Comments on: Vintage teen advice – Joe’s entry

By: Tikimama

Tikimama — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:14:14 +0000

Well, when I was in jr. high (1981-82), we took a quarter of cooking, a quarter of sewing, a quarter of woodshop, and a quarter of metal shop (where I remember “learning” how to change a faucet – but don’t ask me to do it today!). Boys and girls alike took all four, which I think is great. If I remember correctly, by the time my 3rd sibling got to jr. high, these electives were gone. I haven’t heard of many schools that still offer them, because of budgets and the emphasis on basic skills testing. They are still out there, though.

By: Pam Kueber

Pam Kueber — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:07:10 +0000

I remember several aspects of junior high Home Ec very clearly. Making cookie bars with sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate chips – e.g., nothing “real”… Being taught how to use make-up (and I didn’t get to be a model!)… And bizarrely, being asked on a final what is the difference between “ironing” and “pressing” — I was always an excellent student and swear we never were taught that distinction. I concocted some bogus answer about “getting out wrinkes” vs. “putting in creases” and aced the test. IMHO, a ridiculous waste of our time all around. I definitely wish I’d been able to take wood shop instead.

By: Annmarie

Annmarie — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:05:30 +0000

Very funny. Okay, I do have one very clear memory, and that was making some muffins from a recipe from the book. In true homemaker fashion, each ingredient was carefully measured out and lined-up on the counter, and then methodically added step-by-step to the bowl. Not at all like my current slovenly method of measure and toss it together into a bowl and mix it and hope for the best. (Really, the muffins turn out just fine.)

After a brief adventure with baking, the class moved on to sewing, and I began a new relationship with Simplicity sewing patterns.

Do schools even offer a homemaking class anymore?

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:46:54 +0000

Annmarie….what can you tell us about your experience with the book? To a youngin’ like me a first hand experience would be a great story to add to the lure of owning a book like this.

By: Annmarie

Annmarie — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:45:31 +0000

This book was assigned reading in my “homemaking” class at Coffey Junior High School in Detroit MI, approximately 1974. Check out the recipe for eggnog: I still use this recipe, deadly as it may be, given the raw eggs.

By: PugFreek

PugFreek — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:19:19 +0000

Thats so nice of you to invite Pam!

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:52:05 +0000

Thanks again! We do get into some trouble, but in the good way. You should see how we’re planning this wedding, it’s gonna be crazy fun. I’ll save the details for a formal writeup from Pam to come.

By: Tikimama

Tikimama — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:05:20 +0000

Checked ‘em out…and just spent waaaay to much time looking at lots of yours and Nikki’s other photos. You guys sure have fun, and you’ve got some style!! Thanks for sharing – and definitely put up more pix from the book, it’s a blast!

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:35:10 +0000

Thanks Tiki! I’ve actually got a couple pages pictured on my flickr, and I’d be happy to shoot more when I get a chance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joefultano

By: Tikimama

Tikimama — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:44:03 +0000

So cute! I LOVE books like this! I hope your fiancee is happy as a housewife, it can be very rewarding.