The New House on the Old Farm

Offered Value: $20.00

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED! Writing as an “Aunt Nellie” to a fictional niece, Jones dispenses good-humored, hands-on advice to young women navigating the challenges of farm life. From managing kitchen logistics to building community ties, Jones’s wisdom rings as true today as a century ago. This manuscript, complete with the author’s editorial notes, is both a fascinating historical document and an entertaining guide for anyone seeking a glimpse into the lives of early 20th century farmwomen.

Description

Description

At last, pioneering home economist Nellie Kedzie Jones’s early 20th century columns for The Country Gentleman are available in book form. Originally published between 1912-1918, Jones’s articles are presented here as letters from a fictional “Aunt Nellie” to her young niece “Janet,” a new farmwife seeking guidance on managing her overwhelming workload.

With wit and empathy, “Nellie” offers counsel on everything from arranging an efficient kitchen to building relationships with hired hands and church communities. Throughout, Jones urges farmwives to conserve their own strength, finding small efficiencies and seizing opportunities for rest.

More than just an advice manual, Jones’s manuscript is a vital historical resource, shedding light on the lives of rural women at a time of immense social and technological change. Her words serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of these unsung heroines, who fought to build rich lives for their families and communities in the face of unrelenting labor.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, seeking a deeper understanding of women’s experiences, or looking for time-tested wisdom to apply to your own life, this first print edition of Nellie Kedzie Jones’s timeless work is an immensely enjoyable and thought-provoking read.