The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-11-12
THE WORK OF THE NURSERY.
WHAT THE KINGS DAUGHTERS
HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.

History of the Movement That He
suited in the Kings Daughters
Uniting for the Nursery work.
Early Difficulties the Ladies En-
cOuntered-The Creche Has Been
PIaces-HOw the Home Is Main
tained-LadIes Would Welcome
More Outside Assistance Than
They Receive.
The report of the secretary of the City
Union of Kings Daughters shows what
has been accomplished by means of the
day nursery for the poor children of Sa-
vannah and their working mothers. The
home has become the chief reliance OF
these mothers, and all are sincerely CRATE
full for the aid it affords them.
The Kings Daughters of Savannah,
in obedience to a call sent out by their
county secretary, Mrs Robert Gibbes, two
years ago, resolved themselves into
chapter consisting of thirteen circles of
Kings Daughters and one circle of Kings
Sons, the latter working entirely among
boys. Realizing the need of some specific
work which would unite the circles in
common interest, it was decided 10 start
day nursery for the children of working
women, where they might be received and
cared for during the day.
Committees were formed for carrying
of Ann and Bay streets was rented, a ma
iron secured, furniture bought and re-
eeived as donations, and on Dec. /, 1897,
the day nursery was started. Children
were received. fed and cared for at the
rate of cents per day.
The expenses are borne by the seven
active circles. who are each taxed alike;
the other circles are composed of children,
who contribute as much as they can 10
its support. The work did not prosper for
some time, and it was soon found neces~
sary to seek more central, as well as de-
sirable quarters so in February, 1898, a
house, No. IL York street was secured. II
was also found necessary to care for chill
dren both day and night, as so many
mothers have long distances to walk TO
their employment early in the mornings.
and could not first go 90 the nursery with
their little ones: while Others being en-
ployed in families, could not keep them at
night. Thus we We're compelled to change
our plans entirely, secure beds, etc, and
pay larger sum for a matron for night
service, besides having a servant to do
washing and scrubbing weekly.
The chapter was changed to the City
Union of the Kings Daughters and an
executive board was created, consisting OF
Mrs. Roberts, Mrs Taggart, Mrs Nor
gan and the Misses Thompson, Wilson ana
Saussy
County secretary Mrs. Robert Gibbes,
resigned, owing to ill health, and Mrs
Pauline Decker Roberts was elected 90
that office. The circles have served at
the nursery each one month, according to
their numbers; thus each circle is on duty
once In seven months This plan has
worked admirably the circles purchasing
all articles necessary and having entire
charge. The price for caring for children
both day and night was fixed at 50 cents
per week, and any person unable to pay
must get some society or friend to be re-
sponsible for the amount. This rule was
found necessary, as tine object of the home
Is to help women who are working and
not to foster idleness. Women sick, either
at home or in hospitals, have found our
nursery blessing, as they are assured OF
the best food and treatment for their chill
dren.
AT the end of the first year the reports
showed thirty-eight children cared for and
one young girl a stranger, had been re-
ceiVed and saved from a fate worse than
death. She was sent to her aged parents
well clad and very thankful to us; thus we
have endeaVored to care for souls as well
as bodies. Clothing is furnished children
when needy, and plenty of aprons are al
ways provided
Feb 26 the ladies served refreshments at
their new home on York street; in April
gave musical entertainment in the
Guards Armory, and in November 1898
served lunches six weeks in a tent in
Wright Square to soldiers and citizens
The money made by these affairs was used
entirely for the little home During the
time they served lunches they received
many kindnesses from Maj Russell b.
Harrison, and he was unanimously elect
ed an honorary member of the union
AT the annual meeting an election was
held for secretary and treasurer, the two
offices being divided now for the first time
Mrs G. l. Taggart was reelected secre-
tary, and Miss Viola Kennedy treasurer.
At Christmas time the children of The
Home were very kindly remembered at
Christmas tree, and besides were provided
with gifts and a feast al the Home
In January 1899, Mrs. McCloud was
elected president of the union, an Office
held heretofore by the county secretary.
ITO our regret" the report says, Mrs.
McCloud could not serve, being in Door
health, but was elected an honorary pres
ident, and Miss Madge Reed was chosen for
active president. She served until July
when, much to our regret, she resigned,
owing to her absence from the city for an
indefinite period. In July Mrs. Robert
Gibbes was elected in her stead, and need
not say she has proven a most efficient
officer. Miss Amy Hunter was also elect
ed a member of the Executive Board there
being a vacancy caused by the withdrawal
of the Epworth aid some time previously
from all connection with the nursery. Miss
Saussy had represented this society. and
we are very grateful to them for their as
sistance in our work.
In May we sent an unfortunate woman
and her child to ST. Vincents Home in
Baltimore, paying $40 for their admission.
June l we made another move to No. 1893
West Broad street, our present location.
our old quarters being too small for our
purpose. In May Mrs j. d. Murphy very
kindly arranged an organ recital in Law
ton Memorial, giving UP the proceeds after
expenses were paid. In July scarlet fever
broke out in our Home, necessitatng much
extra expense for trained nurse, medicines,
etc Fortunately we only had the one
case. which was a mild one, and the City
III.