The Early Years

In 1914, the Home Economics Department was established with Miss Joe B. Yerion (Revenna College, B. S.; M.E.C., Oklahoma State Normal School; Diploma and Life Certificate, Texas College of Industrial Arts) as the chairman of the department. The organization of the new department had been "purposely delayed until conditions were fair for the making of it a department worth the name."

The general term "home economics" was explained: "It will thus be noted that Home Economics is not merely an isolated vocational department "tacked on" to the regular work of the school for faddists, working girls or women, and those engaged or soon to be engaged in the business of housekeeping, but is a serious, vital, and urgent coordinate department of work here, offered to men and women alike, and compulsory, to a certain extent at least, for all young women who graduate from this school, no matter what course of study they take, since this work looks to the larger sphere of homemaking and home-keeping, and not simply to "housekeeping" in the narrower and more sordid meaning of that eminently respectable and honorable profession -- for it is a profession."

It was further explained that "to teach the technique of the home is the trend of modern education. If girls are to emerge from school in sympathy with the home, the home must be the object of thought in the school. They must be kept in touch with the home, the home interests, and must have a definite end for intellectual training, with emphasis upon their high calling as creators and preservers of the home . . . She (the homemaker) who possesses a good knowledge of any of the domestic arts has a most valuable means of making herself useful to others, of economizing her own or another's income, or of defending herself against adversity."

The general term "home economics" was explained: "It will thus be noted that Home Economics is not merely an isolated vocational department "tacked on" to the regular work of the school for faddists, working girls or women, and those engaged or soon to be engaged in the business of housekeeping, but is a serious, vital, and urgent coordinate department of work here, offered to men and women alike, and compulsory, to a certain extent at least, for all young women who graduate from this school, no matter what course of study they take, since this work looks to the larger sphere of homemaking and home-keeping, and not simply to "housekeeping" in the narrower and more sordid meaning of that eminently respectable and honorable profession -- for it is a profession."

It was further explained that "to teach the technique of the home is the trend of modern education. If girls are to emerge from school in sympathy with the home, the home must be the object of thought in the school. They must be kept in touch with the home, the home interests, and must have a definite end for intellectual training, with emphasis upon their high calling as creators and preservers of the home . . . She (the homemaker) who possesses a good knowledge of any of the domestic arts has a most valuable means of making herself useful to others, of economizing her own or another's income, or of defending herself against adversity."

In 1914, the one year home-making course was designed for young women who "are qualified to take the course and who desire the maximum training in those subjects directly related to the practical affairs of the household, and who can devote but one year to the subject. The courses are practical in nature and the instruction will be given with a very definite purpose."

"This course might be called "Housekeeping for Two." It is designed to give the young homemaker an intellectual start toward up-to-date economical homemaking, that she may not be overwhelmed by her responsibilities. Foods are studied as to their composition, nutritive and economic value, with canning, preserving, jellies, cakes, candy, poultry, breads, chafing dish lessons, fireless cookers, frozen desserts, invalid cookery, etc. taught . . . It will also include a discussion of routine housework -- care of fires, ventilation, dining-room and kitchen work, preparation of meals, making of salads, sandwiches and beverages; laying the table, sideboard, and serving table; preparation and serving of a breakfast, luncheon and tea; journal receptions; the care of the pantry, refrigerator, garbage, etc.; sweeping and dusting, etc.; bedroom work, care of bathroom; talks on economy and wise spending; a discussion on the servant problem."

Above: Early 20^th Century Marshall University Students Seated with Lawrence Corbly

A two-year course in the Domestic Arts and Domestic Sciences offered the following:

First Year: Domestic Art -- Hand sewing and machine work; learning use of bought patterns; cutting, fitting and making simple articles of clothing; Domestic Science -- study of different methods of applying heat to food products; introductory study of food principles; simple carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, cereals, tapioca, casserole of rice, meats, etc.; bread-making, selecting and cooking meats, selecting, cooking and serving foods, including the planning of menus; preservation of food and the principles governing it.

Second Year: Domestic Art -- Advanced sewing, classification of fibers, characteristics and uses, study of cotton, flax, wool, and silk, history value, price and wearing qualities; removal of stains, analysis of water, soap, etc.; simple textile study in its relation to laundry work. Domestic Science -- Contribution of the study of food principles. Home Economics -- study of sanitation and laundry work; study of cost of living, marketing; purchase and serve a breakfast, luncheon, and dinner.

