New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-02-26
FASHIONABLE LENTEN GOWNS.
HOUSEKEEPING IN FRANCE.
ECONOMY AND PATIENCE TWO STRONG
TRAITS OF THE FRENCH WOMAN

TRAITS OF THE FRENCH WOMAN.
Some Phases Of French Housekeeping the
subject OF practically suggestive talk given yes
terday afternoon by Miss Maria Parloa at the
home Of Mrs J. W. Tilton, IN East Thirtieth-st.
Economy and patience the two strong traits
in French character" said Miss Paroa, and every
French housewife, rich poor, looks well to the
ways Of her household. Her carefuness has no
tincture OF meanness about II She is not at all
sordid. and she never thinks OF being ashamed OF
the most rigid economy. Everything IS kept under
lock and key. With provisions nearly twice
high in this country fuel dear beyond our imag
nations and incomes small. the careful utilization
OF everything is really necessity. Anything like
prodgallty excites execration.
The question of fuel is important one France
has not coal wood enough for her own use.
not a pound OF coal or foot OF wood is allowed
TO waste. Every twig and bit Of underbrush is
bound into bundles and sold When the baker
heats his he sprinkles the coal left with
water. then Sits II twice. selling the charcoal and
the powdered charcoal for the economical house
wives
1T IS the exception. not the rule TO have run
ming water in even the most elegant homes-save
in the kitchen Tanks and closets are kept sup
piled by pail. A bathroom is rare luxury. and
hot water in the morning not to be thought OF by
people OF moderate means In severe weather
people have TO walk the streets to keep warm
Dressers and doors frequently made without
handles, one ornate brass key serving to unlock
all the drawers in turn
While the French housekeeper has 10 cope with
many inconvenience and conditions unknown to
American housewives, who, according TO Miss
Parloa, have the most comfortable of homes, the
largest Of incomes and the most appreciative OF
husbands. she does not break down the women
do in this country. She keeps late hours. but she
conserves her strength IN the morning The woman
of affairs frequently takes her breakfast in bed
while she looks over her accounts. plans her work
ahead and has her mail brought to her.
The usual idea that French cookery is compli-
Gated Miss Parloa declared a mistaken one Break
fast is simplicity itsef-a cup of coffee or choco
late, without cream. and slice Of bread roll.
High seasonings OF food unknown; herbs and
these they use generously cultvating them in their
little gardens or even window pots
Miss Parloa's talk the second given recently
for the benefit Of the homework classes which
held at No. 226 Henry-st. under the direction of
Miss Kittredge. Although these classes were only
started last December. there already nearly
hundred girls and women in attendance There
four weekly classes for instruction In general house
work laundry class receives instruction a
week cooking class has been started, and two
nurses teaching the women how to prepare n
condition The cosey fat in which the work is car
the disbanded New-York City Household Economic
Association and, in the words OF of the COM
mittee in charge. may be regarded as the unosten-
tatious residuary egatee of the good work started
by that association. The following the commit
tee who have the work in charge: Mrs. F. II. Lane
Mrs. c. E Romer, Mrs. ". f. Woodford, Mrs. j.
". Titon and Miss II. l.. Knox.