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This work began primarily as a family history but a family lives in community with other families. All families are affected one way or another by the events, affairs and organizations that are part of a community. There are many kinds of organizations. This section is about the Homemakers and 4-H clubs. They were prominent agents of change and improvement of life in the Montpelier community. According to the varied fortunes and experiences of the 1930's, our family had associations with the two Homemakers and two 4-H clubs in Montpelier township. There was a later association with the Homemakers Club in Mann's township. Aunt Elcy Boldt was a member of the Homemakers Club in Klose township. The Beaver township Homemakers club and Kenny family has already been discussed in Chapter II.
For sometime before the month of April the Montpelier community began to hear talk about the organization of a Homemakers Club. There must have been various kinds of discussion in families of the rural Montpelier community. The topic garnered more discussion at school, for young ears learned to listen at home. The young minds had little conception of the nature of such a club. The words and concepts were not within the range of their experience. What was repeated and expressed on the schoolground reflected ideas and attitudes heard in some of the homes. There were those who called it a homebreakers club and some used other words. There were some who were worried about this club because it was something new. Some younger members of the community had a very imprecise notion of what homemakers were even though we lived with them everyday. What ever ideas the children had at the time, the Homemakers Club became a powerful organization for the good of our community.
The Homemakers club in the Montpelier community received its initiation and impetus from Mrs. James A. Clancy. She was assisted greatly by the County Home Demonstration Agent Miss Magdalene Heiberg. Miss Heiberg has already appeared in this story in association with organization of the Beaver Club in 1928. (This was presented in Chapter II.)
We must thank the correspondent for the Stutsman County Record for much information regarding activities of both the 4-H and Homemakers clubs in our community. This newspaper printed many fine accounts as well as the community columns that reveal the extent of club activities throughout Stutsman County.
"JOLLY HOMEMAKERS CLUB ORGANIZED IN MONTPELIER"
"Mrs. C. Vanderpol was elected president of a group of ten women who met with Magdalene Heiberg, assistant county extension agent, at the J.A. Clancy home, April 23, to organize the Jolly Homemakers' club for Montpelier township.
Miss Heiberg acting as chairman of the meeting explained the organization of homemakers project work and assisted the group in planning the program for the year. The "Vegetable Garden and How to Plan It" was selected for May 7 when the club will be entertained by Mrs. F.F. Ratts. Other demonstrations chosen are the house fly as a carrier of disease, salads all for the year, club refreshments and party suggestions, and shortcuts in cooking. At each meeting one of these lessons will be given by the club members who receive program suggestions from the Agricultural college (extension) in Fargo.
"Other officers who will direct the activities of the Jolly Homemakers club are: Mrs. C. Vanderpol, president; Mrs. Elva Davis, vice-president; Mrs. Phillip Skattum, secretary; Mrs. F. W. Cofell, treasurer; and Mrs. Christian Heer, chairman of reports.
"Other members of the club are: Mrs. J.A. Clancy, Mrs. F.F. Ratts, Mrs. Gerald Beckerleg, Mrs. J.L. Brehm and Mrs. John J. Clancy." (SCR., Vol. 26, No. 36, Thurs. April 24, 1930.)
The persons named in the above item were the charter members of the first Homemakers club in Montpelier township. There were others that joined later. It seems to me that almost immediately that change began to take place in the community. Mother was especially pleased the club was organized and she was always a very active member.
The 4-H club might have been organized somewhat earlier but my recollection is that the Homemakers and 4-H clubs were organized at about the same time. Mrs. James Clancy was the moving force in organizing and was first leader of the girls 4-H club. One had to be ten years old to belong and sister Lois was allowed to be a member before she was 10 years. I believe she was a charter member of the club.
The first news item found concerning the 4-H club was about a picnic. It helps date the beginning of the club. "The 4-H club west of town had a picnic in Cone's woods Friday, a large number being present. The local club gave three demonstrations. The two girls from Homer who won a prize at the fair, a free trip to Fargo, gave a demonstration and Juanita Lee gave a talk on her trip to Washington." (SCR, Vol. 26, No. 48, July 17, 1930.)
"The Happy Helpers 4-H club met Saturday with Miss Lois Cofell." (SCR, Vol. 31, No. 19, December 20, 1934.)
