The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-04-07
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There are few places In Rhode Island
more interesting to the humane visitor
than the State Home and school. To-
Gated ON Smith street, Providence.
This institution aims to furnish
homelilSe place OF care and training for
those children who, by reason OF the
death. or mental, moral or pecuniary
incompetency Of their parents, come
upon the public for support and nur-
ture. The state does its best, through
officially constituted guardians. to make
good to such children the loss of their
natural homes but no institution, how
ever good. is a complete substitute IN
true child development, for the genuine
family life.
For this reason efforts are continually
made 10 place as many children as pos
sible in good private families. Many
people who love children, but have
none. may find here some little one
to rear. Bad boys and girls are sent
10 Sockan0sset ana Oaklawn Reform
schools. These children are not de-
praved; they are simply unfortunate.
While there are some with taints OF
blood, the majority will compare with
the average mentally, morally ana ply
sically. In the school-room may be
found many bright apt and engaging
pupils.
our readers are asked to help find
some good private homes for these de-
pendent little ones. where they may,
for a longer or n shorter term OF years.
without charge, receive board, clothing,
schooling and parental care, or where
they may be adopted. IL IL desired
for the older boys and girls that they
make themselves useful i'm return for
oil M
sufficiently useful, ,receieve small wages.
Ii is hoped that the boys may secure
homes where they may receive special
training in some useful trade or bus-
ness.
Churches, Sunday schools, Christian
Endeavor and other young peoples So
CieitieS Kings Daughters and kindred
organizations are urged To cooperate
in this work OF saving children.
In the state Home the cottage life,
abundant space and opportunity for
play, with some light work, regular
hours for eating and sleeping and the
school exercises, together with careiui
moral training combine To prepare the
children for useful and honorable man
hood and womanhood.
IL Is remarkable that there has been
little sickness. During 1898 with an av-
erage OF 1873 children in the home the
record is mo sickness" The doctors
DlliS amount 10 900, out tneSe were 10
bind up wounds, mainly from boy-ac-
Cidents. and rash exposures where the
children did not obey. There has been
but one death in the past nine years.
There are provided improved facili-
ties for bathing. and all hygienic meth
ols for keeping the body in healthful
condition. the water is pure, the food
simple abundant and good.
The cottages are supplied with games
ana toys. aud the best juvenile ltera-
ture is taken, suited 10 the age of the
children. The rules regulating the chill
dren are wise and liberal.
When children are placed I'm families
. written report is required by the
board giving conditions of body and
mind, schooling, social habits, etc. IL
the child fails to suit il should be re-
turned 10 the home and Will be given
every opportunity to improve. Most
tender care for each child is exercised
10y the capable superintendent and wife.
Several Sunday schools have given
generously TO the children at Christmas
time. Frequent gifts Of pleasant
friendliness for those who need thesl
sorely The Young Peoples Society
of Christian Endcavor, from different
churches i'm the city have contributed
interesting exercises, which adj pleas
ing variety to the sunday services.
4 short time ago a band of mercy
was organized at the State Home and
school by the secretary of the Humane
Education committee, and she plans TO
Visit the band each month.