As Farm Incomes Expand, So Do Factory Payrolls, 1935

"Farm Pocketbooks and Smoking Chimneys" in Bureau Farmer: The Voice of Organized Agriculture, November 1935

When the full dinner pail returns to the United States, when the industrial chimneys of the country start smoking in earnest, when the forces of labor move regularly through the wide-open factory doors of the nation—this will come about after the pocketbooks of the American farmer are bulging with real money, the returns of sales of arm products at a profitable price level.

No less an authority that General R.E. Wood, president, Sears, Roebuck and Company, one of the leading industrialists of the United States, illustrates, in terms of his own business, the direct relationship between farm pocketbooks and smoking chimneys.

When Depression Strikes

“In 1932,” General Wood has written to Edward A. O’Neal, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, “the gross farm income of the United States had declined from a total of $12 billion in 1929 to approximately $5.25 billion.”

“Our firm, which is the largest concern dealing with the farmers of the United States, had total sales in 1929 of approximately $250 million. In 1932, our sales were $105 million.

“The orders that we, in turn, placed with the manufacturers of the United States were reduced in like proportion. As nearly as can be estimated, the gross farm income this year will reach $7 billion.

When Farmers Buy

“Our own catalogue sales this year should reach a total of $160 million, and our purchases from manufacturers already have increased approximately 50 per cent from the low point of 1932.”

General Wood attributes the greater part of the improvement in business conditions thus far to the increased purchasing power of the farmer. In other words, as the farmer’s pocketbook bulges, so start the industrial chimneys of the United States in emitting their smoky signs of industrial prosperity.

“Our new wealth,” continues General Wood, “all springs from the soil. Our purchasing power starts with the purchasing power of the farmer.  No firm is in a better position to judge that than our own.

“We saw, during the depression, how the gradually reduced purchasing power of the farmer worked its way back gradually to the cities and industrial sections, just as in the reverse process, the increased purchasing power of the farmer is gradually working back to the industrial sections in the cities and putting additional  people to work at additional wages.”

Like all forward-looking captains of industry, General Wood feels that the program of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the national policies of the present Administration, have accomplished much for the American farmer. He says that, “If we can get the American farmer’s income back to the level that prevailed between 1926 and 1929, the country will have real prosperity.”

Value of Cotton Program

General Wood was asked to illustrate further the relationship between farm pocketbooks and smoking chimneys in terms of the business done by his firm in the southern states, where the cotton adjustment program has been so helpful in bringing prosperity to the cotton grower. This is the way he answered:

“At the present time, our sales from catalogues, representing our mail-order houses in Memphis and Atlanta, which cover the southeastern states, are running less than 10 per cent behind 1929 figures. This shows that the recovery in farm purchasing power in the cotton states east of the Mississippi River is greater than in any other section. This increase in farm purchasing power in these states is working back in purchases of manufactured products made in all sections of the country.”

Two factors, in the opinion of General Wood, are responsible for the recovery of American industry and business. One of these is the Administration’s monetary policy, which, by revaluing the dollar, has increased prices for more than 30 commodities. The other factor, he adds is the work of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.

Significant Table

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the relationship between farm pocketbooks and smoking chimneys is to refer to a table which shows by years the gross farm income and the factory wage payroll of the United States. No clearer picture can be drawn regarding their relationship.

	Gross Farm Income	Factory Wage Payroll
1923	$11,041,000,000	$11,009,000,000
1924	11,337,000,000	10,172,000,000
1925	11,968,000,000	10,730,000,000
1926	11,480,000,000	11,095,000,000
1927	11,616,000,000	10,849,000,000
1928	11,741,000,000	10,902,000,000
1929	11,918,000,000	11,621,000,000
1930	9,914,000,000	9,518,000,000
1931	6,911,000,000	7,256,000,000
1932	5,143,000,000	5,022,000,000

More than anything else, this table proves conclusively that national prosperity means, first of all, farm prosperity. It establishes, for all time to come, the importance of the farmer as the man whose work creates jobs for the rest of us.

