1. "Housekeeping Monthly Article From The 1950s"
Posted by Susan on Mar-19th-03 at 1:46 AM

When I first received this article in my email, I laughed.  But then, as I reread it, I realized these were the expectations of women in the 1950s and I shuddered.  I can only imagine what it was like for our Victorian sisters if this article is along the lines of reality.  I was raised in the tailend of the 60s and my experience was bra burnings and women's lib.  Thought it would be interesting if anyone could share their experiences from the 1950s if they were around at that time.  We've come a long way, baby! 

From Housekeeping Monthly 13 May 1955

The good wife's guide

*Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return.  This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.  Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

*Prepare yourself.  Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives.  Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking.  He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

*Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him.  His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

*Clear away the clutter.  Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

*Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.

*Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.  Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.  After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

*Prepare the children.  Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes.  They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.  Minimise all noise.  At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum.  Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

*Be happy to see him.

*Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

*Listen to him.  You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first--remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

*Make the evening his.  Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you.  Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

*Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

*Don't greet him with complaints or problems.

*Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or if he stays out all night.  Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

*Make him comfortable.  Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom.  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

*Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.  Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

*Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity.  Remember, he is master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.  You have no right to question him.

*A good wife always knows her place.

 

I think I'm going to do a Bridget in the backyawd.

It started off alright.  I can see a FEW of these making for a nice, comfortable atmosphere for any relationship.

Then it just gets scary!

All of a sudden I have a craving for home-made waffles...there's an abundance of syrup.

Wait'll Edisto get's a look at this.

UH, thanks, Susan?

Well, you see why I had to post it, its downright frightening!  This sounds like a recipe for Donna Reed or a Stepford Wife!  There was no name on the article, so, I don't even know whether it was written by a woman or a man.  Wish I could post the illustration that is with the article, it just makes the piece.  But, its in a wordpad format or something and I can't copy it or get the properties?  Yes, I think Bridget had the right idea. 

Had to be written by a man... too funny!

Where do I find one of these women? 

That's pretty funny Harry!
Mr. " 1111  "

You go to Stepford Village, do not pass Go.

I really like the part abt arranging his pillow.  Lord, but my ex can be grateful I never arranged his...I'd have arranged it right over his face!  Payback for all those lovely "Alpo Casseroles" (his term, not mine) that were waiting for him when he got home.  Ah...such is life for the ex master of the house; heh-heh-heh!

Sheesh...I can't believe this is for real.  I WAS a housewife back in the 50's, and life was nothing like this.  I am reminded of one thing, though.  I had a brief fling with a cute guy in the 60s.  We didn't live in the same city, so it didn't last long.  A few years later, I was reading "Parade" magazine (that thing that comes with the Sunday paper).  There was an article about Donna Reed and her new (third) husband.  My jaw really dropped.  It was my old boyfriend!  So she wasn't so great after all.  She had to settle for my leftovers.

(Message last edited Mar-19th-03  9:58 PM.)

Edisto, thats what I always thought, was that this was some weird ideal, but, no real woman ever lived up to it, nor tried!  All I got from my mom about the 50s is that you were supposed to get married and have kids, oh, and go to sock hops and such when she was younger. 

Zoe, I like your pillow arranging idea! 

I'm with Harry -- where does one find a 1950s housewife?  Sure wish this utopia was waiting for me @ home!  ROFL.

Was just laughing @ work today -- our 2 newest contacts @ the bank are named Fred & Wally.  We're waiting for The Beave to show up.

Actually, this thing read worse than some of the Victorian advice to housewives columns do.  At least they didn't have the added pressure of having to refresh their make-up