The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-09-17
"OUR SUMMER HOME. /"

We were standing on the beach at Bath,
L. l., my friend and l. when suddenly
from behind us came the sweet sound of
children's voices singing an evening song
I was a stranger IN the place, and to
my inquiries whence came the sound, my
friend replied, pointing to comfortable
looking house, facing the beach, and sur
rounded by grounds.
The children of the Seaside Home are
singing their usual goodnight song"
1t was Just at the twilight hour, and
the clear young voices came floating out
in the breeze and over the waves till at
last the song ended, and the singers, who
were gathered about an open door and
on the porch of the house, were ready for
evening prayer.
I made a visit to that happy Home
early the next morning; and my friend,
who is an artist, ever on the alert for in
teresting subjects for pen and pencil, &C
companied me.
What VIC saw may be interesting to the
little readers of the C5mpdniOn, and show
them how the poor children of the city Of
New York are provided for by kind
hearts and hands
Five years ago Mrs. Stokes founded
near the sea this institution for the bene-
fit of sick and poor little ones whose lives
are passed in tenement houses, and amid
scenes of misery.
1t was named the Seaside Home, but
the children call it "Our Summer Home
1t is situated on the lower bay just out
side the narrows; and the children love
to watch the steamers coming from and
going to Europe, and other lands of
which they have heard so many wonder
ful tales
Whichever way they turn, whether
eating, singing, or at play, the grand old
ocean is before them, and the roar Of the
surf makes lullaby for them when at
last the hour of sleep has come
The number Of little girls who at one
season staid week at the house was
l,695-think of It'll And the boys, in
taking their turn, counted in one single
day to the number of go.
Only week can be allowed them at a
time, 50 that all may have a chance to es-
cape the city heat, and share the fun and
health of the country.
During the past FIVE years, from 10000
to 10000 children have enjoyed the COM
forts and advantages of this Home And
not one of them all has met with accident,
or failed to gain benefit by the change.
The poor little creatures look forward
to it year by year, and plenty Of salt air
and rest is better medicine than can be
found in the hospitals.
And what about the rules of the insti
tuition? Well, rules are few, and easily
obeyed. i.-.
The children are taught to dress neatly
in the morning. Their wardrobe, of
course, isn't extensive, and not always,
when they reach the Home, in the best
condition. But they have the opportu-
nifty Of learning how to be clean, and
hands and faces, as well as hair, must be
regularly attended to.
Then out they go to the swings, of which
there are twenty-five in the playground,
and folic until the bell for breakfast is
rung.
They form in order and march to the
dining-room, where the long tables are
spread. The Lords prayer Is said before
eating, and there is no stint to the plain,
healthy fare-or to their appehtes either
Afterwards, the children are off to the
play grounds again, the teachers often
Joining in the merry games.
Later in the day, they listen to stories
from those same kind teachers, and are
taught to sing nicely.
The supper is simple but plentiful.
Plenty of milk and sweet bread, with now
and then berries.