Monday, December 1, 2014

"Bee" Charitable

Photo:  Archives of the International Museum of the Horse

Plowing Bee
Warren, Michigan
1913

A group of folks gathered to all work for a common, and often times charitable purpose, was called a "bee."  As the photo depicts, a neighbor has fallen ill so friends and neighbors, with their horses, have come to the rescue in plowing his fields.

The "bee" relates to a bee colony, all working together for a common goal.  The term "working bee" is still used in parts of the world as a term for community gatherings with volunteers to get work done.  A "quilting bee" was a social get together for the ladies to catch up with each other, busily stitching away while seated in a small cluster or around a large quilting frame.

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