Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1917 — TO LIGHTEN WORK [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TO LIGHTEN WORK

LABOR-SAVING DEVICE THAT WILL BE APPRECIATED. Roller-Tray Wagon Combines Many Conveniences—May Be Made From Variety of Articles That Have Been Thought Useless. A number of labor-saving devices which will lessen the housewife’s work may be constructed quickly and easily. The following contrivance actually being made and used by women county agents in the field and by the women who are working as their demonstrators in connection with the extension work, south, states relations service, can be made on the farm during spare time: A step-saving device made by the members of the demonstration club mentioned is a roller-tray wagon. This convenience comprises a china closet, serving table and roller tray all in one. device was built by using a box five inches deep for the top and placing it on four wooden posts for legs. Dimensions: Top of table 31% inches long by 16% inches wide and 29 inches high, and a serving compartment 5 inches deep. The top of the table is put on hinges and straps or small chains fastened to it to keep the top from falling back too far when opened. The bottom of the serving compartment is five inches below this top. Around the sides of this compartment are little screw hooks on which cups may be hung. In the compartment, which may be lined with white oilcloth, is space for serving dishes for six. Below the serving compartment is. a drawer which is divided in the center onerhaifTObh used for the linen and one side for the silver. The side used for the silver is lined with blue outing flannel because this serves the same purpose and is cheaper than felt. A spool was cut into halves to make the knobs for the drawer and a pair of these knobs was placed on each side so that the drawer

could be used from either side. The legs were square pieces of wood 1% inches square with rollers. Old rub-ber-tired wheels from toy wagons or discarded baby coaches may be used. This is an improvement because the tray rolls noiselessly. In some cases the legs from old tables can be used In place of having these made. At each end two brackets were placed so that the table could be pushed or-pulled. When the soiled dishes were taken to the kitchen and. washed, they were placed in this serving compartment with one handling only, the lid placed the roller tray rolled into the dining room, with the dishes and silver ready, for setting the table nt the next meal. * is nomecessary to put them away because they are out of ,the dust when the top is down; The estimated cost of this convenience is:

Dry goods box ; ..$0.25 1 yard blue outing flannel 10 1 nmnant White oilcloth 15 2 hinges .10 4 rollers .15 1 can of mahogany stain ................ .30 Total $1.05 With a small doily and a vase of flowers tills roller tray answers the purpose of a serving table and makes a very attractive piece of furniture.

Combined China Closet, Serving Table and Roller Tray.