The St. Louis Republic., 1904-04-24
SOCIETY GIRL WHO GAVE UP PLEASURES OF SMART SET
FINDS SATISFACTION IN HER PROFESSION AS NURSE
Miss Zoe Papin Blair Is Devoting
Her Life to Ministering to the
Suffering Children of
the Poor.
PITlEs "BUTTERFLY" FRIENDS.

Zoe Papin Blair, daughter Of one of
the Oldest and best families of st. Louis,
has turned from brilliant social career
to devote her life to ministering to the
sick and suffering children Of the poor.
Born and reared IN an atmosphere of
culture and refinement. endowed with a
brilliant intellect which had been care
fully trained, 1t was understood long be-
fore she entered society that Miss Blair
would attain the eninence which the posi-
tion Of her family and her own attain
ments demanded
Nor did Miss Blair fail to realize the
hopes Of her many friends. For two years
after leaving the Sacred Heart Convent,
where she was educated, she reigned su-
preme in the highest social circles of st.
Louis and Chicago.
Her charming personality. aristocratic
entecedents and intellectual attainments
not only won Miss Blair a leading place
in the most exclusive sets. but caused her
to be sought by many charitable organiza-
tions. patronized by social leaders. to
serve in an Official capacity; and therein
lies the story Of her leaving the butterfly
existence for the stern drudgery of
nurse.
1t was at q charity ball in Chicago. a
function out OF which the plots Of many
plays and much literature have sprung.
that Miss Blair felt the call which
changed her life.
Miss Blair was secretary Of the organi-
zation which gave the ball and chairman
Of the visiting committee which visited
the poor and INDECENT of Chicago. While
performing this duty Miss Blair realized
H.
that common sense and sanitation would
bring much happiness to many. and all
that the poor needed in many instances
was to be shown how to act and what to
do
Miss Blairs brother. Doctor Vilray
Blair. who has an office at the residence
of her parents, MIR. and Mrs. E. H. Blair,
No. 372S Delmar boulevard. proved q valu-
able counselor to his sister
From him she learned much OF the ar
duous life which nurse ieads-of how
weary beyond expression she would be.
come when summoned to the bedside OF
the sick and be compelled to perform the
work well. But she was not dismayed.
PROTESTS OF FRIENDS
DlD NOT MOVE HER.
From her friends In society Miss Blair
heard little save protests. They could not
understand how she, with her brilliant
prospects ard delightful present. could
consider the course she contemplated.
To these protests Miss Blair retained q
smiling insistence which siienced the clam
or Of her friends
They knew. as she frankly admitted.
that she liked society. In her leaving 1t
there was no hint Of naisanthropy; neither
was there romance, as the situation
might Indicate.
It was simply a desire to help in the
betterment of her fellow man, begot Of
the realization Of the extremities which
their helplessness had brought, that actu-
ated Miss Blair to become . nurse.
Her friends and relatives pointed With
be unable to take the least part in the
social Eayeties which she enjoyed % thor
ouEhly, and by degress would be forgot
ten - har many friends IN eoc3ety.
But uothinG could change her.
: :Nayine dse5ded upon her procession Ma