The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-01-01
MAINE INDUSTRIAL somoOL.
Abstract of Tenth Annual Report of the
Board of Managers of the Maine In
dustrial school for Girls nt HaIlOweII,
Me,

Board of Managers of Ihe Maine In
dustrial school for Girls nt HallOweII,
Ne.
The managers say: The school has been full
and crowded during the past year, yet vacan-
cies are frequently occurring, as girls are sent
to places provided for them elsewhere. In re-
ceiving girls preference will be given to those
towns or cities not represen ed or but slightly
represented in the school. Girls convicted of
light crimes may be sent to the school as an
alternative, but those who are confirmed in
criminal habits, imbscile or idiotic, are not
proper subjects for the school.
The board of managers say this school, at
first, considered an experiment by many OF
our citizens, cannot, in view of its history and
success during the tsn years Of its existence, be
any longer regarded in that light OF the
nearly two hundred friendless girls committed
to its charge,a very large proportion have been
saved from the dangers which threatened from
their unfortunate surroundings and the temp
tations to which they were 2exposed have been
brought under the careful tuition and whcle--
some influence of ladies capable and willing to
train them Alright.
For number of years past the applications
for admission to the school have been beyond
the means which the first building furnished
for the accommodation of pupils, and operate
seriously to hinder the full success desired 10
the individual training of the girls. A few
generous and benevolent individuals, mostly
ladies have responded to the extent of their
ability, and in the spring of 1884 the managers
found themselves in possession of funds for the
erection.of second building, to the amount
of 5000, with the promise of some additional
donations. The managers decided to construct
a new home on tue general plan OF the first,
with such improvements as could be made
without materially adding to the cost. Imme-
date measures we're taken to put tho base
ment, the wall and the whole outside
of the building under contract They report
that The work has been nearly completed
and the building erected and covered in sue
cessfuliy.
THE SCHOOL EDUCATION
is like that of an ordinary country school given
such Instructions in common aud necessary
branches as the girls are severally qualified to
receive. In departments the girls are Iaught
sewing and knitting under competeut teach
er, some even cutting their own garments and
they are trained to cook and wash aud do all
kinds of housework. The legislature will be
asked to make on appropriation necessary to
supplement the donations of individuals, finish
aud furnish the new building nov auspicious-
ly commenced.
k~roRr OF THE MANAGER.
Major Rowell, the manager. says: Since
the dedication OF this institution, on the 20th
OF January, 1876 the efforts OF those to whom
has been com nittsd the work OF reforming
this class of girls have been continued with
unhagging zeal and uniform success. The i'm
portance of their reformstory and benevolent
enterprise cauuot be overestimated. No one
who Is not familiar with the daily experiences
OF such an institution can fully appreciate the
arduous duties, grave responsibilities and in-
cessant care and anxiety attendant upon the
fsithiul carrying out of plans for the improve
ment In manners, morals, education, physical
training and efficiency in the various depart
meuts OF household duties of the girls commit
ted to the custody of the Home.
The marked changes apparent in most Of
the girls after few months residence at the
Home, may be regarded as conclusive evidence
OF successful training; and the wise adoption
of means for the accomplishments OF salutary
results. Many Of the girls have never realiz-
ed the blessings Of a respectable or comforta-
BILE home lie. At one time SO girls were at
the Home. The average number has exceed
ed that of any former year. There has been
manifested bat little desire on the part Of the
girls to run away from the school during the
past year. But few cases of sickness have oc-
Cured during the year. Progress In study
highly satisfactory. The girls have attended
church with their accustomed regularity and
interest, and received suitable moral and re-
| ligious instructions at the Home.
sTATIsTIcs.
Seventeen girls have been committed TO the
school during the past year, making the entire
number received since organization, one hun
| dred and eighty-one.