Mrs. James A. Clancy was the leader of the girls 4-H club the same person who sparked the organization of the Homemakers club. In 1933, the 4-H Club had twelve members. It was very successful. Every girl that belonged learned a great deal as the result of her membership. The 4-H club had a community purpose as well as personal development and there were often parties that followed the 4-H meetings. Other members of families were often involved in activity of learning, entertainment or amusement.
The achievement of young people from the small community of Montpelier was something they could be proud of during those years. Evelyn Askerman was president of the Stutsman County 4-H council in 1937. At the end of her term she was crowned 4-H Queen by Miss Heiberg at a banquet ceremony in Jamestown. An article in the newspaper recounts her achievement. (SCR, Vol. 34, No.9, Oct.7, 1937.)
Lois became a member of the Montpelier village Merry Mixers 4-H club in 1936. During the harvest of 1938 she worked for the Shafer family at Amenia, North Dakota. Mrs. Shafer was the former Lillian Manns. Very soon after her return from Amenia the following items appear.
"The 4-H girls met with Leola Trowbridge, Saturday. New officers are: Leola Trowbridge, president; Myrle Winkler, vice-president; Lois Cofell, secretary-treasurer. A special meeting will be held at the Askerman home, Sept. 23, after school, to make plans for Achievement Day. The retiring president, Evelyn Askerman, will enroll at the NDAC, Fargo." (SCR., Vol. 35, No.6, Sept. 15, 1938. p.4.)
The Homemakers Club and the 4-H club for girls were a success in energizing the people of our neighborhood. It filled a much needed place in the lives of our mother and sisters. Dad thought that it would was a good idea to organize a 4-H club for boys. He made the rounds of the neighborhood attempting to find enough support to start a boy's 4-H club. He was quickly discouraged for only one other family was willing to have a son in such an organization. There were several reasons given for not permitting sons to join the 4-H. One that was that "boys didn't need a club they could learn all they needed to know about farming from their father". Another was that meetings would have to be held on Saturday and the "boys were needed for work at home" on that day. There were some who took offense because it implied that "fathers were not doing enough for their boys or they were not good enough farmers". These responses reflected a very narrow view of what the club would have done for boys. The refusal to help organize a club reflected some of the attitudes that governed our existence in some rural areas. New ideas were a great threat and needed to be avoided. So there was no 4-H club for the boys. On reflecting back, it is without any doubt that a club for the boys would have been a very good thing. It would probably have brought about some improvement in farming methods.
There was improvement in the homes and particularly for the girls and for all of us. The 4-H club contributed to the community success of the Homemakers clubs. The 4-H club made an improvement in personal grooming and dress and arrangement of the home and also in food preparation. In some instances very small changes such as putting up a hook or shelf made a great difference in the home. The clubs provided the much needed opportunity for women and girls to get together and exchange ideas. Both organizations were based on the instructional principle of demonstration which led to their long term educational success. Homemaker and 4-H clubs are still present in our rural areas in both country and village. Lois informed me in July 2001 that she is still a member of a Homemakers club in her community. There was a good deal of visiting at club meetings but- the club demonstrations and lessons provided the stimulus for serious discussion and opportunity to support and cooperate with others. I remember especially the excitement, interest and dedication of Lois to the 4-H club and mother's interest in Homemakers.
The 4-H club provided instructional and social benefits to the girls in our community and enriched their lives in ways that instruction coming only from mothers could not have done. The exchange of ideas with those beyond the family is a good thing. The social dimension of club activities was a stimulus that helped each girl to do her best and she gained poise as she studied a project and planned how to make a demonstration so other members could also learn. One had to learn in order to teach others and every girl had a chance to do this. Lois was a member all the 1930 years. She has retained an interest and appreciation of 4-H club work all of her life.
Lois continued to be a member and participate in 4-H club work all the years the family was in hardship. She was honored by being chosen to represent the State of North Dakota as top 4-H food preparation and record keeping member in 1940. She earned a trip to the National 4-H club Congress held in Chicago that year.
