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.
{Begin page no. 2}Topical Outline for Life History of Mary Taylor
page 2.
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 ---- [women?] often mourns the less 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.
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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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 been days in Florida she made plenty of money {Begin deleted text}whichbwas{End deleted text} 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 nough for food, clothes, and other necessities, and even that at times is threatened.
2. Actual seeds 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. [?] of relative values in expenditure of income ---- woman had a highly trained and developed sense of values and makes [?] 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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.
{Begin page no. 4}
IV. ATTITUDE TOWARD OCCUPATION AND KIND OF LIFE:
1. Pride or shame in work ----very of her work and of the fact that she has originated several {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 [?] 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 [?] satisfaction with [?] ---- 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 purchases 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 {Begin page no. 5}
IV. ATTITUDE TOWARD OCCUPATION AND KIND OF LIFE, continued:
5-a. continued: net 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 ballet ---- 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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.
{Begin page no. 6}
V. POLITICS, continued:
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. He [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, {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 {Begin page no. 7}
VII. MEDICAL NEEDS, continued:
1. continued: ----------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 [?] 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 an nervous , part of this [?] 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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;
{Begin page no. 8}IX. MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS, continued:
3. continued ----------- wicker chairs in tan and green were upon 4. the large front veranda; living room 5. was comfortable furnished with a matching wicker set, chairs, settee, and desk. A small wood buring stove added its cheerful warmth, handsome lamps {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}({End handwritten}{End inserted text} electric {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}){End handwritten}{End inserted text} 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, {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} sink, cupboards and table.
Both bed rooms were well furnished, [one?] in [mohogany?] 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} sink.
6. Pride in possessions ---- woman had many small items,such [?] 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 net she arises early and has no respect for these who sleep late no matter what the cause.
{Begin page no. 9}
X. USE OF TIME, continued:
1. Routine, etc, continued----- 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 an usually has some recreation. Or, sometimes spends that time after three in delivering orders to other [to was?] or in taking new orders.
Attends all bridge parties of Tourist Club and occasionally gives a [par ty?] or a dinner for some friend.
When daughter is at home lets her give frequent parties.
During the guava season woman [?] quantities of guava juice which she later uses for jelly as orders demand.
No. pages [21?]
No. [words?] 6225 approx.
1. February 21, 23, 24, 1939
2. Mary Taylor, white {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}({End handwritten}{End inserted text} fictitious name {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}){End handwritten}{End inserted text}
Mrs. Will Blanding, {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}({End handwritten}{End inserted text} real name {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}){End handwritten}{End inserted text}
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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}loaded{End inserted text} 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 {Begin page no. 2}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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} burning stove gave out a welcome warmth.
Mrs. Taylor , after we were seated, called to her helper:
"Mattie, keep the large whit 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 [lequacious?]. We discussed a number of subjects with many pauses. At times she seemed absent-minded an 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 thin of all Florida Crackers as [uncouth?] illiterate beings , and do not seem to realize that there are Crackers and Crackers. "
{Begin page no. 3}"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 Barge*, 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 seen her health failed completely and she passed away when I was a baby. I was then raised by relatives in {Begin deleted text}Johnsville{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}Johnstown{End handwritten}{End inserted text}. 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 [Beynton?]? 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 [?], I know."
{Begin page no. 4}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 sock 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 {Begin page no. 5}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 [tailing?] 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 [?] 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 get 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 {Begin page no. 6}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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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. {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}"{End handwritten}{End inserted text}
{Begin page no. 7}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 [seen?] 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 {Begin page no. 8}specialties. It was made of pale guava jelly, tinted greet 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 [in part?] 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 a 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 {Begin page no. 9}being the winner I thought [they h?]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 {Begin deleted text}flier?]{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}floor{End handwritten}{End inserted text} 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 {Begin page no. 10}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 {Begin deleted text}copy-rited{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}copy-right{End handwritten}{End inserted text}, 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 {Begin deleted text}reserving{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}preserving{End handwritten}{End inserted text} 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 on 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 {Begin page no. 11}our fine home and moved to town where we took a very small cottage.
" I get busy and with influence and the record of my farm life I secured {Begin deleted text}then{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}the{End inserted text} 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, as women in Carolina did that then. I had to spend part of my summers in college to in preparation for the work {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten},{End handwritten}{End inserted text} 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.
{Begin page no. 12}However I banked quite a bit too and was beginning to consider myself on the read 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 {Begin deleted text}we{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}be{End handwritten}{End inserted text} 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 {Begin page no. 13}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 [?] 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 a 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.
{Begin page no. 14}The jellies included mint, orange, guava, roselle and papaya. then there were marmalades of tangarine, papaya, [?], orange, and lime as the usual pack but occasionally the ruby-like gleam of [surinam?] cherry or some rarer fruit replaced one of the mere [?] in very special orders, state Mrs. Taylor.
" As I started to tell you, this is my hardest box to fix, and the purchases 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/ {Begin inserted text}[for?]{End inserted text} 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 [kumquet?] and the Oriental Lime.
{Begin page no. 15}"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 cellopane 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.
{Begin page no. 16}"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, at 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 who left her property to me and I am now renting it. If matters do not soon improve here I think I shall go to {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}Johnstown{End inserted text} 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 {Begin page no. 17}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 [?] and he in 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 he {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} {Begin inserted text}[inspite?]{End inserted text} 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. {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}"{End handwritten}{End inserted text} {Begin inserted text}{Begin handwritten}"{End handwritten}{End inserted text} 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.
{Begin page no. 18}"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 [?] 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} refrain. I don't vote anymore, it really is not worth the time and effort. It [?] 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 {Begin page no. 19}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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 {Begin deleted text}[?]{End deleted text} 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 {Begin page no. 20}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 the 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 the [?] 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.
{Begin page no. 21}NAMES USED IN LIFE HISTORY:
Fictitious Name Real Name
Johnstown, Fla. Gainesville, Fla.
Bargo Darden
Finch [?]
Ellen Finch Maggie [?]
Ruby Beynton Glen Hampton
Dr. Gaines Dr. [?]
Hillway [?]
Mr. Taylor J. D. Blanding