Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 86, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 April 1914 — CONSERVATION OF ENERGY [ARTICLE]

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

Paper 1 lead by Mr*. A. Eib Before the Domestic Science Club in Rensae aer Saturday, April 4,1914 ....

At the pret ent time we hear a great amount of talk about the word ’‘Couser atiqp”. We hear of “Conservation of Forestery,” “Conservation of Labor” on the iarm, mechanical co: iservation, etc., which in other worts means preservative guarding, or keeping in an entire state, from doss, injury or waste, so we come now to discuss the conservation of energy, or in other words the gi arding and preserving of the screes which we must necessarily us,• in carrying on the business of home making and home keeping. As we review the work of our society it seems o have wisely emphasized two great lines of thought, one the wise and proper care for the methods of living in the home, such as looki ig after proper food values, cooking of the same, sanitation of the premises, health, recreation, etc. The other bearing in various ways on the subject before us today, o*f saving the strength and energy in the labor necessary to carry on the work. We can then only hope to review and emphasize some of the ideas we have already been discussing. For convenience I have formulated a crude outline, and as my thought has been directed along three or fewer lines we will mention as among our great needs, adequate equipment. By this we mean the necessary things to be used in our everyday work. Why isn’t it just as necessary for women to have proper tools to work with as for the farmer or mechanic? It is, and the only reasons, kitchens are not properly equipped is because the woman has not sustained the idea but is continually setting her needs aside and in some cases even condemning any outlay in that line. It is needless to say we should have a good stove or range, and proper kitchen furniture, with the many little devices that little in themselves, yet labor saving and help to establish standards of efficiency. As the spatula measuring cup, meat and bread board, etc., kitchen supplied sink, tables, racks, hooks or nails to hang utensils used so frequently, as kitchen shears, cooking spoons, egg beaters, holders of different kinds, when not in use. Then comes the larger conveniences, as vacuum cleaners, fireless cookers, ice boxes; th-se of course to be determined by cur needs and amount of income we are able to expend on these things. Common sense will enable us to put brains in the work, and allowing the muscles to carry on the work and not allow it to become a severe strain on the nerves. On this subject of equipment there is no ironclad rule that will apply to all conditions. There are no two homes exactly alike, each knows her need, each must decide fob herself the necessary duties 'devolving upon her, know her physical strength and must be governed accordingly, but no matter how humble the home we still claim the right for the devices, though they may be simple, which saves much strength. Right here we see the benefit in being a member of an economies club where these things are con-

tinually being discussed and an opportunity of access to literature from experiment stations where devices are continually being tested and approved. Family habits is another angle from which, this may be looked at In an ordinary sized family a woman may completely wear herself out by running after and doing for them those things which they can do for therfiselves and which would be much better for them in the way of establishing correct habits. I believe we do a lot of picking up belongings, running around hunting articles used by different members of the family and what is mere nerve racking than to hurriedly go to a hook where some article is wont to be and find it has been used by some member of the family and not returned to its place. The men folks on the farm especially may be taught to hang their every day apparel as they disrobe themselves from them to get ready for a trip to town or some other place in some convenient. quarter provided purposely, and a woman may not be required to bend her back picking them up. Then promptness for meals may be arranged for. A reasonable hour set for each meal and insist upon each member of the family arranging their affairs and be on time. It is said “order is heaven’s first law.” Then comes the housekeepers’ attitude, which we believe to be the fundamental thing in conserving energy. What is our mental attitude to the situation? We have taken the vows for better or worse. Are we willing now to give up at little difficulties and discouragements which will come. They are the common lot of all. We are told in the good book that in this world ye shall have tribulation, or will we arise in a full knowledge of the supreme importance and dignity of our work. That it is first and not quickly and slovenly done, merely to give us time to engage .in some frivolous amusement which our energy more than wisely directed work. If our mental attitude is right we will banish “blues,” which is disastrous to the nervous system, for depression of this sort interferes with heart action, circulation, and a collapse will follow unless the will power is brought into action. You know the good book tells us a “contented animal is a continual feast.” That means a great deal and isn’t necessary that we wear ourselves otit to accumulate great wealth to be contented and happy. Let us take courage. Look on the bright side. Be cheerful. I was impressed with a talk by the president of this club on cheerfulness which she gave some time past. Consider our health, our own convenience, our capacity. Adopt whatever plan seems best for managing ourself and our work. Odopt devices to help our business. We can’t do everything. Let’s put brains into it, acquire a poise that supplants hurry, not forgetting to be gracious and helpful to others. Let us not be too conservative to be hospitable; but as far as within us lies, strive to do well and to be well.