Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-08-13
HOME FOR THE HOMELESS.
The Maine Industrial School for Girls
Its Prosperity aud Good WOrk-The
Home and the sCkoOI.


One of the most interesting and christian be
nevolent institutions is the State is the Industrial
school for Girls at Hallowell established through
the benevolent contributors ofprivate parties, aid
ed by the State. 1t affords nice and comfortable
home for the homeless little waits, floating on the
great sea Of life without any guide it opens its
doors to the orphans, giving them an experience
in home life which they never before had. Al
though ii has been in operation but few months
since the Goth of January last-twenty little
girls are already enjoying the advantages OF its
home life. The full capacity Of the institution is
thirty scholars.
The spacious and beautiful brick building Of
three stories, erected the purposes of the Home,
stands upon commanding eminence on the Dunn
mer estate, which was kindly donated for the pur-
pose, and overlooks a wide range of the dversi-
fed, picturesque and beautiful Kennebec valley.
A more charming spot could not have been select
ed for such an institution. At this season of the
year, the eye scarcely tire of resting upon the
ovely scene in the vale below. The green lawns
spread out in front Of the Home, croquet grounds,
place for swings and facilities for other little harm
less amusements, and the luXuriant oak grove a
few steps in rear Of the building, afford the fac-
ties for cultivating home feeling and content
ed spirit in the minds of all the little girls. In lay
ing out and grading the grounds, in providing
walks and teuaced work, and in the cultivation OF
flowers considerable preliminary work has been
done the present season.
The interior of the building is finished il ash,
with hard pine flooring and neat, plain walls, with
10 For inhf md In ST
floor is pleasant reception room orpailor, nicely
but modcstly furnished; sewing room, where
the older girls spend portion Of the forenoon in
learning to sew under competent instruction. The
girls in coming to their new home, generally have
scanty supply Of clothing, and learn to make many
articles Of wearing apparel. The pleasant dining
room and convenient kitchen, with Other rooms
for the of officers and inmates, on the same
floor Mrs. d. w. Currer, the housekeeper, is
assisted in her department by some of the older
girls who are trained in domestic duties, and thus
obtain an important part of their elementary ed
ucaton as women to do women work in the world
that lies before them. The second and third floors
occupied sleeping rooms for the officers and
girls. The girls rooms of uniform size, and
finish, thirty in number, but one girl occupying
bedstead bureau, chair, mirror, ETC., the furniture
costing twenty -6ve collars. In answer to an APP
peal to the public for donations to furnish these
rooms, liberal responses have been made by re-
ligious societies and individuals, until nearly all
the rooms are furnished. We are quite sure that
further contributions will be thankfully received.
The matron, Mrs. Mary J. Ham ilton, whose room
is on the second floor, has the direct Of the
fifteen girls on that floor; while the assistant Mat
ron, Miss c. NJ. Brown, occupies :oom on the
third floor, holding the same relations to the if-
teen girls who are TO occupy that floor. There
are rooms for washing and bathing purposes where
the girls daily perform their additions.
Perhaps the most interesting department to visit
is the school room, that opens off the low
er front hall. This is fitted up with modernstyl
desks and seats, charts, maps, blackboards, and
all the accessories of school room. The teacher
is Miss Brown the Assistant Ma,ron, who is per-
fectly familiar with all the duties and exactng re-
quirements orthe school room. 1t was easily seen
on Easty visit the other day, thar she has gained
the confidence Of her pupils, without which no
teacher however talented or cultured, can be sue
ce-sful. She takes pride in the school. Ofcourse
the primary or intermediate schools. Little girls
were pointed ont who few months ago, did not
know their letters, even, but who can now read
quite readily. They study with great interest,
and the examination showed that the school
would compare well with any school of the same
age of scholars. The school is in session every
afternoon from two to five.
As we have before stated, twenty little girls are
now enjoying the benefits Of the home and
there is room for ten more. OF these twelve have
been in the home the most of the time since its
opening; the others are more recent corners. On
Monday, one was received from Rockland, aud on
Tuesday two were brought from Ellsworth, and
placed in the school Seven Of the girls range
from seven to ten years of age the remainder are
older, the Oldest being fifteen, this being the lin
il of age when one can be received q scholar
When the school is filed to its utmost capacity,
then the Managers will lessen the number by pro-
curing for number of the girls good and perma.
nent homes outside of the institution. The girls
bright intelligent looking, and good subjects
for adoption by those families that are not blessed
with children. 1t will be seen by our hasty recar
ulation of the employment of the children, that
their time is pretty nearly all occupied and that in
the performance of those duties that will fit them
for future usefulness.
Under the direction of one of the active mem
bers of the Board of Managers Hon. John l.
Stevens of this city, who has devoted vast
amount of time to this ENTERPRISE i'm
provements are being made on the exterior Of
the building and grounds. Additional outbuild-
ings are being made, and towe, is to be built in
which will be placed a wind mill, which will fur
nish the power to force water from the large els
tern in the basement of the main building, holding
one hundred and fifty hogsheads, and also from
living spring r""r Nv - The several parts of the
, - ...trents ana =, ~, =,
bul approval as an invaluable the Wheldon pat
end u few of the many testimonials beam, Ii will
lony to the universal favor with which 81,
cine has been received by the public Apple.
TESTIMONIALS.
COMB, ESQ. .
n: As you are aware during the recent
I'D weather, have been "pro fess onally"
"a rt,, ,,nl, 81,