Bureau Farmer: The Voice of Organized Agriculture, November 1935

R.E. Wood graduated from West Point in 1900, served in the Philippines, Panama, and World War I. By the end of that war, he was brigadier general and acting Quartermaster General of the Army. In 1919, he became an executive at Montgomery Ward and then was vice president at Sears Roebuck from 1928 until 1939 and as chairman from 1939 until 1954. Wood also created Allstate Insurance as a subsidiary of Sears. Wood was politically active and a conservative Republican. In 1940, he helped found the America First Committee to oppose U.S. involvement in World War II, serving as the committee’s first president. In 1954, Wood funded the Manion Forum, a conservative radio program.

Farming for Profit Instead of Simply for Livelihood, 1950

From the Harnett County News, Dec. 14, 1950.

Several farm leaders from various communities in Harnett County were present at the regular weekly supper session of Lillington Rotary Club last Thursday night in the Lillington school cafeteria to hear State College’s Agricultural Editor Frank Jeter tell of the progress and potentialities of North Carolina soil, climate and ability of its farmers to make this state rank second to none in agricultural progress.

Mr. Jeter’s address was heartening both to those versed in agricultural methods as well as to those who are not engaged in that pursuit.

It was inspiring, too, when he declared that North Carolina’s agricultural progress had pushed the state up near the top in the listing of the states of the union.

“Our farmers have proven much that they can do,” he declared, “and there is every reason to believe they can surpass most states in farming for profit instead of simply farming for a livelihood.”

First pointing to the progress already made, Mr. Jeter cited the many natural advantaged enjoyed in this state, and these, together with the proven ability of our farmers, make it certain, he affirmed that in the not distant future, North Carolina will be declared the top ranking state in agricultural accomplishments.

“Our records so far show what we have done,” he said, “and they also afford ample indication that we will go forward to higher attainments.”

“Some of us may not live to see this state reach the top-notch in agriculture,” Mr. Jeter said, “but it will surely come.”

“This, too, is attracting more than the agriculturally-minded; it is attracting industry to our state.”

Mr. Jeter’s talk was well received and generously applauded.

Mr. Ammons had as his guests several farm leaders from various sections of the county.

The club endorsed a resolution offered by L.M. Chaffin placing the club on record as opposing the enactment of a bill pending in Congress for compulsory health insurance.

Extension Homemaker News and Books for Children, 1936

“The Woman’s Touch or What Club Work Means to N.C. Farm Women” by Jane S. McKimmon in the December, 1936, Carolina Co-operator

Spirit, Not the Place

When the home agent of Jones County arrived at the home of Mrs. D.C. Collins in the Brick Kiln section to hold a club meeting, she found the two young daughters in the packhouse tying tobacco. In order that they might not miss the meeting, all the members came down to the packhouse.

Mrs. Collins was getting a new home built, and she seemed so anxious to have help in planning it that club members agreed to postpone the regular demonstration and talk about house plans.

Mrs. Collins was persuaded to put the pump and sink in the kitchen instead of on the back porch and then together the group planned convenient arrangement of kitchen equipment, the color scheme, and what could be done about furnishings for the girls’ room.

It proved to be one of the more interesting and worthwhile meetings ever held in the county.

Wise Feeding

It is good to hear that Guilford County women are discussing building the body to resist disease and mothers are becoming conscious that just filling stomachs is not all that must be done to create healthy bodies.

Mrs. George L. Curry of Guilford says, “Last year my husband and I found ourselves much overweight and the doctor advised a strict diet calling for many vegetables. We planted a year-‘round garden and ate the recommended vegetables every day. I tried to prepare them in the most nutritious and appetizing way and as a result we have each reduced our weight around 48 pounds and we think our health is 75 per cent better.”

The Old Hound Proves Useful

Mr. and Mrs. Justine Flowe of Cabarrus County saved money enough to pay for paint for their house but did not have enough to entirely pay for the labor involved.

They employed a painter, however, and started the job. The man doing the painting saw a hound on the place which he liked so much that he offered to buy it.

“Think of it,” said Mrs. Flowe, “I had wished that old dog dead many a time when he began howling around the house, and I could scarcely believe it when the painter actually offered to swap his week’s labor if I would let him have the hound.

“Now we have a nice clean house and peace besides for the hound does his howling at someone else’s home.”

Books for Christmas

Miss Marjorie Beal, secretary and director of the North Carolina Library Commission, gives the following suggestions on books for Christmas.

