No more homemaking groups

grandma12703 · #1 06/18/12, 12:21 PM

I loved being in my extension group in Oklahoma. We had so much fun crafting, canning, quilting, and whatever else we wanted to do. Preparing for the fair was a great time.

We moved to S. Missouri and today I called the extension office and they told me that haven't had one in the area for probably 15 years. Since everyone has gone into the work place there wasn't a call for it any longer.

I read all of the posts on here and I have a hard time believing that. I would love for the HT gals in the area to consider putting something like this together. Once a month or so just to share ideas, recipes, and to have a fun time of fellowship.

Alice In TX/MO · #2 06/18/12, 12:34 PM

What part of southern Missouri?

grandma12703 · #3 06/18/12, 12:39 PM

We actually between Vanzant and West Plains

grandma12703 · #4 06/18/12, 12:43 PM

It could actually encompass quite a bit of area if we took turns hosting monthly get togethers.

BTW I do work an outside job but I am still a homemaker and I love to learn new ideas.

I think it could be fun and who couldn't use one evening out a month with other ladies to learn some new stuff.

dlskidmore · #5 06/18/12, 12:50 PM

Try Meetup.com, do a search for a local group on Facebook, Yahoo groups, and Google groups. With so many internet options for people to meet each other, I bet some people don't even think to ask the co-operative extension office.

It's really easy to start a group on meetup.com, but there's a monthly fee to keep going through their website. You could try the free trial period and then if you bring in enough folks you can discuss switching to a different way to organize that doesn't cost money, or have the new members chip in a few bucks a piece to keep it on Meetup.com.

grandma12703 · #6 06/18/12, 01:14 PM

I guess I am just old school.

Fair Light · #7 06/18/12, 01:31 PM

Have you checked in the surrounding counties...here, there are dozens of these groups but they are rather exclusive. I hope you find one and if you don't find one, good luck in creating one.

FarmboyBill · #8 06/18/12, 03:19 PM

Nother reason to keep outa the Ozarks and go to the fine places in Mo. From Kansas City to St Louis North. OR to have stayed in Okla, which is, at least in the NE part a WHOLE lot better than where your at. I lived between WP and Howell, and Peace Valley

salmonslayer · #9 06/18/12, 03:24 PM

All kinds of those type groups around here and the MIL is involved in a quilting one and the monthly "Honey Do" group. Fairlight is probably correct though as some of them are not real outgoing as far as attracting new members. I know here, churches and the senior center sponsor or facilitate several groups like that and most members are older and retired.

grandma12703 · #10 06/18/12, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmBoyBill

Nother reason to keep outa the Ozarks and go to the fine places in Mo. From Kansas City to St Louis North. OR to have stayed in Okla, which is, at least in the NE part a WHOLE lot better than where your at. I lived between WP and Howell, and Peace Valley

Actually I love where I am at. I just thought it would be fun to have others that like some of the same things to get together with once in a while. I am sad you didn't like it. I haven't really found much I don't like here.

Dusky Beauty · #11 06/18/12, 05:17 PM

Something like this might fit your bill:
MaryJanesFarm | Farmgirl Connection

Scroll down and in the middle of the page click "join or start a farmgirl chapter"-- you'll be able to look for an existing club or get in touch with someone who wants to start a chapter near you.

The "Official sisterhood" is kind of like back to the land girlscouts for grown up girls-- you earn merit badges and stuff, but farmgirl chapters are free form, you can do anything you like with your charter. Sisterhood badge earning or otherwise.

Alice In TX/MO · #12 06/18/12, 05:34 PM

How rude is this???

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmBoyBill

Nother reason to keep outa the Ozarks and go to the fine places in Mo. From Kansas City to St Louis North. OR to have stayed in Okla, which is, at least in the NE part a WHOLE lot better than where your at. I lived between WP and Howell, and Peace Valley

Country Lady · #13 06/18/12, 05:43 PM

I belonged to an Extension Homemakers Club in Harris Co. Texas back during the 80's. I was working full time and the meetings were at night. I really enjoyed the group. I'm now in rural MS and the County Extension office here is useless.

Callieslamb · #14 06/18/12, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandma12703

We actually between Vanzant and West Plains

Ah.....Vanzant.....my home town....I was raised between Vanzant and Denlow off Hwy 76.

I tried to get a group started here - but most ladies said they were too busy. The few that were in favor of it were thinking the best place to hold the meeting would be at a bar.....not my scene.

I'm going to look at the Mary Jane's farm thing. Though I'm not a fan of her magazine. It's too intimidating with those ladies gardening in their fancy clothes. I come in from the garden looking like a hobo without a home.

Callieslamb · #15 06/18/12, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

How rude is this???

Is there a rude post of the week award?

Ardie/WI · #16 06/18/12, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

How rude is this???

Just consider the source.

Oma2three · #17 06/18/12, 07:49 PM

What a shame there is no homemakers club in your area.I belong to one,and we have so much fun. But I do have to say there are quite a few less then there were 15 years ago.It is harder to get new members especially younger women.Most are working outside the home or just are not interested.I would try to start my own .Maybe get the word out in several churches to find ladies and have a informal get together,but also invite somebody from the Extension office,like the Extension educator.If your county does not have one, then from a close by county.Hope you can get something going

SpaceCadet12364 · #18 06/18/12, 08:03 PM

Maybe ask the Extension office people, if they mail out a newsletter or such like that, to put in a notice in that or in the paper of a meeting to gauge interest in restarting up a group? You might have to be willing to be the chairperson or whatever....

grandma12703 · #19 06/19/12, 07:43 AM

Ok, now I have found the farmgirl chapters and the closest is West Plains. What do some of the gals on here from Cabool, Willow, Mt. Grove, Vanzant, Dora, or other closer areas think. Would you be interested in trying to start one that took turns meeting at others places or wherever they chose (not a bar, not my scene either) once a month? I think it would be fun and the knowledge I already learn on here from ladies about goats, gardening, horses, sheep, cooking, etc. would be double great in person. Let me know, I would be happy to do the leg work if anyone is interested. Just a warning though...I live deep in the forest so if I host you will have to bring your pickup truck. LOL Oh and I prefer we not be gardening in fancy clothes or putting on a big show. I just think it would be fun to be laid back and great company with other farm/homesteading ladies.

jen8753 · #20 06/19/12, 08:19 AM

If I lived near you I would love to join

But, Maryland is a little too far. I will have to check to see if there is any kind of group like that near me. Thank you, Dusky Beauty, for the farm girls link. I have Mary Jane's book and I love it.