SEGMENT: WOMEN'S WORK & FOOD & MEALS

Cliffie Smith Patterson>UIS Collection N-R>UIS Collection N-R, Segment 5

SEGMENT: WOMEN'S WORK & FOOD & MEALS,

duration 08:44
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WOMEN'S WORK
Sewed for everyone. Recalls neighbors' confidence in her ability to fix things. Started with hand sewing, and has had three different sewing machines. In Springfield, MO, when husband was working as a streetcar conductor, they bought a used Singer machine but she would have preferred a new one. Then bought a new Standard machine from the Linn & Scruggs store in Decatur when they moved to Mt. Pulaski. Then bought a brand new Singer in Decatur in the Singer store, and has had it for 25 years. Has every possible attachment. Plays solitaire in her free time. Prefers treadle machines rather than electric because so many people had problems with the electric machines. First sewed with calico, which was easy to work with, but knits are harder. Thread came on a wooden spool. Stored thread in a cabinet that she bought in Williams' store in Chestnut for $5. Thread is much more expensive now.
FOOD & MEALS
Enjoyed keeping a garden in Mt. Pulaski with lettuce, radishes, onions, peas, beets, and potatoes. Kept vegetables in cellar in a bin. Canned beans, tomatoes, and cherries. Sold cherries and let families come pick their own.