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MARY TAYLOR
(Florida)
TOPICS AND OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO
LIFE HISTORY
No. pages 9
No. words 2300, approx.
1. February 20, 1939.
2. Mary Taylor, white, (fictitious name) Mrs. Willa Blanding, (real name)
3. 122 North Commerce Ave.,
4. Sebring, Florida.
5. Home Kitchen Manufacturer of jams, jellies, etc.
6. Barbara Berry Darsey, writer
7.
Mary Taylor
I. FAMILY:
1. Size of family ---- three; woman, husband, and daughter in immediate
family. Three daughters and one son married and living away from home.
2. Effect of family size upon financial status ---- immediate family
greatly limits financial status as husband is ill and unable to work and
daughter is in college.
3. Attitude toward large family ---- woman does not believe in large
families and showed a slightly resentful attitude toward her family.
4. Attitude toward limitation of family ---- Believes in limitation of
family; feels that life under present day circumstances is so precarious
that all families should be limited.
5. Occupational background of family ---- agricultural for both man and
woman. Families of both were farmers and man has been a farmer and stock
producer and trader; woman had many years experience on farm and was also
County Demonstration Agent. Now engaged in manufacture of jams etc.
6. Pride of family including ancestry ---- rather vague as to ancestry,
other than immediate family. Proud of work and background of farming.
Proud of children in spite of slight resentment of fact that they do not
hepl her.
II. EDUCATION:
1. Number of years attendance in school ---- twelve for woman; perhaps ten
or twelve for man but rather difficult to determine as he did not attend a
graded school all the time, neither did he attend regularly. Appears well
educated however. Children all well educated, mostly with college work.
2. Causes of limited education ---- education of couple could hardly be
called limited though they are not college graduates. Necessity to work
perhaps prevented college work, along with limited means, and early
marriage.
3. Attitudes Toward Education:
a. Educational advantages desired for children ---- very ambitious and
made many sacrifices in order that children might be well educated. After
high school educations, each took some special work: one daughter attended
business college; another took nurses training; youngest daughter now at
Florida State College for Women though Mrs. Taylor feels the great stain
of this and in denying herself greatly in order to keep this child in
college.
b. Whether worker believes training is of economic advantage ---Woman
believes greatly in education, and realizes its economic value. Has
educated children, each with some special work or profession in view so
that they may take a special place in economic and social life.
c. Evaluation of school system ---- feels that school system is filled
with lots or frills and fancies but that fundamentally it is sound and of
great advantage, promotes self assurance, makes children more able to
think and plan their lives, fits them to be good citizens.
d. Ambitions, ideals, idea of a good life ---- woman often mourns the loss
of their fine farm and wishes for a good substantial home and income. At
present is renting a small home but owns a large home in another part of
the State which she rents. Has a small car which is necessary in her work
as she delivers orders for her jellies and jams to other towns and cities.
Woman would want to work in spite of circumstances, even if financial
status was adequate, and would like a position in state or national work
of a welfare nature.
III. INCOME:
1. Comparison of present income with first weekly or annual income
------------- rather difficult to determine. When woman was married at
eighteen years of age she entered a home of wealth. Her husband owned a
large plantation and stock farm which he later lost. Then woman undertook
to make living as husband's health failed with financial difficulties.
While employed a Home Demonstration Agent she had a regular salary which
however was not adequate. During boom days in Florida she made plenty of
money which was expended on family needs. At present income is inadequate
and very sporadic as sales have been few during season for her products.
While at beginning of her married life she lived in weath and plenty she
now has barely enough for food, clothes, and other necessities, and even
that at times is threatened.
2. Actual needs to be covered by income---- food, clothing, rent, medical
bills for husband, upkeep of daughter in college so that she may soon be
capable of self support; some repairs on property in Gainesville, gas and
car upkeep; supplies for manufacture of her products.
3. To what extent income covers needs ---- probably barely adequate with
all expenses pared as closely as possible.
4. Sense of relative values in expenditure of income ---- woman had a
highly trained and developed sense of values and makes no foolish
expenditures.
5. What person consulted considers an adequate income ---- rather
difficult to determine as woman did not express herself definitely upon
this. Has lived with out an entirely adequate income for so many years. To
live in the style to which she was at one time accustomed would require
perhaps a thousand dollars monthly; for income at present to cover all
needs without worry , probably five hundred dollars monthly. This would
provide better living conditions, medical care, better care for child in
college.
IV. ATTITUDE TOWARD OCCUPATION AND KIND OF LIFE:
1. Pride or shame in work ----woman seems very proud of her work and of
the fact that she has originated several recipes for jellies, etc, yet she
seems resentful that she must do this work and that it pays her so little,
is also very suspicious, feeling that some one is trying to encroach upon
her work, original recipes, etc.
