New-York tribune., 1901-04-17
THE WORKING GIRLS CLUB
MISS GRACE DODGE AND MISS VIRGINIA
POTTER SPEAK ON ITS BENE-
FICIAL INFLUENCE.

The fourth monthly conference under the auspices
Of the Charity Organization Society was held yes
terday morning in the assembly hall of the Chart
ties Building. and a large number of attend
ed. Miss Kate Bond in the chair.
Miss Grace Dodge discussed the question: Are
Working Girls Clubs Beneficial in Their Infu-
ence? Do They Induce Discomfort with Home
IAfe?" Miss Dodge said that her mind there
was no question about the matter her long
ps-ence in such clubs had convinced her that the
girls club is Of the most helpful influences
possible. She described the workings of the club
with which she has been connected for many years,
and read letters from several members. who gave
enthusiastic testimony TO its value in their
One from woman who joined the club when
Il was formed more than eighteen years ago,
graduated into the married wOnens depart
nent" and says that just as soon as her young
daughter IS old enough she wishes her join the
club.
The interchange of thought, the formation of
friendships the acquisition OF much useful knowl-
edge and the pleasant atmosphere Of q bright.
cheerful room. Miss Dodge argued. be, Of
necessity helpful and stimulating Far from culti
waiting a distaste for home life the knowledge and
inspiration gained in the club potent factors
in arousing deeper interest in the home. which
profits by it much the individuals do. In
many cases said Miss Dodge. the husbands Of club
girls have given striking testimony "A the clubs
usefulness. VA
She then introduced two members VI the club
Fue-st told how the dreary days of work were
made endurable by looking forward the pleasant
evenings and added that the classes in cooking
and dressnaking had been Of the greatest service
in her married life. THE dressmaking taught me
how 10 turn my woollen skirts into bouses for
M little boy realistic touch that won q
sympathetic laugh
Miss Bowman assistant treasurer Of the club.
spoke Of the value of the practical talks and the
lessons in self-reliance uncolsciously acquired.
Miss Virginia Potter discussed the deslraplllty
Of classes for instruction The ideal club is one
which reaches most sides Of the life OF members
answering their varying needs" she afnrmed. ohe
her exne-ience in working women's clubs. saying
that Jewish clubs are fond Of literary classes Out
ytronnnerr are not With them the practical
millinery dressu7akng. shirtmaklng doInesIlc SCI
talks and instruction in First Aid to the Injured
also appeal strongly them. and treqnehlIy arr. are
ot immense service in their homes MISS Potter
expressed h-r belief that dancing. physicaI cutIe
and games should be prominent in clup NE, a tIe
acting davis work and compared the men re-
sources IN billiards, checkers chess an" o'ie-
Another point Miss Potter made was tia' a. II Is ~,
kindness 70 supply poor teaGhi[s 9 rSe than none
Have only the best she said or course Il ne 10
not possible 70 give th9roaeh i bnf let il be good
and earnest far as II goes tros ~ "a which
young men could be invited where they coqiq me. me-
the young on wholesome, h@aun .I,naements
for the People as his subject, ard skeSched Ine
Possibilities lie in parks, pldgEiIV uaII a :
alton piers and schoolhouses for aouits d. "' S
children % ~.
Mrs ] Warren Goddard called attention &c, 70 me me
te--ainrnante FOR those whose lives are narroNeo py
poverty and recited her own experencs n IT, Mer
caant of Venice She cast the court scene, aSstsi %
Ing the different parts 10 her ciass a eoraIled in
s,asrn II aroused could not have oeeh
class OF educated people