Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-10-31
DOING GOOD.
The Maine ChiIdren's
Home Society.
Story of SewaII Street Home
and Its Objects.
Charitable Institution Which Cares for
Homeless and Needy Children.

nome Intt are just dS W VI lily oul Coii-
sideration. Probably all Augusta peo-
PIE know that a home for unfortunate
children is maintained in the city, but
without any doubt many have not Civ
On the matter enough thought to APP
prcciate the fullntss of the work that
IL being carried on. Proceeding on this
euIposition, the Journals representa-
tive called at the Children's Home, re-
Gently, and secured a few facts that
should be of interest to the reading
public.
The Home is located on lower Sew
all street. a large sunny house, twc
stories and a half in height, with am
pie grounds, when grading is complet-
81. to furnish opportunity for outdoor
play for the children in the warmer
months The house is under the direc-
ton Of Mrs. Ida A. Gibbs. matron. who
is assisted by two nurses, Il cock ana
laundreSs. A school is also maintained
for those Of suitable age, instructed by
Miss frankie Gibbs.
At the present time there are in the
Home - children, their ages ranging
from two weeks to 10 years. Eleven OF
these are in the schoolroom and seem
deeply interested and attentive.
The schuolroom is located on the first
floor neatly arranged and well fur-
nshcd, with the possible exception OF
good maps. The teacher remarked that
th"ir greatest need at present is mar
of our own State Pictures tor the
wells are always acceptable presents
for all departments. On the first looi
are also located the reception room ano
office. the dining room, the kitchen anc
orc large play room.
I'm the basement are large store
rooms. the laundry and an efficient
heating Giant. on the second floor are
pleasantly arranged sleeping rooms
ana another sunny play room. The
third floor is devoted to dormitories fol
| the larger children and also furnishe:
another storeroom. The whole arrange
mrnt is convenient and orderly and
/ credit to the management.
The rlan Of this institution is entire
! " din rent from the boarding or indus
| trial school The purpose of the Home
| is to receive children who either by the
death. dcscrtion or inrompetency of the
parents, are left without care and ther
| To secure their adoption into respecta-
| BILE families where they will receive
proper care. education and training.
When Il child is placed in the Home
the parents release all rights of control
ana when 4 family wishes to adopt a
child from the Home they must fur
rish references as to character and fl
nancial ability to give the child suita-
hIr advantages. Three months trial is
/ II ,.-bi ,.I, child he
returned. if not satisfactory. by giving
duc notice to the superintendent.
During the whole work of the asso-
citation which has been established
now for nearly five years. not one OF
The To- children received at the Home
has beer sent to any reform institution
which success is attributed ID the
sound. moral and religious training
maintained ut the Home.
The Chidren's Home is an outgrowtf
Of the Gospel Mission, esta blished II
this city sore seven years ago, by Ma
tlda Atkinson. In connection with the
| mission work n committee was ap'
pointed to visit the homes Of the poor
and the many neglected children VINO
We're found on these visits suggested
| the fitting up of some place where
they might be properly care for.
The first location secured was or
Capital street from which the Home
was removed TO more suitable quarters
on Grove street. But the continued
| growth Of the work broadening unit
! children were received from all parts Of
the State. required that the society
should own its property and be estab'
lished on a more permanent basis.
Accordingly in August, 1901. the
| Maine Childrcn's Home Society was IN
corporated under the State law. The
next long step in advance came Wher
a commodious house was given the so
ciety by the generosity of Governor
HILL provided they would furnish
site for it. This site was secured or
Sewall street, the building moved anC
fitted up.
It was at this point. with the society
, in debt to the extent of nearly $5OOO
that the superintendenCy passed into
the hands of w. C. Halves. and to his
energy and unselfish devotion to the
cause is due largely the present sOunC
standing of the society. The last Leg
islature appropriated $4,000 for the
benefit of the Home. which in addition
to the amount secured by the fielt
workers has supported the Home anc
almost wholly cleared the debt.
The present officers of the society
are: President. G. c. Hunt: vice pres
idont. o K. Wellman: secretary, Flea
nor Hamlen; treasurer. Joseph r.
Briggs. The work of soliciting funds
and placing children is divided be
tween the two efficient district super
intcndents. Louise B. Treadwell ant
Gertrude f. Frye, who look after the
eastern and western halves of tht
State respectively.
4 small paper entitled Our Mission
Work" is published in connection will
the Home. giving full reports Of thu
work carried on. choice bits of selec
literature and many items of interest
The work of the society is a philan
thropic movement. near at home, which
deserves the attention and support o
all public-spirited citizens.
|
Herbert F. Whitehouse of Soutl
| Tsl,;,. &. tba Intac+ l,,,,tar rann,t n,