2. Influence of outside attitudes ---- very susceptible to attitudes of
friends, that is she cares a great deal for their approval and seems
deeply wounded by lack of friendship of some people and lack of
appreciation of her efforts by some of her close friends
3. Basis of objections to or satisfaction with life ---- woman seemed
disgruntled with present conditions, cannot make sufficient to live as she
would like and yet works so hard. Work requires energy, time, and mental
ability yet returnes from it are not adequate. Feels also that
responsibilities of entire family are upon her since husband has become
ill and she is slightly resentful of that. Attitude of woman is that every
one is antagonistic to her interest, she admits this and says it is
probably caused by her age and having worked for so long for so very
little.
4. Attitude toward owners (probably in this case, owners of home which she
rents-- might also show attitude toward purchaser of products ,,,-----
feels that she is forced to pay entirely to much rent, yearly average is $
14.00 per month. Also feels that she is doing a great favor to purchasers
of her products in letting them have the goods at price she asks, yet does
not raise prices.
5. Advantages or disadvantages of present life in comparison with other
types.
a. Present small term life as compared with that of farming woman stated
that when they owned their large farm they could produce almost everything
to supply their needs and always were sure of a living and plenty to eat.
Such a life was more or less isolated however and she likes friends and
entertainment. Would be glad to return to farm life if it could be with
the wealth they had at one time. Present life would be more agreeable if
not so harassed with financial matters, for friends call and she attends
card parties, etc. Is also able to sell products in large hotels, to
tourists and others.
b. Present life compared with that in a city ---- woman stated that she
was essentially a small town or country woman in her preference of a place
to live. While city environment would probably in some respects be better
for her work in a marketing way, and would not offer obstacles in
production of her products, yet she shuns it and does not even go to large
cities to sell her jams and jellies. Does not care for city life at all,
and feels that to attempt her work under such a life would be a great
handicap.
c. Present life compared to that of a larger town---- woman stated that
she would prefer a larger town in which to live and pursue her work if it
were not for the matter of making adjustments, such as finding a suitable
location for her business, making new friends, new markets, etc. She feels
a timidity at present in making any change, though feels that if she could
locate in one of the larger tourist towns of the Ridge Section it might be
to her advantage, for much of her trade is among tourists.
V. POLITICS:
1. Extent of voting ---- woman's husband is an ardent Democrat and votes
at all elections; woman is also a Democrat but more or less indifferent
and does not consider voting a privilege. Woman takes little interest in
politics except to criticize present way of matters.
2. Degree of independence in casting ballot ---- both would vote the
regular Democratic ticket as have always been Democrats and feel that that
Party is best for the Country.
3. Preference in choice of candidates ---- Vote straight Democratic ticket
feeling that the Party choice is best. In small local elections would vote
for friends or in lieu of friends as candidates, for these they considered
suited for the office.
4. Party consciousness ---- Both proud of being Democrats yet woman is
critical of present conditions and rather apathetic regarding all
politics.
5. Consciousness of changing trends in thought ---- woman well aware of
changing trends in thought but harps upon the way things were done in her
youth; does not accept quite gracefully present economic and social
trends.
VI. RELIGION AND MORALS:
1. Influence of religion on morals---- family quite moral but doubtful if
religion has influenced them much in this respect. No bad habits, no
modern trends in religion, family are all Presbyterians but do not attend
regularly.
2. Attitude toward various forms of amusement ---- woman very broad minded
in regard to amusements of various kinds and endeavors to see that her
daughter in such with other children of her age and social position. Woman
enjoys moving pictures, bridge, various parties, and other amusements
current in town. Is a member of Tourist Club and regularly attends its
various entertainments.
3. Relation to Church:
a. Contribution ------ family contribute regularly to Church
b. Attitude toward aid from Church---- have never asked nor been the
recipient of Church aid; approves of it for the needy and woman has helped
Church societies in giving this aid to others.
c. Attendance ---- family make no fetish of regular attendance at Church
but go when they want to and feel like it--perhaps are fairly regular and
especially when daughter is at home.
VII. MEDICAL NEEDS:
1. Money expended for hospital and medical bills---- husband has been
under doctor's care for several months with cost of about eight dollars a
week until recently when the bill has been slightly reduced as he is now
able to be up and about. Daughter in college has had some dental work, and
another daughter who is unmarried and working needed financial aid to have
tonsils and appendix removed. Woman needs glasses changed as eyes trouble
her but feels unable to do so at present.
2. To what extent health has been protected by adequate medical care
--------- health has always been protected properly by adequate care for
entire family, except perhaps for woman who is at present tired,
overworked, and very nervous.
3. What effect has work upon health ---- apparently no effect, unless in
case of woman who is over worked and nervous, part of this condition she
attributes to age and financial worries.
VIII. DIET:
1. Knowledge of a balanced diet ---- woman has a thorough knowledge of a
balanced diet through her studies and work as County Demonstration Agent,
and summer courses at college in this work.
2. To what extent is knowledge applied ---- knowledge of a balanced diet
is applied at all times when woman prepares meals at home, she does not
like to cook and is usually too busy for it, so family take most of meals
in restaurants.
3. To what extent is it possible to have a balanced diet on wage earned
--------- possible to have a well balanced diet at each meal as family is
small and are not heavy eaters.
