Catholic Central High School - Banner Yearbook (Fort Madison, IA)

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THE VALUE OF THE HOME ECONOMICS COURSE IN REAL LIFE We may live without poetry, music and art, We may live without conscience, and live without heartg We may live without friendsg we may live without books, But civilized man cannot live without cooks l -OWEN MEREDITH. In our modern civilization, cooking is both a science and an art-a science in the careful study of the real food-needs of the body and the accurate determ- ination of the composition of most foods-an art in our increasing ability to satisfy the requirements of the body in both an appetizing and an economical way. Hence, the study of foods and food cookery as taught in the high school of today is of paramount importance to the young girl now and later in life. The most recent work in science confirms the fact that health and ability to work are intimately linked with thc quantity and quality of food eaten by each indi- vidual. Consequently instruction is given in the art of buying food appropriate to every age and need and occasion. The pupil is taught the constituents of the various foods, in what proportion the body needs them, and how to include them in the diet. Directions for cooking each kind of food are accompanied with in- formation as to its food value and its proper place in a well-balanced nutritious ration. Attention is also called to variety in meals, to the appetizing manner of preparing and serving left-overs, to the use of inexpensive foods which will tempt the appetite and provide the vitamines so necessary for proper nourish- ment and growth. In close connection with food principles and their application the pupil is taught to be thrifty in regard to food and clothing and the other things she uses. She is taught to buy what she needs rather than what somebody else buys or what a passing fad or fashion calls for. Further she is taught that it is false economy to buy things she does not need just because they are bargains.' She is also told that it does not always pay to buy the thing that is cheapest, nor yet the highest priced. The mere fact that people ask high prices for things does not mean that those goods are necessarily high class. Nowhere does she find this truth more verified than in the matter of buying clothing. Consequently, the making and purchasing of clothing is given special stress in the Domestic Art course. Arnold Bennett says: To dress well is an art, and an extremely complicated and difficult art. What makes it all the more complicated is that the less money you have avail- able for the purpose, the more difficult it becomes. It comprises all manner of problems, and, above all the expression of one's individuality. The pupil is therefore taught to believe that individuality in dress, beautifully expressed, is a real asset-one well worth striving for. No matter how much or how little money she may have, no matter whether her dress-needs are few or many, she is taught to know her type, what colors, lines, and fabrics are becoming and then, with this knowledge at her command, to work to dress appropriately and attractively. She is made to realize the truth of Bennett's words that, every well-dressed woman is a public benefactor. -LUCILLE scHoTT, '31, FIFTY-EIGHT

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SONG OF THE SEAM fApogolies to Thomas Hoodj With fingers rebellious and cramped VVith eyes on vacation days fled, The sewing-class met-'twas the first We had tried with a needle and thread. Stitch, stitch, stitch. A sound, mocking low, it did seem, And then with a voice of dolorous pitch In our ears came the 'Song of a Seam.' Sew, sew, sew. How slow moved that unfeeling time 'And rip, rip, rip Till it seems most barbarous crime. It's oh, such a wondrous feeling To finish that first piece of work The rapture that fills one is healing To the times you wanted to shirk. Sew, Sew, Sew Till the hem seemed a monstrous rim Sew, Sew, Sew Till our eyes grew sleepy and dim. Seam, basting andg hem, Hem, basting and seam Till over the buttons we'd wish to sleep And sew them on in a dream. Oh, but not many weeks over Till the sound of the hurrying feet. The story required a new telling, We were anxious in class-time to meet. For only one short hour VVith nimble fingers we ply The shining, industrious needle And the end we greet with a sigh. Oh, but only one short hour We have learned to love it too, For 'tis a wondrous thing in a woman Such tasks to be able to do. That sewing hour has won our hearts And theory has crammed our heads. Oh! but 'tis a glorious art The art of the needle and thread. With fingers, nimble and fleet That would stay the time that has fled The sewing class met and has learned What to do with a needle and thread. Stitch, Stitch, Stitch A sound joyous and sweet it did seem And with a voice triumphant in pitch To our ears came the 'Song of the Seam. -MARY IDA THORN 30 FIFTY-SEVEN

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CON J ECTURES ON FOOTWEAR One day, while in the basement of a large department store I happened to glance out of one of those small windows that we frequently see toward the front of the building. Seeing only the feet of the passers-by I fell to musing, while wait- ing for my sister to complete her numerous purchases, just what sort of people belonged to the various kinds of footwear passing to and fro. First there was a pair of sensible-looking oxfords, black, military heels, neatly polished and stepping along in a very decided manner. To complete this picture, I could think only of that sort of woman who lives for business and business alone, tall, gaunt, spectacled. I A pair of short-vamp, high-heeled, rose-blush kid pumps brought an image of a vivacious little flapper, overdressed for the occasion, but blissfully unconscious of the fact, and tripping along in an I am mistress of all I survey fashion. A tiny pair of black Mary Janes -what else but a darling little miss of four golden locked, blue-eyed, rosy-checked, and dressed - well, what matters that, when the little thing was overwhelmed merely with the joy of just being alive on this beautiful spring day. But, ah - a shabby, nondescript pair of old, old shoes, torn, patched, and torn again - a man - but. merely a tramp? Or - one of those creatures who have tried again and again, but are seemingly buffeted down at every trial by life's misfortunes - my mind here seemed to refuse to form a judgement and I turned away lest any more of this fashion bring to my mind thoughts-well, thoughts not to be entertained on such a glorious day - and I willingly accompanied my sister 'in continuing her search for - a dress for Mary, a toy for John and - footgear for her tiny Ann Marie! -ROSE GOCKEL, ,25 -ll-Tl ' MEET THE FAMILY The FATHER of SUCCESS is WORK The MOTHER OF SUCCESS is AMBITIONN. The oldest SON is COMMON SENSE Some of the other boys are: ' PERSEVERANCE HONESTY THOROUGHNESS FORESIGHT ENTHUSIASM CO-OPERATION The oldest .DAUGHTER is CHARACTER Some of the sisters are: CHEERFULNESS LOYALTY COURTESY CARE ECONOMY SINCERITY ' The BABY is OPPORTUNITY Get acquainted with the old man and you'll be able to get along pretty well with the rest of the family. N. J. ROSE, '28 FIFTY-NINE