Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1900-04-14
HOTTIE FOR GIRLS.
Is Proving a Great Success and Meets
announcement.

encouragement.
One of the newest State institutions is
our Industrial Home for Girls, opened
last May, and now nearly year cid. The
many applications for rooms for girls
show the great need Of this Home. The
object OF this institution is to remove
young girls from temptation on lives Of
sin, and place them in safe retreat
where they may be educated and trained
for lives Of independence and usefulness.
Many young girls go astray because
they are victims Of unhappy circum-
stances. 1t may be from the sad fact
that parental control has been removed,
or has been too weak or vicious 10 hold
them from temptation.
So many more applications have APP
peared. that the Board of Directors feel
compelled to add another wing TO the
present building TO accommodate all who
should be sheltered here.
Tnrty-fye girls have been received
since the opening of the Home last May,
and many more are awaiting entrance as
soon as room is made for them.
The location of the Home could scarce
ly be exceled by any other site in the
State, for while it is on the Parkersburg
Branch of the b. & o., yet it is so high
above the surrounding country that the
girls are entirely secluded, and can be al
lowed much more freedom on the grounds
than if it were in more public place.
All girls who find a refuge in the Home
are not committed to the care of the
State.
Thirty-five girls have been received
since the opening of the Home, some OF
whom are boarders. Frequently parents
would like to rescue an erring daughter
from bad company or from temptation
and, yet they do not wish to commit
them.
In this case the Home receives them at
a low rate and holds them for a year or
longer if necessary.
Visitors are received at the Home ev-
cry Tuesday and Thursday between the
hours of and p. M. Girls visitors
are also received at these hours.
The work of the Home is divided into
Departments where the girls are taught
housework, cooking, washing. ironing,
sewing and the care Of bed rooms Each
girl remains three months in depart
ment or longer if her work is not satisfac-
tory,
Every girl remains in school hours
daily. They are taught the ordinary
branches of our Public Schools but they
also have Literary Society and are train
ed to read good books. 1t is the design
of the Board to give every girl an oppJr-
tunity to redeem her past failure, to
become an independent self-supporting
woman, who will be a credit instead of
an injury to the State.
Girls who show special aptitude for
any branch of the work are given every
encouragement and are trained to earn
their living in that line.
For instance if a girls inclinations lead
her toward housekeeping she is taught
until she could enter any home and give
satisfaction. If she desires to be dress
maker she is taught by system of cut
ting and fitting that will enable her to be-
come a seamstress.
Every loaf of bread is made by the
girls, who take special pride in that
branch of the work, and seldom fail to
have good wholesome bread, both white
and brown. Since all work would make
dull girls there are hours OF recreation for
all.
Games, good books, walks and croquet
when the weather permits.
Were one to see group of these girls
happily singing or playing, it would not
give any impression, but that school was
ENJOYING recess. Nor must one think of
this as a Home for only the abandoned
and depraved. Many are here to save
hem from becoming such who are yet in
nocent and happy, who will go into the
world-good women.
While every girl is working to gain the
required credits-none are unhappy after
they become accustomed to the routine.
Many people have kindly donated good
books thus helping in the work OF leading
upwards.
The "Home" is grateful for all "helps."
If some S. S. would kindly donate Month
ly Lesson Helps, the girls would be be-
nehtted. They are all attentive pupils in
the large S. S. class.
There ar many applicants for the
girls, and the Board hopes soon to be able
to supply girls to families, who will con-
tinue the good work begun in their lives.
Thirty seven girls nave been received into
the Home since it opened last May. Even
now the State realizes its necessity. No
longer is it time that the erring boy was
sent 10 the Reform School. the girl to
Jail. The Superintendent will be glad to
answer any questions in regard to the
Home" \.
Rounded Up.
The county officers have received no.