“Christmas means in many households new books to love and to share and to cherish. Even the youngest member of the family can enjoy the new picture books. Marjorie Flack has a picture book of a penguin who did not want to play with the other penguins. She calls it Willy-Nilly and it is almost as good as Angus and the Ducks. A new story of Little Black Sambo by Mrs. Bannerman is every bit as good as the first one. This is the story of Sambo and the Twins.

“Stories of earlier Americans which include The Little Girls with Seven Names by Mabel Leigh Hunt, The Covered Bridge by Cornelia Meigs, and Phoebe Fairchild: Her Book by Lois Lenski are not only correct historically of life in the middle of the 1800s but they are good reading.

“Books of the world about us which have photographic illustrations and little text to help answer many, many questions: The Dirigible Book and The Cotton Book by the Pryors are similar to their earlier Train Book.

“A good book to read aloud in any family of older children is the Hurricane by Nordhoff and Hall.

“Christmas books should be those to read and reread and enjoy all through the year. Many attractive editions of the not-to-be-missed books, such as Tom Sawyer, Little Women, and Alice in Wonderland can be purchased at reasonable prices.

“To quote May Lamberton Becker in her First Adventures in Reading:

“Every man or woman who has a happy childhood in which books played a part remembers certain books that helped make childhood happy. . . . A child’s book is one meant to be read by children and offered to them for that purpose, while a children’s classic is a child’s book that has been repeatedly re-read and is likely to continue to be re-read, not only by the same child but by successive generations of children. It is the re-reading that makes all the difference.’”

Extension Homemakers Club Reports from Across the State, 1983

Winter, 1983 issue of Tar Heel Homemakers

SURRY

Surry County Extension Homemakers were given an opportunity to share with approximately 150,000 people some of their heritage skills and crafts as visitors thronged to Mt. Airy’s 16^th annual Autumn Leaves Festival. Although rainy weather on two days kept the crowds below their usual number, 13 of the county’s Extension Homemaker Associations and 38 individual association members participated in the three-day event.

Demonstrations included basket making from both pine needles and splints, spinning and weaving, rug hooking, churning, and the needle art skills of tatting, hand-tied fringe, lap quilting, crewel and counted thread embroidery, candlewicking, crochet, and needlepoint.

The Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the Festival, had issued a special invitation to the Extension Homemakers to participate in this year’s festival, and the Chamber’s evaluation of the event this year included praises for the demonstrations.

Susan Johnson, Surry County Cultural Arts, Textiles, and Clothing chairman, served as a member of the Autumn Leaves Festival Committee and coordinated the demonstrations.

YANCEY

The Yancey County Extension Homemakers extolled their accomplishments at their annual Achievement Night.

Bob Terrell, well-known author and associate editor of the Asheville Citizen, was guest speaker and told of his experiences while traveling with Billy Graham to Poland and to the Holly Land.

Lena Letterman was chosen as County Homemaker of the Year. Volunteer of the Year is Phylis Bailey.

Association Homemakers of the Year were Joan Thomas, Lena Letterman, Flora Bell, Ann Francis, Beverly Bard, and Judy Loftis.

Association Volunteers of the Year were Anna Marie Keen, Phylis Bailey, Loretta Robinson, Linda Hensley, Betty Dahlin, and Jesse VanDevender.

Members who were especially honored for their service were Mary Gillespie, Pauline Johnson, Nell Johnson, Lucille Lyle, Florence Hughes, Juanita Proffitt, Lola Nordstrom, Pauline Lawhern, Phylis Bailey, Dorothy Banks, Ruth Wilson, Elizabeth Silvers, Ann Bennett, Lydia Deyton, Lena Westall, Winnie Lou Ray, Mary Lillian Towe, Maude Higgins, Vera Westall, Becky Gillespie, and Genie McGuade.

Musical entertainment was provided by Margie Shuman and her daughter, Angie, with Vivian Ervin, accompanist.

CHEROKEE AND MITCHELL

Sixteen members of the Cherokee Reservation Extension Homemakers were entertained at a luncheon by the Little Switzerland Homemakers in Geneva Hall, Mitchell County, followed by a tour of local points of interest.

The first stop was Bea Hensley’s forge at Gillespie Gap where the guests were treated to a brief history of blacksmithing and a demonstration of the special language of the anvil. As a master smith strikes the anvil, the particular sound conveys a message to his assistant who responds with the proper stroke. The sounds produced by the two workers create a cadence known as the anvil chorus.

