THE HOUSEKEEPER.

A woman who is at the head of a household has vast power and responsibility placed in her hands. It rests with her to make the home a place where there shall be gained rest and strength for the battle of life; a place inexpressibly dear to each member of the family, where all shall feel that there is perfect freedom, yet where there is also perfect order. Some are born housekeepers, while others must work hard to train themselves for their many duties. But it matters not whether one be a trained or a natural housekeeper; if the work be done well and lovingly, the spirit of the head of the house pervades every part. One cannot always define it, but one certainly feels it. Love, sympathy and charity must be there, else the best appointed household will fail to be a home for its members. The housekeeper must be patient, unselfish and industrious.

Reward.—Her reward will be the consciousness that her duty has been well done, and the possession of the love and respect of her family and friends. To my mind there is no position in the world of higher importance, or in which a woman can do more good.

Exacting.—The occupation of a housekeeper is most exacting. In nothing else does there seem to be the necessity for such varied knowledge. Even under the most favorable circumstances the position is at times exceedingly trying. What must it be, then, when undertaken without the least preparation? The perplexity, disappointment and mortification through which the inexperienced housekeeper passes are both disheartening and demoralizing.

Method.—One of the secrets of the ample leisure many housekeepers have is the system of methods adopted. A day for everything and everything on its day. Monday— Wash day will leave time to clean the bath room, stairs and laundry. Tuesday—After ironing is finished the linen closet can be cleaned and the clothes folded and replaced. Wednesday—For cleaning silverware and putting the china closet in order, repapering pantry shelves and with the midweek change of table linen, the dining room might receive special attention. Thursday—Sweeping bed-rooms, and while this is being done it is a good plan to air all the bedding thoroughly; this adds greatly to the freshness of the nicely swept and well dusted sleeping apartments. Friday—Sweep the parlors, reception and sitting rooms, have the rugs well cleaned and windows and mirrors polished. Saturday—Bed linen and table linen changed, towels and soiled clothing gathered, baking done and special preparation made for the day of rest. This will afford the satisfaction of having conducted a well ordered system and will leave some time each day for reading, sewing, visiting and resting

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 26th, 2007 at 2:06 pm and is filed under 1920's, Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Comments and pings are closed.

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