tub, (such as Dolly Madi-
son used to wash her breakfast
china and glass in with bright
ly polished brass hoops, instead of
a great ugly tin pan, heavy to lift
and move about. Then get plenty
Of tea-towels, hem them neatly,
have them Hundred snowy-white;
make mops to wash dishes with
have two; enc for the greasy meat
dishes another for the china and
glass. This also protects the
hands. Never use soiled tea
towel or allow one to get wet
simply damp is sufficient. Then
have everything conveniently near
your table, and always put a little
pearline in the hot water; enough
to make a good cleansing suds, as
it cuts the grease and washes
quicker than soap One important
need is plenty of hot water. Have
stove-lifters, every little device
for saving. Then when you get
everything ready, sit down in a
cushioned chair and think noble
thoughts. 1t lifts you above the
earth, earthly Don't you re-
member how Charlotte Bronte
used to get HI Greek lesson while
kneading the bread and getting
supper for her father away up in
the dreary moors? And George
Elliott said the most charming
sound IN the world to her, was the
simmering of the tea-kettle, as
she sat in the kitchen with its
bright array Of shining tin, and
the vines and growing plants set
ting about, while she prepared her
vegetables for dinner. 1t may not
seem practical, such sentiments,
but my dear sister women, if it
makes you better and happier
what matters it. The wife and
mother is the home. | have