The first annual report on record at the Polk County Extension office is for the year October 18, 1917 to December 1, 1918 written by Jessie Campbell, Emergency Home Demonstration Agent. It is signed by Neala S. Knowles, State Leader of Home Demonstration Agents and R.K. Bliss, Extension Director.

The narrative report gives insight into the organization and nature of the work.

Organization:

Home Demonstration work began in Des Moines, October 18, 1917. The Council of National Defense, Women's Committee, agreed to raise $200.00 for the local expenses, and their conservation committee was to act as an advisory board to the Home Demonstration Agent.

An office was secured in the Federal Building through the cooperation of Carl N. Kennedy the County Agricultural Agent. Through the Treasury Department this office was equipped with desk and chairs.

At the beginning of the work the government agreed to furnish transportation, stenographic help and telegraph service. These were withdrawn about six months later.

Methods:

The work of the Home Demonstration Agent was presented at the City Federation, the Women's Club, and the Parent-Teacher's Council. These organizations agreed to contribute toward the money guaranteed by the Council of Defense. They also provided for demonstrations and lectures before individual clubs.

Work with Clubs:

The work presented before the various clubs consisted of lectures on balanced meals, the substitutes for wheat, meat, fat and sugar, and the necessity for milk in the diet of children.

The Press:

The Des Moines Capital put on a four day cooking school at the Auditorium, and the Home Demonstration Agent gave demonstrations each day featuring conservation of wheat, meat, fats and sugar.

The Register-Tribune through their household editor has published the Food Administration leaflets and other conservation material.

The News printed all the recipes used in the Liberty Kitchen and much other material.

The Homestead and Wallaces' Farmer through their household editors have featured conservation in many ways.

Canning:

The Home Demonstration Agent was appointed a member of the Garden Commission and later chosen as chairman of the conservation committee.

An effort was made to encourage the drying of food and two firms established dryers in the city. Owing to difficulties in transportation and the fact that gardens were rather below the usual standard there was not much interest in these public drying plants.

Canning demonstrations were given by the Home Demonstration Agent and volunteer helpers in various parts of the city. Some of the housekeepers have achieved splendid results in cold pack canning of vegetables.

Dairy Campaign:

During May, 1918 an educational dairy campaign was put on by the Des Moines Dairy Council, Iowa State Dairy and Food Commission, Polk County Farm Bureau, Women's Committee National Council of Defense and Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

The Home Demonstration Agent arranged for a series of eleven demonstrations and lectures on cottage cheese which were given by experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The total attendance was 386. Dr. E. V. McCollum of Johns Hopkins University delivered a lecture on the value of milk during the campaign.

Inspirational Meetings:

 The Home Demonstration Agent attended the Annual Short Courses at Iowa State College and the state conference during May.

Liberty Kitchen

The Liberty Kitchen was opened on the sixth floor of Younker's Store on June 19, 1918. The Store furnished the stove, tables, cabinet and chairs, the home demonstration agent the utensils. The store also provided gas and water free of charge.

Mrs. Bert McKee, chairman of the Conservation Committee and Mrs. Webb Soueers acted as hostesses at the beginning of the venture, with members of the G.V.A. as assistants.

On June 24, Mrs. F.W. Weitz began work as chairman of the Liberty Kitchen Committee, choosing her own committee of eleven members. The members of this committee acted as hostesses and advisors, with various young ladies as helpers.

Between June 19 and August 22, 37 demonstrations were given with a total attendance of 708. Of these demonstrations, eleven were devoted to cold pack canning. Two of these were given by Miss Hannah Anderson. A jelly making demonstration was given by Miss Marie Anthony. The remaining thirty-four were given by the Home Demonstration Agent.

In order to extend the work over the city the committee requested the ward captains to nominate a woman from each precinct to act as an assistant demonstrator. To date three captains, Miss Rosemond, Mrs. Jewett and Mrs. Cloyd, have submitted their lists of workers. Eighteen of these workers have been given a course of lessons at the Liberty Kitchen and are prepared to render assistance to women in their communities.

The total expense of conducting the kitchen was $19.52. Cooked foods and canned goods to the amount of $7.75 were sold making the net cost of $11.77.

Health Work:

At the request of the public health nurses two lectures were given before them. One featured the wheat substitutes with relation to health, the other, the feeding of children.

During the influenza epidemic the Home Demonstration Agent offered her services to the Red Cross Influenza Committee and spent some ten days in relief work in the homes of those suffering from the disease and in assisting with cooking for those not able to provide food for themselves.

Wool Saving Campaign

The influenza epidemic developed about the time set for the beginning of the wool saving campaign and the situation at this time, December 1, is such that public meetings cannot be held with success. The State Clothing Specialist, Miss Janet Cation, held four meetings in the city and the Home Demonstration Agent has exhibited remodeled clothing and given suggestions to those interested. The Red Cross Salvage House has rendered a splendid service in the sale of second hand clothing at very moderate prices. Some $9,000.00 has been derived from these sales.

The Commission for Belgian Relief has shipped 99 cars of clothing and shoes from this district - much of this material coming from the city of Des Moines. These two activities represent a quantity of material saving.

Signed by Jessie Campbell

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