The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-06-15
Comparative Statement.

SS''He' StdhCulCuts
 1899.
 Number of kindergartens .... 2 Number of principals ....... 2 Number of children enrolled .147
 1906
 Number of kindergartens ........ 6 Number of principals ................ ' Number of special teachers .........., 3 Number of children enrolled AZ One superintendent.
 In addition to this report the association has assisted in opening kindergartcns at Ayondale and Bessemer and Is glad to re- port the establishment of a Kindergarten under the direction of one of the gradu- ates of our training school, and which last year was supported by the Presby- terian congregations of the city. The last work of this kind. and one of the most encouraging. is the recent organization of the Fountain Heights kindergarten, as an auxiliary to our association This we and the public will grant is conclusive evidence that the day of misrepresentation of the kindergarten has passed and gives great hope of rapid extension of the work in the future. The details of the work will follow In the superintendents report.
 The opening of the kindergartens also marked an era in opportunities for the higher education of our young women. refer especially to the training school for young woman which was established at
 
 following year. The object of this school is primarily to train young women for kin dergarten work. But as our knowledge of this phase of our work extends we see possibilities of doing far moro for our city than merely producing good. teachers. With two years of scientific study and daily experience with classes of children VIC believe we shall give to the communi- ty a superior type of woman hood. one who will understand the needs of the child as a vital unit in the social organ ism; one that has high ideals of the pres- ent and the future of the individual. the family and of society. woman thus trained must become a better daughter more faithful friend. more loyal wife and a nober mother.
 Nineteen young women have graduated from our training school and seven have completed the first years course. These may not be fattering statistics when con sdered as numbers only, but when con- sdered in the light of our standard of entrance and the two years course of study there Is surely no occasion for dis couragement. Then, too. until now we have not been able to offer Inducements that would compare with those of Louis vile or of New Orleans. The past has found us with only one teacher in the training school. but our new catalogue will present an increased faculty and facilities to whom we can refer with con- fldence, thereby securing an increased membership. The treasurer's report must necessarily be gratifying to all interested in this work. This encouraging report is due to the efforts of the board of directors. but largely to the energy of the treasurer who has not only been faithful to the duties of her office. but who has volun- tarily added to 1t the trying work of collecting. I call special attention to one item In her report-that of materials. The former plan has been to give each kindergartener s per month to purchase necessary materials. These were bought In small quantities. necessitating the greatest outlay of money for the smallest returns. It was found by your purchasing committee that a saving of an enormous per cent could be made by purchasing in larger quantities. By the former plan the three kindergartens operated by the association would have spent $135 during the past session, whereas the actual cost has been $6S .S0 In this one year the purchasing committee has justified its ex- istence.
 Press Has Assisted.
 In addition to the financial report number of valuable donations and kindly services rendered have greatly assisted In making the work a success.
 The press of the city, the Age-Herald, the Birmingham News and the Ledger, have kept our work almost constantly before the public; St. Agnes Guild of the Church of the Advent. under the lead ershlp of Mrs. Quincy Ewing, has es- pecially forwarded the interests of the Central kindergarten. The City Delivery company has almost entirely supplied the coal needed. the Ivy Leaf company sup plementing; piano was loaned by the Forbes Piano company; the Harris, the Camp and the Charlie transfer companies have done all hauling gratis: the Ala bama Furnishing company made repairs on certain furniture: The Fair and the