Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-10-23
THE STORY OF o4
GEORGIA TOWN
BY Mrs. w. Il. FELTON,.

- wY - THIN the last few days
have had the pleasure of visit
NM ing the Mutual Improvement
w Club of the prosperous town
of Shellman. down in southwest
Georgia.
This club is composed of energetic and
cultivated ladies of that locality, and
they are certainly most successful in their
patriotic undertakings. BY their invita-
ton told the story OF Southern Women
in the Civil War" on the evening OF Oct.
Is, and my impressions of Shellman were
obliged to be very delightful and will DO
sweet to remember.
My splendid host and hostess, Mr.. and
Mrs. Martin, entertained me in their ele-
CANT new home, and gave a reception to
the club and their guest on the afternoon
OF my arrival. The history of the build
ing Of the fine new school building. as 1t
was reported to US during the reception,
was most inspiring. How many towns In
Georgia of less than 1900 Inhabitants
have captured the hearts and penetrated
the pockets of its citizens and built for
their own use, and without outside aid,
a school building costing over 5000, fine
ly equipped in high school advantages?
This work was begun and urged on by
the enterprising Mutual Improvement
Club until it was fully equipped and
occupied by large and fiourishing school,
managed and controlled by the husbands
and friends of these brave ladies. whose
interest in the good work has never
abated for an hour since the inception
of the enterprise.
The auditorium on the second floor is
capacious, well ventilated, with fine
acoustic properties. The stage is splen-
didly furnished, the various curtains are
well worth looking at, the work done by
a capable and patriotic scene painter OF
their immediate section. The local talent
was on hand that evening. the solos and
quartettes would have done credit to a
city entertainment. The speaker was in
troduced by Hon. Mr.. Crittenden. so well
and favorably known to all members Of
the Georgia State Agricultural society.
whose good wife was charter member
of the NJ. I. club Indeed the chivalry
of the gentleman of Shellman is one Of
the distinctive and charming features OF
the town and vicinity. They have sup
ported their wives in a gallant way. The
historian of the club, among other things,
said:
eat the time of our organization there
were few diversions for the ladies Of our
town. A small village may easily grow
monotonous. We were anxious to bring
the ladies of different religious denonina-
tions into closer touch with each other,
and also to beautify the town.
name our body Mutual Improvement
club, and with some degree Of pride we
may speak Of what we have done and
are doing. Our handsome school build
ing is the result of our efforts. While We
gave little money ourselves, the men Of
Shellman will agree that we did consid-
cradle with our persuasions, until the
sum of Sc, 900 was subscribed, and a suit
able place to train the minds of our chill
dren was erected. Our efforts at present
are directed towards improving a beauti-
full piece Of ground and Transforming 1t
into a public park that Will add grace and
beauty to the appearance Of Shellman. As
yet the results are small. but We intend
that the park shall grow lovely blossoms,
and furnish refreshing shade for our
children and all who may choose to enjoy
its opportunities"
President Egan, of the Central railroad,
has won to himself the loyal friendship
of these good women. He is so generous
and obliging that they have named 1t
"Egan Park" The location, not far from
the depot. is all that can be desired. With
shade trees, a fountain, winding walks
and restful seats, no spot in Shellman
will be a greater resort. Considering the
club has been in existence less than two
years, with not large membership. the
results are simply marvellous. That ele-