New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-19
CHILDREN MADE HAPPY.
TWO VACATION SCHOOLS HAVE THEIR
LAST EXCURSION.
"oNE IS ENTERTAINING FUTURE CITIZENS WHEN
FEAsTING THESE POOR CHILDREN"
SAYS ONE WOMAN.

SAYS ONE WOMAN
To the casual observer who happened 10 be near
Pier No. At. East River. last Wednesday. the first
thought would have been that the whole Eas, Side
taking a holiday. The people came from all
directions. dressed in all the colors OF the rain
bow. with luncheons in paper bags and boxes IN
all sorts Of baskets. tied up in hardkerchefs o.
remnants OF old lace curtains; but all were In
joyous mood.
II was the last excursion Of Vacation School No
"a. In Broome-st., and the Chrystie-st scnoo
Twenty-Five hundred children. under the guidance
of the two principals. II. W. Smith and Mrs Mae
Welsh. were ready TO embark on tie barge. When
the safety limit reached the captain refused
20 take on board the other Ave hundred stu wait
ing on the pier. and they were left with feartni
eyes and frantic expressions Of disappointment
But somebody had bundered." 1t was under
stood that the party was TO go TO Great Neck
Long Island. but the autocrat ut the wheel said
he directed 10 so TO Sylvan Beach. Before
reaching that place he again changed his mind
and went 10 Boynton Beach. on arriving al the
pier It discovered that large picnic OF COL
ored people already occupied the grounds The
dusky bathers filed the beach, crowded the pa
villon and swarmed over the hlsides After look
ing intently the coored people llt;le brown
, eyed tot raising her hand school-fashion. said:
Say, ma'am never so much nggers be-
fore In my life
At this point Mr.. Smith arose In his might and
declared tina, the children should not be landed
there and they sailed away 20 find a haven OF
rest n, Bay CliH Park. All were dlsembarked IN
order and safety under TIE vigilan; eyes OF The
two energetic principals and four policemen.
In less than five minutes some OF the boys were
in bathing: others. with the girls close nj tneir
heels scampered the hills. the girls return
ing with Wild flowers. and the boys pockets bug
ing with unrpe apples and pears Going ana
coming the enjoyment Of the children was at the
highest pitch: they danced 70 the music OF the
! band sang patriotic songs. played games. and
were as noisy as good. healthy children could well
be.
Mr. Smiths popularity with teachers and pupils
was in evidence every moment. The children Gus
tered around him in respectful familiarity every
whore he went and the teachers unanimous
I'm his praise declaring that there never was such
a good and capable principal"
Miss Annie Holywel, with her corps OF assist
ants represented the kindergarten branch OF NO
a. which numbers about two hundred CHILDREN
only one Of whom had ever before attended school.
Miss Holvwel Is director OF the Meredith Free
| Kindergarten OF Brooklyn. and "her reputation as
an ideal teacher" said a school visitor. has been
| Justified by the work accomplished In the sum-
/ mer school"
Miss NJ f. Pinkham. teacher Of painting at No
a. asked her class the day before the excursion to
write her which they preferred TO do when the;
reached the grovc-pay ball. cr)quet or paint
landscape views with her One-haf the class pre-
|
| III is absolutely necessary for my health 70 go
| in swimming" and ne did II. The sketches shown
| on the way back displayed considerable talent
| one naturally expects TO find the children or tne
East Side tenements ragged and unkempt, put II,
| this multitude not child was barefoo'ed all
! were comfortably clothed and had ample iunche0ns
! Il was ascertained that % per cent were Polsh
! and Russian Jews which proves. said one wonl-
an that tho Hebrews are anxious 10 nave their
| children enjoy every advantage OF education
AS Mr. Smith has taught in the PUBIC SCOOPS
FOR forty years. hts opinion was sought oy ne
Tribune reporter 10 he practical results OF tne
| vacation schools. which were begun as an expert
ment He said: .,
| ..Their benehcent influence cannot he overrated
| The children are taken from the streets INTO IN,
cool clean schoolhouses. where they are Instructed
! In a pleasant fashion In sewing. manilal framing
| poln;irC physical exercises and English compost
| lion and they are encouraged 10 carry happy feel
| ings and orderly habits into their poor homes.
| doubt II we have any right 10 turn two hund,eo
! thousand children into the streets for ten weeks
! subject 10 unhealthy moral and physical conoi
! tons
| Mrs Corneiia Stewart Robinson. who was stand
Ing by. said 49, -..-..o., -,
! the Board Of Education and inspectors are op.
posed 10 these vacation schools one would expect
| 10 find men OF broad. progressive IDEAS on tne
BOARD which manages the educational interests OF
| this great city: and then" she added. with the
| calm confidence Of the social economist these
children are not heggars they are future citizens
| and the State FOR It's protection. should edu-
| cate and so uplif them 10 higher plane OF
| civilization The more money paid for Schools the
| less will be needed for policemen.