Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-03-11
THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.


in our midst for moro than three years
it is not as widely known US IT deserves
to be, and in the multitude of other
interests there seems danger of its
being forgotten, save by the annual
Subscribers to it's support. and by the
faithful managers who work hard for
its success and who feel that only the.
lack OF adequate means hinders them
from continuing and increasing the
good already dpno. One of them said:
I've feel it is Gods work; we cannot
lay 1t down.
or tho 20 girls now in tho school al.
were more or less incorrigible; some
hnd no natural protectors, mud the
parents OF Others were uDabio or I'm,
willing to control, them. They spent
their time on tue streets: soyerai,o OF
tbom have been arrested and takep
before the courts. and but for the
existence Of this school they must hare
been sent to prison, and to greater
degradation--their whole lives ruined.
But undor the shelter, and by the aid
Of the school,, a chance Is given them
to still make something OF their lives;
they are not only saved themselves,
but are being taught to help others,
instead OF degrading them. No one
can see them in this home without
feoling that great work Is being done
tor them. The matron said: "When
they come hero, at first they do not
care for anything, and are often pro-
fame. but after they have lived here
awhile, they become such good girls.
so patient, and obedient, and good
tempered that honor theu.
The manager who kindly accompanied
me on my visit to the home said Of
them: "They arc mostly bright girls,
many of them are attractive, kindly,
and aifectionate; they have ideals and
desires like other girls; they want to
be different from what they are; it is
| through the ignorance Of their parents
and their want of opportunity that
| they are what they are "
They were girls of from II to II years
of age when they entered the school,
but scarcely one OF them could either
read, write, or sew. or knew anything
| of the ordinary work OF household.
Now they do all of the work. Of the
house, which is kept spotlessiy clean
aud neat. They make their own clothes,
wash and iron them neatly, cook the
meals and make the breud, under the
direction OF one Of the matrons.
1t is at first difficult TO overcome the
dislike for study in their unframed
minds, and to arouse mental activity
but most of them are apt and have
| quickly learned TO road with good ex-
preston, TO write we'll, and have
mastered the ordinary branches OF a
| common education. Two hours day
are devoted to their books and the rest
of the time to work. Some have learned
| l.. a. Ai,os. - t..t,
ing is especially we'll done. The Man
agement is glad to receive orders for
this kind OF work, for beside the profit
an added sslf-respect to rsali2e that
they aro deemed competent to work for
others.
On Sunday afternoons religious SER
| vicos are held and ministers OF different
denominations speak to them, Their
ministry has been most acceptable and
beneficial. The girls had received
scarcely any religious instruction before
and this has proved helpful and q
means Of growth.
A grade system has been adopted in
the disciplining of the girls. Each
one upon entering tho school, or wher
returned to it through fault of her OVID,
enters the lowest grade. Her promo
tion depends upon herself. For i'm
proper conduct of any kind, neglect Of
lessons, fRiluie In houseworB, untid1'
ness. disobedienco, quarrelug or false
hood she receives demerit mark, 40
cordipg TO the offence. In each of the
grades siie must romatn some months
and a certain number of demerit marks
prevents her promotionI The highest
grade, that OF Trust and Honor.5 il
considered reward for good conduct,
but girl cannot leave the school unit
she has shuWn her ability to remain il
this grade and can also PISS a satisfsc
tory examination in work. The grader
are denoted by ribbon badges of various
colors, and a small silver modal mark!
the grade of trust and honor. sFol
those who have remnined long ennugt
in this grade to justify their doing SO
: tho committee find suitable homes anl
visiting committee continues TO exer
else care over them after they have lef
the school. The girls are not allowed
to talk to one another of their pas
livo5, which are as far as possible
buried in oblivion. One of tho matron
is always present with them, oven a
night n watchful care is extended from
communicating room.
Their health ia excellent; even thosj
who are frail and sickly when the,
entered soon grow strong and healthy
by reason Of the regular hours, whole
some food, and continued natural
healthful occupations. They learn h
appreciate the good order Of their 1.-Two
and surroundings and when they e,
back to their homes are repelled BY thl
dirt and disorder which before the,
bad not noticed.
The managers have reason to fee
satisfied with the work they have done
but the question is how is il 10 be con
tinued, and especially, how IL it to III
enlarged withour more funds than ar
now en- handy The school is full, evei
crowded, now. There is not room fo
ons more girl. Better work could b,
done In larger house, and especial!
Ia there more outdoor room nestied e.
the girls are not allowed to leave th
premises. They take great iDteraH
and delight in gardening and raising
flowers and this occupation, so health
full for betty and mind, ought to DO pro
vided for them. A large lot. extending
from Market street to Lammot stree
and from Twenty fourth to Twenty
fifth streets was presented 70 tho IIoart
of Managers moro than year ago b.
Samuel Bancroft, Dr., but sufIlcien
means are not yet in hand to warran
the erection of building. For th,
home TINT ia to be built on this lot TIL