The Household Searchlight Homemaking Guide

The Household Magazine – Topeka, Kansas, 1937 

 

This volume is a compilation of advice and tips for all areas of homemaking.  The 1937 homemaker could reference this book for help with etiquette, weddings, menus, health and beauty, stain removal, insect extermination, entertainment, and the mental health of children.  

The editors put this comprehensive volume together because they believe “the American family does not live by bread alone:  that beauty, dignity, emotional adjustment within the family, and wholesome interest in community affairs are integral ingredients of a satistfying home life.”

Surely I would be able to glean some useful bits of information from such a thorough manual.

Here it goes:

Belching usually can be controlled.  If there are occasions when you cannot control it, say “I’m sorry.”  These words will not prevent your embarrassment, however.  There is nothing you can do to cover up this sound.

Every bride should remember when she buys her house dresses that looking lovely at home often does as much to insure the success of a marriage as being a good cook or keeping a neat house.

The fact that these healthful rays of the sun can reach us only when we are in direct sunlight is another reason for regular exercise out-of-doors.  Sun-bathing is the means of getting the greatest benefits from the sun and it is wise to take a sun-bath whenever you can.  

A man likes definite lines.  He wants strength and substantiality.  He abhors ruffles, unstable legs, and easily soiled or rumpled fabrics.  His room should be comfortable and inviting.  It should offer a haven of escape from the feminine members of the family.  

After taking in all this information, I think I will follow one piece of advice I found:

A brisk walk with your arms free, your spine erect, your head up, your feet in comfortable, sturdy shoes, is one of the best ways to get daily exercise.

Off I go!