Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-04
LAURA BRIDGMAN.
The Remarkable Woman's Visit to q
kindergarten.
From the Boston Transcript.

From the Boston Transcript
Eyes that never have seen, but ''tht
mind, a mansion for all lovely forms;'
ears that never heard, but the memory q
dwelling-place for all sweet sounds anG
harmonies; voice that is mute, but "a life
that is one lovely expression of peace anC
good will to men. Such an anomaly
ever fresh and interesting, is Laura Bridg
man.
No characteristic of this marvellous wo
man is more touching than her love fol-
little children, and one of the sweetest
sights for "sair cen" to rest upon was the
group OF little ones clustered about their
J guest on the occasion of Miss Bridgman's
recent visit to the Chauncy Hall Kinder.
garten. Each child was presented in
turn, and little conversation carried on
in the sign language through Miss BIS.
most skilful interpreter. The little things
looked so pleased to have their collars and
pins and ribbons examined by the gentle
hands. Especially glad was one small
boy whose pin was the form of Ratchet,
when Miss Bridgman said, "This must be
Gen. Washington"
Another boys watch created great in
terest. "Can he take care of it?" she
asked. Yes "Can he tell the time 20
'Yes." she must be a very manly boy.
Was it presentY eyes" "And mine
was a present too" and her own watch
was shown, which has no glass over the
face so she can feel the hands to tell the
hour.
When little Percy was presented, she
asked, ''Is he English ?" showing an as
ISOLATION with the name.
The children were set to work arrang-
ing small wooden triangles into various
designs, and the outlines of each pattern
were followed by the delicate fingers
which serve for eyes and ears and voice.
The tablets were put away and line
of soldiers formed. "The children are
stirring" said Miss Bridgman, as they
began to march. Soon some little hares
were hopping about the room, and pigeons
were flying over flo very fields, and with
eager interest the speaking hands were
stretched out to touch the little creatures
as they passed.
Some animal crackers were given Miss
Bridgman to feel of, and great was the
establishment of the little company as she
''guessed" correctly. A rather clumsy
sheep was something of a puzzle, but at
last came the question, ''Is it sheep?'
With loving care Miss Bridgman had
brought the children some apple blossoms
WHICH were RdbueIeu lTOl1 JLe TREES OH Iut
land purchased for the proposed kinder
garten for the blind-a project which
nobody has more at heart than this trebly
Swallowed woman.
The fragrance of a bunch of heliotrOpe
called forth a real cry of delight from her
lips, and the sewing-cards and woven pa
per mats, showered upon her by the tiny
makers, were smoOthed and handled with
the greatest tenderness. Of one she said,
sit feels like SATIN"
1t was a day and presence the little ones
will never forget. To the older ones pres
ent must have come the thought OF the
great light of education which has shOnt
upon the people who sat in darkness, and
of the torch, first lighted years ago by the
noble hand which is now still, to be borne
on by other brave hands until the light
shall shine upon 'eyen the least of these
little ones"