IX. MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS:
1. Cleanliness and order of house and number of rooms---- house of seven
rooms, all clean and neat with a very comfortable homelike appearance.
2. Cleanliness of person ----woman was very neat and clean, with an
attractive house dress and apron of good material; silver hair
attractively arranged, face and hands clean.
3. Furnishings in house ---- a set of lawn furniture graced a corner of
the yard and was protected from the sun by a huge gay umbrella; wicker
chairs in tan and green were upon the large front veranda; living room was
comfortable furnished with a matching wicker set, chairs, settee, and
desk. A small wood buring stove added its cheerful warmth, handsome lamps
(electric) and a soft rug in brown an grey added to the pleasing effect .
Portieres in neutral shades that blended well with both rooms draped the
arch between living and dining room. A gay linoleum covered the dining
room floor, china and glass gleamed in a built-in china closet. A
breakfast set in pale green centered the room and blooming plants stood in
the windows.
Kitchen had two three burner oil stoves, sink, cupboards and table.
Both bed rooms were well furnished, one in mahogany finish with draperies
of blue, twin beds, dresser, and clothes cabinet; the other in ivory with
haingings in cream and rose; twin beds vanity dresser and a built in
clothes closets.
Both bed rooms connected with the modern bath.
Another small room held a table, shelves for books and a sink.
6. Pride in possessions ---- woman had many small items, such as a very
old lamp, an aged woven basket for sewing of which she was proud. She also
had a handsome large diamond ring with ear-rings to match, which she said
were the only jewelry left from more prosperous times. She was also proud
of table cloths, draperies and the like which she had made and used a
demonstrations in her work as Home Agent.
X. USE OF TIME:
1. Routine etc, ----- woman has no established routine for work, that is
does not work regularly every day; works as demand for products occurs
thus insuring fresh articles. Whether working or not she arises early and
has no respect for these who sleep late no matter what the cause. When at
work with her jellies woman arises so as to begin this work at seven
oclock, then unless there are many orders and a press of work she stops at
three oclock rests and usually has some recreation. Or, sometimes spends
that time after three in delivering orders to other towns or in taking new
orders.
Attends all bridge parties of Tourist Club and occasionally gives a party
or a dinner for some friend.
When daughter is at home lets her give frequent parties.
During the guava season woman cans quantities of guava juice which she
later uses for jelly as orders demand.
LIFE HISTORY
No. pages 21
No. words 6225 approx.
1. February 21, 23, 24, 1939
2. Mary Taylor, white (fictitious name)
Mrs. Willa Blanding, (real name)
3. 122 North Commerce Avenue
4. Sebring, Florida
5. Home Kitchen manufacturer of jams, jellies, etc.
6. Barbara Berry Darsey, writer
7.
MARY TAYLOR
The screen door was suddenly unlocked and abruptly opened and a crisp
voice said: "Good morning, won't you come in! "
This was rather startling as I had knocked several times some minutes
before but received no answer. Therefore, thinking that no one was at
home, I was preparing to leave but had paused upon the veranda, at the top
step, to admire the lovely view. A broad green lawn was bordered with
beautiful flowers, and a most artistic effect was obtained by the placing
of rustic table and chairs and a huge gay umbrella under an orange tree
white with blossoms and loaded with golden fruit.
I immediately turned back to the door to meet Mrs. Taylor. Her blue
flowered house dress was of fine material and very becoming worn with a
dainty frilly white apron. Her silvery hair was waved and in perfect order
despite the fact that she had been working in her kitchen making jam and
jelly.
"I thought I heard a knock but was not sure, " said she, "for I had
something cooking on both of may stoves and so the noise in the kitchen
was rather loud."
As she stood at the door and mentioned her work I offered to return at a
more convenient time for her, but she insisted that I come in as she
needed to rest and would be glad to talk to me. Her assistant, Mattie,
could carry on the work alone for a little while it seemed.
The living room was most attractive, furnished, like the veranda, in
wicker in soft tans, browns, and greens. A soft toned rug and draperies
added to the room and a small wood burning stove gave out a welcome
warmth.
Mrs. Taylor , after we were seated, called to her helper:
"Mattie, keep the large white pan boiling, and be sure to tell me the very
minute the paraffin is melted. "
Then she turned her attention to me. She was not loquacious. We discussed
a number of subjects with many pauses. At times she seemed absent-minded
and would frequently repeat what she had just said, or ask if she had told
me if something which we had already discussed. Sometimes she seemed to
leave a sentence suspended in mid air, so to speak, as some other idea
occured to her. However we talked along and she told me the story of her
life.
"Yes indeed, I an a native Floridian, though I do not call myself a
Cracker. Most people, not Floridians, seem to have very queer ideas about
the Crackers and you drop in their estimation if you announce yourself as
one. Did you ever notice," she asked, "that most people seem to think of
all Florida Crackers as uncouth illiterate beings, and do not seem to
realize that there are Crackers and Crackers."