"MONTPELIER 4-H CLUB MEMBER WINS TRIP TO NATIONAL CLUB CONGRESS"
"Lois Cofell, Montpelier, will be one of the official North Dakota delegates to the National 4-H Club congress in Chicago November 30 to December 7, according to an announcement from the state 4-H club offices at the NDAC Extension Service. Six state award winners, 13 special county delegates and four members of the state livestock judging team will attend.
The state delegates are as follows: Miss Cofell, food preparation award by Servel Inc.; Leslie Wicks, Valley City, meat animal award by Thos. F. Wilson; Ernest Holkestad, Fort Ransom, rural electrification award by Westinghouse;--- Frank Scouten, Eckelson, crops award by Northwest Crop Improvement association; Phyllis VoId, Berthold, girls' record award by Montgomery Ward; Marilyn Johnson, Wilton, canning award by Kerr Glass Company.
Thirteen special county awards for club congress delegates went to the following: Myron Pope and Herman McKetrick, Bowman; Cordelia Steyer, Buffalo Springs; Feme Enloe, Rhame; Earl Hagen, Reeder; Maurice Gupman and Louis Hamre, Lemmon, S.Dak.; Helen Omodt, Bucyrus; June Hegge and Stanley Nelson, Regent; Russell Montgomery, Ellendale; Lorna Smith, Linton; and Earl Spooner, Havana. These awards are possible as a result of an unrestricted cash contribution to the 4-H program by the Milwaukee railroad. All other North Dakota railroads made similar unrestricted cash contributions to 4-H activities which were used in support of the State Achievement Institute Nov. 5 to 8",. H. E. Rilling, state club leader explained.
Members of the state livestock judging team from Pembina County, with County Agent Craig Montgomery, team coach, are also attending the club congress.
The North Dakota delegation will leave for Chicago about Nov. 30.
Marion Kirmis, Lisbon for achievement in home beautification won a gold watch donated by Mrs. Charles Walgreen of Chicago." (SCR., Vol. 37, No.16, November 21, 1940)
Lois sent me a news clipping announcing her work in 4-H. It reads as follows:
"North Dakota's delegation to the 19th National 4-H Club Congress, held in Chicago early this month, included Lois Cofell, 19, of Montpelier, Stutsman county, who was chosen for outstanding work in food preparation. * * * During her ten years of club work, Assistant State Club Leader Margaret Latimer announces she prepared 1,413 dishes and 740 meals, canned 192 quarts and earned roundly $120 from her projects. A member of a large family, Lois applied 4-H at home to help her mother. * * * As state winner she was awarded an all expense trip to Chicago given by Servel, Inc., which also provided six $200 scholarships for national winners. This is the sixth year of the contests, which is conducted in cooperation with the extension service." (No citation but from some local paper in the area.)
The worksheet of General Activities of 4-H Extension includes the following statement: "Lois Cofell, Montpelier was one of the official North Dakota delegates to the National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago, November 30- December 7."
Lois wrote the following account of her experience:
MY TRIP TO 4H CLUB CONGRESS & WHAT IT MEANT TO ME
By Lois Cofell
Montpelier, North Dakota
"For ten years I have been a 4H club member and it has always meant much to me, but now that I have attended the largest annual gathering of 4H club boys and girls from all parts of our great nation it means-more than it ever did before. The feeling of friendship and cooperation between the young people of the North and South, East and the West, as well as between people of all nationalities and religious creeds makes one feel more secure in our great fight for continuation of democracy in America.
The chance to broaden our understanding and knowledge of girls and boys from other parts of our country was an inspiration and experience never to be forgotten. To discuss the problems of the nation and various parts of our nation with the Southerner, the Easterners and Westerners was an education in itself.
This trip was also a new experience in travel. It was my first long train trip, my first night in a pullman, my first meal in a diner. It was also the first time I had ever stayed in a hotel. The North Dakota delegation were at home in the Harrison Hotel.
During our stay in Chicago we went on several tours of the city as guests of business and civic organizations. Some places of interests were: The Fountain of time, a stone carving depicting the progress of civilization from birth to death, was a true picture of our life as we live it; The University of Chicago Chapel, a very beautiful building and one that holds a very important place in the life of the University Students. We visited the Negro, Chinese and Jewish sections of Chicago. The Negro section was once the home of the Aristocracy of Chicago. Of special interest too, were the Jewish sections where the streets were lined with carts and wagons. Here you could buy nearly anything for any price you wished to pay. We visited this on Sunday. The Jewish Holy Day is Saturday.
