Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1891-10-29
In WOMAN'S BEHALF.
A NOTABLE woMAN's CLUB.
Description of One in brooklyn That Is Do
Ing Much Good. 'i


The old-fashioned building toward
which they flock has mounted guard
for many years on the corner of Bridge
street, and is one of the land marks of
the vicinity. Long ago, when college
education for women was myth, and
clubs were legends of the days of Eliz-
abeth Montague and her famous "Blue
Stockings" this pile of bricks was the
home of the Laurence family. If we
may believe what Hawthorne says,
that old houses become so impregnated
with the thoughts of those who have
lived in them that they influence any
who come within their walls, then the
Brooklyn Woman's club has in some
respects a fitting habitation. Envi-
roned by the conservative spirit of the
past, it is at once rooted in the hearth
stone, and at the same time sends out
branches into all the earth. Birds of
every plumage sing their songs, and
drop the seeds of every cline into the
greedy brains below, for it is an open
secret that the members of this associa-
ton have omniverous appetites for in
formation. Like the white queen in
Wonderland, they consider who they
are and where they came from; they
consider how far. they have come; they
consider. everything"
THE object of this association is de-
clared to be 'the improvement of its
members, and the practical considera.
tion of the important questions that
grow out of the relations of the indi-
vidual to society, and the effect of ex-
listing institutions upon individual de-
velopment" This twofold object is
being attained. Some enthusiasts go
so far as to say that the club is Il beau
titier, and that women who are on the
waiting list were positively plain, have
in the full exercise of mem bership bios
somhd into absolute loneliness How
ever that may be, it is quite true that
it simplifies life by object-lessons in in
trinsic value. All phases of as many
problems are presented, excessive phil
anthropic dissipation as well as the
atrophy of selfshness, and that happy
medium where truth is found.
The charm of the club consists large
ly in it's agreement to differ Very
much such an arrangement exists as we
see in the home of 'our mutual friend
| The velvet hat and feathers of Mrs.
Boffin never interfere with the democ-
racy of Mr.. Boffin, and from their diff
ferent stand-points they listen with the
same delight to ''the literary guest"
One of the questions of this interrog-
ative age is, what have you done? In
answer the club points to two import
ant factors in the philanthropic work
of Brooklyn-the Business Womans
Union and the Free Kindergarten.
Both of these institutions are her chill
dren. The former long ago received
her dover and began life on her own
account The younger sister, now in
its fourth year, is established at the
Willow Place Chapel, and cared for by
committee of club members.
Although SO connected with philan-
thropy, here is one American institution
that ignores money-getting. The thrifty
Yankee anthem of Sing Song Of
Sixpence" is not on every tongue. The
initiation fee and the annual dues are
the only financial obligations mention
ed. 1t is restful if not educating tc
come aside into this quiet place, and
undisturbed by 'the jingling of the
guinea" learn what can be accomplish
ed without the sale of tickets. Mora
support is given to every worthy cause
but the club is kept from becoming {
charitable association. The literary
tendency too is controlled, while the
enthusiastic musicians find freer ex
preston in the Seidel Society withou
losing interest in the old home. 1t i.
the aim of those in authority to pre-
serve dignified many-sided organiza
ton, with no blasting growth in any
one direction. In its present form the
club is composite photograph blend
ing the characteristics OF many into (
harmonious expression of womanhood
Alternating with the regular meet
ings are the informal Monday after
moons, when the mem hers are welcomed
by the mother of them all, Mrs Hrrrie
p. Smith. Formally the president 0
the board of directors, she has Away
been gracious influence in the club
Believing that no association shoul'
fall into the hands of the fearless few
she encourages the faint-hearted wei
comes the stranger and with cheer,
words gives grace to the timid
Few organizations possess in such
degree the homelike element. Mis-
Beecher, superintendent of the Busi
ness Woman's Union, which owns an,
occupies the house whose parlors ar
rented by the club, is more than d
rector, In nuinberless ways she look
after the comfort and interests of he
;, associates. Under her housewifely car
is stored the china which sees the ligh
at the luncheon given every alternat
month. A harlequin set, it has bee
presented piece by piece to the club b.
the members, and is an interestin
: revelation of the characters of its Sc,
eral doners. Some plates are so sens
bly, solid, you know they will neve
, break. Some are pretty but fragile
while others combine strength an
beauty in hopelessly unattainable fash
: ion Iii+ l4 sir
r AS soon as woman has secured he
two vouchers and passed the faithfl
! ordeal of an election by ballot, 81
states her preference for one of the:
} nine subjects: She may study for tt
coming year literature, music, curreI
topics, art, science, philanthropy, Il
i home, or education; only she must I
least in name, belong somewher
= Every committee has charge of two a
! ternoons on the. calendar, and often r
, solves itself into a smaller club wher
i at semi-montfly meetings, the mate
! ials for the public programmes are m
| terialized .strGah lpL
. A spirit of mutual helplessness pc
, vades everything. A literary woma
II Mrs Alice Witherbeegis chairman
. the committee on education. A mel
Der enrolled among the philanthropis