The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-28
hrs. CAROLINE NJ. (sEyMoUR) SEVERANCE

energies to establishing a college settle
mont, 500 New Higl, street, to influence
the kindergarten association (Which has
taken rest after giving up its only re-
naming school to the care of Mrs. j. A.
Wills and Mrs. t. d. Stlmson to establish
a school in their settlement. This was
done and the school has now reopened
for its second term. The association
named this 1.-The Caroline NJ. Severance
kindere arten' in honor Of the Mother
of the kindergarten in Los Angeles" as
she is often called.
She is building upon the hope that the
wealthy Spanish residents OF Los An
geles will feel interested to help the
poorer ohes of their nationality to study
under these scientific methods.
The necessity of the association still re-
mains. as the public scaools receive no
children under years of age-andscnod-
arm educators maintain that begin
should be of the Very best. A number of
the ladies joining the association were
members of the first 'Woman's Club of
Los Angeles" and in that had received
the impulse to the more strictly educa-
tionai work above mentioned.
And she has lived to see in this city
the kindergarten idea,'' so sincerely APP
proved by her clothed in exceeding beau
ty, n the Froe bel institute, where up
through the higher grades of teaching,
even to the colles late course. its valua ole
influence upon the mind and character OF
pupils may be daily STUDIED.
1he Woman's club referred to was
founded IN 1876. through the inspiring
influence of Mrs. Severance, who, havIue
lett the abundant, rich, intellectual ana
practical activity of the east, hungered
for the fellowship OF thoughtful people,
and believed that there was enough ma
terial for social and intellectual life in
the ritV of Los Anpopa and nj
kindness-and sympathy to allow of union
on very broad basis. Making her belief
known, she soon proved its truth, and
with the help OF small number of
friends, she organized center for high
thought and sympathetic action, to work
in any direction that the trend of the
times might suggest.
sThe club had its committee on litera-
ture, art, ETC.. and added to these, Its
work committee, from VIII ose investi-
cations into the needs OF the new citv,
grew several permanent organizations,
among others the Flower festival society
and Humane society. The club also Sc
cured the appointment OF women to the
school board and to the superintendency.
This club lapsed during the absence OF
the president in the east, but finally re-
vived in 1891 as the present Friday Morn
ing club, under the sane president and
on the same general lines Of work. The
lst, about $50.
When Mr.. and Mrs. Severance came to
Los Angeles to live, in 1875, they secured
a home III what seemed almost a remote
suDurb--today it has become one OF the
most beautiful parts of the city, with sub.
stantial, handsome, and, in few cases,
elegant houses, fine gardens and delight.
fully shaded streets. Their sim pie house.
called Red Roof, stood in an expanse of
young orchard; all around bare and glar-
ing under the semi tropical sun. Time
and taste have changed this into a
''greenery. Iesttul to the eye. From the
tail sentins.s at the entrance of the ave-
nue. evergreen cypress trees of somher
hue, lntermingling with the lighter foli-
age OF the eastern elms) to the lofty palm.
magnolia and umbrella trees, chat form
the shelter before the house, and again
to the masses OF English ivy, uobia and
jessemine that protect the porch from
the sun s too ardent rays, all suggests re-
tireinent and repOse.
The small house has evolved, by various
simple but effective steps, into one more