Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1896-10-01
LIVE QUESTIONS.
A Series of Articles Contributed by
Advanced Thinkers.
ST. LOUIS SOCIAL SETTLEMENT.
Since March 26, the time l t.

Since March 20, the time l took
charge of the institution, there have been
less outward signs of progress than in
the preceding six months. June 1 all
night classes were discontinued for the
summer. The mothers meetings that
We're to continue were closed by the ex-
ira relief work brought on by the cy-
clone.
The girls sewing class has kept up
and great progress has been made, the
older ones showing great skill in Mexi-
can drawn work. Several of the boys at
idle times have learned netting, having
made dip nets, seines and hammocks.
Library books are given out whenever
wanted, and for the time of year the de-
mand has been large.
During the summer / have accom-
panied mothers and their children on
the Fresh Air mission excursion. They
met here and 10 to 10 mothers with
from 30 to 40 children spent the day
with me on the river and at the park.
In May. "a of the girls and 10 moth
ers held picnic with Miss Wiggin at
Benton. Since then have taken little
groups, at different times, for days
outing in the parks. The boys particu-
larly enjoyed this on days when the fac.
tories close.
Seventy-fivc bouquets from the state
W. Q. I. U. were sent us in May. The
boys took delight in aiding us to dis
tribute them. Besides these. we have
given out flowers received from friends,
having wide influence for good, l be-
lieve
After the cyclone the hall was turned
into dormitory and meals We're also
given, the families being sent from the
wrecked districts by the relief commit
tee. AS soon as houses could be found
for them the settlement became relief
station, from which cots, bedding and
provisions were distributed. About 200
persons were aided i'll this way, all cases
being investigated by Miss Smith or
myself. Since then l have been alone
Sunday morning go to Sunday school
with the children whose mothers desire
them to attend. The average number is
15. We go to Marvin M. e. chapel at
Sidney and Twelfth streets, as it is the
nearest.
Dare l speak of the soap and water
class? (The parents might not like it.
Many of them have graduated and some
that l hoped had run and wash the
molasses from their faces when they see
me coming, so that few of the little ones
use the public basin and towel when
they come here.
To me the most important thing in
the work is the social part. The per-
sonal contact with the people is most
profitable. They seem to need us more
than our possessions. l enjoy mingling
with them and make many calls each
week i'll the neighborhood.
In times of Sickness death or trouble
they come to me and go to them.
While the hall is closed, the rooms
above are always open to any who wish
to come in. Little ones come during the
day and older ones, factory hands, in
the evening. From six to dozen spend
their evenings regularly with me, say
ing they have no place to go. Besides
games we compose stories, and each one
tries describing the same thing.
l find the boys smoke and drink less
and some not at all through the influ-
ence of the settlement This might be
called summer social settlement work.
S. +. FIFIELD.
| St Louis August 1896