The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1904-01-14
OVER-CAREFUL HOUSEKEEPING
Too Strict Regime Prevents a Thor
Ough Enjoyment of Home
AssOciatiOns.

100 Stfict He8lme FreSents IHOr-
ough Enjoyment of Home
AssOciations.
When child of II years l visited at |
the house of a lady who prided herself
upon her housekeeping, and whose
neighbors justly gave her credit for a
great degree of proficiency in that de-
partment of life, says a writer in the
Housewife. My remembrance Of that
visit always brings chill, and l turn
my thoughts as quickly as possible into
another channel, even though am now
middle-aged. If chair in any room
was left awry it was Immediately set
straight; if window shade was raised
Or lowered above or below the regula-
tion line, 1t was at once put in place. II
by any carelessness dirt or litter, how
ever small In quantity, or harmless in its
nature, was to be seen anywhere within
the limits of that household, the broom,
always at hand, was brought into use.
to the shame of the individual guilty OF
| such carelessness.
The husband was, unfortunately. not
in sympathy with the strict regime in
| vogue. so he had his full share OF
trouble, for in my presence he bore scold-
ing and snubbing so patiently that my
child heart pitied him, and remember
that more than once. in my simplicity.
| tried to be kind to him, to atone for
| this lack of appreciation and privilege in
his own household. Since that time
have known of other households OF like
character-where no dirt accumulates-
no freedom in the use even of chairs is
encouraged, because disorder ensues;
no flies linger pleasantly buZZing In the
sunshine, for no sunshine is welcomed
or tolerated for reasons we'll known,
and the house fly soon learns wisdom and
departs for parts less despotic; no chill
dren are welcome, except accompanied
by watchful mammas or faithful attend
ants. who will nervously restrain every
attempt at investigation or familiarity
with people or objects on the part Of
these little folks, who soon wish to leave
such an. atmosphere and enter that OF
some loving housekeeper, who will kind
l
and who will enjoy the spontaneou:
outburst of childhood innocence; NJ
freedom is tolerated that encroaches up
on the set regulations of "the goot
housekeeper."
Now, would like to inquire if 1t is no
better to live in comfortable manner
making all around feel at home, even
disorder and a certain amount of dirt
actual dirt, is sometimes apparent? Isl
not better to relax the hold than to keel
in the grip the entire family, and al
guests who are so hardy as to ventur
within the lines? Is it good housekeep
ing" to make your home model of neat
ness, exactness and regularity at the ex
pense of personal enjoyment and com
fort? Is not the so-called good house
keepers" many tiraes misnamed? Nc
that we advocate untidiness. disorde
and indifference concerning the detail
) of home life, upon which SO largely de
> pend our comfort and happiness; but
it not better to take medium ground an
strive to be caretaker without lettin
our right hand know what our left han
!, doeth?
Is not more polite and safer to ignor
> the carelessness and lack of thoughtful
= ness on the part of our guests than
painfully remind them by our haste
make amends or restore order in the
: presence? 1t is wise to train our chi
dren to ways of order and care-takin
:. but if we injudiciously nag them
y shall fail in our object, and possibly e.
TRANCE them from the home life.
Oh, mistaken wife and mother. sue
,, a habit in your busy life would be a gran
~ investment and return you hundre'
y fold. Many a husband and father h,
~ wandered into some gilded saloon ju
" to while away few moments. until Il
habit has grown upon him. and his hon
: has lost it's charm-he seeks it only as
- duty and resting place. Young wiv
and housekeepers, even those who ha'
= no domestic help, we counsel you to gi'
5. your husbands all of your society tn
their business relations allow. M
re dishes can wait-so can the broom al
duster-but your husbands affecti'
and devotion will surely wane and wit
er if you do not foster and cherish as
It. tender plant. Without love and co
a. tentment. of what avail are the col
ol mendable qualities of good housekee
IN ing? With love and contentment tn
d. are all important factors. Let us the
he one and all. old and young, strive
he avoid the breakers Of "over-carei
d. housekeeping"
Gu Poisonous Plants.
n Much to be desired is method
ia recognizing poisonous plants at sig
p While no general rule can be given,
ne H. H. Rusby finds that there are evid.
lat indications. and that certain charact