The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-05-24


some particular line, such as poultry
or dairy work, or food specialist. Of
these there are none better. They are
recognized for their splendid ability
by the best and most progressive peo-l
pie of the state Of the county agents |
| will say the state only employs the
best obtainable. If by chance an agent
receives one of the big salaries you
speak of, it is more largely due to
the progressiveness and appreciation
OF the county employing her, than
the federal side of the work. No,
these women are not trying to teach
the women who have a better way of
doing things. That's a mistaken idea,
indeed, we are glad TO learn good
lesson when ever possible in order
that it may be carried to others.
There is a world of work to be done
among those who are only too glad to
have US work with them.
AS agents we are also students
studying new methods, trying always
to enlighten and brighten as many
homes as possible, from the richest to
the poorest, whether it be in regard
{
ming or cooking demonstration, a
cooking lesson or, az is sometimes the
; case, help nurse the sick and soothe
the dying. The obligations of a home
demonstration agent are, or should
Ibe, a part of her existence. The girls
and women with whom she works are
to her like one big family. Their or
ganization makes them so to her.
Their troubles ina way are her trou-
bles; their joys are hers also; their
family secrets are to her a sacred
trust. She is no more nor less than a
co-worker in their midst.
The plan as laid out is good. It's
; foundation is based on cooperation.
1t is the lack of this cooperation that
usually tears our best work to pieces
Of course, we know that mistakes
will occur which are regrettable, but
we must consider the magnitude OF
the work, together with its principal
involved. lie before condemning q
home demonstration agent, you will
c search the records of her territory
I'm sure some greater charity would
be shown. / recognize in the press q
l course it persues, often moulding sen
n timent for or against in the minds OF
o those who depend largely on sucf
r source for their opinions. There are
those who dwell on and repeat what
r they read in the papers till it become!
Ia fixed in their minds as actual fact
= regardless of whether such be true o,
:, not. The tide of public opinion ebb,
IS and flows to a great extent with thu
l, press of our country. Therefore it il
s a great mistake to make such state
e ments as were published in two sucl
e prominent papers as the Ocala Sta
e and the Tampa Times. In so doing
It group of Woodworking, faithful WON
g en-, who represent the home demon
4, stration work force of the state o
: Florida, have been done a great in
l. justice. If an agent is superf1uous
d is probably due to over ambition an,
re lack of actual experience, yet her in
E tentions may be the best. If she i
IL incompetent that is easily disposed OF
n for at the head of our department is
d woman who is thoroughly competen
e and who will, as the Star says, thil
OuG IL UCCO11SS nCCGSSdTy.
The salary of the highest PAL
le home demonstration agent is but
g very small per cent on the amour
N saved in the homes of her county. TIL
n proof of my assertion is in the cor
y tinued service of the agent employed
regret very much that it seemed t
D. become my duty to take issue wit
r these two splendid papers, especial
~ since / have always recognized in tn
s. Star a loyal supporter of the hom
Ir demonstration work in Marion cour
'k ty. l feel that in each case had the
at looked or thought over the situation
e. such expressions in regard to tn
n home demonstration agents would M
it have ben made.
at Respectfully,
ne Caroline Moorhead,
to Home Demonstration Agent of Mario
to County.