The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-02-15

has failed to realize the Importance
Of providing means for her training
for efficiency I'm the home. The schools
open to her have made little provision
for consideration OF those subjects
which are or vital Importance TO one
who Is responsible for making a home
for herself and family. In a very few
homes do the girls get the training so
necessary for happiness and success
1t should be the purpose Of school
that deals with the training Of girls
to better equip themselves to meet the
responsibilities, TO administer wisely
the affairs OF the home, TO obtain the
necessary skill in applying these prin-
ciples and TO assume and maintain
home worthy of the name. The in
PRODUCTION Of domestic science into
schools, the growing interest and
awakening Of the public, shows the
Importance Of these subjects and the
necessity for definite instruction in
them, beyond what is offered in the
home.
The realization of the demand and
the Importance OF this phase of educa-
ton, led to the introduction Of the do
mestic art and domestic science de-
partment in the State School of
Science Domestic art, domestic
science and domestic economy are
the various terms applied to the lines
Of work carried on under the head OF
domestic science.
Domestic science was founded as
department Of the institution in the
fall of 1908. Two rooms in the main
building were occupied for this work,
one room kitchen, the other a sew
4ng room. Both rooms and the equip
ment were comparatively small, and
the number of students could not be
dealt with as successfully as later on.
One instructor had charge of the
work.
Out of this grew the erection of a
new building known as Burch Hall,
into which the domestic science equip
ment was transferred in March 1910.
New equipment was added at this
time, thus making the entire depart
ment fully and conveniently equipped.
Another instructor was engaged. From
that it has developed steadily until
now it holds place on equal footing
with other schools in the state having
this line of work.
The work in this branch is divided
into two courses, teachers and home
makers. The length of each course is
two years. The qualification for adj
mission to the teachers course is a
four years high school education or
equivalent training. The homemakers'
course Is open to any girl who may de-
sire to better equip herself to meet the
esponsibilities and affairs of the
home. There are many who do not
wish to take the professional training
to fit themselves for teaching, but who
would be glad to avail themselves of
the opportunity to get practical
knowledge and training. This can be
obtained in the homemakers' course.
Special classes are organized for those
who desire to take this and who have
had only rural school training. The
object Is to make the work as simple
and as practical as possible for girls
who have been handicapped in Sc
curing other than elementary training.
The equipment is most complete,
and the facilities are all exceptionally
good. The building, Burch Hall, is
constructed on plans for the work in
hand. The department occupies the
first floor. The second and third floors
accommodate about sixty young
ladies. In the well lighted basement
of this building, is a general dining
hall and kitchen for all the school.
A large laboratory kitchen is ideally
situated, obtaining light from three
sides. 1t is well equipped with work
tables, cabinets, ranges, sinks, re-
frigerators and kitchen utensils.
There are FIVE tables and a teachers
demonstration table, so that the
kitchen accommodates a class of
twenty at time. Each table has all
the necessary utensils to carry out
the work for any given lesson. When
large numbers are served the pantry
adjoining the kitchen contains all the
necessary dishes for this purpose.
The girls wear a cotton dress and a
large white princess apron, while at
work in the kitchen. Each student at
the end of a period, samples the food
that has been prepared. Only small
quantities are usually prepared, but
when large quantities are made they
are sold.
A china and linen closet connects
the kitchen and domestic science din
ing room. There is sufficient china
and linen to serve thirty-six people
conveniently at one time. The dining
room is used by the classes in serving
and for special occasions as dinners
and banquets.
Serving is one of the important fea-
lures OF the winter term; it's purpose
is to train the girls to serve properly
in their own homes. to make all food
look palatable and attractive. to pre-
pare food properly, to obtain the most
nutriment from the food for the money
expended, and to = the work systa-
matically and quickly, using no more
effort and energy than would be re-
quired to prepare any meal for the
average family.
Each junior serves a breakfast to
eight people with the maximum sum
OF 81. The same amount is allowed
for a luncheon or a tea. She is as
sisted in the serving by waitress,
who helps her prepare any Of the
menu If necessary, and also helps her
in getting the kitchen and dining
room in perfect order She is given
only a limited time to do this. Regu-
lar classes are also using the kitchen.
Breakfasts are served at 1900, teas
and dinners at $50. All meals are
served promptly. The girl who serves
the meal has the privilege of inviting
her own guests. In this way those
not directly connected with the school
are brought into contact with what the