Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 February 1909 — Letter Writing and Neatness. [ARTICLE]

Letter Writing and Neatness.

In these days, when it is the thing either to use flat topped writing tables or to keep the lid of the desk down most of the time, it behooved the careful housekeeper to answer her letters promptly. Otherwise a littered desk is unavoidable. System in correspondence Is the only way this can be managed. As soon as a letter arrives open it carefully—a torn envelope Is far from sightly—and if it is of no particular Importance and does not require a reply, destroy it at once. Separate your business letters, invitations and correspondence into three piles and have r & pigeon hole for each. Keep them there until answered; then if you wish to save them file them under the name of the sender in one of the alphabeted boxes that come for the purpose. If this is not done it is senseless to keep letters, as they never can be found when wanted and make the drawers of a desk cluttery. Keep the file in a closet in the same room as the desk, or if there is none, stow it away in the lowest drawer, out of the road. Letters that require an answer the same day should be put under a weight In a conspicuous spot, where they will not slip from the memory. Safer yet is it to answer them at once, even when you think you have no time. You can usually manage it somehow. And it means much for the busy woman not to have her mind burdened with trifling duties. Writing paper and envelopes should have their special place. On a flat topped desk this should be in one of the racks that come for the purpose in leather, burnt wood or brass. They may be bought rather reasonably and are a big factor in a neat desk. In compartment desks have special places for the paper and others for the envelopes. On account of dust, but a small supply of each should be kept out at once if the compartments are uncovered. Stamps, pens and pencils should have their own hooks and be kept 111 them. Nothing is more untidy than an indiscriminate mess of writing utensils loose on a desk. One of the little boxes divided into three sections to hold stamps, elastics and pens are useful In preserving neatness. Dip half a lemon in salt and rub on knife handles, then wash immediately in warm water, and the handles will be as white as when they were hew. A crust of bread helps to clean oat a stinky bread pan.