Imperial County CA Archives History - Books .....The Women Of The Valley 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 14, 2006, 5:13 am Book Title: History Of Imperial County California THE WOMEN OF THE VALLEY While something has already been said, in an earlier chapter of this work, concerning the pioneer women of this reclaimed desert, there is very much more that might and should be said, even in this general article. They were not what the world calls "society women" who came here with their husbands, or somebody else's husband, or sweetheart, in quest of new fields for display or adventure. Nor did they include maidens, young or old, or even attractive widows in search of new-conquests in the field of matrimony. No, there's no record of any of these classes having ventured into this desolation during its early development. And if they came in later their arrival caused no ripple that was not engulfed in the more substantial social affairs that have been created and fostered by other women of a different class. Most of these are country born and bred, with an ancestry of sturdy farmers of which they have been proud to boast. They were strangers to "pink teas, tangoes and bridge parties"; simply plain women with big, noble souls, ready for any honorable and worthy task that was set before them. They came to this undeveloped Valley with the full purpose of doing their share in its reclamation and conversion into a region of prosperous farmers and happy homes. And they knew what was involved in that bold proposition. But they were women of undaunted courage and persistence. This was due not alone to their nature but also to their country breeding and training on the farm, the best place in the world for any woman to be born and reared. And yet after a time they realized that some form of social life even there was in every way desirable. The ascetic life is unreal and unsatisfying to the average human being. There must be contact or association with others to bring out the best there is in any individual. Nor is it necessary to flock to the cities and villages in order to secure these opportunities, despite the erroneous impression to that effect which prevails. There is ample chance for these advantages in rural sections like this great Valley if the women themselves are so inclined. And this has been the history of this region from the beginning of its settlement. There has been a spirit of sympathetic [sic] hospitality among these noble women, and a unity of purpose that has animated so-called society circles. City friends visit here with real enjoyment and pleasure. Numerous social clubs and associations of various kinds have been organized in different parts of the Valley, and their meetings have often been held in the school and church buildings. But there is no purpose here to speak in detail, nor evert to mention the names of the leading women promoters of these organizations. The mere fact of their existence shows that the uncouth features so often attributed to the life of rural communities do not exist here. The salutary influence of these associations extends to the home life and the field industries as well as in the public life. The girl who learned to perform the duties of a farmer's wife working at her mother's side on the farm, finding pleasure in that duty, is the ideal wife for a practical farmer every time. And this wholesome fact is fully confirmed right here in numerous instances. The strife and turmoil of a populous city is gloriously avoided in this joyous cadence of Nature, who always lives next door. "Don't ever sell the old farm; it is the dearest place in all the world," writes a college lad to his mother at home. And even now in these days there is a distinct trend back to the farm all over the country with young and old. Social gatherings, concerts, lectures and other forms of community interest are growing in favor among these busy and prosperous people. The progressive element in Calexico has in some respects led in these organized social features. The Women's Improvement Club, which was formed in 1908, has been instrumental in that vicinity, establishing a reading-room and public library. There is also a City Park Commission, which has charge of the public and school grounds. And the new Dorcas Society has many practical features of dispensing charity. Then for the past three years the mothers and teachers of the public schools have banded together in a Parent-Teachers' Association, which discusses questions pertaining to child welfare in general. Additional Comments: Extracted from: THE HISTORY OF IMPERIAL COUNTY CALIFORNIA EDITED BY F. C. FARR IN ONE VOLUME ILLUSTRATED Published by ELMS AND FRANKS BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 1918 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/imperial/history/1918/historyo/womenofv227nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/cafiles/ File size: 5.2 Kb