The group next visited Francis Thayer’s marquetry shop, also at Gillespie Gap, where they listed to a description of the complexities of working with wood inlays. They then explored the North Carolina Mineral Museum and finally the museum at McKinney Mine.

Later the guests and 47 members of the Little Switzerland EHA returned to Geneva Hall for dessert and coffee.

Mitchell County EH had visited the Cherokee Reservation on two previous occasions as guests of the Cherokee EH. Two bus loads went on both occasions and were served a real Indian meal at the home of Going Back and Mary Chiltoskey.

“This has turned out to be a very successful project for our county, and we have increased our understanding of each other’s  work and culture as a result,” said Lois P. Williams, Mitchell Extension home economics agent.

LINCOLN

Lincoln County EH recognized leadership and community service at their annual county Achievement Night attended by 200 members and guests at the Citizens Center. Following the covered dish dinner, a fashion show of bridal gowns dating back to 1915 were modeled by the original owners, daughters, aunts, granddaughters or friends of the brides who later became Extension Homemakers.

The county’s 277 members last year supported a foster child in Columbia, South America; made lap robes for nursing homes; financially supported 4-H, Broughton Hospital, the NC Symphony, local charities, and a high school home economics scholarship; collected more than 27,000 canceled stamps; sponsored a bloodmobile visit; and taught classes and sewing lessons for 4-H and other youth. An estimated half of the members volunteered 20,205 hours of community service, which if valued at the minimum wage would have earned $34,187.

Ethel Funderburk received an engraved silver tray as Outstanding Leader and the VEEP award; Zona Wehunt, 88, was recognized for over 40 years of membership including 1982 when she taught several workshops and attended most meetings. Tone Duncan and Edith Coulter were given Outstanding Leader certificates; and outstanding leaders from each of the county’s 17 associations received an EH emblem pin or charm.

Calvin Lawrence was presented the 4-H Energy Award, which carries a $25 prize and a certificate.

The Mother of the Year, Elizabeth K. Mosteller, was presented a plaque and her name will be added to the master plaque in the Citizens Center, along with the county Outstanding Leader plaque.

Reading certificates were presented to 102 members who read five books or more, and one dollar for each was divided among three charities. Members reported a total of 2,614 books read during the year.

Programs of work certificates were presented to 12 associations. Scrapbooks were on display in the lobby and certificates were given to the three judged best.

Riverside EHA received the award for best association project and also won the gavel award for having the highest percentage, all but one, of the members present.

Battleground was announced as Outstanding EHA and will have its name engraved on the master plaque in the Citizens Center. Six new members were recruited, several community service projects were carried out, all nine program of work chairmen gave monthly reports, eight members conducted workshops outside the association, five members had perfect attendance, members attended all training sessions and supported all county activities and projects.

Piano music was rendered during the meal by Adair Cantwell. Among the special guests were David Choate, county Extension chairman; Mrs. Choate; and Mrs. George Studemire, widow of the former Extension chairman.

WAYNE

Wayne County Extension Homemakers performed a rather unique service in their county when they provided authentic demonstrations of yesteryear homemaking arts as a part of the Aycock Education Day.

The purpose of the event was to honor the memory of North Carolina’s Education Governor, Charles B. Aycock, with a celebration of his birthday at his restored homeplace.

Target audience was 8^th grade students. Over 1,400 students attended the one-day event along with county and state officials and the general public.

Homemakers researched the arts as to techniques, tools, and dress, and set up live hands-on demonstrations of boiling and washing clothes, making lye soap, making straw brooms, spinning, quilting, and chair bottoming. These were the chores required to carry on homemaking during Governor Aycock’s years at home, the mid-1800s.

CALDWELL

Carol P. Deal received the VEEP Award at the 1982 Southwest District Day in Statesville. She is a member of the Oak Hill Extension Homemakers Association in Caldwell County.

Last year she was chairman of the program planning committee for the county, chairman of the Caldwell County Farmer’s Market Association, and first place national winner for a tape promoting membership. She is also chairman for the EHA beautification projects for the new Oak Hill Community Park and is a member of the Agricultural Development and Resources Council. She was the home economics representative for the Extension Advisory Leadership Update meeting held in Raleigh.

As the 1983-84 president of the county council, she feels the importance of Exension work in developing and increasing the knowledge of service and skills to others.