The time spent at the International Livestock Exposition was well spent. Here we saw the champion livestock and livestock breeders of the country. Here we also visited the 4H club building and saw Home Economic exhibits by 4H club girls, also the pick of the nation.
Other places of interest in the city of Chicago which we visited were: the Field Museum of Natural History; the Shedd Aquarium, Home of the fish and also many ocean and sea plants; The Art Institute, home of famous paintings, and other famous works of art; The Hall of Science and Industry, here we saw the progress of man and science in the fields of medicine, electricity, and farm machinery. On our tour through the International Harvestor Co., we saw how various parts of machines were molded and oiled and also how twine is made.
The 4H club drama presented at the annual banquet on Wednesday evening was a true picture of the progress and purpose of 4H clubs of America. The spirit of its members was very well depicted by a girl who chose to stay home and prepare for a 4H club meeting rather than attend a very important movie with a friend.
We were entertained at breakfast, luncheon and dinner many times by various civic and business organizations of Chicago. All of these and the souvenirs and programs presented to us did much to make our stay a very pleasant one.
I honestly wish it were possible for every 4H club boy and girl in America to attend this annual club congress but since that is an impossibility, I hope to be able to bring back to you an inspiration and a desire to make our 4H clubs the best there are, still better. I, as a food preparation winner from Stutsman County and North Dakota, was sponsored on my trip by the Servel Company Inc. They also entertained us at tea on Sunday afternoon. Here was the best chance to become acquainted with girls from nearly every state in the Union. The Food Preparation girls were also entertained at a banquet on Tuesday evening by the Servel Co. Tom Harmon the great football player from Michigan was one of our honored guests.
It is impossible to give you a detailed account of each day, if I did this report never would get in, it would take so long, but I hope I have covered the most interesting points and hope this will be an inspiration and bring a desire on your part to work hard and to be a 4H delegate from Stutsman County next year. Let us all work to Make the Best, Better.
On Friday morning, the North Dakota delegation went to visit the Breakfast club and then we visited Marshal Fields Store.
Friday night we were Homeward bound.
"I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living
For my club, my community and My Country."
******************
I believe the forgoing report written by Lois speaks for itself. It also reveals the impact of 4H work on one person who worked enthusiastically and with persistence under conditions that might have discouraged many other people.
Lois participated in some way in 4-H club work all of her life as participant, mother and leader. In 1995, Lois received an award in Barnes County, North Dakota for participation and leadership in 4-H Club activity.
It should be mentioned that the man she was to marry was also a participant in 4-H club work and he also won a trip to the 4-H Congress for outstanding work in corn production. It was where they met and became acquainted. Lois spoke about Frank when she came home from the convention and married him in 1943. Frank was also a supporter of her work in 4-H adult leadership. These experiences in 1940 was a very enriching factor in their life together. The 4-H experience has had great influence on many of those who grew up in rural communities. This also applies to the affect of Homemakers Clubs on children who grew up in those times.
"The Merifu Homemaker Club met with Mrs. Rairdon Wednesday afternoon. The subject was 'Floor Coverings' demonstrated by Mrs. F. Cofell and Mrs. Victor Naze." (SCR., Vol. 27, No. 31, Thurs. March 19, 1931.)
It was sometime within that first year that the club decided to change its name from Jolly Homemakers club to Merifu. The topic was pretty important as many homes had only pine wooden floors. They were hard to keep clean and were a source of slivers.
The above item also arouses some memory of a series of events that seem further apart than they actually were. After the country women formed their club some women in town decided to organize a Homemakers club. There was talk that the town people felt they were better than the country people and instead of joining a club already organized they wanted their own club. The town-country conflict was expressed with enough intensity that it was apparent to this person as a child. Two women mentioned in the item above lived in town apparently recognized this and joined the Merifu Homemakers club. Mrs. Victor Naze was the wife of the drayman-trucker in Montpelier and Mrs. Rairdon was the wife of the school superintendent-principal. Mrs. Naze also had relatives who lived on farms and was very much aware of the feelings that might be generated by organizing of the club in town. The action of these two women served to reduce the negative feelings. The two clubs each serving a smaller number of members was a pretty good arrangement. In addition, the women living in town actually did not have the ease of transportation that country women had at that time. The item also suggest that both country women and those living in country villages had some strong similar needs. Items that follow will show the two clubs working together to provide education and entertainment for the community.
