NEBCO CLUB NEWS

Pea Ridge Historical Society

The Pea Ridge Historical Society met at 6 p.m.

on Feb. 22 at the museum.

Jerry Nichols opened the meeting and introduced Katherine Bailey, a lace maker and member of The International Old Lacers Inc.

Mrs. Bailey told us that many years ago, children in Europe were apprenticed at age 4 and 5 to lace makers and worked 10-hour days. Their parents could not afford to feed them and they had to learn a trade. England made a decree that only royalty and knights were allowed to wear lace.

Men wore more lace than women. Lace was one of the most highly prized possessions you could own. Lace makers were so important that an individual was not allowed to move from the town they were established in without special permission. If they were given permission to move, they were not allowed to take their needles and tools with them.

The Industrial Revolution (1830s) stopped the majority of individuals from making lace by hand as an industry since it could be machine produced. By the 1870s, many people had better income and could afford housekeepers. This freed up more time for the wife and mother of the home to see to it that their daughters learned to make lace. It was important as a culture to be able to produce nice items for your home.

Mrs. Bailey explained that crocheted lace and tatted lace were the poor man’s lace as they were easier to make. Bobbin lace (woven lace) is more complex. Linen thread is desirable but is expensive as it is made from flax.

She showed some of her extensive collection of handmade bobbins from all over the world and several samples of hand made lace. It was a beautiful and interesting presentation.

Jerry Nichols announced future programs as: March 22, World War II photos; April, a tour of Pea Ridge National Military Park former building sites; April 26, Lee Family; and on April 30, the annual Egg Roast to be held at the home of Bob and Beulah Prophet.

Marcia Cothran read the minutes from the January meeting. Mary Durand announced that Feb. 26 would be a work day to prepare for the Museum’s reopening on Saturdays, starting March 5.

Jerry then gave a reporton the SEEK building on Pea Ridge School Property. He had gotten positive feedback on using the building as a meeting place and additional display for the Historical Society. Jerry proposed making it a “School Heritage Building.” Some refurbishing would be needed and we would be responsible for expenses. The response was favorable to explore the possibilities.

Anyone interested in the history of the Pea Ridge area is welcome to attend the next meeting at 6 p.m. March 22 in the museum at 1451 N. Curtis Ave.

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New Meadowbrook Extension Homemakers

The Meadowbrook Extension Homemakers Club met March 9. The meeting was opened with president Ione Kauffeld leading the ladies in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Betty Phillips gave the devotions based on Galatians 6:1-10, “Christians are to do good to all, to help carry each other’s burdens. One reaps what one sows, whether for good or for evil.” She also read a piece entitled, “Starting Over at 65.” Selena Williams will give next month’s devotions.

Roll call was answered by nine members telling which vitamins each takes daily. The minutes of November and December were approved as read. There was no meeting in January or February, due to cold weather and snow. Kauffeld gave the treasurer’s report.

The NEBCO Chili Cook-Off was a success, and the ladies were thanked for bringing desserts and for working the cook-off. There were 17 competitors with Kozy Korner taking top prize.

Volunteers continue working with children in the Garfield Elementary School.

Kauffeld and Karen Launderville went to the county building to receive two possible future lessons. One on cooking with herbs and one on shaping up one’s wardrobe. The new county agent is named Susan Pickle, and comes to Benton County with many years of experience, both in Arkansas and Missouri.

Spring Council will be held at the Cave Springs Church of Christ on Friday, April 29, with the theme being “buttons.” Each table should bring a centerpiece based on that theme.

The county project for this year will be collecting food for school snack packs to be senthome on weekends. No peanut products should be included in the foods, since many children are allergic. Also, baby blankets, quilts and neonatal hats are still needed at the Willow Creek Women’s Hospital.

Kids Korner will be resumed in the fall at the new location in Rogers.

A nominating committee will be needed for elections of local and county officers for this spring.

Curtain Calls will be held in March and April.

The April project is a beaded watch with materials costing $10. Please let Lavon Stark (787-5678) know if you wish to attend either of these workshops.

Club work day will be held at the First Baptist Church, Garfield, at 10 a.m. April 23.

It is not too soon to start on crafts for the country store at the Benton County Fair. Food items, books, craft books and magazines also sell well. Roxie Gedie will bring bibs to club to show which were purchased in the past at the store. Lea Ann Schalk will bring an apron made from a pillow sham and a potato sack, which are both items of interest to club members.

Williams announced that she has purchased aquilting machine and will quilt items for club members for club projects.

She has already done one quilt and it is now in the process of being bound.

Betty Phillips told that she has a quilt that many members of her family all helped machine quilt as a family project. She also read a historic newspaper article, written by Billie Jines, which told how her father and her uncles helped put a foundation under a home many years ago, in Rogers.

They celebrated the birthdays of Selena, Eula and Karen.

Williams demonstrated an easy way of assembling a quilt block without sewing triangles. By changing direction of the pieces, a whole new pattern emerged. Her use of color was especially effective.

The meeting was adjourned with the “Homemakers Pledge.” The next meeting will be at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, April 13, at the First Baptist Church, Garfield. All ladies in the area are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jean Landauer at 359-2438.

Community, Pages 6 on 03/16/2011