The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-12-01
The Exchange for WOman's Work.
BY ROSE MEREDITH.

Some time ago l read an article in
New York paper, from the pen of the
president of this institution, Mrs Mary
Choate. The institution has been in
operation several years, and she en-
phatically demonstrates its immense
benefit to those women in reduced cir
cumstances who desire to help them
selves and are not afraid to work, but
are too unskillful to make anything
either ornamental or useful. The En-
change has become so flourishing as to
call for larger quarters, and by the
kindness of a gentleman who recog-
nized the worth of such an ms titution,
$4,000 was given to carry out the long
desired plan. The establishment not
only sells goods, but gives its active
assistance to the best interests of those
who have been so reduced in fortune
as to be obliged to work for their liv-
ing, and yet lacked the skilled training.
Women reared in luxury and comfort
and reduced to actual poverty often
went to the bad in former years, and
this exchange is no doubt the very gate
of heaven to those who are making for
the first time a struggle for self
maintenance. Mrs. Choate told of its
reuniting scattered families, and may
hap scattered fortunes; of making
homes merry and happy; of aiding to
clothe children whose parents were
once well-known in fashionable circles;
of aiding the neglected poor, helping a
widow who had prepared three sons for
college on an income of $500 year,
and several other good deeds in less
than a week, l think. She demon
strated most ably how band of I'M
tried women workers, with large hearts
and willing hands, can lift and carry
the heavy burdens of those whose
hearts are sinking with dread and
agony and know not which way to turn,
and to whom delay is vital and danger
Gus. She also stated that the corre-
spondence of this Exchange amounted
to several hundred letters in month,
keeping alive their courage and giving
them something to think of and hope
for. Here they sell the work of prom
Using artists and induce those who have
no talent to abandon the struggle and
find work for them in whatever direc-
ton their talents point. The strug
Cling women outside the city limits
send in their poultry, eggs and butter,
The cXhausting labor of shopping is
done for those who desire the better
judgment of the experienced. Mend
ing is also an important feature; also
knitting and embroidery. Competent
housekeepers and teachers are found
good places, and all kinds of useful
work is made to benefit the needy
classes. Glorious women are those
who open up this day-star of hope to
the struggling masses of helpless
women in places. where traps are al
ways ready to be sprung upon the des-
titute. | hope to see the day when
even Our. larger villages will open sim
liar institutions for those who would
equip themselves with the knowledge
of self-support and good and econom-
ical industries for both the purse and
the comfort of the individual. We
need them so much that every woman
in the land should he willing to deny
herself tenth of what she spends on.
dress, the proceeds to 60 into such an
each state. In this way we could open
them without struggle. for one
will respond gladly.
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