New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-05-12
AN AID TO WORKING GIRLS
THE CLARA DE HIRSCH HOME A MODEL
INSTITUTION OF IT'S KIND.

INSTITUTION OF IT'S KIND
The Clara de Hrsch Home for Working Girls
is one of the young institutions of New-York.
but ii has already its way into the esteem
OF the people who are interested in the subject
OF practical charity; il is acknowledged as the
MODEL institution of the kind in the United
States. and despite the fact that it occupies
beautiful five story building and requires large
sum or money to maintain il and carry its
aims and objects it asks no financial aid either
from the municipality from individuals The
home was founded by Clara de Hirsch-Gereuth.
who in 1897 gave 100000 TO be used for the
erection Of proper building. The five lots in
Sixty-third-st-. between Second and Third aves
were purchased. and the handsome structure
was erected after the plans had been approved
by the Baroness &c Hirsch In her report Mrs.
Oscar S. Straus. the president of the home who
was the friend of the philanthropist. says:
The present building just completed when
the home was deprived. through the death Of the
baroness of thu i-enefit Of her active personal
interest and counsel in its affairs By her last
VIII and testament she provided for its proper
maintenance and support through legacy OF
3.ptO.0oo francs which sum, though largely
duced by the heaxy taxes on the legacy in
France and Austria. amounting to about "a
per cent. yet yields revenue sufficient, if
n0mically administered, to attain the objects
Of the home.
The objects are 10 benefit working girls and
other unmarried women who are dependent on
their own exertions for a livelihood: TO improve
their mental. moral and physical condition and
train them for self-support; to instruct them TO
become domestic servants. to provide industrial
training or fit them for occupations for which
tLey may be qualified. and TO afford them
temporary comfortable home
There ihree c,assts benefited / y the home
those who boarders only those who receive
in addition their board instruction. and those
who receive instruction but do not board or
lodge in The home. Girls whose earnings do not
exceed $500 a gear admitted boarders on
their application and pay So week for
their board and lodging. These girls have the
use of the laundry well the free OF the
library and sitting room, and have admission TO
the club which is one OF the home institutions.
The poor girls who are admitted to the home 70
receive training which will make them self-sup
porting enjoy the same privileges, and in add
ton they receive uniforms and shoes. The uni
form resembles that of the ordinary housemaid-
Instructions are given in domestic service
millinery and hand and machine sewing. and
while these instructions are thorough there is
neither school institution" atmosphere
about the place. 1t Of the aims of the
founder to make the place home. and this has
been accomplished Each pupil has a bedroom.
which she decorates according TO her own taste:
she is required to keep il tidy at all times. but is
harnpered with few rules and taught TO look
upon the place as well regulated home. The
course in English includes reading. spelling.
composition, geography and practical arithmetic.
and one hour is devoted each day to this course
The daily routine CT the girls who are receiving
instruction is follows: They rise at q. break
fast at z assist with household work from s::SO
until 10 and from 10 to 1880 prepare for classes
which are in session from 1880 to -, when
luncheon is served. After luncheon household
duties are performed until 1:30 p. m. when
classes begin Some classes are in session from
100 to 3: 30 and some from $50 to p. m One
hour each afternoon is devoted to outdoor exer-