Page:This side the trenches, with the American Red cross (IA thissidetrenches00desc).pdf/52

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part of the United States. When these people have poorly kept homes it is only because they do not know any better. They have never been taught the art of housekeeping. They do not know that it is an art. They do not know that there is any better way of living than the way to which they have been accustomed. Their only hope of advancement lies in having someone show them what the care of the house means, and what pleasure and comfort, what a wholesome family life can be had from a home in which the art of housekeeping has been practised.

The Home Service workers have a great opportunity to raise the ideals of many women about the care of their homes. Whenever the family of a soldier or a sailor is suffering for lack of a knowledge of housekeeping, the Red Cross tries to introduce to it someone who can show the mother, the wife, or the daughter how to do her work better, not only the housework but also the cooking and the buying of food and clothes. Whenever possible, this person is a domestic science teacher in the public schools or one of the home demonstration agents who are at work in the counties of many states. Home Service Sections which have not been able to obtain the services of these specialists have depended upon housekeepers of experience who have been willing to volunteer their time for this work. Through these women the Red Cross has been able to help spread the rules, instructions, and requests of the Food Administration. Families have been reminded of the wheatless and meatless days and about conserving sugar and fats. They have also been encouraged