A certificate course requiring three year's work was based on a continuation of the two year course and included: Domestic Art -- Advanced sewing, drafting and pattern making, making of simple shirtwaist dress, tailored skirt, lingerie waist, and making of simple hats in millinery and art needle work. Art Needle Work -- Application of design to different articles of clothing and home furnishings. Domestic Science -- Home economics, sanitation, laundry work and home nursing. The four year diploma course required additional work in the Domestic Arts and Sciences and included professional work, observation and practice teaching.

Right: The Domestic Science Lab in Northcott Hall -- 1917
 

Development

In 1915, Northcott Hall was completed and provided space for the Home Economics Department as "up to date and offering exceptional facilities." The department required all girls to take Household Arts and Science courses which involved sewing, cooking, household management, etc.

One year later, in 1916, Miss Orie S. Whitaker joined the staff and taught domestic science and art. The home economics curriculum included a systematic program of "those studies which have a direct bearing upon the life of the home. The department required work under two heads: Household Science and Household Arts. The aim of the department is threefold: first, to develop in the student through education, a power over self and environment that will enable her to live the best possible life for herself and to be of the most service to others. To create an interest and love for the most universal and essential of employments, homemaking, and the procuring and preparation of food and clothing. The second purpose is from a practical standpoint, to impart a knowledge that will enable the student to take charge of a home, to make it healthful, attractive, and to keep it so; to supply the right kinds of food and clothing from the standpoint of health and economy. The third aim is to train students so that they may be prepared to teach those subjects in the schools of the state."

In 1917 the two-year diploma course was offered and in 1919-1920 the four-year curriculum for a major in home economics was given. Courses were added in dietetics, home nursing, and nutrition. At this time another addition to the staff was made -- Clare Hauser from the Stout Institute Teachers College and Columbia University.

The Marshall Home Economics Club was first organized in 1920-21 and in the same year Isabella Wilson became the head of the department. Ada Burkett Johnson was named assistant professor in home economics in 1921-22. The Home Economics Department published a pamphlet in October, 1922 entitled "A Hot Noon Meal for Each School Child in West Virginia," with the plan that "a consolidated rural school could assign to certain members of the Home Economics class, the preparation of hot noon dish . . . " Another pamphlet was issued by the department in September, 1923, " An Outline for Health Teaching in the Elementary Schools of West Virginia."

With the development of the Arts and Science College in 1923, home economics was offered under the division of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Six hours in biology and twelve hours in non-biological sciences (chemistry, physics, math, geography, and home economics) were required.

In 1924, Anna Cornelia Wilson became a member of the faculty. At that time the Home Economics club had twenty- two members and the following officers: President, Virginia Lartin; Vice-president, Gladys Curry; secretary, Dorothy Dickinson; and treasurer, Doris Feeley. The purpose of the club, as stated in 1924, was to bring together the students of Home Economics in Marshall and to further the cause of home economics. That is, to improve conditions of living in the home, the institution, and the community.

Marshall University Campus 1925

Kappa Omicron Phi, national home economics honorary fraternity, was chartered at Marshall in 1925. Home economics majors are pledged on the basis of grades and personality. Cleo M. Gray, who joined the Marshall faculty in 1947, served as sponsor of the organization until her retirement in 1962.

Left: Marshall Campus in 1925

Change and Contrast

Miss Louise Burnette (1961) is now the chairman of the department. Other members of the faculty are Mrs. Ruby Foose (1946), clothing, home furnishings, and textile courses; Miss Adella Strouss (1943), child care and family development courses; Miss Reva Belle Neely (1946), student teaching and adult education; Miss Betty Jo Sullivan, nutrition, dietetics, institution management and equipment courses; Mrs. Rachel R. Storey, a part-time instructor in flower arrangement classes; and Mrs. Martha Lee Blankenship, laboratory instructor.

Above: Marshall Campus From Third Avenue in 1949

In 1950 the home economics graduate program was added. The first Master's degree in Home Economics Education was granted to Mrs. Rosalie H. Craft. Nineteen other degrees have been granted in graduate work since then. The department was remodeled in 1951 and tripled in its physical facilities. The Home Economics Alumnae Association was organized in 1953 and in 1958 the Myrtle M. Rouse Loan Fund for home economics majors was established by the association.

The 1962 department is quite a contrast to the first years of the department. It has come from thin sheet-iron stoves, laundry tubs, washboards, and heating water in kettles on the stove, to the present up-to-date equipment much of which has been placed in the department through the courtesy of utility companies -- automatic hot water heaters, automatic washers and dryers, modern ranges, and dishwashers. The former arrangement of the food lab had been a hollow square; now the department has home-type kitchen units.

