The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1899-04-08

One sunny morning in Chicago we took
the South Halstead street car at the
corner OF Dearborn and Adams for Hull
House, so named aiter G. j. Hull, who
establshs ed this center Of philanthropic
work and left it lrgacies which are
generous and never failing support.
Soon after crossing-or going under-the
Chicago river, the surroundings and
business blocks show a marked change
from the up town business center OF that
hustling city. Hull House is located in
neighborhood Of foreigners, French,
German and Italian predominating. Its
object-as stated in the Charters to
provide center Of a higher civic and
social life; to institute and maintain
educational and philanthropic enter
prises. and to investigate and improve
the conditions in the industrial districts
Of Chicago. TO tell Of the entertain.
ments, the classes, the schools and the
clubs, that center here for the benefit of
We were first taken to that wing Of the
building called the children's house.
Here on the irst floor was the baby
kindergarten, where the little ones are
cared for and taught songs, plays and
marches in large airy room with large
east windows which flooded the room
with life giving sunshine. The room
Immediately above this is devoted to
Hull House nursery, which is open from
6:3Oa. m. to 6:3O p. m. This department
is designed for the children whoee
mothers are obliged to work during the
day. Here we found two roome fitted with
baby cribs with dainty and clean white
coverings, an object lesson which must
be uplifting to The mother who bril 90 her
little one there to be cared for during
the day. One large room in this depart.
ment was furnished with high chairs,
little rocking chairs and baby play
things. There is also kitchen where
their food is prepared and bath room.
An attendant physician and two regular
nurses are in charge. They told me the
attendance varied from twenty-five TO
fifty Per day. The floor above this is
devoted to the Hull House kindergarten,
which is open daily from nine to twelve.
The membership Of this school-on &C
count OF the room-is limited to seventy
and there is always long waiting list.
The last Saturday afternoon Of each
month the director Of this department.
Miss Howe, holds an informal reception
or meeting for those mothers who have
children in the kindergarten. Italian
children predominant in these depart.
ments. Children suffering from rachitis
or eye or ear trouble can receive free
treatment at Hull House under the
direction and care Of the physician and
nurse. For such treatment mothers
may bring their children every morning
except Sunday, from 10 to -. These
little kindcrgartners have their club
also. Every Thursday afternoon the
"PIay Room Club limited to seventy.
five members, meets here to be enter.
tanned with games and songs and
stories. was told they are very regu-
lar attendants and enthusiastic partici.
pants. The age limit of this club ia
from six to ten and the membership ia
always full. The fourth floor Of this
wing is devoted to Hull House music
school, which is open from 10 a. m. to 9
p. m. Here instruction is given in
piano, singing and harmony. The direc.
tor tests and receives pupils at discre
lion. The object Of this school ia 70