The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-10-18

Every spring and autumn her coach was Senu
to the asylum until all the children had enjoy
ed pleasant afternoons drive. This was con-
tinued for many years. MIR. Clapp's bequest
was followed by smaller legacies, which gave
to the institution stability it has never iost.
At no time, however, has there been sufficient
income without yearly subscriptions OF its
friends. The managers solicit this help IN per-
son. This has been continued for half a CEN
tury; must we thus always beg? Is it not time
to place this favorite and beloved charity OF our
city upon more permanent basis? Must we
and our successors continue to ask from door to
door for the subscriptions, which in our present
condition we cannot do without? Rather do
we ask those, who are making their last wills,
lit is hoped while in health and strength), who
are setting their houses in order. to give liberal
ly to this asylum. Give it an independence
which its age and labors merit. Remember the
words of the Lord sJesus how He said, SIT is
more blessed to give than receive
Ii thou hast much, give plentiously; if thou
hast little. do thy diligence gladly to give of
that little; for SO gatherest thou myself good
reward in the day OF necessity. In the mean
time until we are thus remembered, no dmin-
uition must be allowed in our subscriptions.
The following are the names of the Presi-
dents with the time of service:
Mrs. Henry Smith, from 1928 to 1865
Mrs. Alice Ilsley from 1886 to 1923 years.
Mrs. Ezekiel Whitman from 1872 to 1920
Mrs. Eliphalet Greedy, from 1852 to 1852
years.
Mrs j. P. Boyd, from 1854 to 1s64-1G years.
Mrs. w, Storer, from 1864 to 1861 year.
Mrs. A. w. 81. Clapp, from 1866 to 1861
Mrs. W. W. Thomas, from 1866 to 1904
years.
Mrs G. G. Mitchell, from 1870 to ISL
year.
Mrs E. H. Burgin, from 1871 to 1871 year
Mrs. J. T. McCobb, from 1872 to 1856
years.
Our treasurers have been Miss Lucretia
rockingham, Mss Phebe Paine, Mrs. Anna
L. Pierce, Miss Elizabeth Stevens, Miss M. e.
Barrett.
In 1875, finding other societies were recev-
ing aid from the state for the support of SOL
ders' children, and ascertaining that we had
at that time 16 of these girls with us, we sent
a petition to the Legislature asking for similar
help. The response was most welcome be-
cause very much needed.
That year, 1875. we received $4,000 The
following year, 1876, $4,000. In 1877 we were
given 81 900, and the present year $500.
Previous to 1866, Mr.. William Kimball gave
us by will $1,000, providing an additional sum
of $4,000 was added, to erect suitable build
log. The house on Myrtle street had become
too old, inconvenient and crowded, for comfort
or health. Little difficulty was found in MAX
ing up the requisite amount. Instead of build
ing it was considered more prudent 10 purchase
a house already built.
The late Mr.. Eben Steele and other judicousn
friends aided US very much in this Important
movement, both by advice and money. The
committee having the matter in charge pur-
chased this house, thoroughly and extensively
built for his use by Mr.. John Dunlap, and after
wards occupied by Judge Howard for many
years.
Necessary changes and Improvements were
made suitable to an increased family. The
overplus from the building subscriptions has
been we'll invested by our treasurer, and forms
part of cur permanent funds We are wholly
free from debt.
Thirteen deaths only have occurred at the
asylum during the fifty years. The Oldest OF
these, Maria Mitchell, was poor, sickly, con-
sumptive inmate with one arm only. She
never left the Home, which for many years
comfortably sheltered her. She lived to be
more than 30 years of age. Two died in in
fancy.
