Looking Back: Garden Flower Games

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
It takes me a minute to enter gifts to the Historical Society into the accession book. That’s because my curiosity about the items slows me down. I’m still looking at the books we received a few weeks ago. Sometimes they are informative and sometimes they are just good for a laugh. Such is the case with The Household Searchlight Homemaking Guide.

Published in 1937, the book deals “…in an intelligible and usable way with a wide range of homemaking problems including etiquette, weddings, menus, cooking, health and beauty, home furnishings and equipment, dyeing, stain removal, insect extermination, the care of the lawn, entertainment, club activities, and the mental health of children.” Quite a wide variety of topics!

According to the book’s foreword it is the product of uncounted years of experience on the part of the staff, and of five years of intensive investigation, testing and writing. The book includes so many topics because “…the American family does not live by bread alone; that beauty, dignity, emotional adjustment within the family, and wholesome interest in community affairs are integral ingredients of a satisfying home life.” (Keep in mind, the book was written over 85 years-ago.)

These qualities must have been important to Ruby McQuerry (Mrs. Elmer Duncan) as what appears to have been a well-read book ended up with her great niece. We believe it was hers because a recipe, handwritten by her, was found among the pages. What I’m about to share is from the entertainment chapter which begins with this message.

“Successful parties depend on suitable and original entertainment. The games must be chosen to interest the age group, and they must be appropriate to the type of party being given.”
 
The instructions were to give guests this list of flowers and ask them to fill in the correct names which I have provided in parenthesis.

1. One way to become rich (marigold)
2. An expression of pleasure and a sharp instrument. (Smilax)
3. A boy’s name and a pen (Jonquil)
4. A motor vehicle. A negative, and to avoid. (carnation)
5. To recline and slack. (Lilacs. Lie-lax)
6. Bewilderment and a letter (Daisy)
7. Large groups. (Phlox)
8. Existing forever. (Everlasting)
9. Cupid’s victim. (Bleeding heart)
10. A melancholy beauty. (Bluebell)
11. To complete, a letter, and to allow. (Violet
12. A brilliant light and a blossom. (Sunflower)
13. A pillar and a twining stem. (Columbine)
14. The tea hour. (Four o’clock)
15. An explosive sound and a letter. (Poppy)
16. Four. (Ivy, IV)
17. A Christmas green and a Rhenish wine. (Hollyhock)
18. A spread for bread and a container. (Buttercup)
19. Magnificence in the early part of the day (Morning-glory)
20. A gilded stick. (Goldenrod)

 
I can’t help but wonder if there is an age group alive that would enjoy this game today! Does anyone still play games? Perhaps someone who was around in 1937?

In the weeks to come I may offer you more advise from The Household Searchlight Homemaking Guide.

Meanwhile, drop by the Grain Valley Historical any Wednesday between 9 AM and 3 PM and check out this and other historical books.
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