New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-23
FOR TIRED WORKING GIRLS.
DELIGHTFUL VACATION HOME THAT IS
CLOSE TO THE SHORE OF MILL NECK

DELIGHTFUL VACATION HOME THAT IS
CLOSE TO THE SHORE OF MILL NECK
In a delightfully."- situated old-fashioned farm
house close TO the shore of Mil Neck Creek. which
divides Oyster Bay from Locust Valley. forty-sIx
working girls are enjoying n vacation. The house
IS bought by the Rev. Benjamin w. Downing
eight wears ago. and set apart by him for vaca-
ton house.
4 Tribune reporter who had heard OF the oppor
tunty given to tired ard overworked working girls
10 recuperate az this delightful spot started one
day to find out all about ii. Leaving the Long
Island Railroad at Locust Valley was n wrong be-
ginning. because It meant a two-and- n half mile
walk. while from MIL Neck. the next station. II Is
a bare three-quarters ot mile. But such n walk.
Through n winding lane sweet with the scent OF
Wild flowers and new-mown hay. meodious with
the songs % many birds. charming with the beauty
which always abounds IN country lane. bordered
with and shrubs with stretches OF green fields
beyond. canopied with arch Of blue. and with
its stiffness broken only by the hum OF bees and
the music OF the birds.
The air Of the place breathed comfort and happ-
ness. Tho girls. who resting the porch,
having Just come from their daily dip In the creek.
were city working girls-but with difference. No
pale cheeks dsheartening stoop. weary
languor. but bright eyes. merry tongues erect
forms and general air OF health and contentment.
The matron. Miss Van Buskrk out. but
through others in the house 1t was learned that the
home had been opened about July for the season.
and has present forty-slx visitors. which is
about all IL accommodate. though in cases
where more applications received cottage
near by is sometimes rented and additional.
number taken. The house is not charitable in
sctution as every girl pays s. per week for her
board. lodging and other privileges. The girls are
sent through the Young Women's Christian Asso-
Citations. and application there they can secure
railroad tickets for the journey at materially re-
duced rates.
The house is under the direction Of the Work
Ing Girls Association Of Brooklyn. The house Is
but a stones throw from the creek and the favor
tie pastlmes bathing and boating Then there
IRE croquet and other outdoor games and good H.
hrary and "A piano Music Is made A feature OF the
evenings. and early hours are rule. as everybody
goes 10 bed at - o'clock ana rises at in the
morning.
Every morning a short religious service is held.
and on Sunday there is service. at which some
good speaker is usually heard. The girls speak
highly Of the matron and Of the manner In which
Tho house Is conducted They have nice rooms.
with comfortable beds well excellent table.
which they appreciate. for" said one we do get
hungry here with the salt water and outdoor ex-
crcise."
The home is opened each season about the mid
die ~ June. and II the number OF visitors Justines
Il remains open until october ]. The visitors go
usually FOR two weeks though some get only
week and a fcw even less than that The situation.
though somewhat isolated. IS Ideal. as II includes
tho beauties Of woodland and water.