The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-28
THE LAFAYETTE KINDERGARTEN

This kindergarten opened fu October,
1892, with an industrial department. The
building was erected by Mrs. J. A. Wills
and Mrs. t. d. Stimson, ard the work
was supported for the first two years by
those ladies and the Los Angeles Indus
trias union. When the fund which had
oeen provided for the industrial depart.
ment was exhausted that part of the
work was discontinued. But Mrs. Slim
son determined to continue the kinder
garten, and since then, out of the large
ness of her cart and parse, has been its
sole supporter. This kindergarten pro-
vides for children from 3 to years OF
age, Their homes are ger orally too small
for them, there being nearly always an.
other baby or two younger in each FAM
ly. They are thus crowded out into the
treet.
This Lafayette neigh bornood is FORUM
ate IN having an ideal place IN which
the little children may spend part of
each day, ana through the good infiu-
ences there go ont at least partially forth
fed abgainst the vices OF the street. u
The festival days of the year are epochs
that the children date from. Visions of
Christmas trees, the celebrations of Wash.
ingtons birthday, and the May day festi-
val are ever fresh in the little memories.
The weeks preceding this Thanksgiving
have been happy ones to them. Many of
them would seem not to have much for
which to be thankful, yet with glowing
faces they recount their blessings, one
elittle girl even thanking the Heavenly
Father for the circus
When the story of the pilgrim fathers
was being told and mention was m AIDE of
made of the "Mayflower', one little
three year-old piped out, Il was there,
not knowing the shade of its belief it
might be safe to guess that he is born
theosophst!. The chilnren were once
told story in which their generosity
was appealed to, and IN response several
came with little packages of food "for
the poor children" And next morning
others followed the good example, until
quite a collection was made and carried
in triumph to the day nursery.
This kindergarten is not a charity that
pauperiZes; for q small tuition fee is
charged for all who can afford to pay it.
Many of the families in this neigh hor-
hood have the physical comfort OF life,
ana almost none may be classed with the
abject poor: Mrs. Stimson's kindergar-
ten is a beautiful gift to the people,
blessing those who receive and her who
gives. One of the most interesting fea-
lures in this institution is the Mothers
club.
This club was formed Juno q, 1894.
having Tor its object Child Study and
improvement" Something has been &C.
complished alodg both lines.
To keep the club IN touch with the
world, seven good magazines and papers
are subscribed for, and we have an occa-
siOnal Magazine Day. A number of good
books have been also donated, and the
club can make good use of any juvenile
books bp circulating them in the families.
This club work has been largely expert
mental; as it is, we believe, the first of
its kind ever done in the city. We be-
!ieve it is possible through such an organ
ization to do much for abe homes of the
neighborhood. The aim OF the Lafayette
kindergarten is to work through the
children, with the mothers for the home;
tor in the home lies the fate of the nation.
ELLA E. CLARK,