The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-31

All of which is merely held out to the women of the state. of Alabama who have the chance before them and who are 1aggard in their work The duty of every good citizeness of this great commonwealth is to contribute her work to the woman's department of the State Fair of 1911, and make it the most creditable thing ever attempted along these lines.
 It is quite different to get an audience with Mrs. Reid these busy days, but I succeeded yesterday in claiming her at tention for a few moments chat about her work which Is more interesting than eyer.
 found her working like Trojan, surrounded by worlds of flair" literature letters and inquiries and heaven knows what else-but as usual, in spite of all this, she. was bright and clever and eager and willing to tell me anything she could about the forthcoming fair.
 "Ive found you Just where l. wanted to, right in the midst of your work" said by way of greeting. What are the
 
 Fine. splendid.' said Mrs. Reid, quick ly. 'I feel most enthusiastic over the situation, because I see such a wonder ful improvement covering the period of years in which have been working for the woman's department. Besides em- phasizing the work as an educational fac tor in the state, the purpose of the fair of 1911 is to emphasize the practical side of it as well. Each year the woman's department has emphasized some specific feature of home industry through this medium, thus giving everybody a chance One of the special features of the State Fair of 1911 will be to instruct women in utilizing their yards. Until the matter is investigated 1t Is absolutely impossible to realize what results can be accom- plished With even the smallest acreage. For instance, woman who has a small home. The back yard of even 40 foot lot can be turned into something from which a neat little sum of pin money can be realized. The cultivation of flowers, raising poultry, vegetables, a model poul- try yard operating the incubators and breeders. An expert demonstrator from New York will be in charge to give n- structions to visitors to the fair, detail- ing every cost and arrangement neces- saS to put the idea into practical op- eration."
 one of our chief attractions will be the offer in premiums" continued Mrs. Reid. for home grown vegetables Inasmuch as agriculture is being taught in our schools, we should be able to have dem onstrations of home experiments, and these experiments should be a source of profit to the housekeeper The cultiva- ton of flowers also will come in for it's share of attention The cut flowers on exhibit are often the blooms from some premiums won the year before as the florists offer as prizes rose bushes and hedges as a supplement to the many other premiums offered.
 will the booths that have heretofore been used to exploit the art of decora- ton again be a feature?" I asked.
 "The Christmas booth will occupy the most prominent part in this years exhibi- tion,' said Mrs. Reid. Tt is my idea to give a prize for the most original idea | NcAduPit tNillplttu) lOT dn lneXDenS1Ve gift. That, I think, will be quite a catchy feature. This gives fine scope for invention and originality, and that's what we want. It stimulates thought and gives fine opportunity for ingenuity. When we create things we at once be- gin to realize that we can be useful.' The cooking department will again be emphasized?' I asked.
 "On a larger scale than ever before" said Mrs. Reid. Man being carnivorous, must have meals-at least three meals day-and we never tire of trying to bring our culinary department up to the highest standard. at the same time pac- ing great stress upon the purity and economy of material'
 And needlework?' I inquired.
 "Of course. to those who must sing The Song of the Shirt we still admon sh. 'Stitch-stitch. but a bit of a re- cess from bending over the needle can be combined with outdoor work, raising chickens, working among the flowers and a happy arrangement can be effected. 1ye expressed my sentiments about the fair in some lines. Here they are, will you use them? Sort of an acrostic:
 "'ALABAMA STATE FAIR' Alabama will hold her fair!
 Late as the hour may seem, A-al business men do now declare Best month, october. dates to If, be-
 tween.
 All enterprise makes the state feel
 proud
 Much industry shown and then the
 crowd.
 Among the guests are men of fame, Singing their praise of such claim, Telling the people far and near All interest now are centered here T-time is well spent in so broad a field Every product shown, our state will
 yield.
 Fair ladies work is in array, All fruits are grown in native clay; Tn fact, we exhibit in Birmingham each
 fall.
 Right in our fair the works of all.' ''
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 Returned From New York