Town club item: "The Montpelier Homemakers Club packed a box of clothing which was given to Mrs. Smithberger for welfare work." (SCR" Vol. 27, No. 31, Thurs. March 19, 1931.)
Mrs. Smithberger if it is correctly remembered was a social worker and was engaged in providing help to poor families in the county. This was at the time that the effects of the depression were beginning to be felt with some intensity. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, churches as well as Stutsman County and some businesses were all engaged in trying to relieve the distress of the poor.
The following items all give us some idea of the range of activities for personal, family and community development.
HOME ACCOUNTS:
":MERIFU HOMEMAKERS STUDY HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS"
"The regular meeting of the Marifu Homemakers' club, Montpelier, was held at the F.F. Ratts home with Mrs. A.B. Maine as assisting hostess yesterday.
"Mrs. F. Cofell, president, gave the lesson on household budgets and accounts in which she urged each one to give attention to the business of the home thru account keeping and budget making. "Because it is the most important business in the world the parents and children should share the responsibility of making the home just as business like as any factory or store," said the leader. As a basis for her discussion. Mrs. Cofell explained a household account book which is highly recommended for household use.
"A playlet, "Keeping Track of Mr. Dollar," was presented by Mrs. Cofell, Mrs. J.L. Brehm, and Mrs. Phillip Skattum. Songs especially arranged for this lesson were sung by the group.
"Magdalene Heiberg, home demonstration agent, assisted at the meeting and worked out the group special plans for a community get-together to be sponsored by the club February 22, and which everyone is cordially invited to attend. Games and refreshments concluded a very interesting meeting." (SCR., Vol. 28, No. 25, Thurs. Feb. 4, 1932.)
BABY SHOWER INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL COOPERATION:
"Monday afternoon the lady members of the Farmers Union, Merifu Homemakers club and the Presbyterian Ladies Aid gave a miscellaneous shower for Mrs. C. Vanderpool at her home." (SCR., Vol. 28, No. 30, Thurs. March 10, 1932.) Some families were members of all three groups.
FAMILY RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT:
"The Homemakers club will entertain their husbands and families and the families of the Merifu Homemakers Friday evening in the Woodmen hall." (SCR., Vol. 28, No. 30, Thur. Mar. 10, 1932.) The preceding item was an announcement of an entertainment which had participation by both Homemakers Clubs and presented to the whole community. That event was fully reported the following week in the Stutsman County Record.
"MONTPELIER GROUPS HAVE JOLLY SESSION AT STUNTS AND GAMES"
"If there is any truth to the expression ‘laugh and grow fat' the folks who took part in the program Friday night at the hall in Montpelier must have added quite a few pounds to their weights, for the entertainment furnished one grand laugh after another. Farmers, business men and teachers, little folks and big folks had a real mixer. A few tiny tots slept on the stage, unaware of the hilarity.
"The Montpelier Homemakers' club entertained the Merifu club folks, members of both societies coming with husbands and families, so that the meeting was very much a family party.
"The program opened with community singing led by Miss Heiberg, Jamestown, county home demonstration agent, who was not satisfied with one or two songs, but insisted that men, women and children take part and it wasn't long until the homemakers were nearly drowned out by the men folks, who once they let go their voices found that singing was a lot of fun, especially when the leader chose some snappy little ditties.
"A playlet, "Dr. Quack Treats a Patient," was given by Miss Heiberg, Mrs. A. Anderson and Mrs. M. Cone. A novelty song number was "Ham and Eggs," in which the participants were Mesdames Cone, A.C. Gehlhar, Anderson, Iver Ytreeide, P. Askerman and E. Gullickson.
