The Southern Washtenaw Club

A joint meeting of the Norvell and Southern Washtenaw Farmers' Clubs was held at "Fair View'" farm Junelst. Ihis farm consists of 1,200 acres in the township of Norvell, Jacksou county, Dnd is oamed by the proprietor, L. D. Vatkins. His beautiful residence is pon an elevated piece of land near the oad, overlooking a large portion of the 'arm md giving a fair view of a stnall ake and the L. 5i. & .61. S. R. K. ( Ypilanti branch). From this fact the Farmers' Club gave it tbe name some ears ago of "Fair View," which name : has since retained. The day was cold and cloudy, but 'ully 100 were present from the clubs and invited guests. The Southern Wa&hteuaw Club embraces Sharorf, Manchester and Bridgewater Townhips, and is one of the oldest, if not he oldest club in the State. It was organized more thau nine y ears ago, and has kept up its regular meetings. The Norvell club was organized soon after across the line in Jackson county. Acording to a programme previously arranged the topic for discussion at this meeting was what constitutes a practial education for farmers' sons and iaughters. A paper from eacb. of the clubs was to be f urnished, also an essay upon a topic of their own choosing, rom each of the clubs. The guests arrived early and had a very social time )efore dinner, which was served in good style and in abundance. After all had eaten to the full, S. M. Sderrithew, of Saron, president of the Southern Washtenaw Club, called the meeting to order and announced that Mr. Hollady, president of the Norvell Club, would preside. He made a nice ittle speech and proceeded to the programme. A. B,. Palmer asked leave to ead a letter from the editor of the Michigan Farmer. The letter was read, in which Mr. Gibbons expressed his sincere regret that his business was such he could not be present. The president then called upon Mrs. R. D. falmer, of Norvell, for her essay. She announced her subject, "Home". Tosay ;he essay was a good one would express it very feebly. It should have been heard to be been appreciated. Each one resolved within themselves to make their own homes better, with more love and devotion. Miss Nettie English, of Manchester, was called upon. She announced her topic as "Modern Conversation". The essáty showed caref ui thought and study in lts preparation. Conversíition to be agreeable and profitable should come from a cultivated heart and intellect, tnuch of the reading matter of the present day ought to be destroyed as it leads to unprofltable conversation. The essay was full of practical thoughts; it may be seen in the Household Department of the Michigan Farmer sometime, as also the other. A paper upon the topic for discussion was then read by A. B. Palmer, secre. tary of the Norvell club. He thought farmers sons and daughters ought to have as good an education as auybody, and what he would denomínate as an educated person was one whose physical, mental and spiritual or moral faculties are so trained or developed that he can make the best use of them of whichtheyarecapable. C. M. Fellows, of Sharon, also read a paper upon the same topic. He thought in its broadest and highest sense education made the man, for it implies not so much the communication of knowledge as the discipline of the intellect, the establishment of principies and the regulation of the heart. A full discussion tollowed, participated in by members of the club and visitors. C. M. Starks, of Webster, thought parents sbould edúcate their children in that direction which their thought or inclination tended toward, if the calling or profession was a worthv one. D. W. Palmer, Lsq., of Bridgewater, for many years a school teacher and a pioneer in the county, gave a very interesting talk, relating to his experience as an educator. Mr. Smith, of Sommersett, Woodard, of Clinton, liev. J . W . Pachen and many others expressed themselves that a good practical education should be given to every child in America- thus passed one of the best joint meetings the clubs have held.