Milford chronicle., 1904-04-08
For the Public Interest.

In an address before the New Cen
tury Club, of Milford, Mrs. f. G. Marks,
of wilmington, and one of the Mana
gers Of the Delaware Industrial School
for Girls, gave the following clear state
ments concerning the management Of
said Institute -
The object OF this school is to prevent girls
from entering a life devoid Of the proper
home training of a life nom home and out
side influence that will tend to peril their
souls and blight their young lives. To seek
them at an age too young to choose for them
selves, the protection Of capable instructors
frOm a moral asd religious standpoint.
Girls from ten to eighteen years are admit
ted, watched over and protected, until they
are supposed to be capable ofcaring for them
selves. They are taught the science OF cook
ing and housekeeping In all Its branches'each
being given especial attention.
Daily instruction is impaired from text
books as are used in the public schools, with
a religious training and in way that the
more favored receive AS a reward Of merit
they are occasionally given an excursion Of
pleasure the privilege OF an entertainment
or lecture Every encouragement is given to
the development OF the good in their nature,
teaching thom to become useful, happy, chris
tian women.
on entering this institution. their stay de-
pends upon The caucelling oil marks for good
conduct and aptne,s in mastering the duties
assigned them Every morning ten good
marks are given them, no matter what their
conduct of the aay before has been. Marks
Of demert is the form Of punishment admin
istsred, ana many or feT as the case justifies.
Each girl has a private sleeping room, the
doors Of which are never locked; an electric
npp.t "A ace is so arranged that when door Is
opened, bell IN the room occupied by the
m stron will at once give the alarm aud the
room is al once located. IL is mistaken
idea cherished to he girls living there. The
freedom mat Is given in private homes is ex
tended to all who merit it.
! After the girls have become efficient in the
knowledge of housekeeping, a parole OF six
weeks al time is given them. Tehy 20
into the homes OF families desiring the nee
essary help that may be obtained in this
manner. percentage Of the wages earned
is allowed for their personal expenses, and OF
rshich they take an account in book pro
/ vided for that purpose. The balance ofmoney
is given over to the Board for the future use
OF he girls.
/ The aptness which some show for needle
work Of various kinds, surprises those wro
have received an earlier education in the art,
/ Orders are taken f.r this beautiful work, ana
many sales are made through the year. A
bank book is placed 10 the han,s of each
! girl and ffom time to time a deposit is made
I IN bank to her credit, which is rightfully hers
on her finally leaving the school.
A certificate OF discharge is given them
when their conduct justihes It; and when
they are well equipped to tight lifes battle
| withthe perplexities that confront the whole
| human race. While few have returned to a
/ life OF temptation, they have not been lost
sight OF by those who have all along been in
terested in their welfare and hope is ente
/ tained In the thought that they will come
again into the fold or be otherwise reclaimed.
/ Ia closing her address, Mrs. Marks wished
To know If there were any girls IN Milford
who are In need OF this special training.
Would that we could say no; but alas it is
only too true that many are being contami-
mated by the influence of those old In sin.and
should at once be taken where they are
shielded and cared for by those whose hearts
are full OF love to God, and who are interested
in the salvation OF our wayward girls
Blanks OF complaint for the commitment
Of girls, are furnished by the Institution.
These are TO be filled out and signed by three
respectable citizens, or one, or two officers
and citizens to number three persons.