Evening star., 1939-09-24
Mrs. Wha1en Firm Believer
In Practical Programs
Garden Project "Put Across" by
Montgomery Federation Head
BY GRETCHEN SMITH.

~ ~AS6 = VI
A tiny, dark-eyed woman, whose
dynamic personality has been the
push" behind many Of the most
worthy efforts of her county, has
demonstrated effectively the prac-
tical power Of clubwomen and what
can be done to help others help
themselves.
Mrs. B. Peyton Whalen Of Be-
thesda, Nd, who Is serving her
fourth term as president of the
Montgomery County Federation of
Women's Clubs and is active In
many organizations and welfare
groups, is . arm believer in actions
speak louder than words"
Four years ago. as vice chairman
Of the Montgomery County Welfare
Board, Mrs. Whalen suggested .
plan through which she believed
many on relief might be aided. The
board decided to sponsor her idea
for q back to the soil" contest In
which needy farmers Of Montgomery
County were encouraged. by dona-
tions of seed and implements, to
cultivate the small farms upon
which they were living.
Many Of our people on relief
live on FARMS" she explained, land
many had become 30 discouraged
through poverty or ill-health they
made no attempt to cultivate their
land. I believed 1t would be prac-
tical to furnish our needy farmers
with seeds and other aids in pro-
ducing their own food. Some Of
my co-workers said 1t was useless;
that the people would not work and
did not want to work, and my idea
was generally discouraged.
II suggested we offer prizes to
those having the best gardens and
it was finally decided to give the
plan . tryout. Although there was
not much enthusiasm the first year,
several entered the contest. Seeds,
as well as fertilizer and implements,
were furnished those who could not
afford to buy"
Asked If she thought there was
much economy In raising vegetables
on q small scale. Mrs. Whalen re-
piled: Figures show that on a 20
cent package Of beet seeds approx
mately $50 worth of beets can be
raised. OF course, If a person has to
hire labor and pay rent for farm
lands, the profit is much less. The
people I encouraged, however, were
unemployed, and 1t gave them
healthy work. They lived on farms,
anyway, 50 the land cost nothing"
Enthusiasm Lays,
Then Grows.
Many Of those who responded to
the garden contest idea were not
particularly enthusiastic at first, Mrs.
Whalen said" but the second year
more interest was shown. Although
all did not win prizes. many were
encouraged by honorable mention.
One man. In particular, was 50 indif-
ferent the first year that he let his
wife and children do all the garden
ing. The second year, however, he
took considerable interest himself.
with the result that his garden was
among the prize winners"
Chinaware, household articles and
household linen have been among
prizes awarded to winners, said Mrs.
Whalen. About 60 persons competed
for prizes this year, she added.
Mrs. Whalen's garden program not
only has resulted in production of
good food at saving but has taught
families to enjoy . more varied and
better balanced diet. In the few
years since the Inauguration Of her
garden campaign, Mrs. Whalen says,
there has been . notable improve
ment In the health of children in
families raising their own vegetables.
Many have learned to eat vege-
tables which they had never known
before" she added.
Judges are chosen from among
county agents who inspect the gar
dens in June and rate each vegetable
or plant grown. the reward going to
the gardener with the greatest num-
ber Of marks to his credit.
Mrs. Whalen believes that practi-
cal ideas in teaching the needy of 4