"I was born and raised in Johnstown* , Florida some sixty years ago, more
or less. I will not tell my age exactly" she smiled, "you see I use
woman's prerogative in regard to my age."
Though her hair was silvered, her manner most dignified, and her face
showed some lines, she did not look to be near sixty. One would rather
have said that she was probably forty-eight, or at the most fifty.
"My maiden name was Bargo*, and my father was a wealthy farmer near
Johnstown but I never knew him for he died just one month prior to my
birth." She paused and sighed deeply and seemed to recede into a gentle
reverie for a few seconds.
"The shock of his death and my birth were too much for my mother and soon
her health failed completely and she passed away when I was a baby. I was
then raised by relatives in Johnstown. They were good to me and looked
upon me as their own daughter. Their name was Finch*. A daughter Ellen*
though a number of years older took a great fancy to me and we were always
like sisters as we grew up. "
Again she passed in retrospect and I could almost see the years of her
girlhood passing in review. After a few moments she seemed again aware of
my presence and asked:
"Did you know Miss Ruby Boynton? You did!" exclaimed Mrs. Taylor who at
once became more cordial. "Well, she was my music teacher and though she
could not play at all she could certainly teach others to do so. Later she
became, as you know, quite an important figure in State Education. If she
were living today, I would have no trouble in getting a good position, I
know."
Mrs. Taylor then became quite animated in her speech and we found that we
had a number of mutual acquaintances in the northern part of the State.
"Then there was Dr. Gaines, the most courtly gentlemen I believe I have
ever known. Oh, you know him too, well now think of that! he was my
teacher in high school I was taking a business course and won the medal in
book-keeping which he had offered for the best pupil," said she with
pride.
"He lived in Johnstown for a number of years, but later went to Lake City,
where he became President of the University of Florida.
"My foster parents gave me a good education but I did not put it to any
special use during my youth for I married almost as soon as I graduated. I
then went with my husband to his home in Hillway*, South Carolina, and
spend a good many years there."
Mattie called from the kitchen: "Miss Mary, did you say to turn out the
fire under this large pan when it boiled up good? "
"No, Mattie, keep it boiling furiously for ten minutes but don't let it
scorch, and watch that paraffin closely," ordered Mrs. Taylor.
Seemingly reassured as to the watchfulness of Mattie she resumed her
story, but the animation had left her and she spoke dreamily:
"My husband, Mr. Taylor*, was very wealthy. He and his mother owned and
operated a large plantation and stock farm near Hillway. That farm was
indeed a wonder to me in my young days, before the novelty were off and
the hard work came, for it seemed that we raised almost everything we
needed and with so little effort. Of course I did not realize the great
amount of work entailed for we had plenty of servants then.
"We had a huge old brick house, oldfashioned, but so comfortable and
handsome. It was built before the Civil War. How times have changed with
the years--here I am now toiling day and night for a meagre existence and
living in an ordinary little rented cottage without even the furniture
belonging to me," Mrs. Taylor said bitterly.
"My children were all born and raised there or in Hillway. I have one son
who is an officer now in the United States Army, " stated she with much
pride, " and he is married and has two children. Then I have four
daughters. Two are married, one is an office executive, and the baby is a
Freshman at the State College for Women."
Mrs. Taylor sighed deeply and seemed to be lost in thoughts of her
children, then she surprisingly remarked:
"My children have all been more or less of a disappointment to me. I was
so careful to give each one a good education with some special work or
profession in view. I thought that thus they would be fitted to be self
sustaining and also to help me. One daughter trained at Johns Hopkins as a
nurse and she had hardly finished her first case before she got married.
It is a question too of whether her husband will take care of her, they
have already called on me several times for aid," fairly snapped Mrs.
Taylor.
"I do hope that my daughter in college and the one now working in an
office will have sense enough not to marry. Marriage is such a gamble even
under the best of circumstances. One never knows how it will turn out.
Just look at me now, after so many years of marriage, and with such bright
prospects at the start, having to work so hard to support my family and
keep my child in school."
Mattie, a rather stout pleasant faced young woman, came to the dining-room
door and announced that the paraffin was melted and so Mrs. Taylor excused
to go to the kitchen. She returned at once with a large saucepan and a
long handled spoon. She placed the pan upon a small box on the dining
table and seated herself beside it.
The living room opened into the dining room with a large archway and I had
noticed some three dozen tiny jars of green jelly standing upon the snowy
linen cloth of the table. In each jar was a waxy orange blossom, opened,
and apparently as fresh as the day it was picked.
"I just must put on the paraffin while it is hot and melted but we can
continue our talk as I work, if you do not mind," said Mrs. Taylor.
I arose and took a chair near her and watched as she carefully dipped up
the melted wax and poured it upon the green jelly where it rapidly
congealed to a creamy hardness.
"I do believe that my daughters will all at least have sense enough not to
bear large families. I have tried to teach them that and how unjust it is,
for no one, no matter how wealthy can adequately care for more than two or
three children these hard times. If they just must have children, I have
tried to impress upon them that two should be the limit. They will all
probably be much better off without any. So far my daughters have no
children but my son's wife has borne two.
