New-York tribune., 1907-07-23
ARMY OF LITTLE MOTHERS
They InUade DreamIa,sd, 700 Strong,
as Mr. THford's Guests.

With three cheers for Frank TIford 76O Little
Mothers boarded two special trains at Brooklyn
Bridge yesterday morning and started for Coney
Island. where every year on this date they make
merry at Mr.. Tilfords expense and in honor Of his
birthday As the train sped on Its way TO the land
Of all delights they sang. not uproariously but
softly and musicaly. such classic dittes Poor
John" and waiting at the Church" and when
the towers Of Dreamland rose upon their enrapt-
ured sight they set up such shout would have
done Mr Tilford's heart good II he could have
heard IL.
Poor little onesl 1t red-letter day In their
toyless lives, a day long to be remembered and
long looked forward TO- day for which much
careful planning had been done for the household
cares which rest SO heavily these little shoul-
ders cannot easily be laid aside for a day.
But kindly neighborS volunteered to take care of
the babies, and the older children were taken
along when they happened 20 be girls. Boys are
not allowed at any of the festivities Of the Little
Mothers but yesterday the rule Was broken IN
favor Of little Jerry Doyle. whose Little Mother
Annie. could not possibly have gone without him.
Annie Is not only Little Mother, but the 1anitress
OF two big houses her mother, the nominal jani-
tress going out 20 work Annie, who is only twelve
herself. has two younger children to take care Of
jerry nine years. and q baby boy and the pleas
Of her life few and far between Conse-
quently the prospect Of a day at Coney TO her
Ike a trip to Europe to more sophisticated per-
1t was easy enough to dispose OF the baby, be-
cause he could be taken TO the nursery, but what
TO do with Jerry problem. II was problem
that remained unsolved when Yesterday morning
6awned and besides Jerry wanted 20 go 10 Coney
until the visitor from the Little Mothers Aid Asso
citation. who was collecting the children in that
neighborhOod. called. She could not find II In her
heart to tell them they must stay at home. and go
she took them to the Bridge and submitted the
matter to Mrs Clarence Burns, president OF the
association. OF course Mrs Burns couldn't say
mo- either. and both children taken
along, and all day long happy Annie watched with
tender socitude over happy jerry who clung
trustingly and solemnly TO her skir-s
Arrived at Dreamland the Children stormed It's
battlements with much noise. but daInaye. Din
of nj In 4 tHa iTpa
doing the slides and the scenic railway, repeat
Ing shameessly, It must be confessed. whenever
they got opportunity. Dinner was served on
Of the piers and in addition TO plenty of beef
stew. rolls and milk the enterprisng slowed
away less than five dishes Of ice In their
little insides. After dinner they had procession
around Dreamand. headed by brass band and
then they visited BOstocks and Creation"
The only disappointment that Mr. Tilford
unable to attend his own birthday party but
he sent the following telegram:
Sincerely hope you all having good time.
and so sorry I'm unable to be present with you
The children replied: Seven hundred and sixty
Little Mothers send congratulations and hearty
thanks for happy day."