“Through community and county Extension educational programs we can enrich our own needs and make our communities a better place to live and our Extension organization a rewarding one to which to belong,” Carol said.

STANLY

Stanly County Extension Homemaker Phyllis Helms entered a doll contest sponsored by the Southern Highlands Guild after attending their annual show last summer, and her dolls were selected to be exhibited at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Asheville from September through December.

Last spring, Mrs. Helms exhibited at Mayfest after learning to make the dolls in an Extension-sponsored class. Since, she has begun making stuffed pigs, which have become very popular.

Currituck, Guilford Clubs Celebrate 50th Anniversaries, 1983

Winter, 1983 issue of Tar Heel Homemakers

CURRITUCK

Vivian B. Wilson, who joined the Moyock Home Demonstration Club in Currituck County in June, 1932, was recognized among 54 Extension Homemakers with 50 years of membership during the 1982 National EHC Conference in Ohio. She has continued her membership in the Virginia Edwards Extension Homemaker Association in North Carolina though she moved across the state line into Virginia in 1937.

Mrs. Wilson’s mother was a charter member of the Moyock HDC so Mrs. Wilson said it was natural for her to follow in her footsteps after her marriage.

She was a delegate to the ACWW Triennial Conference more than 30 years and and has been active in all phases of EH work through the years.

GUILFORD

The McLeansville Extension Homemakers Association of Guilford County celebrated its 50^th anniversary with a reception honoring the charger members on October 30, 1982, at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, Greensboro.

There were five members when the club was organized in 1932: Mrs. Elizabeth Andrew, Mrs. Ethel Jobe, Mrs. Elsie Paisley, Mrs. Callie Smith, and Mrs. A.C. Whittle. Mrs. Whittle is deceased and Mrs. Paisley was hospitalized so only three charter members were present.

Mrs. Paisley was state president of the North Carolina Home Demonstration Clubs in 1942.

Members, friends, and relatives came to visit and reminisce during the afternoon. A display table had pictures of club members from many years ago and also articles made by the members through the years.

McLeansville Extension Homemakers Association is still active in extension and community affairs. There are 23 members this year.

J.T. Purdie Talks About Farming in Cumberland County, 1935

“Fireside Chats” by M.G. Mann, General Manager, Carolina Co-Operator, December, 1935

EDITOR’S NOTE: This month Mr. Mann is visiting J.T. Purdie of Fayetteville. Although he was born in Bladen County, Mr. Purdie has lived in Cumberland for the past 29 years. Recognized as one of the outstanding farmers of North Carolina, Mr. Purdie works in close harmony with the different departments at State College. He is active in all work for the good of his community, and, among other things, is a senior deacon of the Presbyterian Church.

The Writer: Mr. Purdie, you certainly would not have to leave the State in order to hide from your friends—you have plenty of places on this beautiful farm to hide. Why I drove all over this place a few days looking for you.

Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir, you came within 150 yards of where I was, but I didn’t know you were looking for me. I wish I had for I would have enjoyed taking you over the farm.

The Writer: When did you start farming, Mr. Purdie?

Mr. Purdie: My first year was in 1894.

The Writer: You didn’t know anything about clover and vetch and lespedeza then, did you?

Mr. Purdie: No, Sir-ree, but I’ll tell you what I did, Mr. Mann—I sowed peas and beans from the very first year and I have been increasing my faith in these crops every year since.

You see, I left school in 1893 and came home to work on the farm. Cotton was selling that year for about six cents a pound, and I saw that if I was to make a successful business out of farming that I would have to depend on something besides cotton.

The Writer: I believe you have about 700 acres in this tract?

Mr. Purdie: That’s right.

The Writer: How many acres of cotton do you plant, Mr. Purdie?

Mr. Purdie: I’m ashamed to tell you, Mr. Mann—I started reducing long before the government started its reduction program. I now have 100 acres in lespedeza and 125 in beans and wheat and oats, and, of course, plenty of corn.

The Writer: Well, you have in the past planted hundreds of acres of cotton—I know this for you have delivered to the association.

Mr. Purdie: You’re right! I joined the association when it was first organized and I have marketed thousands of bales through it.

And Mr. Mann, I have never worried about what the association paid me for I knew that whatever the association did pay me was more than I would have received had there been no association, and to save my life I cannot see why all the thinking farmers do not see it the same way—and some day they will!

