This month's column focuses on some of the units through the years.

Monthly column by Sharon L. Tanner for Saline County HEA for the year leading up to its 100th anniversary

In 1947, Saline County Historical Society sponsored the Saline County centennial celebration. One of the activities was creating a centennial book, "Saline County, A Century of History, 1847-1947." It is composed of several chapters on the history and lives of Saline County residents.

One of the chapters focused on organizations, one of which was home bureau. Much of the information, as of 1947, I have omitted, since it is a repeat of what I already shared with you earlier about the beginning years and affiliation with University of Illinois Extension. Also keep in mind that some of the information I may share with you is from stories, anecdotes or fragmented memories of members. Following is an excerpt from the book:

"In 1918, nine units were formed: Harrisburg, Long Branch, Galatia, Harco (Brushy), Stonefort, Carrier Mills, Raleigh, Eldorado and Cottage Grove. Of these, Harrisburg and Cottage Grove are the only ones that have continued throughout the entire time. Raleigh now has a unit, but it discontinued in 1922 and reorganized in 1939. In 1947, there were 21 units throughout the county with 447 members."

In 1992, there were 15 units with 216 members. That number is actually higher due to mailbox members, but I could not find a record of the mailbox listing.

Ledford Liberty Belles had split from the Town and Country unit in 1976. After the split, its membership had increased to 41 to make it the largest unit in Saline County.

Because Ledford Liberty Belles membership had grown so large, it was difficult to meet in the homes. A group of neighbors split from the Belles to form the Country Friends unit in 1993.

In the 80's, Saline County Homemakers had its best coverage of the county. Membership was briefly 602 with 22 units.

The Better Homes unit in Eldorado is our oldest unit, having organized in 1948.

Today, membership has dwindled to 74 members in four units: Better Homes, Town and Country, Ledford Liberty Belles, and Country Friends. As you can see, three of the four are the youngest units. The decrease in membership is due to several factors, as it is with most organizations. Times have changed. Lives have become extremely busy, especially with women working and trying to keep up with the many activities in which their children are involved. Homemakers get information on the Internet or social media. Extension still provides some of the information, but it is not delivered by personal contact as it once was.

<strong>Recipe of the week</strong>

When I was the Saline County home economics adviser for U. of I. Extension, I had a weekly news column in The Daily Register and usually included a recipe. Someone recently suggested that I add a recipe to this column. Barb Lambert (Ledford Liberty Bells unit) gave me the recipe that she took to the 99th annual HEA meeting. Everyone raved about it and asked for a copy.

VEGETABLE SALAD

1 15 oz. can small peas

1 15 oz. can white corn

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped green pepper

1 15 1/2 oz. can French-style green beans

1/4 cup chopped pimentos

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup oil

Drain vegetables before combining them in a salad bowl. Bring sugar, vinegar and oil to a boil. Cool. Pour liquid over vegetables. Stir thoroughly. Let stand at least 12 hours before serving. Will keep for a week in refrigerator.

<strong>Want to join us?</strong>

Anyone who is interested in joining the Saline County Homemakers Education Association and read its monthly news releases, contact someone in a unit that you know or call Saline County Membership Chairman Elizabeth Woodworth at 618-252-5255. New members are always welcome.