WALDEN – The Walden Home Dem group (home demonstrators) is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. The first week in May is “National Home Demonstration Week.” The Walden Home Dem group held its first meeting on January 14, 1946, at the home of Betty Hatch, who was then elected their first president.
courtesy photo
Home demonstration clubs, also known as home bureaus, homemaker clubs and home advisor groups started as early as 1820, and were nationalized in 1914 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service. They hoped to teach women in rural areas across the nation better methods for gardening, canning, nutrition and sewing. Home demonstration agents would bring knowledge that was available in an educational setting or college to rural communities that would not have normally had access to current best practices.
In 1914 the Smith-Lever Act provided funds for home economics and home demonstration agents. During World War I, home dem clubs supported food conservation programs. Then during World War II clubs became active in creating victory gardens and victory canning. These programs were particularly helpful in the eastern and southern regions of the United States.
Home Dem groups in Vermont provided women with the opportunity to learn, but also provided them with the opportunity for service to the community and established bonds and friendships that would last lifetimes.
At this month’s meeting of the Walden Home Dem group, the five members in attendance reflected 160 years of service and commitment to the Walden area. They are: Ann Cochran, 65 years; Diane Cochran, 45 years; Chrystal Fox, 20 years; Blanche Strong and Marsha Amsden, 15 years each. Ann Cochran is currently the longest-living member of the group. The group averages approximately 12 active members on a regular basis.
Diane Cochran described their group as primarily a “women’s service group.” Though originally open only to women, the Walden Home Dem is now open to anyone in the Walden area who is interested in supporting the community and getting to know each other. They hold meetings the second Wednesday of each month. Next month will be at the sugar house owned by Chrystal Fox in Walden. The following meeting includes current plans, community events and fundraising.
At each meeting a door prize is raffled and the member who wins provides the door prize for the next month’s meeting. Each meeting begins with a potluck meal. Each member brings a donation to support local food pantries. At each meeting they send greeting cards to members of the community, including get well, birthday and holiday cards.
The Walden Home Dem group has provided funds and furnished food for many local groups: the Walden Library, Hardwick and Danville Food Pantries, turkey drives and local hospitals. They are sponsors for the Lamoille Area Cancer Network. In the past they worked with local schools to fund scholarships to Buck Lake Conservation Camp.
At this month’s meeting there was brief discussion of disbanding the group, but very quickly they decided to continue. They say they hope through promotion and advocacy the group will rejuvenate and spark interest in their service mission and connection to the community.
Anyone interested in additional information or questions should call Diane Cochran, president, at (802) 563-2392.