She continued: "Children are such a responsibility all the time it seems
and appreciate so little all that is done for them. I suppose I was the
same way however, for I too was educated to be self sustaining and then I
married right away. I believe that my foster parents had a different
attitude however and they were glad when I married and began a family of
my own. Perhaps because they were quite well-to-do, and did not have to
struggle for a living is the reason that they had different view of life,"
sighed Mrs. Taylor deeply.
As she dipped the paraffin into the tiny jars, I noticed that the dining
room had a brighter appearance than the living room. Gay linoleum covered
its floor and the breakfast set was painted a delicate green. In a
built-in china closet, colorful glass and china, along with rich silver
gleamed softly. Flowering plants stood in the windows and softly shaded
electric lamps were placed at strategic points about the room.
I could catch a glimpse of the kitchen and noted that the bright linoleum
was repeated there; a sink and table in white enamel contrasted pleasantly
with the pale green of the two oil stoves and the cabinet.
Mrs. Taylor was silent as she filled the last of the jewel like jars of
green jelly. Then she put away the saucepan and spoon and we returned to
the living room.
"Sometimes the thoughts of my whole married life with all the troubles and
responsibilities, sweep upon me and seem more than I bear, like a terrible
dream, and yet I suppose I had as easy a time as almost anyone for a
number of years," said she.
I admired the lovely green jelly holding the orange blossom so delicately
and Mrs. Taylor explained that it was one of her specialties. It was made
of pale guava jelly, tinted green and flavored with mint. She said that
she sometimes put the orange blossom in orange or guava jelly in the
natural color, when orders came that way. She did not like to do this
however for it gave the blossom a bilious look. In the green it looked
waxy and most natural.
"I originated the idea and the process of placing the orange blossom in
the jelly so that it will hold its freshness and perfection," she proudly
stated. "You may often see the orange blossoms in jelly of various kinds
but if you look closely it will appear cloudy about the flower, or the
blossom will be wrinkled and withered. Mine never do, they always look as
fresh as the day they were picked from the tree, and that is due to my
secret process.
"Almost any jelly maker can place the blossom in the jelly and make it
stay about half way down in the jar, but I knew of no one else who can
make it keep its fresh appearance for any length of time. The flowers in
my jelly will remain fresh just as long as the jelly lasts. When the jelly
is being used the orange flowers may be eaten too and they impart a
delightful fragrance and taste to the jelly. Sometimes, in larger jars I
use a spray of the blossoms which is most attractive."
I asked if she advertised this specialty and she replied that she did not
believe in advertising, that it was not worth the trouble and expense.
"I did exhibit my products at the Century of Progress Exposition and my
orange flower jelly took first prize. I also took first prize in my
display pack. Many prizes were offered but I never received a one of them.
A trip to the Exposition, a fine aluminum canning and preserving outfit
were among the finest offered. Of course when the Exposition authorities
notified me of being the winner I thought they would make arrangements for
my trip, and send me the other prizes but they never did, I did not
receive one thing as the result of all my trouble to exhibit. But that's
usually the way everything happens to me it seems."
The Postman came up the steps and rattled the mailbox as he put in the
letters and papers, and again Mrs. Taylor excused her self. First she went
to the box but found it locked, so then she returned to hunt her
pocketbook which held the key.
While she was hunting, I noticed that two rather large bed rooms opened
off the dining room on each side. One looked to be a large square room
with twin beds and dresser in mahogany finish and with draperies of a deep
blue. The other room held twin beds in ivory finish with draperies of
cream and rose, its floor was bare and painted a light sand color. The
floor of the larger bedroom was covered in linoleum figured in a tiny
flower. Both rooms opened into a modern bath room where again the blue
hangings contrasted pleasantly with the gleaming white of fixtures.
The whole house had a wholesome atmosphere and was in spotless order. At
the side of the living room and also opening on the front veranda was a
smaller room that might have been used ofr an office. Here stood a small
desk, a table, chair, and cot. A sink was also in this room.
Mrs. Taylor had at last found her key, opened the mail box and now
returned to resume her conversation. She stated rather apologetically: "We
have no near neighbors and there are no children in this block so Mr.
Taylor says I am foolish to keep the box locked, but I always feel that
people might pry.
"Many have tried to steal my recipes for the jelly and marmalade, a very
special tangarine marmalade which I make. I must confess that the older I
grow the less faith in human nature I have.
"I thought once to have the process of placing the orange blossom in the
jelly, and the special marmalade recipe, patented or copy-righted, or what
ever is necessary to gain protection, but the Patent Office would not do a
thing about it unless I submitted my process and recipe. Well, I did not
do it, I knew quite well that someone in that office wanted to steal them
from me."
