New-York tribune., 1896-11-29
HELPING THEM TO BEAR THEIR LOT.
A THANKS SEWING CONCERT FOR THE 1900 IN
MATES OF THE AI.MsHOrsE on
,cKurrr.c ISLAND

A THANKSGIVING CONCERT FOR THE 1900 IN
MATES OF THE ALMsHorsE on
Br.ACKwEfI.S ISLAND.
Lowering clouds and frequent showers affected In
no way the pleasure and enjoyment OF the l5eo IN
mates OF the Amshouse on Blackwels Island
yesterday afternoon. who assembled In the chapei
to listen to n Thanksgiving concert which had been
arranged for them by Superintendent John w.
Terry In the years that are gone 1t used TO be
customary over the island 10 have entertain
mcnts fo- the inmates stated periods. But
somehow It became difficult to get professional
singers and actors to give their time In this way
for charity and It has now been more than year
since the inmates have had their minds diverted In
any such manner.
Superintendent. Terry resolved that the spell
should be broken, and the affair OF yesterday given
Of aid to digestion OF the Thanksgiving
dinner the outcome OF his efforts. These same
conditions doubt account FOR the large and en-
thusastic attendance that yesterday greeted those
who appeared on the platform and did their best by
song. recitation and instrumental music TO bring
little light and sunshine into the lives OF the in
mates The chapel which IL estimated TO hold
so persons was crowded TO the doors The men
were seated side and the women on the
other. a more enthusiastic apprecIntive audience
could not bc magined Throughout the programme.
which long one. every eye ana every ear were
strained not to lose the slightest whisper or
smallest movement the part OF those on the
platform. IL was especially interesting 10 an out
slider the effect produced by song or recta
ton upon the different faces. Some were stolid and
immo,ablc. while others radiant with delight
Al some OF the funny sallcs OF the humorlst there
would be- great commotion OF laughter. yet here and
there could hc faces firm. fixed. seemingly un
Influenced. II anything the women were more dem
oustrativr and bosterous In response to the efforts
OF the entertainers than tn" men. II was warm
inside the chapel that the windows were all thrown
open.
Those taking part Mime. Ida Talbot Albert
soprano. Miss Grace Bell Stanley. contralto: Miss
Louise e. Talbot. banjoist: Miss Ella Gertrude Gus
tam. humOrst: Miss Nora Sinclair and Baby Jo-
sephinc. dancers and singers; James Fitzgerald
hlrytonc Master Nicholas Richards. boy soprano:
Gcary and Mcdonald. song and dance. and Mrs
Ada Langdon Hand. accompanist Secretary
Weaver. OF the Department of Public Charities
acted master OF ceremonies and introduced those
the programme to the audience The inmates
strictly impartial In bestowing their applause
and singing banjo playing. dancing and impersona-
uons all received unlimited approval Before the
entertainment was ended II had grown 90 dark that
IT necessary TO light the gas. Superintendent
Terry told reporter that concerts Ike that Of
yesterday afternoon were more than appreciated by
the inmates OF the Almstlouse. and served the pur-
pose OF breaking In upon the monotony OF their ex-
istcnce The difficulty OF getting professional pco
pi" 10 give their services made II impossible TO
have affairs OF this kind more often.