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September 2D $1939
Mrs. Daisy Barringer, (Farm Wife)
Newton, N.C.
Ethel Deal, Writer,
Dudley Vi•Crawford, Reviser.
Original Names Changed Names
Newton Bakerton
Mrs. Barringer Mrs. Burns
Mrs. Hunsucker Mrs. Hoffman
Belton Barringer Bill Burns
mpb
Panelled with the street and setting near the
sidewalk is a small frame building about ten by fourteen
feet. The front is opened about half way down, the lower
half being a wide counter. Above the opening hangs a crudely
painted sign; "Farm Market."
On each end of the counter there is a two-story
glass show case, filled with cakes, piesocandies, jellies,
perserves and canned fruits and vegetables. Pyramided against
the rear and end walls is a tastefully arranged display of
fruits, berries and fresh vegetables.
Presiding over this establishment, every Saturday from
nine in the morning till fivt, in the afternoon, are two stout,
cheerful farm women, Mrs. Burns, the most talkative of the
partners, was remonstrating with her husband who was urging her
to close up and get started home; while her co-worker, Mrs.
Hoffman, sat tilted back against a box of sweet potatoes
nibbling on an ice cream cone. The impatient husband stood
aside as three customers approached. One wanted to get some
cottage chess, one snap beans, and the other a dressed chicken.
Mrs. Burns smiled, shook her head and began; "Sorry,
but they are all gone. I believe we could sell ten gallons of
cheese. Yie had anything you could have wanted this morning;
dressed c ickena, eggs, cream, butter, cakes, pies* custards,
home baked rolls, persimmon puding, candies, and all kinds
of vegetables and fruits. Ainit them dahlias beautiful? Vv
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sell them two for five cents.
"I've been in the market about seven years. I've
got so used to it I can't stay at home on Saturday.
I was born on the farm, raised by one of the
county's best farmers. I married a farmer and never intend
to live any where else.
"What education I have, I got in the public schools.
I went as high as 1 could go. The schools wasn't graded when I
growed up. I am fifty seven years old. I have six children. We
own our farm and have plenty of every thing.
"Before these farm markets started we farm women
had a poor way to earn pin money. I belong to the Woman's
Home Demonstration Club, We meet once each month with some
member. The County Agent meets with us and gives a demonstration
on something new each time. This Club is for the farm women only.
It teaches them how to use what they have at home to a better
advantage. Canning, cooking, sewing, baking, fancy pies and
cakes for market, how to dress chickenspturkeys and can meat.
This market is the result of Home Demonstration work.
"The farm women no longer have to go out and peddle their
produce from door to door. Our produce is of the best, amd we
keep our prices with the merchants.
"This building cost Mrs. Hoffman and me a hundred
dollars. We pay seventy five cents a week rent on the lot.
Any time its necessary we can move the building.
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"Are you ever going to pack up and go home?" Mr.
Burns inquired and strolled away for the second bime.
"I ain't ready yit and we ain't got but tree cows
to milk," she answered.
I average about ten dollars a week on my produce.
That's clear profit. The only thing I have to buy is sugar
and flavoring to go in my cakes, puddings and piee.
"Sometimes we serve a chicken or turkey dinner.
This is part of my recreation. Its a pleasure to come to
town and meet all my customers, and spend the day. It sure
keeps me stepping about to get things ready on Friday.
"My leisure time is spout going places, visiting
with my children and friends. The only time I go to a ball
EAme is to please some of the family. Shows are not in my stylis,
and I don't care for them. We take a trip to the mountains and the
coast once a year.
I don't approve of women voting, don't think its
their place. I vote though every time just to please the old
man. Divorce is another thing I don't approve of. I've lived
with my old man thirty years, and guess I can stand him as
long as he lasts. He drinks a lot of liquor and has been to
an institulon twice. if I'd divorce him and marry another
might get one just as bad, maybe worse. It might be a case of
jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
I declare its five thirty, I must get these
thincs packed up or Bill will be fit to be tied. Come
around next Saturday and we will talk some more."