Home Economics

Home Economics at Wheaton College offers training in home-making asan integral part of the college education of women. The courses aredesigned to meet the needs of: (1) missionary candidates and studentswho desire special preparation for efficient home-making; (2) those whoplan to teach home economics or engage in food demonstration work; (3)those planning to specialize in some related field.
In September 1942, everything seemed ready for launching theHome Economics Department. Lincoln House was being remodeled and was tobe ready for use by foods and clothing classes. Enrollment on the firstday was good and better yet on the second day. But, alas, an unhappysurprize was in store: we were told Lincoln House could not be used forclass work. What then? Where, oh where should we go? Prof. Dyrness sawpossibilities for clothing classes in the handball observation room inthe new physical education building. There was space there but nofurniture, no large tables for cutting and sewing. Then Mr. Phillipscame to the rescue; with characteristic economy he had stored his oldextension dining tables, two of them in his garage, and these met theneed of the class. Thus, the clothing courses were begun in thebasement of the physical education building with improvisedfurnishings.
It was not so easy to provide for foods classes, but Mr.Haavind consented to share the kitchen of lower Pierce Chapel with HomeEconomics. There the equipment left much to be desired. The stoves wereold, the oven temperamental, and there was nothing in the set-up tosuggest a pleasant home kitchen. The first time the trustees wereentertained at luncheon they were seated on high stools around worktables. The Home Economics Department did not accept discouragementhowever, and went bravely on into the face of a new dilemma. "The Armyis coming and we have to get out." It was this expected coming of theArmy which softened the hearts of the city fathers, as Mr. Kirk verytactfully used it to gain their consent to use Lincoln House for theHome Economics classes, for the duration.
At present Lincoln House not only provides laboratories for thefood and clothing classes, but is also used as the Home ManagementHouse, with Mrs. C.W. Howard in charge. Six girls each semester plan,budget, market, cook and serve the meals. They also perform the otherduties of a well-cared-for home and entertain their guests.
At the graduation exercises of June, 1944, Wheaton College willgive diplomas to the first class of Home Economics majors, all to themplanning to teach in this field.
Note: these articles were excerpted from Faculty Bulletin,vol. 7, no. 3 (January 1944). These departments were a part of theEducation Department.