She paused a moment as a Cardinal flashed from the orange tree to fight
his reflection in one of the large windows. Soon how ever he returned to
the tree and began his sweet song. The spell of silence was thus broken
and Mrs. Taylor spoke again:
"I have been engaged in this kind of work for some years now here in
Sebring. It was very easy for me on account of my farm experience in
canning and preserving and my work in Home Demonstration in South
Carolina. At first I expected to make fame and fortune, but I have
realized neither. Right now the materials are so expensive that I hardly
make a living, and yet most people who buy complain of the prices and try
to beat me down on them.
"After spending the best years of my life, I might say, on the Carolina
farm our finances began to dwindle. My mother-in-law died and we then
found that it was chiefly through her direction and management that we had
prospered. That was indeed a surprise. Soon after her passing everything
seemed to go wrong. I had always known that my husband was no business man
but I had not realized just how helpless he was, and I was too for that
matter.
"He made several deals which were adverse, and he even went security on
several large notes for a friend which he later had to pay and which
completely ruined us. Soon afterward we lost our fine home and moved to
town where we took a very small cottage.
"I got busy and with influence and the record of my farm life I secured
the position of Home Demonstration Agent for a near by County. It paid
fairly well for these days, I believe it was one hundred twenty five
dollars monthly, but I am not sure. However it did not seem like much to
me for I had the burden of my family too upon me. We did not starve,
neither did we have everything we wanted. And of course in that day I felt
rather queer about working outside my own home, no women in Carolina did
that then. I had to spend part of my summers in college to in preparation
for the work, and finally matters get so bad that my thoughts turned to my
home state.
"I made arrangements for my family to remain in Hillway and I came down to
Johnstown to see what I could do. I had relatives there. Did I mention
Cousin Ellen, well she was there and owned and operated a large boarding
house and I stayed with her for a while. Then I clerked in a store, but
the salary was so little it did not do much good. Finally I came here to
Sebring and secured work in a large gift shop. That was some years before
the boom but business in the winter was good. I made arrangements to work
some at making citrus by-products such as jelly, marmalade, candy, etc. to
sell in the shop."
Again she paused for some moments and a far-away look came into her large
brown eyes.
"During the boom there was such a demand for my products that I severed my
connections with the gift shop rented a rather large house, employed
several women to help me and started in for myself. I made money too, but
it took lots to keep my factory going and prices were almost as high here
then as they are now. However I banked quite a bit too and was beginning
to consider myself on the road to success at last.
"Then one bank failure after another took my money, and what I made after
that seemed always in demand by my family. So now here I am growing old
and struggling for a living."
Mattie called from the kitchen and Mrs. Taylor went to see what she
wanted. While waiting her return I noticed a number of good books and
magazines upon the table. Several copies of the National Geographic looked
to be well read. Then my eye was caught by a very large old family Bible,
which looked like an antique. I was about to open it when Mrs. Taylor
returned.
"Things again seemed to go from bad to worse with me, but I struggled
along. When FERA came in I saw so many who had work that did not need it,
and others who did, so finally I put my pride aside and applied for work.
"
She sighed deeply: "That was a terrible ordeal I can tell you. A rather
nice woman came to talk to us but she surely asked a lot of questions,
some of which were none of her business at all. Of course I knew it was
routine work so I answered as best I could. After some time I assigned as
Director of the sewing room at twelve dollars a week, I believe it was,
anyway it was very little. Even though I was then taking care of my
husband and child they were in Carolina and so I could get any help for
them here.
"After awhile the sewing room closed and the I was given the Home-makers
Project, but it soon closed. Then a new Relief Director came and she made
a rule that the family of every client must be contacted. When the aide
came to see me to tell me about it I refused to let her write my cousin
and children and told her just to close my case.
"Now I see that I did wrong for myself. If I had just hung on, whether or
not I worked they would have had to pay me and maybe now I would have work
too.
"I thought I might get position with the Farm Rehabilitation division but
another woman got that away from me just as I was about to be appointed.
My work as Demonstration Agent would have helped me so much in that. Well
that work didn't last long anyway so perhaps I did not miss much. "
She stopped as the Cardinal again burst in to an ecstasy of song and as
she listened to the sweet 'tear dripping' notes some of the bitterness
seemed to leave her face and her voice when she spoke again.
Footsteps were heard on the walk and then upon the veranda and Mrs. Taylor
went to the door to meet a well dressed man and woman, both of whom spoke
pleasantly to her and she answered in kind. They refused to enter, saying
they were in a hurry but asked for a box of the small jellies and'
especially one, at least, with an orange blossom in it".
Evidently Mrs. Taylor kept these already packed and wrapped for sale for
she went to some shelves from which she took a package attractive in white
paper, green string, and orange blossom stickers. She handed this to the
gentlemen and accepted a dollar, then as they left she turned to me again.
"That box that they just bought-- here I will show you one." She opened an
attractive round tin box printed in attractive design with a large orange
and blossoms in its centre. Tiny glasses of vari-colored jelly sparkled
like jewels amid soft lacy white paper, and in the centre of the box stood
the green mint jelly holding the orange blossom. Each jar was labeled with
name of its contents printed on an orange seal, and the whole ensemble was
indeed attractive.
