October 11, 2008 11:28 pm
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The year was 1918, and the Homemakers Association was meeting in homes in the area.
Alice Miles and Eileen Koerner both are 60-year members in the club.
“Things are different now than they used to be,” Miles said. “We used to go to Chicago and different places for a tour.
“I meet with the Liberty Estates Homemakers. Many of us, who were in the different units before, are now able to still be together and have out meetings there. I go now for the fellowship and longtime friendships.”
Eileen Koerner, a long time member said, “I began with the Union Corner group and after retirement, we moved to Florida where I belonged to a unit there. It was different in Florida and interesting to see all the differences in foods, climate, etcetera.”
Koerner served as unit treasurer, head of publicity, vice chairman and program chairman.
“In our society today, everything has to be done quickly,” she said. “We used to sew more, cook more. Teach more crafts and help the 4H clubs. I have enjoyed being in the Homemakers group.”
JoAnne Gerard joined the Homemakers in 1968.
“The purpose of the group is to Educate Women about health issues, home finances, nutrition, crafts and do good deeds for the community,” she said. “For instance, we made dolls for the children who needed services from the Bismarck Fire Department and ambulance. We really would like to have some younger women join our groups. We have six units, Georgetown, Potomac, Catlin, Bismarck, Antioch, Hoopestown/Rossville and Danville/Liberty Estates.”
Meni McNeese, Vermilion County Board President started with the group more than 30 years ago.
“Homemakers at that time helped the 4-H kids and supported them with their projects,” she said. “The group helped my kids learn many things about many things. This year we are studying about the country of Belgium. We learn about the food and have recipes from the country.
“In December, we provide gifts for the Women’s Shelter. In February, we have a Valentine party and make and take valentines to the V.A. We also have a newsletter that we send out every other month, starting in January to inform about all the news and activities of the different units.”
FYI
Homemakers will celebrate their 90 years with a birthday party 1-3 p.m. Monday at the University of Illinois Extension office on U.S. Route 150. The public is welcome. For information you may call Meni McNeece at 662-8072 or JoAnne Gerard at 446-8064.
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