Kitchen Orchestra Struts Its Stuff
"Advertised as "second only to the Hill Billies of WDAY and out to beat them," was the homemakers' kitchen orchestra. Every known utensil used in a kitchen had a part in the band, either as an instrument or a decoration for the player. Number after number was necessary to please the audience. Members of the orchestra were: Mrs. I. Swartz, first violin; Mrs. E. Olmstead, second violin; Mrs. P. Askerman, bass; Mrs. H. Cooper, zither; Mrs. H. Tingdahl, baritone; Mrs. M. Cone;, tuba; Mrs. A. Anderson, first harmonica; Mrs. H. Gullickson, second harmonica; Mrs. D. Debra, clarinet; Mrs. A. Gehlhar, slide trombone; Mrs. H. Lanser, saxophone; Mrs. W Trowbridge, accordion; Mrs. I. Ytreeide, bass drum; and Mrs. E. Gullickson, traps.
"Then began a series of games that fairly rocked the building. Under the leadership of Miss Heiberg, with her Victrola as accompanist, young and old took part. At the sound of the leader's whistle the contest began, some so side splitting that it was impossible to continue them. One of these features was the "who Nose the Most" game. The crowd was divided into four groups and each of the leaders had placed on his nose the cover of a small matchbox. The game required them to pass the cover down the line, from nose to nose, with no assistance from the hands. Should the box drop on the floor the contestant was required to squirm around until he recaptured the thing with his nose. Iver Ytreeide proved an expert at landing the cover, while F.A. Ward, M.M. Cone, Prof F.L. Rairdon and others weren't so fortunate.
"The hot lunch was a bountiful one, and each received a bountiful helping of baked beans, sandwiches, pickles, doughnuts, coffee and cake." (SCR., Vol. 28, No. 31, Thurs. March, 17, 1932.)
The above party was a memorable event for many people. It greatly decreased negative feelings between town and country. The party is a very good example of the need of entertainment in many rural communities. I believe this particular party brought a sense of cohesion between the people of country and the village.
There was for a while tours organized by Homemakers and 4-H Clubs. Several clubs would organize a tour visiting homes and gardens with special features or special projects.
Mother was the representative of the Merifu Homemakers club at a meeting called to arrange tours and institute dates for the clubs. The meeting was held at the City Hall in Jamestown. (SCR, Vol. 28, No. 37, April 28, 1932.)
In 1932 there was agitation to get rid of the extension service in Stutsman County. The were those that were complaining about the 26 cent tax per quarter section of land. There were others that felt that extension service was at best unnecessary. There may have been some antagonism to the county agent. A group of farmers in Stutsman County made a statement published just before the election.
"COUNTY AGENT IS ECONOMY, SAYS FARM COUNCIL"
"Members of the Stutsman County Farm Council, composed of prominent farmers from various parts of the county are making an active campaign to retain the office of county agent, which will be voted upon November 8. Resolutions passed at a recent meeting of the council follow:
The Resolutions
"We the members of the Stutsman County Farm Council, viewing with alarm the backward effect upon Stutsman county agriculture which discontinuing county agent work would inevitably result in, wish to make an appeal to every voter to retain the county extension offices.
The service rendered by the county agent's office are directed towards the improvement of farm and home conditions, Homemakers' and Boys' and Girls' 4-H club work have affected the home life of large numbers of farm people.
We believe the direction of seed loan activities, the fight to secure extension of loans, and the Crop improvement which has brought over $100,000 increased income to Stutsman county farmers are services which voters should weigh carefully against the slight cost of 26 cents per quarter section paid by local owners to support the work.
Above all maintenance of an organization ready to take charge of any emergency such as a severe grasshopper epidemic which may threaten next year's crop is of far greater importance to Stutsman county residents than the small cost of the work. We urge the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce to unite with us in our efforts to retain the county agent's office, inasmuch as the welfare of the businessman is directly dependent upon the farmer's prosperity and a portion of the expense of conducting the office is borne by the city tax payers.
Stutsman County Farm Council."
The above was signed by 31 farmers from almost all areas of Stutsman county. (Stutsman County Record, Thursday November 3, 1932.)