The Writer: Do you grow any tobacco?

Mr. Purdie: I have one small barn ad we grow a few acres.

The Writer: Mr. Purdie, I believe you do a great deal of work with the State College authorities?

Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir, and you know that is one great institution. And if farmers will only make use of the advantages it offers them, it can mean so much.

Why I work with Dr. H.B. Mann—and by the way, is he related to you?

The Writer: No, but I’m well acquainted with him and have a high regard for him.

Mr. Purdie: Well, we work together like twin brothers, and he has done some wonderful experimental work on my farm. Of course I work with the others, too, for I want to farm in the most modern way possible.

The Writer: You’ve been buying seed from Mr. Coker for a long time, haven’t you?

Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir, for at least 20 years, and I’ve been going to his farm every year for a long time.

I buy from him every year—and the best seed that he has.

The Writer: What is your preference?

Mr. Purdie: Well, I believe Farm Relief is the best all-around cotton he has produced.

I have grown some long-staple cotton and did very well with it, but it is hard to sell and, after all, I think we should grow the kind of cotton the association can sell to the best advantage to the mills in this State.

Mr. Mann, let me tell you something: There’s not a bit of need for farmers having to buy hay here in North Carolina. Why I can sow my grain on the top of the soil and not do one thing about it and make a ton of hay to the acre. Why even a lazy man can make hay if he will stop and think!

The Writer: Well, Mr. Purdie, you have certainly hit the nail on the head when you say “Stop and Think.” If we could only get farmers to “Stop and Think,” we could accomplish so much for their good and farming could be made a successful business.

Incidentally, someone told me that you are raising mules on your farm?

Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir-ree, and that’s where the college helped me again. When I let it be known that I was interested in some Percheron mares, why F.M. Haig at the college got busy and found  out where the best breed could be bought and did everything he could to help me get them. My friends, W.T. Moss and Sam Homewood, helped a lot too.

I already have two little mules out there. I may be all wrong in my idea about growing my own stock, but I’m going to try it just the same.

The Writer: I’m glad to hear this, for the crying need today is more live stock on our farms.

Mr. Purdie: You’re right, Mr. Mann, and you know every tenant that I have has at least two cows and all tenants are encouraged to have gardens and produce their own meat. I believe in living at home first.

The Writer: Mr. Purdie, it certainly is an inspiration to talk with you for you are one man who is anxious to improve farming conditions. You certainly are making a success, and I only wish that more farmers would follow in your footprints.

Home Remodeling in 1938

“Timely News Items” by Jane S. McKimmon, state Home Demonstration Agent and Assistant Director of Extension, as published in the November 1938 issue of the Carolina Co-operator

Remodeled Home

Mrs. A.C. Lentz, with the help of her husband and home agent, Mrs. McAllister, has transformed an inconvenient old house into a comfortable, attractive home. The old kitchen was turned into a back porch and a conveniently situated old lumber room was made to serve as the kitchen. Walls and floors were finished to give light and make cleaning easy; a new wood-burning stove and an electric one too were bought for the housewife and a new sink, water tank, and good electric lighting are giving service in the rearranged kitchen.

There are handy cabinets all painted white with openings, which are painted black, for toe-space.

Farm and Home Tours

For the past few years the joint planning of farm and home agents in North Carolina has reached to individual farms where the farmer and his wife worked together and as a result most of the counties of the State have conducted tours to carry farmers and their wives on a visit to farms and homes that could show good results in farm and home practices.

In Pitt County the good plantings around a farm home caused one farmer to remark that he was going to see that his home grounds got some attention before next year.

Orange had its first farm and home tour this year and made a visit to Mitchell Lloyd’s farm to examine the first terraces ever constructed in the county. These were done three years before on land which looked hopeless. Now the same land shows many possibilities.

In Hoke County remodeled homes were visited and flower gardens, recovered furniture, water systems, and community buildings were inspected.

In Union County the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vander Simpson, which was a rundown farm when they bought it, called forth much praise and interest on the part of the sightseers.

In Duplin County members of the touring party agreed that the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Middleton was worth the trip. The house had an improved kitchen, glassed-in and screened back porch, and well-planned closets were being built.

In Alexander County the farm women and home agents were well pleased with the homemade kitchen cabinets.