Above: A Glimpse of Lab in 1962

The sewing techniques have changed, too. At one time, students were required to make certain projects in clothing classes, that involved all construction techniques, whether the article was of practical value or not. The inside of the garment was perfectly finished, regardless of the outside appearance.

The department serves total of 143 home economics majors and 112 non-majors at the present. Of the 143 majors, 113 are Teachers College students, 19 are in the College of Arts and Sciences, 7 are in Graduate School, and 4 are unclassified.

The present curriculum (1962) includes food selection and preparation, clothing, meal management, nutrition for student nurses, nutrition and advanced nutrition, child care and development, diet and disease, advanced clothing, family health and home care of the sick, flower arrangement, principles of management, consumer problems of the family, quantity food service, institution management, experimental cookery, family relationships, prenatal and infant care, tailoring, household equipment, home management residence, nutrition in the home and school, problems of Home Furnishings, and home economics education courses in methods, adult education, and student teaching.

The department serves total of 143 home economics majors and 112 non-majors at the present. Of the 143 majors, 113 are Teachers College students, 19 are in the College of Arts and Sciences, 7 are in Graduate School, and 4 are unclassified. The present curriculum (1962) includes food selection and preparation, clothing, meal management, nutrition for student nurses, nutrition and advanced nutrition, child care and development, diet and disease, advanced clothing, family health and home care of the sick, flower arrangement, principles of management, consumer problems of the family, quantity food service, institution management, experimental cookery, family relationships, prenatal and infant care, tailoring, household equipment, home management residence, nutrition in the home and school, problems of Home Furnishings, and home economics education courses in methods, adult education, and student teaching.

Right: Fabric of Change

Curriculum Changes and Department Expansion 1963-2000

In November of 1962, Lelia O. Moore compiled a paper detailing highlights of the Home Economics Program at Marshall University from its beginnings in 1914 until the year 1962. In her conclusion to this compilation, Ms. Moore credited the Marshall University Home Economics program with the desire for the development and expansion of a curriculum designed to meet the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in the field. However, throughout the next three decades, the development and expansion of the program have been a struggle for many schools and their programs throughout the country. The family and consumer science program's faculty members at Marshall University have faced this struggle along with other faculty members across the country. This struggle has been great as the viability of the program has been questioned and challenged due to the many changes that have been made to allow for its continuance into the this century.

In 1963, Dr. Stewart H. Smith had been holding the position of president at Marshall since 1946. He continued in this position until 1968. During his administration, there were many changes in the school including the attainment of university status.
The home economics department at Marshall University also underwent many changes during his twenty-two year term.
'Home economics at Marshall "came of age" during the Smith regime" (Moffat, 1980, pg. 152). During this time, the home economics department was under the guidance of Myrtle Rouse. Through her efforts and those of her colleagues and students, home economics at Marshall became a viable component of the curriculum. It 'evolved from a modest curriculum called "domestic science," which had been primarily limited to cooking and sewing . . . attained a dignified professional status, commensurate with the modern-day appreciation of home economics as an extraordinarily practical and useful field of endeavor' (Moffat, 1980, pg. 152). This was accomplished in part through aid received during the war years (1941-45) through the Federal Smith-Hughes Act.
The Federal Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act was passed in 1917 as a method of providing federal funding for specific vocational programs such as the home economics program at Marshall (Gordon, pg. 67-68). With the receipt of this type of funding, it was possible for Ms. Rouse and others in the department to build it into one that was an integral component of Marshall's curriculum.

Not only did the home economics department expand upon the curriculum at the school through aid provided by the Smith-Hughes vocational program, but it was also able to expand the opportunities available for the students through the addition of a home management house in the 1940's.

The home economics department, located in Northcott Hall since its early beginnings in 1916 as the Department of Domestic Science, was able to acquire a three-story residence to be used in addition to the facilities available in Northcott. This residence provided a location that functioned as the home management house as well as a nursery school. For students enrolled in the home economics program, a required time of residence in this house provided them with the opportunity to gain knowledge of and practice the skills necessary to successfully manage a home. The building was located at 1650 Fifth Avenue. All students "enrolled in the Home Management course, which is required of all second-semester seniors majoring in vocational home economics, get practical training by living in the house for eight weeks and taking complete charge of the house management" (The Herald Advertiser, 1947).

According to a former student of the Marshall home economics program, in the 1950's every home economics student had to spend at least one semester of her educational career in the home management residence. She and the other home economics students were required to perform household duties such as cleaning, laundering clothing and/or other household items, sewing, decorating, and refurbishing furniture, as well as practicing proper etiquette and manners while living in the home. This former student described the experience of residing in the home management house as one that involved much discipline and hard work, but provided a very important learning experience for her future career as a home economics instructor as well as a wife and mother.

