The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-01-07
LITTLE MIyNEAPOLTTANS ARE. NOT EXACTLY
aMONEY MAD'-BUT HOW THEY EARN AND SAVE
d Children
h" Tro Instances illustrated @shaeEH the system

I'm THE strong box of one of the
local trust companies, lies sum of
= 5000 with an odd and interesting
history. -+. .s
1t represents the accumulated penny
savings of 900 children for the past two
months, in ten schools of the city.
Incidentally, it also explains the
stringency of the local copper-penny
market and the slump in the receipts
of the slot machines in as many school
districts. Likewise, the act of accumu
lation has made divers and sundry
parents sit up and take notice because
their children have developed such an
amazing willingness to do chores and
all kinds of odd jobs-if they are paid
for their work.
It is the leaven Of the Provident
Savings Fund working upon the practi-
cal minds of young Minneapoiitans.
The Provident Savings Fund is an old
story in the schools of several large
eastern cities, but until about two
months ago, it was locally known
largely as a phase of the work of the
Associated Charities. When the board
of education decided to give the plan
a trial in ten schools, it was unfolded
at first only to the pupils in the highest
grade of each school, and expectations
were that it would take time to get
the idea into good working order. In
stead, it took like wildfire. Like wild
fire, too, it spread in ways and direc-
tions that were most surprising. 1t
was supposed the savings idea would
appeal most to the boys, but the ma
jority are girl depositors. 1t was sup
posed, also, that the younger children
would hardly understand the idea, but
they have taken to it with increasing
enthusiasm as it has filtered down thru
Che grades to those in first year.
Has Strange Effect.
"Proyident Savings Fund morning.
at any one Of the ten schools chosen
for the experiment is a red letter day.
It is the one morning Of the week when
children are eager to go to school
provided they have even one penny
apiece to deposit to their accounts.
There is no lettering on the way, no
stopping even on the grounds for a
game of ball or pullaway; nothing but
a businesslike walk straight to the Of
flee of the principal where the agent
of the Provident Savings Fund awaits
their arrival, ready to take charge of
their deposits, and paste on their bank
cards brightly colored stamps showing
the amount added to their hoard.
Deserving Slot Machines.
The best part of the story, however,
is the manner in which the money de.
posted is gained and the plans laid
for the spending when the bank account
grows to be of spendable size.
one principal asked of a bright-eyed
boy.
He laughed at the question and his
eyes sparkled. ~ went to twenty-one
people up here that didn't take T g
j journal and got 'em to subscribe.
And [ earn my money by carrying the
paper to them every night.''
Well, James!' she said delightedly
to another. 'FThis is a nice big de-
post you have brought in. What have
you been doing to get SO much?'
~ don't put any more money in the
slot machines,' he said half sheepishly
and then as the principals ready smile
flashed out, his pent up enthusiasm
burst out in the remark, "My, Mrs
-! If this keeps up the slot ma.
chimes up here III all go broke!'
So sell all the old rubbers I can get, ,:
said third
"When I go to pay my mother s