——————————————i~ WANTED A PERFECT FARM WIFE

This ad appeared in a farm magazine many years ago. A farmer looking for a wife listed it to see if he could find the right companion.

Wanted: For possible lifetime contract, a woman for permanent employment as wife. Applicant must be attractive with a strong constitution, good teeth and temper, and prepared to work with efficiency at rearing children, sewing, cleaning, cooking and interior decorating. A good working knowledge of child psychology, basic nursing, minor house repairs and a driver’s license are required.

There will be a few additional duties such as all family writing, sending Christmas and birthday cards and purchases of appropriate gifts for such occasions. Applicant must be capable in educating the children in table manners and social behavior.

A good memory is a must in order that all calf breeding data, dates of sales and previous year’s records can be produced at a moments notice. All bills must be removed from pants’ pockets or top of dresser and properly filed for income tax purposes.

Applicant must take care of all the children’s dental and vaccination appointments. She must be able to drive machinery and assist with calf pulling.

Hours are flexible, but will normally be from 7:00 am. to 10:00 pm. seven days per week, although these hours may often be extended upon demand. Applicant is assured that the seven days per week will not be extended as no way has yet been found to do so.

Holidays will be granted each year but the household duties and care of children must be can‘ied on during the vacation. Any hobbies or pastimes may be pursued during leisure time, as long as regular duties are not neglected.

There will be no salary, sick leave, social security or pension plan attached to this position. Room, board and food will be provided free of charge.

Applicant must have a good sense of humour, and be able to distinguish between nagging and constructive criticism. Once accepted, the successful applicant must be able to produce a notarized certificate of sanity issued by a qualified psychiatrist so that she may not later plea that she must have been out of her mind when taking up the position.

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