New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-04
THE BALTIMORE FRESH AIR FUND.
AN ACCOUNT OF TIE FREE SUMMER EXCURSION So
CIETY OF BALTIMORE AND IT'S WORK.

AN ACCOUNT OF TIE FREE SUMMER EXCURSION So
CIETY OF BALTIMORE AND IT'S WORK.
To TIC Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: Maryland reader of THE TRIBUNE,
approaching the work narrated in ts columns as to
THE Tribune Fresh Air Fund" and the sauary effect
IN NewYOrk upon the aing children OF the poor, bcgs
space to describe and summarize similar charity
in this city.
The Free Summer Excursion Society OF Baltimore was
organized about twelve years ago. to furnish specially
free excursions, luncheon, medicines, bathing and
amusement 20 nursing mothers. infants and other chit
dren. and the infrm aged among the poor. The work
has since continued annually charging and perfectng
It's usefulness, until 1t is able to furnish at least
10000 benefcaries during the summer one
days rational enjoyment well as relief
Through the liberaty Leading merchant, Chester
wood" about ten miles from the city, the bold water
Of Bear Creek estuary OF the Patapsco River has
been made the excursion ground to which, starting at
a. III. every Thursday, the poor are conveyed Here
large kitchen two paviOns, three food lodges, double
creche or nursery, natatorium atording she.-
tered bathing for 100 time, two cottages, frame
shelter medical Office, fine sheltered wharf; boats
swings, etc. be found shaded by 1000 spen-
did All the work is carefully systematized Each
and every one receives bOuneOus meals, served by
tekets-in all 1900 meals to 1900 benefciares at each
excursion. All the ailing have the advantage OF the
best medical advice and medicines and the children all
the endowment possible, 100 ladies moving among
them constantly their ailments or wants
AT O'Clock the steamer belonging to the authorities
and ceboa in the winter conveys tue throng
10 the city, apparently full Of happiness contentment
and food. streecar tickets are furnished those who
have distance 20, and the day ends as always has
for twelve years. without accident or an unpleasant
incident
It may be Of more than mere local importance, and
worth mentioning, that the finest building the place,
a Cottage Hospital with double veranda capable OF
accommodating 100 more, the gift Of French
gentleman NJ Henri Say, Of the Minister Of Finance
of the Republic Of France.
So much to place and entertainment But the best
feature Of this charity is yet to be told and TO tell it
is the principal object OF this letter TO The TRIBUNE
refer its organization in the selection of benetci-
aries These charities admirable in conception,
have all had the great embarrassment Of almost ndis
crimnate participation Many not altogether deserving
have continuous advantage in pushing 20 the 'front.' de-
priving more timd and sensitive people from it,
privileges shocking their sensibtes so much that
they prefer to suffer rather than 10 be eassed among the
vicious the more bellgerent OF the poor. To
prevent this the city was divided into precincts
fully every precinct had lady visitor, and each house
where pOverly and sickness held abode visited and
tickets furnished aud only in this tickets sup
auhorities cooperate very earnestly and assist the
amoners distribute the tickets By careful selection
About - 600 annually suiices Tor this charity; re-
Gently much has been raised but the excess
for the structures named The provision ana entertain
ment accOunt-which means white bread, 200 gallons
country milk meat or sandwiches, 100 pounds fresh
butter 200 gallons Java coffee 100 gallons tea, ginger
bread and ice wafer al bitum music for devotional ex
ercises and for dancing bathing necessities, etccomes
within 800 for each excursion As the steamer passes
Fort McHenry going returning the band or the ex-
curscn party plays The star spangied Hammer
This il the parent charity Baltimore In the direction
OF temporary santariun. 1t doubtless inspired late
wealthy citizen to S2,OOOOOO 10 endOw another
OF a more permanent character where mothers and
their little may be taken INTO the country and kept
there buildings expressly constructed for the purpose
until restored health Will permit them to be returned
home This legacy left years SINCE put 1t has
yet been made beneficial The work OF the summer
Free Excursion society, however seems TO be grandy
successul IL battles the very OF cholera infan
um. grateful mothers that with infants gaspng
for life return again the next week with the chill
dren chrrupDg with returning health and strength.
baltimore. June 20, Iss2. CECIL.