The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
GREEN RIDGE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL

Not least among Scranton's many
enterprises for the assistance and eie-
walton of the people may be classed
the Green Ridge Industrial School.
This institution was established by
Miss Frances Snyder. who with her sis
ter, for several years conducted one of
the best private schools of Scranton.
1t is Il non-sectarian school for gir.s
where they are taught to sew and are
brought under many influences which
Conduce to higher standard of living.
Through the kindness of Miss Sander
sons Association hall was secured free
of rent, and here for two years the
school held it's weekly sessions. Upon
the sale of this building, for church
purposes, the directors of the Green
Ridge library kindly allowed the school
the use OF the library building. Two
years ago a kitchen garden was added
to the school. and here under the ef-
ficient management of two teachers
the children are instructed for year
and then passed into the sewing school
provided they have reached the age of
10 years: here they begin on what is
called the first model" this being a
square of patchwork on which they ac-
quire the art of ''Overhanding.' When
this is successfully accomplished they
pass on to the second model" this be
ing pieces Of muslin on which they
learn to run" and "backstitch," to
hem" ana to Overcast" After the
child can do these stitches to the satis-
faction of the inspectors of the work
she is taught to cut and make six gar
ments for Il large doll. these garments
being made precisely as the child's own
garments would be made. At the end
Of the term the child whose work Is
considered the best. in all particulars,
receives the doll as a prize.
After this child has completed the
dolls outfit she is put towork on similar
garments for herself, receiving them as
they are finished. Two ladies have
charge of the cuttingout table and in
struct the children how to cut the gar
ments correctly. A visiting committee
looks after the abSenteeS and q child alb
sent two Saturdays in succession with
out a reasonable excuse Is considered to
have forfeited her place. BY means of
this visiting committee the teachers and
scholars are brought in closer touch
and much assistance in other direc-
tions than that afforded by the school
work is often given. A supply COM
mittee GevoteS one afternoon In the
week to the preparation of the work
and purchases all supplies needed in
the school. A finance committee col
lects the yearly dues of the members
and 1t is these dues together with occa-
sional, and in some instances yearly,
donations which constitute the sincws
Of war and enable the board of man.
ayers to defray the necessary expenses
connected with the running Of the
school. AS the membership fee is only
so cents a year 1t Is within the power
.c 30 -ss,N ,Ir ri tl,,,s,
help an enterprise which Is doing much
good among growing girls. The
school has just completed its fifth year
of successful work and those having its
interest at heart look forward to the
time when 1t may have building Of
it's own and its usefulness be extended
on broader lines than those which have
marked it's infancy.
EMILY C. ROBINSON.