At the end of the decade of the 1960's, the curriculum of home economics required students to complete at least eight to twelve hours of coursework in the following areas: clothing and textiles; food and nutrition; home management and family economics; housing, home furnishings and equipment; family relations and child development; and an additional eight hours in chemistry. Home economics courses of instruction were listed within the Teachers College and degrees earned under the program were considered to be vocational.

Above: Northcott Hall 1965

In the early 1970's, Dr. Grace Bennett held the position of chairman of the program of Home Economics education. The curriculum had expanded to include teaching degrees in Home Economics for grades 7-9 and grades 1-9, as well as the comprehensive degree for grades 7-12. The main focus of the program seemed to be for students "interested in home economics for teaching, extension work, and/or home service work with utility companies or other related areas" (Marshall University Bulletin, 1979-80, pg. 106). However, dietetics was also an important program that continued to be included as a career path branching from the home economics program, just as it had since its early beginnings in the domestic sciences field.

Throughout the decade of the 1980's, the home economics program at Marshall University saw some changes in its course offerings with the addition of the availability of a specialization entitled Home Economics Occupational (Vocational) 7-12. This specialization could be combined with the 7-9, 7-12 or K-12 specialization offered in the home economics program. There were also courses added during the decade including Parenting, Clinical Nutrition Practicum, Readings of Honors in Home Economics, Nutrition in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Nutrition in the Community, Nutrition in Aging, and Principles of Nutrition.

Food Service Management and Fashion Merchandising were added to the family and consumer sciences program at Marshall University in the late 1980's and 1990's requiring the addition of new courses to the curriculum. The courses added to the home economics program included Overview of the Fashion Industry, Visual Merchandising, Merchandising Processes and Procedures, Fashion Merchandising, Evolution of Fashion, Fashion Buying, and Fashion Merchandising Internship. Other courses were added through the decade of the 1990's including Cooperative Education in Home Economics Programs, Food Science Principles, Intermediate Nutrition, Home Economics the Profession, Socio-psychological Aspects of Clothing, and Evaluation of Ready-To-Wear. While these courses were added to the curriculum, others were removed including Home Economics Education: Advanced Clinical Experience II, Problems in Home Furnishings, and Food Selection and Preparation.

The Home Economics Club and AHEA at Marshall University

The Home Economics Club, which was based on the concepts formed by the American Home Economics Association (AHEA), received continued recognition throughout the decades of the 1960's and 1970's. The organization was created for home economics majors and its purpose was "to develop and promote standards of home and family life that will best further individual and social welfare (The Chief Justice, 1964, pg. 116).

In 1964, the Home Economics Club was sponsored by Miss Adella E. Strouss. Members of the club included Phyllis Sowards, Nancy Underwood, Marilyn Taubert, Hilberta Issacs, Terry Jacobs, Marlene Moore, Karen Jones, Ruth Cooper, Wilma Hatfield, Lucille Smith, Roma Gay, Carole Hoilman, Donna Furman, and Maurine Osburn (The Chief Justice, 1964, pg. 116).

In 1971, Dr. John G. Barker assumed the position of President of Marshall University.
At this time, the members of the Home Economics Club were Debbie Beckley, Linda Carter, Diane Brown, Charlene Roberts, Neoma Core, Helen Bardall, Maxine Russell, Phyllis Mick, Janie Howell, Diana Morris, Barbara Mills, Karen Bledsoe, Barbara Allen, Rhonda Beavers, and Mary Jane Holley. (The Chief Justice, 1971).

Four years later, Dr. Robert B. Hayes was named President of Marshall University. The Home Economics Association for 1975 was featured in Marshall University's yearbook. The club was sponsored by Miss Jerri McGhee and the club members included Mary Ann Baldy, Carolyn Barnett, Teresa Chapman, Diana Clay, Becky Domokos, Ann Dudash, Becky Harbert, Tina Hatzopoulos, Lois Kasher, Janie Howell, JoAnn McComas, Marsha McDowell, Lynn Midkiff, Judy Molmar, Linda Pelton, Debi Powers, Lana Rickman, Mia Warholak, and Marjorie Wood (The Chief Justice, 1975).

Changes from 1960 Forward

During the 1960's, home economics faculty members Myrtle M. Rouse (1936-1961), Ruby C. Foose (1946-1966), and Cleo M. Gray (1947-1962) retired after many years of service in creating a program upon which future home economics instructors could build. During this decade, there were additions to the home economics faculty including Martha Blankenship (1961), Grace Bennett (1965), and Carole A Vickers (1966).

