Mothers Deserve a Day of Rest, Says Editor, May 3, 1922

Give the Mothers a Rest

The movement to give to the mothers of the nation a rest of one day a week is properly gaining impetus, and the thought has taken root none too soon. If the money wasted in dues and assessments from the thousand and one societies and organizations that seem to attract the “jinter” could be applied even in part to giving the American mother a tithe of recreation, untold good would come to the country. There are 2,000 mothers of dependent fatherless children in the state of Illinois alone, mothers now on the state charity roll, and goodness knows how many thousands in the other states. The pittance they receive spells nothing save life and slavery. The responsibility of these mothers prohibits work other than the care of these little ones, which is nerve racking, and under existing pressure all but intolerable. The children’s mounts are ever open like the beaks of baby birds for nourishing food that must be prepared; Willie’s stockings must be darned in time for school, Mary’s apron is torn, and there is the washing, the ironing, the sweeping, the dishwashing and the rest of the deadly routine with never a moment’s rest. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would prosecute the person who worked a horse as the American mother is worked. We find numbers of good folk who are ready to acknowledge this fact but few ready to take hold to practically correct it. The mothers of the nation should have at least one day’s rest in seven. If our women’s clubs want to exercise a real function they will get behind this thought. Perhaps there is a chance for some practical work right in our own home town.

Editorial from the Forest City Courier, May 3, 1922; C.E. Alcock, editor; J.C. Alcock, manager.