Harriet Beecher Stowe is best known for her book titled Uncle Tom’s Cabin, but she and her sister Catherine also wrote another book titled The American Woman's Home. The Southern Oregon Historical Society owns a first edition, published in 1869. The full text is available online.
Catherine Beecher says in the book’s introduction that the chief cause of disabilities and sufferings of women was lack of respect for their work, and their lack of training in domestic sciences. She and Harriet based their ideas on the science of the times and their religious family background.
The Beecher sisters advocated fresh air, stating that “The first and most indispensable requisite for health is pure air, both by day and night.”
Although the Beechers approved of amusements and recreation, particularly for children, they warned against horse racing, circus riding and gambling. They cautioned against dancing, theatricals, card playing and unrestrained reading of inappropriate novels. The Beechers strongly advocated growing fruit and flowers as appropriate pastimes for young women.
Even today’s parents might appreciate the Beechers’ child-rearing advice. They advocated a careful diet, kindly discipline and joining children in their games.
Source: Beecher, Catherine E., and Harriet Beecher Stowe. The American Woman's Home. New York: J.B. Ford and Co., 1869. Print. Also available at: http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/6598/pg6598.html