Stutsman County voters by a very slight margin decided to retain the office of county agent. The Stutsman County Record reported: "This measure carried by a very small margin of eight votes. 4413 for and 4405 against according to complete unofficial returns. Of the 19 counties in the state which voted on this question 11 voted to retain this work and eight ousted their agents. Those counties continuing their county agents are Burleigh, Burke, Bowman, Golden Valley, Kidder, McKenzie, Mountraill, Slope, Stutsman. Against the work were Adams, Hettinger, LaMoure, McLean, Pembina, Pierce, Richland and Grant." (SCR., Vol. 39, No. 14, November 17, 1932.)
If the vote in Stutsman county had gone the other way it seems likely that the development of Homemakers and 4-H work would have been severely handicapped. It would have certainly meant the loss of Miss Heiberg. Much of the credit for progress and improvement in homes and lives was due to her vitality and enthusiasm which was so essential to what developed in Stutsman county during those years.
A significant entertainment event was the Homemakers Club Community Party held in March 1933. It was a joint affair with the 4-H club. They put on a one act play that required sixteen players. This is also signifies some of the spirit that was present during the depth of the depression era. The previous month was the period of lowest farm prices during the depression.
MERIFU HOMEMAKERS' HAVE BIG COMMUNITY PARTY
"About 125 people were entertained by the Merifu Homemakers' club at their annual community party given at School No.2, west of Montpelier, recently. The program featured the play, "Sauce for the Goslings," staged by homemaker folks. Those taking part were: Mrs. Phillip Skattum, Mrs. F. Coffel, Mrs. J.A. Clancy, Jeanette Ratts, Agnes Skattum, Mrs. E. Davis, and Mrs. C. Vanderpol. "The Happy Helpers 4-H girls' club produced sidesplitting laughter with their one-act comedy, "Crazy to Reduce." Those who took part were: Minnie Vanderpol, Mildred Clancy, Ellis Clancy, Mildred Holand, Eunice Clancy, Arnold Johnson, Ole Holand, Agnes Skattum, Jeanette Ratts, Rose Heer, Billy Vanderpol, Viola Johnson, Agnes Holand, Louise Ratts, Iona Clancy and Lois Coffel. "A health song was dramatized by the primary pupils and recitations were given by Delores and Delain Beckerleg. Eugene Coffel recited "Dad's Old Pants."
"Magdalene Heiberg, home demonstrations agent, added merriment to the entertainment with her marionette doll reading and dance and in directing a varied program of singing, games and stunts, after the plays, Miss Marion Wright of Jamestown and Mrs. J .A. Clancy assisted Miss Heiberg in carrying out the recreation program;. Mildred and Ellis Clancy furnished organ and harmonica music for singing and games with music.
"Refreshments were served by the club." (SCR., Vol. 29, No. 33, March 30, 1933.)
Mother made a number of presentations regarding care of the ill and relating to matters of health to the Homemakers club and also at Parent Teacher meetings. An example follows:
"Merifu Homemakers club met at the J. A. Clancy home Aug. 9, Mrs. F. W. Cofell gave a lesson on cooking for the sick. Miss M. Heiberg gave some very interesting helps and led in singing and games. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. F.F. Ratts; vice president, Mrs. E. B. Davis; secretary, Mrs. F. W. Cofell; treasurer, Mrs. G. Beckerleg; project leaders, Mrs. P. Skattum and Mrs. J.A. Clancy. Lunch was served. "(SCR, Vol. 31, No.2, Thurs. Aug. 23, 1934.)
"The Merifu Homemakers will meet November 14, at the F.W. Cofell home." (SCR, Vol. 31, No. 14, Nov. 15, 1934.)
"The Klose Homemakers club had a card party at the Arnold Boldt home Saturday evening. Whist was played at five tables. Mrs. H. Ries and Paul Klose won high prizes and Mrs. B. Baenan and John Kemmel were consoled. Lunch was served." (SCR., Vol. 31, No. 16, Nov. 29, 1934.)
"Mrs. Fred Bowder and Mrs. Henry Ries entertained the Klose Homemakers club at a card party held in the Johnson school, Friday evening. Whist was played at 7 tables. High score prizes were won by Mrs. Felix Otterstrom and Arnold Boldt and low by Miss Julia Hollihan and Harold Lee." (SCR, Vol. 31, No. 23, January 17, 1935)
"The Merifu Homemakers club met at the Skattum home Feb. 13. A lesson of Communicable diseases were given by Mrs. F.W. Cofell, and lunch served. The next meeting will be at the Maine home." (SCR., Vol. 31, No. 28, Feb. 21, 1935.)
