The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1900-04-28
SEWING SCHOOL CLOSED
Mrs. Brice Collard Awarded
lO8 Prizes in Phoenix
Hall This Morning.

Mrs. Brice Collard's Sewing School
closed it's twenty-first year this morning
in Phoenix Hall, with an interesting pro-
gramme of song, reception, instrumental
music and speeches. The Home of the
Homeless were there in full force and
had a part in the programme all to
themselves.
The Rev. Robert Goss opened the pro-
gramme with few appropriate words,
and the Rev. E. L. Stoddard who was un-
able to be present sent greetings. The
Rev. e. l.. Forbes also gave a few
words of greeting and announcement,
and afterward awarded the prizes. OF
these there were 10S in ALL F'ifty-four girls
who had attended regularly for a year
received thimbles; twenty-one, who had
attended two years received pins, four
teen, three years, purses; seven, four
years. books; four, five years, umbrellas;
five. six years embroidery scissors. Then
there were three star pupils, Rene David
son, with seven year record of regular
attendance, who received a silver BUSH
Nellie Fitzpatrick, with an eight year
record, a silver comb and brush; Minnie
Bockmeyer, with a nine year record,
chair.
Mrs. Collard, herself, has only been
absent twice during the whole twenty
one years and one of her teachers, Mrs.
George Foster has been absent but once
since she started. The other teachers
are:-Misses Wayne, Coffin, Collard,
Edith Collard, Mrs. l.. o. Opdyke, Mrs.
George Mallory, Mrs. Burniston and Miss
Curtis.
Mrs .Colalrd in her yearly report said
1.-THE twenty-first year of the Mission
Sewing School ends today with a roll of
over 600 scholars, but the average. has
been so small in comparison with other
years that have left it unsaid. Our high
est at one session was $50. In praising
the teachers one and all I would add one
word of entreaty-to try another year to
be more faithful; some always are and
always will be in everything they under
take. Unfortunately our hall was very
cold the first of the season, which may
have accounted for many staying away,
and after they received the shock of a
cold room nothing would prevail upon
them to try it again. Steam being new
feature in the building 1 think it was
merely ignorance on the part of our jani-
tor to know how to keep US warm. l
want to say we pay four dollars each Sat
urday for this room. Our kindred school
started this year in the First Presbyterian
Church; have a fine carpeted room; warm
and cosey; what wonder children leave
cheerless, cold room for one of greater
comfort. 1t is the first year we have had
a rival in that way, which also accounts
for the falling off of many from the
ranks But there is a large field and room
for ALL I know the work Of the school
has been an important influence in homes,
and if a teacher gives her greatest ardor
and enthusiasm to this work does she not
get it oil back again with three-fold in
terest in benefit to herself? think when
we have faithfully tried to do Que duty
by the children and labored for their
best interests we are stronger and richer
in. spiritual life than when we entered the
school Surely it is work of love. Tne
children from the Home of the Homeless
are with us again, thanks to Mr.. e. F. c.
Young's kindness in giving US special
car to convey them here and back. Many
have left the Home, which makes the
showing small, but think all have i'm
proved in the line of sewing, and the boys
have done wonderful work. Kindly look
at their books before you leave.
.sAgain thanking teachers for their
hearty cooperation, / submit this report
of the winter of 1S99-1900.
At the conclusion of the programme
Mrs. Colard was presented with very
pretty table by the Rev. E. S. Forbes, on
hehalf of the Home of the Homeless.
Cake and cream were served to school
and guests, and the pupils left for an
outing in special cars provided through
the courtesy of Mr.. e. F. G. Young.