The jellies included mint, orange, guava, roselle and papaya. then there
were marmalades of tangarine, papaya, mango, orange, and lime as the usual
pack but occasionally the ruby-like gleam of surinam cherry or some rarer
fruit replaced one of the more common in very special orders, stated Mrs.
Taylor.
"As I started to tell you, this is my hardest box to fix, and the
purchaser gets less for his money, yet it is the most in demand. It really
costs me almost seventy-five cents to make up this pack for the tins are
expensive and the tiny jars cost about as much as the larger ones and they
are harder to fill and make attractive.
"Sold separately most of these smallest ones bring ten cents, though for
things like the surinam cherry and the papaya I ask fifteen. For a twelve
ounce jar of ordinary jelly such as guava, and it is most popular with the
tourists, I get twenty-five cents, for a pint jar which holds twenty-two
ounces on account of all the pure sugar that I use, I get forty cents.
Prices on other products of the same size vary according to what they are.
"I put up some larger sizes but only upon special order now. There was a
time when I kept a large stock of various kinds and sizes, but business is
so uncertain and prices of materials so high that I have discontinued
that.
She went in to the dining room and returned with a small dish of
crystallized citrus fruit peel, daintily tinted, and insisted that I taste
it.
"This is citrus fruit candy, though not the variety that I used to make. I
crystallize the peel of the various kinds and tint them as you see and
they are often in demand for bridge parties and the like. In special
orders I use the smaller fruits crystallized whole such as the kumquat and
the Oriental Lime.
"The demand for this candy is rapidly diminishing. A few years ago I could
not make sufficient to supply the demand. I put it up in cellophane bags
from ten cents to twenty-five, and also in attractive boxes at fifty,
seventy-five, and a dollar. Often I cut the peel in flower shapes and if
for children in animal shapes which always delighted them. Now I seldom
make any unless upon a special order for it is difficult and tedious as
well as very expensive."
She nibbled a crumb of the candy and seemed to be in deep thought. After a
few minutes she spoke again:
"Mr. Taylor says that if I considered my time in the price of my products
they would indeed be priceless but I have never given a value to my time
in this work, I use the best of materials and of course count in the oil
it takes to cook, but not my time for as he said the price would then be
unreasonable.
"Unless rushed I do all my own work, and it is not often lately that I am
rushed with orders. Usually at this time of the season I have my shelves
filled with all varieties but not under present conditions. These round
boxes of the smallest pack were left over from a canceled order some weeks
ago. Oh yes, people frequently cancel their order without any apparent
reason never thinking of the cost to me!"
I mentioned the lovely orange blossoms upon the trees in her yard and she
smiled.
"They are my source of supply this year for blossoms for my jelly. There
have been times when they were hard to get and then of course there were
many orders. Now the blossoms are plentiful and the orders scarce. While
they are here and handy I am thinking of putting up quite a lot of the
mint jelly in spite of my resolution to produce only as I have orders,"
she said.
"These little jars that I just capped with paraffin are going north on an
order tomorrow. I also supply several hotels and gift shops in other large
towns of the Ridge, but this year these seems to be no sale.
"During the guava season I always put up quantities of guava juice to have
ready for jelly when the orders come in. That requires time, sugar, and
fuel, and so I do not know yet if I will be able to do it this year."
She paused and gazed pensively at a number of large photographs hanging
upon the walls. She pointed out her children and then asked if she had
mentioned Cousin Ellen whose picture she indicated upon a small table.
"Just after FERA closed she lost her mind and as I was her nearest
relative I brought her down here to live with me. Of course she paid me a
little but she needed lots of care. When she died she left her property to
me and I am now renting it. If matters do not soon improve here I think I
shall go to Johnstown and take charge myself, I believe I could manage a
boarding-house more successfully than I can rent it for the people so
often do not pay the rent.
The picture of "Cousin Ellen" showed an elderly gentlewoman with a sweet
placid face. The pictures of Mrs. Taylor's children were all attractive.
They were typical of modern youth without extremes and their faces were
alert and intelligent and held none of the grimness of the Mother's.
"Shortly before Christmas I thought that my troubles were mostly over for
I secured a good position, or so I thought, with a large preserving
company in a larger Ridge town. Then just as I was about ready to leave I
found that what they really wanted was my recipe for the orange blossom
jelly and the marmalade, and so of course I refused the position.
"Then, along with all my financial troubles Mr. Taylor developed very high
blood pressure and had a slight stroke and the doctor said he must give up
all work immediately. He has always lived in Hillway with cousins since I
have lived here. We visited each other usually twice a year. When he
became ill I drove to Hillway and brought him back here. He did not much
want to leave for Hillway has always been his home and he is nearing
seventy now, but it seemed the best and cheapest thing to do.
"He paid for his room and board there, of course, and that money would
help us both more here. Well, before we left there, as long as he was
unable to work I felt that he was entitled to the Old Age Pension, and so
in spite of his protests I put away my pride and went to the Pension
Office to make application for him. It did no good! They fairly laughed in
my face!
