The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-25
THE MALE ORPHAN ASYLUM.
Interesting Exercises at The Close Of the
School.
THEY WILL VISIT THE PRESIDENT.
The Work That the Boys are DoiDG-Ibe
Grounds and BuiIdings-A Letter From
the Presidents Secretary.

. The closing exercises were held yesterday
evening at the Male Orphan Asylum. near the
new reservoir. The institution, although
crippled TO some extent for the lack of liberal
financial support. is doing SOM very good
work. There are at present ffty-hve boys
taken care Of by Mrs. J.. Il. Gill. the indefati-
gable superintendent. and her assistants. The
ages of the boys range from six 10 twenty
years. Some Of the boys, who are old enough
TO make a living, have secured position with
business houses in this city. but they continue
10 board at the Institution. and in that manner
gladly give their mite - its support.
IL is a fact acknowledged by all who have
occasionally visited the asylum that Blrs. Gill
has a rare gift to influence tho most unruly
boys and 10 bring them no 10 useful young
men. These boys are gladly taken hold of 10y
the business mel Of this community and quite
a number Of them who received their educa-
ton IN the asylum hold now highly honored
positions.
BUILDINGS.
The buildings and its surroundings are
kept in order almost exclusively by the in
mates and the most scrupulous n~eatness
relgns everywhere, thanks TO the con-
tinual watchfulness Of Mrs. Gill. The new
building, which was completed several
years ago. affords accommodations for
rs boys. but nearly Ono-half Of the space re-
mains unOccupied for the lack Of funds. I'm
oil recently the institution operated a tobacco
factory which yielded the snug sum Of S1i. 900,
which was used in the construction Of the
new building. When the American Tobacco
Company was formed It became necessary to
close up the factory Of the institution. and up
10 the present time IT has been impossible 20
find other means Of support by which to sup
plant the income derived from the tobacco
factory.
4 printing department is being kept mp by
the management OF the asylum. wheressome
of the boys are learning the trade of printers.
At that establishment among other things
The Male Orphan Messenger is gotten up.
a monthly which reflects great credit onSthe
ability of the boys.
TIE GROUNDS.
Besides the building the Male Orphan Society
owns ten acres of ground and under the
supervision Of an efficient gardener the boys
arc taught 20 keep the place in order and TO
raise flowers and vegetables.
During the forenoon the boys attend school.
which is taught by Mr.. II. W. Anderson, and
the afternoon Is given TO practical work and
to recreatiOns Of various kinds. In the good
season of the year the boys spend their leisure
time out doors, but on rainy days and during
the winter it is very hard to keep them out
of mischief.
A thing that is greatly needed at present is
q pavilion where the orphans can play in IN
clement weather. The institution however, is
unable 10 procure q play-rOOm on account Of
the depletion of its treasury.
The object of the exercises last evening was
10 show the board of managers Of the
institution and their friends what progress the
inmates have made in then education during
.1o met r.or Tho Loar1 xrae rapracanta1 nv
Or. W. w. Parker, the president, Mr.. James
Gordon and Mr.. r. +. Richardson, the
secretary.
TIE TXERCIsEs.
About half-past 6 o'clock last evening the
visitors were ushered into the chapel on the
ground floor of the building and soon after the
scholars filed in 10 be taken IN charge by Mr..
f.. W. Anderson. They were grouped IN
different classes and gave very satisfactory
evidence of their knowledge acquired in geo.
graphy, arithmetic, spelling. reading, etc.
Among the scholars who distinguished them
selves by prompts and correct replies Willie
Iymbach. Ferris Cassidy. Emmett Archer,
Emmett Joynes. Rockward Howe. Lee Robert
son. Richard Tucker. Charles Henry, Frank
Gentry. Frank Crosby. Ernest Hubbard.
Herbert Steinback. and Arthur Stanley.
At the close Of the exercises the visitors
were handsomely entertained by Mrs. Gill at
supper.
Through the kindness Of Major f.. T. d.
Myers. of the Richmond. Fredericksburg aud
Potomac railroad, the orphans will be treated
10 n trip 10 Washington tomorrow morning.
Thinking that the hon or OF being received by
the President while il Washington would be
highly appreciated by the boys Mrs. Gill last
Monday wrote 10 President Harrison asking
for the privilege 10 present her pupils. Last
evening while the exercises were going on
Mrs. Gill received the following reply from
President Harrison's private secretary
The President directs me 10 acknowledge
the receipt Of your letter of the 22d instant.
Friday is Cabinet day. and is likely this week,
for special reasons. 10 be an unusually busy
day with the President.
However. fit is possible. he will take
pleasure in seeing you and your boys when
You come 10 the city.