Right in the middle of Roosevelt’s New Deal program of the 1930s, one woman (via a homemaking magazine) suggested that homemakers adopt their own new household policies.
The title caught my eye and made me do a double take. For the most part, the women in the old homemaking magazines I read seem to love their lives, not eager to propose an overhaul to their lifestyles.
However, this housewife’s plan for a “new deal”— a fresh perspectiv and approach to her responsibilities would have been a good reminder of what’s ultimately important to a homemaker. Ninety years later, I still think it’s applicable, or at the least, the spirit behind it is. She sounds like a fun, creative lady. Enjoy.
I, for one, think it’s high time that we hear something about a New Deal for women. I make the motion, second it, and unanimously decide that we women initiate the following New Deal to begin on the next sunshiny day.
1. A couple of hours off for rest and recreation each afternoon--and by recreation I don’t mean darning socks or struggling over Junior’s homework.
2. A discard of all those faded, shapeless house dresses we’ve been wearing and some new ones of bright gingham, print or lawn (pink’s a nice color. So’s yellow. And don’t forget the ruffles).
3. Less attention to dusty corners and more to face and figure--after all, John doesn’t notice a shiny house so much as a shiny nose.
4. More smiles and less spanks for Junior.
5. More kisses and compliments for Friend Husband--”My, you’re good looking this morning, darling.”
6. A rousing, peppy song several times a day, even if it does frighten the cat (she needs some excitement.)
7. One meal a week of everything that you like instead of cabbage for John and cheese straws for Junior.
8. A beautiful verse or quotation committed to memory every day.
9. Time off to attend home demonstration meetings, club pow-wows, and other things “just for myself.”
10. Less worrying--after all, what difference will it make a hundred years from now?
And remember--good humor is to a home what salt is to soup.
What would you add? For me, it would be a daily mandatory coffee break on the patio.
I’m the co-author of A Housewife Writes and author of Two Years as an Amish Schoolteacher, available on Amazon. (affiliate link) I love history and learning about the lives of our grandmothers who loved their families and managed their households. I share their stories and wisdom that are still meaningful as well as ways of keeping a modern home in the spirit of past times.
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