After more than 38 years of faithful service, Hope Needham is retiring as Household Editor of our papers. Those 38 years have been marked by every conceivable facet of life and living of the distaff side of farm life. More than 10,000 times, by her own faithful count, HOPE has prepared the copy for her column, but in that preparation she has read and pondered many ties that number of letters from readers. She has made their problems hers.
HOPE made the Household column something of an institution, unique among agricultural journalistic circles. She made of it a place where the farm women of several generations could freely unload their burdens, contribute helps, entertainment, counsel and wisdom out of experience, and even on occasion administer a scolding. It had its own set of general rules, administered by HOPE, with no fixed boundaries, no discrimination and was open to all so long as all played fair. HOPE would have it just that way--fair, just, and above all, helpful.
Outside her editorial duties, HOPE continued over the years to be homemaker and mother on a fine Illinois farm. Three boys and one girl have enriched her life with a total of 15 grandchildren, in whom she takes all the pride to which every grandmother is entitled. Her late husband, JAMES V STEVENSON, was one of the top farmers of his area and state.
So, we say, "So long, HOPE!" It had to come. You have earned the love and gratitude of a great many farm women in many states, for all of whom we extend greetings, HOPE, and best wishes for the years to come. May you find rest and contentment in your retirement.
We welcome to the editorship of the Household a new hand, SUSAN SAYERS, whose work will speak for itself. We hope all readers will continue to lend the same loyalty and co-operation to the new editor which have so long been enjoyed by HOPE.