Home Economics got its start as a college course at MIT in the late 1800s. In the early 20th century the concept of efficiency in housework was increasingly seen as a way to lessen the load on wives and mothers, giving rise to the Home Ec classes we took in school.
6) A Basic Roux or Bechamel Sauce
The foundation for gravies, alfredos, and cheese sauces that would make many recipes so much easier, we’re glad we learned this cooking basic so early.
7) Weights and Measures
From scaling fractions to adjust for recipes to the different ways to measure wet and dry ingredients, there was a lot to learn about measuring in Home Ec!
8) How to Iron Clothes
We do a whole lot less ironing these days thanks to forgiving fabrics that are knit or are wrinkle resistant. But, back in the day it was still considered a necessary skill for kids going into adulthood.
9) How to Make and Stick to a Budget
Admittedly this is a lifelong lesson, but we learned the basics of how to economize our grocery shopping, how to manage a checkbook, and what the real cost of planning a meal or party can be.
10) How to Put Out a Grease Fire
This is an extremely important one! We learned to cover it or dump baking soda on it if no fire extinguished was available. Everyone should learn how to handle a grease fire.
