The last time I was home on the farm, I found this black and white photo of my mother. On the back she had written made brown dog in Home Ec. junior high 1954. Ahhh, the magic of Home Ec.
See the brown dog on the shelf behind her bed?
Then I noticed the brown dog in the guest bedroom (the room my sister and I once shared). I don’t remember ever having seen it before.
The Bat Cave contains many treasures.
Sweet!
This reminded me of my own Home Ec class in the 1970s. At the time, I thought it was pointless and even tried to take shop class with the boys, but Momma and Daddy wouldn’t hear of it. Home Ec turned out to be one of the most enjoyable classes at Keiser Junior High. During that one hour a day, we learned a bit about cooking and sewing and a lot about ourselves. In a room full of girls without the distraction of cute boys, the hour felt safe and easy. Our young teacher was approachable. There was nothing we couldn’t ask; no topic off limit.
I never learned to sew, nothing more than a straight seam anyway, but I still remember the special time we spent together in the Home Ec kitchen and classroom.
Home Ec is now considered passé. Like cursive writing and hot cafeteria food and the Pledge of Allegiance, so many things have disappeared in favor of progress or technology or political correctness. Gradually. No big deal. Until it makes a big difference in our society.
I say bring back Home Ec.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Musical Pairing:
Tim McGraw – Back When
I still have the vest you made in Home Ec. It was lined, making it much harder. You needed a picture of it for this post. Well written.
Yes, I remember the vest. It was corduroy, lined with a hood! What was I thinking?
So awesome that you still have that! That’s amazing. I never participated in Home Ec… by time I got there, it was turned into something else, which was kinda a bummer! Luckily I learned many skills through 4H.
4-H…I was a drop out:))
Best time to teach at Keiser was in the 70’s
🙂
I didn’t have home ec in school, not sure if it’s because they didn’t offer it or if I just didn’t take it. But either way I do think it’s a beneficial class.
The picture and memory if your mother is really awesome and it’s so cool that her brown dog is still around!
Thank you!
Agree! Perfect throw back Thursday. As they say, “Barbara was a long looker” and still is.
Thank you Colene!
Thanks for sharing. Yes, I remember Home Ec
I learned the correct way to set table! Also made a dress for semester grade and we had style show! Night before Aunt Lavern had to take the zipper out sew in right way !! Made a good grade!! Those were the best times!!!
Awe what a great story about Aunt Lavern. Thank you for sharing!
At Wilson Jr. High, we all took Home Ec. Shop was not offered during those years. We made aprons the first year and jackets the second year. That damn jacket was tough. It had a hood, zipper and a drawstring! I hated sewing, but I gained respect for those who are skilled with thread and needle.
Interesting Mark. I made a vest with a hood and lining. It was awful!
I loved Home Ec, though sewing wasn’t something I mastered either. My favorite memory… putting too much dish soap in the sink, walking away to retrieve something, and coming back to bubbles all over the sink, counter, and spilling onto the floor. Luckily, I was on the end of the line of kitchen spots and the teacher never noticed!
I’ve done that too!
All the girls took Home Ec back in the 60s and enjoyed that safe atmosphere you mentioned. I learned lots of things and still think about how Mrs. Morgan said to fold a napkin. I remember a group project of making rolls that was fun, but I’ve probably used the basic sewing skills more than anything else. In the late 70s the junior high boys had a semester in something like Home Skills. Gary made a book bag that I still have. Tell your mom, good job on that brown dog, by the way.
Home skills would be a great idea today!
I took a home ec. class in middle school in the 80s and had so much fun. I think it would be great for schools to offer a class like that again for both boys and girls.
me too Colleen!
We actually had a home ec class when I graduated from school in 08! I never took it but I wish that I had now. It’s pretty sad that most women my age don’t know how to do basic sewing or other things like that they’re were crucial to living just 20-30 years ago.
How priceless to find a photo of your mother like that. I always love seeing photos like this. The clothes, styles and surrounding are always so interesting to me.
Wow Kat I had no idea Home Ec was around in 08. I love old photos too. Thank for commenting!
Never took home ec, but now I wish I had. Now my girls and I get to learn together!
Learning together is fun too:))
I remember Home-Ec at Keiser but don’t remember the teacher. I actually got the Home-Ec award at OHS — but NOT for sewing. Mamma Ruby had to help me finish my apron – but I tore up some cooking! Ms. Lane was the teacher and boy – was she a teacher! My favorite thing to cook was fried chicken and mashed potatoes – and strawberry cake! I say bring back Home-Ec too! It was the only time us girls got to “bond” without the worry of boys being around! 🙂
My teacher was Kathy Darby:) She was great.
love this. I never took Home Ec but it looks pretty awesome!