One of the activities of both the Homemaker's club and the 4-H Club was to be involved in exhibits at the County Fair. There were many different things to be taken to Jamestown and "entered" in the fair. It depended on the projects and activity of the year. During that period it seemed the most important project was that the club have a booth at the fair. Several people would spend days planning and then arrange a booth that entailed constructing an exhibit around some theme. Anyone who has attended a county or state fair has seen these exhibits some which were and still are prizes of ingenuity and creativity. The themes for the booth were built around themes such as food preparation, recreation, handicraft, quilting and many other activity. The booths were very important for development of group planning and execution. It gave an added dimension to the development of an idea and revealed the creative spirit of our people. The topics ranged as widely as the imagination of the planners.
We, as children, usually had the chance to visit the fair at least one day and sometimes if we were lucky for two. The clubs liked to have someone present to guard the material in the booths and as well to answer any questions.
There were also ribbons distributed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. There was also usually a nominal money prize that was given for dress, cake, loaf of bread, calf, or canned vegetable and for vegetables directly from the garden. Both the ribbon and the money were eagerly prized by the exhibitor.
The preceding items demonstrate the activities of the Homemaker's club. They cover all kinds of activities educational, entertainment and good family socialization within the community. Previous to that time there was little opportunity, for the women especially, to get together on a regular basis. In general, men were given a list and did the shopping in town on Saturday afternoon or evening. A few women would accompany their husbands but there were not many places for them to gather and certainly not on any formal basis. The educational activities carried on through the homemaker's clubs made a difference and improved the manner of living in many households. There was improvement of diets with more variety, making new and creative use of resources available to improve homes, improvement of gardening techniques, the latter almost always the first topic of discussion in the Merifu Homemakers club. It provided socialization opportunity as well as healthy entertainment not only for the women but for the whole family. As I recall it was a lot of fun for all.
All the preceding items have been included for family history and to show the wide range of activity that was stimulated by the Homemaker's clubs. It contributed to family and community life at a time when many things were failing and hope declining. There was a need to share knowledge and ideas but perhaps the need to be with others was the more necessary. It helped alleviate and share the insecurity and suffering of the period. It was a time growing awareness and desire to respond to the desperate needs of women everywhere not just in the rural areas. Miss Heiberg was an outstanding leader. Research reveals the astonishing range and breadth of her activities. She should have received a medal of gratitude. She deserves to be honored for an outstanding dedication to service. I know that we as children in that community greatly enjoyed the games, dances, songs and activities that she introduced. As an adult I am grateful and thankful for what she did for the most important people in our lives, our parents. It is combined with those memories and reading the items included above that one recognizes her great genius and talent for leadership. She was a highly respected person by the women and 4-H girls with whom she worked. She was one of the best of the extension leaders of that period. I know my mother and my sister were admirers of Magdalene Heiberg as well as for a couple of other women in extension service, Grace DeLong and Pauline Reynolds. These women did so much to lighten as well as brighten the lives of Farm Women in North Dakota.
Magdalene Heiberg resigned as County Demonstration agent in the spring of 1939. She receive many awards and recognition dinners before she left Stutsman County. She spent the summer of 1939 with her sister visiting the Scandinavian countries and other places in Europe. Upon her return she took up some special work at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. She later married. She passed away in the late 1990's. She was a powerful force for good and for change. As I have looked back and reflected the participation in Homemaker's Clubs must have been like an awakening to the women of our area. Mrs. James Clancy must certainly be given the credit for making the first efforts to organize a club. She found ten other women willing to join her in that effort. I do not know what she realized about the need of the women, I know that she felt strongly about a number of things and she was willing to do something about it. She was a community leader who was able to make something happen and it did for a better life for her and her neighbors. She died at a very old age.
The last news item in this chapter is: "The Happy Helpers 4-H Club met Saturday with Miss Lois Cofell." (SCR, Vol. 31, No. 19, December 20, 1934.)