In April of 1916 the North Carolina Board of Health held a “Baby Week Exhibit” in Cliffside. Booths were set up in different buildings in town, where young mothers and mothers-to-be were taught the essentials of bearing and raising children. Doctors, nurses, dieticians, other pediatric specialists and probably local volunteers were on hand to impart and demonstrate the fine points of motherhood.

This event might have been lost to history had not Don Bailey, who lives near Brevard, done an online search for “Cliffside” in the N. C. State Archives web site. The search turned up brief descriptions of several photos in the “Cliffside, Rutherford County, N. C.” category. Don drove to Raleigh to view them, and, sensing they were historically important, had prints made from the negatives. We’re grateful to Don for his contribution.

The baby’s bath. Too bad we can’t read the signs. What can you say about bathing the baby, except be sure and do it, but don’t use lye soap? Our model baby seems to be having a good time in his galvanized tub.

Baby’s Clothing. Were diapers home-made in those days? Perhaps the nurse is instructing the mothers how to properly launder them (don’t use lye soap).

Dental. The windows at the upper left and right suggest this booth was set up in one of the churches. The women and children were dressed in their Sunday best for the occasion.

Seeing the Doctor. The baby needs a periodic going-over by the town physician.

The baby feeding class. Note the wooden “black board,” the brick wall, the black curtain and the little oil stove at lower right. Among other things written on the board is the recipe for “protein milk.” The only words we can make out are: “1 qt. of whole milk heated to blood heat. Add 4 teaspoons essence of pepsin and stir….until curd is formed. Pour through linen cloth…1 pt of fresh buttermilk”

This could have taken place either in the mill or the store building, at the time the only brick buildings of any size in Cliffside.

Baby’s Play. The mother at right gets instructions on the making and maintenance of toys for baby.

Care Before Birth. This booth had recommendations on maternity clothes, the mother’s daily regimen and other tips on coping with pregnancy. One of the signs cautioned that “Bathing each day is necessary for the health of the mother.” Another advised, “The husband should do the heavy work about the home.” The “Care at Birth” poster (lower left) shows two men with the baby! Where was the mother? Perhaps she was already out hoeing the garden.