On July 9 Elsie Marpe was in charge of the program. She read a poem on “The Flower of Friendship” and told us the State flower, dog and flowers we can eat and medicine we can get from flowers like aloe for burns. She told us about painting rooms a color and how it affects us, like blue for bedrooms; it’s relaxing. Elsie quizzed us on “The Star Spangled Banner” and our flag, “Old Glory.” She read us three jokes and told us how to get rid of unwanted telephone calls by hitting your # button six or seven times. It confuses the machine and kicks your number out of their system. Also, send junk mail back with your payment. She heard proposed on a radio station that we write “In God We Trust” on the back or front of our mail – it is our national motto. Great idea, just do it. She finished her program with a poem, “When I’m An Old Lady,” and a closing thought. The Lecturer thanked Elsie.
July 23 Meeting
On July 23, after the business meeting, the Lecturer had for her program an old fashioned Spring-Cleaning program. She talked about cleaning in the 1930s, 40s and 50s and how different it was from the present time. They used Omar Wallpaper Cleaner, that looked like Play-Doh. They would swipe the ceiling and the rest of the wallpaper. When they were done with the pink ball, it had turned into a dry, black glob. They also used Fels Naptha Bar Soap that was used for everything, laundry, floor, dishes and cupboards. They used Bon Ami Cleanser and Behold, a polish for furniture. Ivory Flakes was used on laced curtains and then they were put on curtain stretchers. Oh, the hurt fingers. Vinegar and ammonia were used on windows, before Windex. The Lecturer talked about the old wringer washing machines and the two tubs of water, one with clear water and the other with bluing in it. They had to put each wash through the wringer and in the clear water, swish around and put through the second bluing water, and then through the wringer again. Each load had to be done this way. These were hard days. The Lecturer sang the Duz jingle and the Rinso White one. These soaps were used later on.
The Lecturer had a game on songs that were Wacky Hits from the 40s and 50s. This was fun finishing songs like “I’m My Own” – and singing them. She had a reading titled “The Fence,” about a boy with a bad temper. His father corrected him quite foxey. She read a poem, ”Naming The Chickens,” and had a closing poem, “Do You Wonder?” on the many blessings sent your way. Refreshments were served by Marion Cipperly, and they were delicious.
On August 6 is the Rensselaer County Pomona Grange at Brunswick, covered dish supper at 7 pm and Baking Contest. Our next meeting is the Hot Dog/Corn/Pot Luck at 7 pm. It is also Bingo/Fun Night. Don’t forget wrapped prizes. Invite friends and neighbors.