Sixty years ago, women got together each month to learn how to sew a dress and properly set a table.
Dues to be a member of the North Germany/Rockwood Home Demonstration Club were $1 per year.
"They had certain rules as far as how many people could be in the club and the dues," said Eileen Malone, a current member of the Busy Homemakers. Later on, when potlucks got out of hand with too much food, the club made a rule that there could only be two main dish food items and a pickle at each gathering, she said.
In the 1970s the group became so large that it divided up according to townships becoming the Busy Homemakers and the Jolly Homemakers. Both clubs are now part of the Wadena County Extension Home Study Groups.
A lot has changed since the early years of Wadena County's homemakers groups and the Busy Homemakers decided to celebrate the club's 60 years of existence with a picnic last week at Sebeka Park.
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The Home Study Group Creed was recited. It states: "As an Extension Home Study Group member I will strive to promote a better way of life for my family, my neighbor and myself through continuing education, community service and support to each other.
I believe it is my privilege and responsibility to serve to the best of my ability and to continue to improve myself while helping others to develop to their full potential.
May I always be willing to accept the challenges of the day by building on the strengths of the past and looking with optimism to the future."
Members of other clubs were invited to the picnic and many shared memories and some history.
There are now 17 active home study groups in Wadena County, with 151 women as members, said Bunni Olson, Wadena County Extension Administrative Office Manager.
Extension isn't as involved in planning lessons for the group anymore because there is less staff. The individual groups are very good at planning lessons and share with each other, Olson said. Extension is able to assist with some items, she said.
Busy Homemakers member Vera Malone said the group has a balance of educational programs and fun.
While in the early days lessons were about how to maintain proper posture in bed or setting a table properly, now programs involve learning about Alzheimer's and how to care for the caregiver or gardening tips.
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"We have a lot of fun but we also get into some serious discussions," Malone said.
The ladies laughed as they recalled how their husbands would lovingly call them the "Dizzy Homemakers."
The ladies had a candle and prayer ceremony for members who have died and some readings from members.
Scrapbooks of events and names of former and current members were set out at the event for the women to look at. The program was followed by a potluck, including cake.
"One of the most important things is the friendships we've made along the way," Schleder said.
