In the early 1900s, farming was the way many families made their living in upstate New York. During these times, many women didn't have many opportunities to socialize outside the home or learn new ways to better their lives and so an organization was formed with the purpose of educating young married women about family and farming life. This organization, called Home Bureau, has grown to encompass six chapters throughout New York state. The Home Bureau is a New York state women's organization formed in Ithaca, New York. Longtime Home Bureau member Irene Weirich explained, "One of the Home Bureau's early goals was to make sure that every farm home had a radio. Another goal was to help the farm woman improve her family and farming life by teaching her skills such as sewing, cooking, knitting, canning and crocheting." The Home Bureau was established in 1919 as part of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension. In 1956, the group broke away from the Cooperative Extension and formed the New York State Federation of Home Bureaus Incorporated. Many current members are second generation Home Bureau members. According to Weirich, "My mother, Leona Silco, was a charter member in the 1940s. I joined as a teenager but became most active in the 1950s. My husband's mother was also a member," she said. Hilda Schmidt's mother, Theresa Schmidt, was also a group member. "I can remember my mother having these meetings at our home," Schmidt added. While the original Home Bureau goal was to help farm women to learn about taking care of homes and families, through the years the focus of the Home Bureau has grown to include seven different projects. These projects consist of community service, consumer education, health and safety, international relations, legislation, scholarship and crafts. "We belong to a national women's organization called Associated Women of the World. We learn about other countries and help support countries in need through our fundraising efforts," said Loretta Martin, a member since 1973. "One of our projects is called Save the Sight. We raise money to benefit the people of underdeveloped nations who need eye care. Not only does our money provide eye glasses but we provide education so people understand how to take better care of their eyes," said Martin. "Our legislative group helps to educate our women about political issues of the day," she said. Scholarships are another important part of Home Bureau. Almost 100 scholarships are offered each year, four in Monroe County. Weirich has been a member for over 50 years and has seen many changes. "Education has always been a main goal of Home Bureau. Our local chapter offers one scholarship at Rochester Institute of Technology and three at SUNY Brockport," she said. The funds raised for these scholarships, as well as all of the good works that Home Bureau does, is through collections at meetings called Pennies for Friendship. "We ask our members to donate spare change to support our projects," said Martin. The Home Bureau's community service work also includes a wide variety of needlework such as knitting, sewing, crocheting projects. Some of these projects are making caps for premature babies, making turbans for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments, and making clothing protectors for children at the Al Sigl Center. "We want to make the world a better place," said Martin. During the early to mid-1900s, membership in this organization grew but within the last 25 years, membership has declined dramatically. "Currently, we only have 73 members. We would love to see our association grow," said Schmidt. Most current Home Bureau members are over 50 years old. But the group is open to any woman regardless of age. "We are a non-political, non-sectarian and non-racial organization of homemakers," said Weirich. "Not enough young people belong. Our goal is to boost membership," added Schmidt. "When I joined in 1973, we had so many members. Young people today do not have the time that we had and so our membership has dropped. We encourage women of all ages to join the Home Bureau," said Martin. Most chapters meet every two weeks. Meetings are held in members' homes. All members old and new are welcome to attend a reunion picnic on Thursday, August 18. "We will honor all of our former members at this picnic," said Schmidt. Contact Maxine Bohn, Monroe County Chairman, at 334-9348 if you plan on attending. Lunch will be served. If needed, transportation will also be provided, however prior arrangements need to be made. Note: Home Bureau members are looking for a set of International Relations Dolls. Call 352-1162 with information. |
