Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-08-31
CARING FOR THE ORPHANS
A WORTHY BENEVOLENT INsFI-
TUITION.


The Episcopal Orphans HOme-History
Of its OrganizatiOn-Its Growth and
PrOgress-Its Present Needs-DetaiIs
of Its Management.
On March 5, 1853, a number of ladies
belonging to Christ Church parish met at
the residence of Mrs. Francis S. Barlow
and perfected an organization, the object
of which was to found an Episcopal
Orphans Home. The organization was
the outgrowth of parochial
school first established by Mrs. Mary Ell
lett a few years previous and where
orphan boys and girls belonging to the
parish were taught the rudiments Of an
English education. The character and
purpose of the school were modified from
time to time until the meeting of ladies
above referred to was suggested
PERMANENT HOME.
The new institution undertook to pro-
vide a refuge for boys as well as girls,
and for time received both under its
protection. This was subsequently
deemed unwise and impracticable, and
the boys were sent to the Orphan House at
Bethesda. Before they were removed the
two-story frame building, located on the
southwest corner of Jefferson and Liberty
streets, formerly owned by Wallace Cum
mIngs, Esq, and for time occupied as a
residence by Hon. K. MolyneuX, the
British Consul, and afterwards by Mr..
FOOte, was secured until the structure and
the lot upon which it stands were turned
over to the home.
THE PRESENT BUILDING.
The building was an old one in 1854,
since which time it has been somewhat
improved. The board of directresses have
been compelled, however, to frequently
repair it at an expenditure of money
which has continually operated as bur-
den upon the organization, and has placed
it at disadvantage in the work which
it is seeking to accomplish.
THE RECORDS LOST.
A number of the original records of the
institution were lost or destroyed during
the war and it is impossible to learn what
or the number of children under its charge
averaged from year to year prior to then,
what it cost the board annually to MAIN
tain it. But the Home emerged from sew
eral trying vicissitudes, due to the zeal of
its managers, who secured contributions
necessary to meet the running expenses.
HOW IT rs MAINTAINED.
The ladies We're also fortunate in OBJ
tanning some investments in city bonds
and in the stock of the Southwestern Rail-
fray the greater portion of the current
expenses. Last year $2,204 II were paid
on this account. Some years the expense
is more, and during but few years has it
been less.
A reporter of the MORNING NEWS was
informed yesterday that thirty girls are
now in the Institution, the youngest
being years old and the eldest nearly IS.
These, together with the matro and an
oil Crhf
the two largest being about 20 feet square.
One of these is used as reception room
and the other as a dining and school room.
PURCHASING THE FOOD.
In the former room three meals are served
daily. The diet is plain but wholesome,
fresh meat being served almost daily, I'M
der the direction of Miss Tunno, who Wis
its the market and personally directs the
purchases. The groceries are purchased
by the month by a committee appointed
from the Board of Directressss.
The children are instructed in the
rudiments of an English education and
in household work. Those who show an
aptitude for instrumental or vocal music
are encouraged to master the elements of
these studies.
ABLE TO EARN LIVELIHOOD.
Hence, when any of the girls are IS
years old, the period when their life at the
Home practically ceases, they are quail
fed to earn their own livelihood.
The first directress, Miss Basinger, said
to the reporter that the girls who had left
the Home during the past two or three
years had proven without exception to be
a credit to the institution.
The general health of the orphans is
good. DR.. j. G. Thomas, the visiting
physician, contributes his services, and
calls regularly.
THE INSTITUTIONS NEEDS.
The need of a new building is apparent.
The institution is crowded and a number
of deserving applicants have been re-
luctantly refused admission. The rooms
are i'll suited to the purposes of a
home, and the woodwork is generally too
old to admit of repair. Even the sash
frames hold the window lights with
feebleness indicative of their antiquity.
The lot is large enough to furnish a site
for new building and the Board of Direc-
tresses merit generous assistance in their
desire to raise means to supply a struc-
ture adequate to their needs.
The board Is composed of sixteen ladies,
whose officers are as follows:
First Directress-Miss E. @. Basinger.
Second Directress-Mrs. Rufus E. Les
ter.
Secretary-Mrs. William Harden.
The office of Treasurer is vacant on ac-
count of the death of Mrs. H. Griffin.