Judith Gap journal. [volume] (Judith Gap, Mont.) 1908-19??, 1912-08-16
A PLEA FOR THE
FARMERS WIFE

Editor of the Journal: If you will
allow space in your paper would like
to say a few words in behalf of the
farmers wife. Now that the time Of
year has come when the farmers and
gardeners of Meagher county should
begin gathering their best samples Of
grains, grasses and vegetables for our
annual fair. We have line crops this
year and every one should take pride
in making the exhibit the finest ever
known in the county. At the very
mention of Sept. 18th. an incentive
springs up within us to do something
better than our neigllbOr which is all
right if not carried to extremes. In
looking over the splendid exhibits of
1911 l failed to find one single entry
made by a farmers wife. Though
dare say that most Of the garden stuff
was raised by the sweat Of some good
wife's brow, who tOiled early and
late in her little garden. In many in
stances it was she who purchased the
the seed and planted them. She who
spent weary hours meath blazing
sun, hoeing ard weeding-she who
eagerly watched the fruit Of her toll
come to msturity-shew who with care
ful patience gathered and prepared
her vegetables and flowers for ''hus-
band" to carry to town and entel as
his very own. She who, resignedly,
watched husband" face light up as
the judges placed the blue ribbon OH
the "splendid exhibit OF Mr."
Smith or Jones or BrOwn-She who
read-oh, 80 proudly (Y) the glowing
headlines in our much loved Jomrnal
OF the nnmberless premiums carried
off by "Mr." 50 and 50. She, who
while she toiled, saw sOme long
cherished dream realized with that
premium money and she who saw the
precious coins slip down into hus-
bands trouser pocket and stay there
as far as she was concerned. Now is
this fairY l say not. and being a far
mer's wife can ut least have my say
if not my way though see some far
mer brother rise up in indignation to
s---
NJ Now we know that to some extent
We women show less interest III our
fair than our more enthusiastic hus-
bands who really are not to blame af-
ter all.
Now sisters let's wake up. and by
our own interest and exertion be in
the front ranks. We want to say to
the worthy officers of the fair associa-
ton, give us u chance. offer pre-
miums to the wife for the told of her
hand, give her room where she can
place before the public not only the
fruit of the ground but her idea of
what farm could and should be even
in Montana and you'll be SURPRISED
at the results.
Back in the "Old home" our mer-
chants and business men, in order to
,courage interest OH the part OF far
mer's wives in regard to the annual
fair, offered extra premiums outside
of those offered by the association.
For instance, one merchant offered Il
choice head scarf or hand bag to the
farmers wife who took LIST premium
on butter. Our lumber dealers gave
a cottage door or plate glass window
for the largest and best collection of
fruits and jellies. Our agent gave
100 mile ticket over the road he rep
resented for the prettiest and best ar
ranged exhibit. Our cOnfectiOner
gave Il bO X "a lbs) of bOn-bOns for the
best written article boosting our
town. Now this may all seem like
fOOlishness to You, my strong minded
brother, but we women like bOn-bOns
now as when you came u cOurting."
Now sister, let's be up and doing.
Plan our exhibit now, then on Sept.
18th exhibit our plan and l believe
the fair of 1912 will be the best ever.
There will at this time be many
strangers within our gates" and the
advertising we get from good ex-
hibit is far reaching as we'll as valu-
able, SO let's "get busy"
rsc suiro