Sixty years ago members of the newly formed Country Neighbors Extension Club (now known as Community and Family Extension Leaders) were young farm wives eager to learn helpful tips and hints to make life easier on the farm.

“When we married our husbands our mothers-in-law invited us, they already had an Extension club going,” said Ellen Halter, who is a charter member along with Sue Gose. “But we had little children, 1, 2 and 3 years old. That really bothered them if you had a baby crying or kids playing.

“One day Sue and I were talking and we loaded the kids up in the car and went around our neighborhoods to see if anyone would be interested in starting a new club,” Halter said. “We met once a month, in the evenings so our husband’s could babysit.”

Since forming with about 10 members that first year, the club grew to 20 members, so large they considered dividing into two clubs at one time. Sixty years later, they have about 12 members attending regularly.

Halter, who is celebrating her 85th birthday this month, said meetings are both fun and educational. The women have supported one another through the ups and downs in life over the years.

“It made our neighborhood stronger and better,” Halter said. “We enjoy getting together to catch up on each others lives, to support each other and to support our community.

“This year we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we have so much to be thankful for,” Halter added. “Our friendships have completed our lives. We are together in the good times and the bad. We look forward to many more years of service to our community and to each other, cherishing the friendships we have.”

Some of the community service projects of the club includes cleaning ditches, donating to local 4-H clubs and helping with Achievement Days, Salvation Army Angel Tree, adopting a special needs adult and hosting Mother’s Day parties.

Homemaker Clubs
Home Demonstration Clubs, also known as homemaker clubs, date back to the early 1920s and were a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service. Its goal was to teach farm women in rural America better methods for getting their work done in areas such as gardening, canning, nutrition, and sewing.

Home demonstration agents worked with local clubs to provide teaching services. Each homemakers club received a book with space to record membership and the minutes for 12 meetings. The completed report would be sent to the County Extension agent.
Country Neighbors is one of three CFEL Clubs in Beadle County. The others are BCNU and Busy Fingers.

Although many things have changed since the Country Neighbors began meeting 60 years ago, some things remain the same — always looking forward to meetings. “Absolutely,” Halter said. “Most of the time now that’s when we can see each other.”

Mock Prime Rib

4 pounds rump roast, cut up in chunks
1/2 bottle French dip au jus sauce
1 package Italian dressing mix
1 can beef broth

Cook in crockpot on low for 8-10 hours or more. Remove meat and shred with fork, place back in crockpot with the juice.

This is best when made the day before serving and reheated in the crockpot. Serve on buns.

Rhubarb Bars
Submitted by Judy Stahly

3 cups chopped rhubarb
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons corn starch

Cook until thick, then add 1/2 teaspoon soda and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix together until crumbly:
2 1/4 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups melted margarine

Pat 3/4 of mixture in 9-by-12-inch pan. Add filling and put remaining crust on top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes.

Peanut Butter Balls
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup dry milk, nonfat
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup quick oats

Mix honey and peanut butter. Gradually add dry milk and quick oats and mix well. Chill for easier handling.

Form into small balls. Chill until firm. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

(Note: Honey should not be given to children younger than 1 year of age)