* !•!■ £ i'tM¥ /If \ , * “ s*' t s % ~V- X ’«?'? In-Depth By Sally Bair Feature Writer Eighty-eight Michigan homemakers were treated to a view of the Pennsylvania Dutch country last week that most tourists never see. They visited in homes of Farm Women Society members and learned how to prepare local food specialities at a program arranged by the county Farm Women. The visitors were from Wayne County, Michigan, where Detroit is located, and Oakland County, where Pontiac lies. Although they were mostly suburban or non farm women, they eagerly watched the demonstrations, asked questions and took notes, determined to learn all they could in the one busy day they spent in the county. The homemakers were here on a unique study tour a first for them Janice Kukar, extension home economist in Oakland County, stressed that the trip was “not just for pleasure.” She said, “The women really want to learn more, and I am extremely pleased with the way they have taken on the responsibility.” The responsibility she referred to is a big one, for they are planning to take back all that they learn and share it with their homemakers’ groups in Michigan. Eventually the story of their visit will reach 1800 women in the two counties. To make sure they cover every aspect, the women were divided into committees - 12 in all - to study the foods, history, culture and crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch. There was also a picture and scripts committee whose job it was to record their visit with slides so that complete programs can be presented to their y A committee of local farm women sets the buffet table with traditional Penn- i ‘ ** \ y <■ t* Study Work and Fun For Mich* homemakers’ groups on their return. According to Wayne County home economist Cathy Gallagher, “The committees will put together a booklet and study packet of their experiences to assist in presentations to local clubs.” The women arrived in Lan caster County last Wednesday evening, spent the night in the homes of Farm Women, and were at the Farm and Home Center bright and early Thursday morning with notebooks and cameras in hand to learn about this culture called “Pennsylvania Dutch.” Foods demonstrations included making chicken pot pie, shown by Mrs. Robert Noll, Lancaster; making snitz and knepp, Mrs Arlene Witman, Mount Joy; and funnel cakes, demonstrated by Mrs. Mary Sarver, Mount Joy. The visitors watched intently, and wanted to know every detail. The Michigan homemakers were also interested in the crafts of this area, so Mrs. Barbara Eberly, Elizabethtown, showed towle painting and Mrs. Janet Buchen, Manheim, talked about decorating eggs. Both had many samples of their crafts on display. Mrs. Marian Fielhauer, Wayne County, explained that the homemakers groups had always studied the culture, people and foods of other countries. This year they decided, “Why not leam about us?” And so, they chose the Pennsylvania Dutch to visit and study. Mrs. Fielhauer added that the visits into the homes of Farm Women here made them realize that, “We are all sisters at heart and share common interests.” She said that despite all the negativeness you hear about, when you get to know other people, you realize that the negative side is a very small minority of the people. Mrs. Betty Bulka, Oakland County, said the trip had been “A marvelous experience.” She said, “It is relaxing to see some green, and the country-side is gorgeous.” She commented on the jugging operation they visited in Berks County, saying she had never seen cows milked that way. “I loved every bit of it,” said Mrs. Helen Harris, Wayne County. She said the most im pressive thing was that there was “no litter on the roadsides,” and the “homes are kept so clean.” She also remarked about the v v- v ;■; >■ *, " I •X r 3; *£, -O }** {■ •'f 'a f if ■4 / / , „¥* t * Zcancautter Panning- Photo sylvania Dutch dishes. Mrs. James Garber made the table decorations. Yr»v»v»vvv*virvv ■ The Michigan homemakers sample- the 5- Pennsylvania Dutch foods provided for Michigan homemakers’ visit to Lancaster lunch. The lunch was a highlight of the County. x *, '1 The Extension home economists who accompanied the group are taking pictures of the Pennsylvania Dutch dishes to show homemakers back in Michigan. n respect that is shown for one another here. As a first step in sharing their knowledge, Cathy Gallagher said that the program for their up coming homemakers banouet will be “Foods and People - Pennsylvania Dutch.” In Oakland County there will be a “College Day” for homemakers when there will be speakers and seminars on the Pennsylvania ft M * in ♦ * » » 4 ** ♦ * 4 n Women Iter Farming Fboto 3 Xc«.ncai p*- XiwncMtar ranulnr Photo Dutch. In preparation for these events, the women bought many non perishableatems, such as chow chow, to display. Other food items will be prepared by the women from the recipes they got with the demonstrations and lunch. The local program was planned by a committee of Farm Women, (Continued On Page 25)