Upon the retirement of President Smith in 1968, Dr. Roland H. Nelson, Jr., was named the eighth President of Marshall University. During the two-year period that Roland H. Nelson, Jr., served as President of Marshall University, the unrest on Marshall's campus was evident. Student protests and the formation of various radical organizations were common on campuses across the country as well as at Marshall University. These problems were attributed to the military draft, the war in Indo-China, and the racial problems that were occurring at that time in history. Thus, dealing with these issues during his term as President of Marshall University made Nelson's short term a difficult one.

The faculty at Marshall University also had to deal with these difficult and somewhat tumultuous times as an increasing number of students lost the desire to obtain the level of education that their parents had in decades before them. Their increasing interest in social issues was apparent in reviewing the number of protests and problems that occurred during Nelson's presidency. Many students even joined controversial groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society, promoting beliefs such as, 'some of the professors at Marshall were banal and ineffectual and that many of their college courses were "irrevelant"' (Moffatt, 1980, pg. 209).

After the resignation of Roland Nelson on July 31, 1970, of his position as President of Marshall University, Dr. Donald Dedmon served as his temporary successor. During his brief term, one of the most tragic events in Marshall's history occurred: the fatal crash at Tri-State Airport of a plane carrying the football team, coaches and athletic officials, and family and friends. The memorial tribute to these seventy-five victims still stands today outside the Memorial Student Center located at the rear of Corbly Hall and Drinko Library (former location of Northcott Hall). In tribute to the victims, the memorial fountain stops flowing each year on the date that the accident occurred.

Memorial Fountain at Marshall University

For the home economics faculty during Nelson and Dedmon's short terms as President, there were a few changes. The home economics faculty increased by four new members including Virginia R. Creighton (1969) in dietetics and Maudie B. Karickhoff (1969) in home economics education, who were joined in 1970 by Jerrie L. McGhee and Martha G. Childers, child development. Adella E. Strouss retired after 27 years of service as an Associate Professor of Home Economics.

In 1971, Dr. John G. Barker assumed the position of President of Marshall University. In 1974, Robert B. Hayes assumed the position of interim president for four months before becoming President, a term which lasted ten years.

During the early eighties, the Home Economics department left their original home in Northcott Hall. The program moved into the newest facilities in the state in Corbly Hall which featured a state of the art foods laboratory, a clothing construction laboratory and a nursery school for three year old children. Ramona Anderson, Eleanor Zizzo, and M. Yvonne Shoemaker joined the faculty as instructors. Grace Bennett remained as chairman of the department. Dale F. Nitzschke assumed the Presidency in 1984. During his term, Maudie Karickhoff returned as a faculty member working on curriculum design for secondary teachers through grants with the West Virginia Department of Education.

Martha Childers (1986) became an interim chairman and in 1987 assumed a position as the Program Coordinator for Home Economics. Glenda Lowry, with a major in fashion merchandising, joined the department. A fashion merchandising area of emphasis was introduced in the B.A. degree program. Efforts were made to support a food service management program but the resources were not available to maintain the program. Dr. Carole Vickers moved to the dean’s office for the College of Education. The dietetics program received approval from The American Dietetic Association for its didactic program and was transferred from the College of Liberal Arts to the College of Education. Dr. Grace Bennett retired and Eleanor Zizzo resigned leaving the dietetics program with two new faculty members, Drs. Lois Renker (1990-93) and Carolyn Dunn (1990-91).

New faculty members joined the home economics program including Susan Linnenkohl (1991) in dietetics, Mary Jo Graham (1994) in early child development, Linda J. Searight (1994-95) in home economics education, and Dr. Jane V. Edwards (1995-99) in dietetics.

The mid nineteen nineties reflected a great deal of change for the faculty, students, and programs housed in home economics. After the national association adopted a new name to reflect trends within the profession, in 1995 the official name changed from Home Economics to Family and Consumer Sciences at Marshall University.

Services from the nursery school were broadened to include four and five year olds and to increase the hours to include Mondays through Thursdays. The concept of inquiry based learning was introduced. The nursery school became the center for early child education.

Programs adopted new titles beginning in the fall of 2005. Fashion merchandising became known as retail merchandising and a generalist program was introduced as family environment studies. As we enter the twenty first century, we await even greater change to the family and consumer program area. Today, there are three faculty members: Mary Mhango, PhD, Coordinator of FCS; Sue Linnenkohl, PhD, RD, LD; and Glenda L. Lowry, PhD