Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-10-12
DOMESTIC SCIENCE.
What Our State University Is Doing
In This Line.
IAN Appreciation. BY Miss Clio NJ chileot..l

| From time to time dutlng recent years,
we have read with interest magazine and
newspapers articles with reference to the
domestic science work being done at
Pratt institute, Columbia and simmons
college. Without question, this work is
popular. and to my mind there is to be
a still greater demand for 1t in the years
to come. 1t is required that the teachers
in our Boston high schools be college
trained, and the eligible list OF domestic
science teachers has been very limited.
take it for granted that what is true OF Bos-
ton is true OF other large cities.
In talking casually this summer with
people from different parts Of Maine,
have been surprised to find so many un-
aware Of the splendid work that the Uni
rection. Repeatedly it has been said to
me: II didn't know there was a course in
domestic science at the University OF
Maine.n
! am not writing this to .'snout" for the
! University of Maine. II were .snout-
ing for any college, it would naturally be
for my own aims mater. Our public
spirit makes as all interested in any new
movement in the right direction, and as
loyal sons aud daugh ters OF Maine we are
especially interested in every good work
that is being carried on in our own State.
1t is for the benefit OF those who are igno-
rant of this particular work that this
fragmentary article is written
/ When the University is in session, any
visitor to Bangor would do well to take a
car ride to orono, go to Agricultural hail,
visit the laboratory kitchen OF the domes-
tic science department and observe what
is being done there.
Personally, can say that never had q
more enjoyable or inexpensive July outing
| than that at Orono this year, following
| out this line OF work, and the pleasure
and profit derived from it make me anx-
| ions to repeat the experience next year.
Is it not 4 significant fact that three
fourths OF the cookery class this summer
came from outside OF Mainef 1t made me
wonder il the people Of Maine are living
up to their opportunities.
| While my personal knowledge OF this
work at the University Of Maine has been
| gained at the summer term, yet l have
| been in touch with it more or less indi-
rectly all the past year, and have had .
chance to see its results in inspiring q
4 young woman with q keen interest in the
work OF the household, and in training
her to do things in the best and quickest
way.
The regular course, as laid out, covers
four years, and among other things en-
braces cookery, serving, dietetics, sewing
Qncluding all kinds Of hand and machine
| work., laundry work and household eco
Monies, " here the general care and order OF
the house is taught, the best ways OF sweep
ing and busting, the care Of stoves, re-
frigerators, silverware, glassware, etc. The
course is not at all theoretical but intensely
practical. There is some lecture work, but
the most OF the time in this department is
spent in acquiring knowledge from actual
experience.
1t is certainly valuable training for .
girl to be Obliged to take her turn in act
ing as hostess when . luncheon is being
served in the dining-room OF the depart
ment.
The best part OF the whole course is the
at the head OF it. The personal touch OF
such . woman upon the lives Of our young
people is bound to count for much.
Although the classes OF the summer
term and certain classes during the
academic year are open to any who wish
that work and no other, hope that what
l have said has led no one into the error OF
thinking that those who have domestic
science for q major take no other courses.
1t is required that a student who takes the
regular four years. course with a view
to getting degree take certain sciences,
such as chemistry, biology, ETC., and as q
certain number OF hours per week are re-
quired of both regular and special
students, there is an abuntant opportunity
for additional work in other lines.
To me it has been interesting to notice
the aims and different grades of expert
ence OF members OF various classes. There
are those OF either little or no experience
whose sole object is to become efficient
home makers, those who are fitting them
selves for domestic science teachers, those
who wish training in this line because
they gain thereby q better all-around de-
velopment, besides those Of years OF ex-
perience who wish to know new and
more scientific ways Of doing things.
But whatever the amount Of experience or
whatever the aim, there has ever been
unbounded interest and enthusiasm, and
ali have borne testimony that they have
gained much from the work.
Incidentally, too, movements such a.
these are sure to silence the hue and cry
that the college woman is unified for the
home.
ISLE AU HAUT.