Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-12-11

specially efficient work in this direction
are Mrs. Candace Wheeler, Mrs. Flor
encs W. Cory and Mrs. Ellen Dunlap
Hopkins.
Nearly twenty years ago Mrs. Candace
Wheeler organized society Of decora-
tive art which may be regarded as the
well spring Of cooperative work among
women workers in the United States.
Mrs. Wheeler was born az Delhi, n. Y.
and was remarkable from her earliest
years for her artistic temperament,
which was supplemented as time went
ON BY philanthropic spirit and execu-
ward expression
Although reared in easy circum-
stances. married early to q prosperous
business man. Mrs. Wheeler saw in
many instances among her friends the
necessity of some movement being made
which would enable gentlewomen less
fortunate than herself TO turn their tai
ents and accomplishments 10 practical
use. To further their interests and
place the fruits OF their labor before the
public she formed a society that soon
had branches in every state, and IL is t.
her sympathy and enterprise that he-
sisters OF kindred tastes are indebted for
the women's exchanges and decorative
axt societies that afford them either an
sntirs source OF livelihood or a means OF
experimenting limited income.
About dozen years ago. encouraged
by the success that had attended the
initial movement for the benefit of her
sex. Mrs Wheeler formed the Society
Of Associated Artists, an enterprise con-
ducted on business principles, devoted
20 interior decoration, tapestries EN-
broidered by method OF her own de-
vising. designing of wall paper and tex
tiles. yet serving double purpose in
making it the medium of feminine
workers whereby they could demon
sfrate their abilities 10 compete with
men in the field of technical design, and
sGord them also an opportunity OF Gre
sting school Of art that should possess
national characteristics
Many palatial homes Of American plu-
tocrats have been decorated by designs
Of Mrs. Wheeler, carried out by her corps
Of forty sister workers. the rich textiles
employed woven by American manufac-
turers. which stamps her rs being not
enly Of philanthropic but patriotic tend
encies. Mrs. Wheeler Is on the sunny
side Of hfty. sweet voiced, gentle man
nered, with q personality combining
strength and sweetness in an unusual
degree
In 1880 Florence w. Cory, who may
claim the distinction Of being the first
woman carpet designer in the world.
established her school OF Industrial art
that now numbers in regular attendants
and correspondence pupils 600 members
The sunny haired, bright faced little
woman has been known TO manufactur-
srs as the pioneer feElininb worker in
ne capacity Of practical designer for
many years. Born in Syracuse and
reared in Oswego. she married when
shs was scarcely out OF her teens and
became a widow early in her twenties.
The necessity Of either returning to the
pnreutal roof or formulating some plan
Of work which would eventually make
her self supporting was question which
confronted her. and 1t was at this period,
when contemplating an ugly carpet in
The house Of friend. she received the
inspiration that has evolved itself into
NE work, and she determined to become
designer.
II was then spring. and the doors Of
Cooper institute. where she expected
y receive the necessary tuition, were