The following letters appeared in The Farmer’s Wife magazine and illustrate the age-long struggle women face in achieving a balanced life. (“Social media” in 1938–in this case, magazines–moved much more slowly. It took 4 months to see the response to the initial letter to the editor!) Although I cannot say that I completely agree with either woman, I do lean…

These letters describe how two young women in 1925 (100 years ago!) decided to spend their money, in both cases, $1. (For reference, $1 in 1925 is equivalent to over $18 in 2025.)  A Gift for Another Mother I am going to tell you about a dollar I spent. It is very seldom I go to the city to trade,…

Did you ever think about taking a vacation at home? Here is an article from 1913 with some recommendations. It’s time to think once more about vacation. What? Not going to take one this year? Can’t afford it? Times have been hard—you’ve had sickness these last months, and your pocketbook is about empty? But you need it, friend. How about…

What a brave young woman to live by herself in the wilderness on a Wyoming ranch! I wonder what circumstances brought about her solitary homemaking? This passage–a magazine interview–gives us a very small glimpse into what must have been a fascinating life. -Laurie A young woman in Wyoming writes: “This country is so different, so big, that the horizon alone…