The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-16

One of our youngest chapters sends the following account of war time ex- perience:
 The Mildred Lee Chapter. from the promising town of shenield. that was cotton plantation before the war.
 It was peopled by citizens from all localities, so may expect to have ex- periences related from many sections.
 Reading the "reminiscences and ex- peSiences'' of so many who lived dur inn the Civil War;" had brought to my mind recollections of the past, although we considered at the time we were very fortunate indeed in escaping so many real hardships that hundreds l less fortunate had to endure. Every one. I suppose. had their "expertcnces' however. whether living in the direct path of the enemy or not, for ike tno path of the cyclone. devastation and destruction was the usual result. mecca sarily the effect was felt to the rsmot- | est corners, if only to practice the strictest economy, and from necessity | the greatest mother of invention. de- |vising ways and means to live. ! was then a young girl but how well l re- member those days of suffering and sadness to 50 many. My parents were residing in Tallahassee, Fla. My father, though physically unable to do active service. was faithful to the "cause" he loved and rsspetced. When the food supplies became so scarce. there was an applicable saying. "that you had to carry your money in bag to purchase what you could easily bring home in your pocket" The scarcity of salt was greatly felt, often you would see 'hoppers." fixed as you would to make soap from ashes-flled with the salty earth scraped from smoke houses. on which water was poured and allowed to drip-the salt water was often used for seasoning the food. or if they could get it In sufficient 1uantities was boiled until 1t would crystalize. My father put up salt works down on the coast. and supplied many destitute families with salt. as well as thread (bought by the bale from of Phoenix Cotton Mills. Colum- bus. Ga,) to weave into cloth to make their clothes-this was done gratui- .ously, for he found there was a great work to be done at home and as he eouldn't go to the front. he could be ust as loyal in other ways. The male members of these families were doing hcttve service, and from time to time ehe conscripting office would come long. pressing into service all that sould carry gun. never stopping to consider what that would mean to hose left at home. Such instances iI- ustrate the true patriotism of our southern women. Life was indeed a truggle to them. the trials and hard hips not only developed patriotism. but the noblest virtues in our more ortunate-true Christianity, brotherly owe. was proven on every side.
 How proud we felt in our pretty omespun dresses, made up stylishly. or when was there a time that Mad mo Fashion" did not reign? I have ften regretted that did not keep one s a "relic." I would now value 1t indeed My fathers tailor made for i'm suit of clothes. the cloth home xovep which he appreciated more han any Prince Albert" We had an opportunity of sending to Columbus. fa., to get a calico dress for my hother and myself. Can you credit 1t Fhen I tell you the two dresses, ten ards in one and about eight yards in he other. cast just a few dollars less han $1,00O? Our hats were of pal petto: by the way. the palmetto grows bundantly. the cabbage" variety is sed for cooking when tender. Even rettier hats were made of corn shucks
 ith wreathes of flowers of the same ateriaL. I felt very much dressed up ith my silk gloves added to complete le outnt, which were made from my randmother's silk hose. For durabil- y and neatness 1t would bs difficult find any that would wear so well pwadays. Of course, the art of dye
 g different material from roots and srbs was indispensable, even the bors were stained and polished that hrpassed the uually stained floor of
 @ present day. Bare floors were usu-
 ly seen; therefore the tidy housewife Id to "substitute" for the carpets
 at had long since been taken up, af-
 r thorough cleansing, were cut into
 nvenient sizes. then bound, and such
 mfortable blankets they made for
 e soldiersi
 The Sewing Societies" were every
 here making clothing for the sol
 ITS. silk dresses made splendid shirts,
 willingly they were given. Noth--
 we had was too good to use for
 em. 1t was considered a privilege to
 1tribute something. never regarding
 as making a sacrifice, true patriot
 Is devoid of self-consciousness-as
 knitting socks for the same pur-
 se as we'll as home supplies-why
 ery little child that could manage