We should be glad to give some account of
each child sent out into the world from this
orphans refuge, if it were possible So far as
we have been able to keep them in sight
large proportion are known to be living worthy
lives, or of the younger members, are growing
up with good promise for the future. Some in
our midst are useful Christian women. That
10 individual cases we have met with sore dis
appointments, cannot be denied, but they have
not probably Oftener occurred than IN condi-
tions Of life more favorable to better results
No child Is placed out from the asylum has
tily or without satisfactory recommendations
of those applying. Business of this kind is
seldom transacted until after months con-
sideration, and then, at a. regular business
meeting of the board. dec&led. Upon the COM
mittee for receiving and placing out children
rests the labor, which is not small, of investi-
eating each case. This occupies much time
and thought The responsibility of deciding is
shared by all alike. 1t is work involving care,
anxiety and doubt Painstaking and precau-
ton do not always make the way clear. tits
believed that a hearty, conscientious desire to
do that which will prove best for the children
and all concerned, characterlzes every meeting.
When failures occur, ours is the greatest grief.
The asylum has been much favored in regard
to medical attendance, always gratuitons. The
following physicians have given their services:
DR.. Samuel Weed, DIR. Sumner Cummings,
DR.. Gilman Daveis, DR.. Frederick ii. Gerrish,
DR.. N A. Hersom, Dr. Sarah w. Devoll, DIR.
I. f. Perley, DR.. III. n. Small.
In Dece mber of last year our hearts were
saddened by the sickness and death of one Of
our larger girls, Eckla e. Benny. Toe disease,
Inflammation of the brain, was the same with
that of the two sisters who died IN another
state. Again to Mr.. Rich Tor necessary SER
vices, most kindly rendered, we were unuer
great obligations.
For the larger part OF the year. the health OF
the family has been good. We have been told
by thoughtful advisers that we ought not to
receive sickly children, thereby increasing IN
many ways our expenses. But to whom shall
we send these little invalids? Poor, friendless,
motherless! Until better refuge is opened
for them, our doors must not be closed.
Eunice Colley, 9 or 10 years OF age, both OF
whose parents died of consumption, has for
many months been failing in health. A severe
cough and other ailments mark the Inherited
disease. Quiet and accomplishing, patient be-
yond her years, we think her transplanting to
better home must come soon and We alone shall
be the losers. TO some, it will be q grattica-
ton to learn that no attention or kindness
from physician or friends is wanting to soften
these last days.
Jessie--- came to US with an in
curable hip disease. No immediate danger is
apprehended, but little hope IS entertained OF
Dear little Cora Morse, whoss life has been
extended beyond our faintest hopes, still
lives to be pattern and example to all lor her
cheerful endurance. A bad curvature of the
spine and hip disease Keep ner mue en- OF tue
time in recumbent position. The two
months in the country this sammer (thanks to
Mrs B. was benefit in some respects. Much
is done by many friends to make these little
lives comfortable and happy. We are very
grateful for all favors bestowed upon them.
For our neat and well ordered house as well
as for the skill and despatch in sewing, we are
much indebted to our efficient natrons, Miss
johnson and Mrs. Laughton.
We consider ourselves under special obliga-
tious to our attending physician, DIR. Sarah w.
Devoll. Her attention and care has at all
times been most freely given, and to her coun-
sci and skin we are largely indebted for the
good health of our family.
There is sameness in our acknowledgements
of favors received year after year from those
who never forget our wants, but it would be
uppardonable not to recognize and return our
thanks for these good things. We beg they
NAV not cease, and trust that we may never be
less grateful
To Mrs Plummer, who sent horse and car
rage one afternoon In each week, for months,
To he used for the Dleasu re of matrOns and
children.
To Mrs. j. P. Baxter for boarding three chill
dren two months in the country; also for de-
llghtful day at Pine Point, in which every
mmeber of the family participated.
To Mr.. Stevens for a free pass to and from
Pine Point on the Boston & Maine railroad.
To Gen. Samuel J. Anderson for an excur
sion to the White Mountains.
To Miss Proctor for her kindness in giving
Kindergarten lessons, teaching the younger
children habits of observation and attention as
well as careful and exact use OF the hands.
The High Street Society provides seats for
our children in church and Sunday school. In
their summer excursions provision is always
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