The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1891-10-21
IN W0MAN'S BEHALF.
4 NOTABLE woMAN's CLUB.
Description of One In Brooklyn That Is Do
ing Much Good.

On every alternate Monday afternoon
from October to June noble army of
women take possession of the parlors
of No. so Willoughby street, Brooklyn.
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 landmarks of
the vicinity. Long ago. when college
education for women was a 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 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"
1.-THE object of this association" is de-
clared to be 1.-The improvement of it's
members, and the practical considera.
ton 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 a beau
tifier, and that women who are on the
waiting list were positively plain, have
in the full exercise of mem bership bios
somed into absolute loneliness. How
ever that may be, it is quite true that
it simplifies life by objeot-lessons in III
trinsic value. All phases of as many
problems are presented, excessive phil
anthropic dissipation as well as the
atrophy of selfishness, and that happy
medium where truth is found.
The charm of the club consists large
ly in its 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.
Bof1in 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-
alive age is, what have you done? In
answer the club points to two import
ant factors in the philanthropic work
of Brooklyn-the Business Woman's
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
hatignores 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 juggling of the
guinea" learn what can be accomplish
ed without the sale of tickets Mora
support is given to every worthy cause
9 but the club is kept from becoming {
D charitable association The literary
9 tendency too is controlled, while the
enthusiastic musicians find freer ex
preston in the Seidel Society withou
2 losing interest in the old home. 1t il
s the aim of those in authority to pre-
r serve dignified many-sided organiza
Q ton, with no blasting growth in an,
= one direction. In its present form thu
t club is composite photograph blend
y ing the characteristics of many into
= harmonious expression of womanhood
n Alternating with the regular meet
:. ings are the informal Monday after
moons, when the mem bcrs are welcomes
by the mother of them all, Mrs. Hrrrie
u p. Smith. Formally the president @
q the board of directors, she has Away
l. been a gracious influence in the clut
r Believing that no association shoul
E. fall into the hands of the fearless few
r. she encourages the faint-hearted, we,
IS comes the stranger and with cheer
u words gives grace to the timid
X Few organizations possess in such
degree the homelike element. Mi,
Beecher, superintendent of the Bus
IN ness Woman's Union, which owns an
is occupies the house whose parlors ar
cd rented by the club, is more than
IS; rector. In numberless ways she lool
as after the comfort and interests of h,
rs associates. Under her housewifely cal
ne is stored the china which sees the ligl
ms at the luncheon given every alterna
u, 10 month. A harlequin set it has bee
" presented piece by piece to the club b
IS, the members, and is an interestir
IT. revelation of the cha acters of its Sc
y, 10 eral doners. Some plates are SO sens
to bly, solid, you know they will new
he break. Some are pretty but fragil
er. while others combine strength ar
ca beauty in hopelessly unattainable fas
:" ion.
sir As soon as a woman has secured h
re two vouchers and passed the faithf
ny ordeal of an election by ballot, 81
nu states her preference for one of the
o. nine subjects: she may study for Il
Die coming year literature. music, cure
We topics, art, science, philanthropy. Il
I'll howe or odroo,;on. onlv sbe must