Clara Humason Waldo

“ The Patrons of Husbandry is an ideal order for the country people, including as it does the whole family from the 14-year-old child to the great grand parents. When it was organized, about forty years ago, Miss Carrie Hall, of Boston, Mass., earnestly urged the seven founders of the new order to admit women on an equality with men, and it was done. That was a bold and progressive step for that day, and the women of the Grange have ever held Miss Hall in grateful memory for her courage. ”

“ Much of culture and society polish is denied her by reason of her secluded life. But there is a compensation in the universe which gives us on one side what we have missed on another. So the woman of the farm, while lacking much in "style" and society small talk, has a comprehensive and practical knowledge of many things. She is an independent and all-around serviceable person. Indoors or out she can "lend a hand" where there is need. If her husband falls ill or dies, she can manage the business of the farm and bring up the children. ”

“ Leadership among women asserts itself in the country as in towns, and the church and Sunday school work goes on much the same. All social gatherings are difficult to keep up because of the scattered homes. For this reason a woman's club does not flourish in the country, nor do literary societies and reading circles. Not many women have a driving horse at their disposal, to go at will, without interfering with the farm work. But wherever a Grange is established no lack is felt in social or educational matters. ”

“ They wish especially to see their children educated towards the farm and not away from it. The women of the Grange cultivate the true spirit of hospitality. All who come enter into and share their family life. Neighborly kindness to the sick and sorrowing is abundantly expressed in farm communities. While not a trained nurse, the modern woman on the farm informs herself as to the approved methods of caring for the sick and relieving accidental hurts. In the Grange women learn to co-operate in many ways, and the lesson is broadening and beautifying their lives and homes. ”

“ Husband and wife on the farm are very close partners in all that concerns their welfare. It is the ideal family life of loving co-operation. To all the members of these ideal rural and suburban homes, the sweet home interests come first. Everything circles around home and mother. ”

“ One Oregon girl bachelor, being weary with working for others at housework and sewing, now lives alone, on a few acres of land, and depends upon the revenue from two cows, one sow, and a hundred hens. Two women in the Willamette Valley do all their work on a large farm, except the plowing. ”

“ They see that cemeteries, school, and church grounds are kept in neat order, and that trees, vines, and shrubs are set out wherever they can be protected and watered. They inspect the sanitary conditions and the water supply of their district schoolhouses. ”