"None of the workers, I have known them all their lives, would believe
that he was in need and too when they found that I was bringing him to
Florida to stay a few months with me they would not consider his need at
all. They said I must apply in Florida!"
Her eyes fairly snapped and her voice was indeed bitter:
"What chance would he stand here, not even a resident when his own home
town where was born, raised, and lived all of his life and paid taxes
would not help him? Well, I told them all what I thought of their foolish
regulations anyway!"
With a deep sigh she resumed. "Now he needs special foods and though I am
a dietitian I really do not have much time to prepare meals and special
food. We take most of our meals in restaurants. When I am busy with my
preserving there is little time for other work.
"Usually I start my work at seven oclock and work steadily until three,
unless I am on a rush order. In that case I keep right on till I finish.
At three usually I stop, relax and rest. Sometimes I attend a bridge party
or some other affair. I must do such things in order to relax and keep my
self in condition for work.
"This preserving, canning, and all the various kinds of the work takes a
lot of mental and physical strength and some ability and unless I have
rest and recreation I would soon be unable to continue it. Sometimes I
work late at night when there are many orders to fill.
"And yet I make so little, I often wonder why I stick to it," said Mrs.
Taylor sadly.
"Then aside from my canning and preserving and my household duties, my
daughter in college needs lots of clothes. Some of these I make for her
when I have time, though usually I buy ready made things. Even the
selection of ready made clothes takes time and thought however.
"I had so hoped that with the present Administration people would get on a
better living schedule, be able to live more decently and have steady work
for all but it does not seem to be going that way now. Mr. Taylor is an
ardent Democrat in spite of everything, and he does not like for me to
feel and talk as I do but how can I refrain. I don't vote anymore, it
really is not worth the time and effort. It seems that we all jump in and
take on politics in a big way, feeling that it is entirely up to each
individual to put the right people in office and thereby save the Country.
Then what happens ---- we find that we have made a terrible mistake and
the Country is probably as bad as ever. If I for one take no part in
future politics, then I cannot blame myself for what happens," Mrs. Taylor
exclaimed with fervor.
After a few comments upon the world conditions in general I sought to
distract her attention from this subject, as she seemed to grow in
bitterness and was reduced almost to a frenzy. I remarked upon the family
Bible and asked its age. She at once responded and her mood changed
somewhat.
She stated that the Bible was indeed aged and had belonged to Mr. Taylor's
grandmother. Her people and those of her husband were English and came
directly to South Carolina from England. Later both branches of her family
came to Florida, aside from that information she was vague as to her
ancestry.
As she lovingly turned the pages of the Bible she spoke softly. "This old
Bible and my diamond ring and ear-rings are my sole link with the world of
my youth. Friends tell me that I could sell my diamonds and be benefitted.
I may have to sell them later, if matters keep on as they are going now,
but I could not begin to realize their value in a sale. What little I
would get would soon be spent and then I would have nothing and so I
intend to keep them just as long as I can.
"I sometimes wear my ring, but never the ear-rings any more for fear of
what people would think. All my friends know of my reduced circumstances
and financial difficulties, and if I wore diamond ear-rings what would
they think.
"I don't attend Church regularly any more, neither do I read the Bible as
often as I should, but there is a certain solace and companionship in this
old Bible which I enjoy," said Mrs. Taylor earnestly.
She then stated that she was a Presbyterian and contributed regularly, but
did not attend Church often, nor any of the meetings of the various Church
societies.
"It is not a matter of clothes, as with so many people who have given up
Church attendance, for I have thus far managed to have a few nice dresses.
I seem indifferent to the need to go to Church and tea. I am very nervous
and the service seems to tire me," explained Mrs. Taylor.
"There was a time when I felt every responsibility of Church work and also
considered it a great privilege. My conscience would really worry me if I
did not attend and work regularly, but now it seems to make no difference.
Of course I help support the Church and try to live according to its rules
but I do not attend often.
"When I have leisure it seems that I need more entertainment and
recreation, perhaps some excitement, and certainly some relaxation, and I
never could relax and rest in Church meetings. Usually I find diversion to
meet my needs in bridge parties and other entertainments of the local
Tourist Club. They have very wonderful entertainment of various kinds and
everyone is friendly and social. I always anticipate those meetings with
pleasure. It is interesting to meet people from all over the country and
hear their ideas, such a variety interests me profoundly and helps me to
forget my own problems," Mrs. Taylor said quietly.
She came to the door as I left and stood gazing at the orange tree where
the Cardinal sang.
"I am so glad you called, some how this talk has seemed to do me a lot of
good," gently said she.
NAMES USED IN LIFE HISTORY:
Fictitious Name Real Name
Johnstown, Fla. Gainesville, Fla.
Bargo Darden
Finch Doig
Ellen Finch Maggie Doig
Ruby Beynton Glen Hampton
Dr. Gaines Dr. Yocum
Hillway Sumter
Mr. Taylor J. D. Blanding
Text from: Library of
Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project Collection
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