The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-16
The Woman's Department
 At the State Fair

| The forthcoming state fair gives prom ise of being the greatest achievement of this kind that Alabama has ever known, Particularly are the women of the state interested in the department devoted to their talents and industries. Alabama is very proud of Mrs. John B. Reid, who by her cleverness and indomitable energy has placed the woman's department on a scale far exceeding anything of the kind known in the south Her ability as an organizer, her tact and charming affabil ity to all with whom she Is associated has been entirely responsible for the re- markable success which the woman's de- partment has enjoyed The cooperation of Alabamas women for the fair of 1908 Is expected by Mrs. Reid, who is lend ing her best efforts toward making this occasion paramount to all preceding ones.
 Every department of domestic science is open for women.
 The art exhibit including oil paintings, water colors drawing and decorative art, gives ample room for talent in this line. The textile exhibit. which embraces fancy needle-work, embroideries, lace work, etc, affords opportunity for all who are handy with the needle
 speciality will be made of old ladies' work and children's work, which in- cludes every form of needle work, from 'darning" to the finest specimens of hem- stitching, and the intricate designs of Honiton lace and French embroidery.
 The culinary exhibits will appeal to the pride that every good housewife feels in the important department. Prizes are of- fered for the best speciments of pre- serves, marmalades, jellies, canned fruits and vegetables dried fruits, cordials, wines, branded fruits, pickles, breads of all kinds and cakes of every description
 .-4- 1..x1., ration a purse of $150 has been set aside This is with a view of developing the best work in the home, including its va rious industries. Great scope is afforded for artistic work, each exhibitor being all lowed ample space in which to demon- strate the variety of her work in the home.
 In the development of flowers and plants women are noted adopts, and the prizes offered for homegrown flowers of all kinds are well worth competition.
 The prospectus of the womans depart ment aptly says that in order that the women of Alabama may appreciate the work of this exhibition, they must real ize that each article exhibited Is lesson for some one else-no matter In when class it Is entered. We profit wisely by the experience of others; thus examples of the state fair are the result of suc- cessful effort. In copying, we nave the benefit of object criticism and have an opportunity to accomplish better things.
 The woman who sends her work to the fair must consider the help extended oth- CTS who probably have not had equal advantages. This department has high purpose-its work is extensive and edu- eating, demonstrating the work and prog ress of home, and bears messages of in dustry and study from over the state Every woman In Alabama should send something to the fair, not only as an ex- hibit for prize competition, but to make broader the field of usefulness
 The advantages offered today are Tar more comprehensive for housekeeping than formerly; every phase of practical living Is demonstrated, teaching system and economy. The pure food demonstra- tins are schools for marketing, much neglected art equipped for the prepara- tion of foods, each booth will give help ful suggestions, serving dainty articles that go toward making the duties or the housekeeper less burdensome, and mex pensive catering to the appetites and giving healthful nourishment. Many home products will be demonstrated In this series and should appeal to every Vls- itor to the fair