The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-01

faithful, beautiful service, that we could
hardly imagine the Mercy Home without
her. For a short time. you know, she left
US for much needed rest, and when she
went there was much anxiety felt for her
absence. She Is so thoroughly identified
with the charities of the city, and es-
pecially with the Mercy Home, that her
bright, happy presence was greatly
missed, and we all welcomed her return.
You know she started with US when we
were the first Except the Hillman hos
pitaD In the city. Then our quarters
were in small house accommodating
only about 25."
What are your ideas In regard to the.
buildings for the Industrial school?
asked.
Our idea is to build on the modern
cottage plan a number of cottages for
the girls with every modern improve
ment. We have at present a neat little
sum and want to begin the first cottage
as soon as possible. Then in the center
of these cottages the main building will
be erected and around this everything
will radiate. The boys have an indus
trial school at East Lake and there is no
reason why the girls should not be pro-
vided as well. In fact, 1t Ii q thing that
the state ought to take up as other states
have done. In Philadelphia when was
who is the head OF the school work there,
and she has made that institution one
of great value to the community and
Of untold benefit to the class of girls
we endeavor to reach. The students from
Byrn Mawr go over each week and teach
dancing in the school and besides the
practical housekeeping, laundry, sewing
and Industrial branches you see, there
! is recreation furnished and by the way
Al lNs~ a.
ciety girls to show their interest In the
work and help U.s."
How much Is it going to take to build
this schools" / asked greatly interested
in the subject
ITO build and equip It properly SO that
1t would be a credit to our city and our
undertaking 1t would require ABOUT $780,
00O." said Mrs. Spencer. "Of this, as I
mentioned, we have enough to begin the
first cottage. I wonder If you know that
since the Mercy Home has been in ex-
istsnoe we have never given an enter
tainment or any sort Of an affair for
it's benentT'
I'm that way you are certainly quite
unique" observed.
"Every penny that has ever been dom
ated has been accounted for in our re-
ports and any one enough interested can
easily see that it has been spent a. Ju-
diciously as the board Of managers knew
how. have advised before and ! do
again the Importance Of the city having
a committee of inspection Of all char
tiles receiving public money, not only as
q protection to the city but as an in
dorsement Of the charity. In many othor
cities this plan has been adopted and
found to be an economic measure for the
public good"
"It seems to mo that the Mercy Homo
would be q perfect haven Of rest for the
friendless," I said.
There has never been q time when the
doors were not open and the heartiesr
who grow up within its walls are taught
to be worthy OF work and not to look
upon it as meanial and degrading" was
the response. I'VE have often been told
by those whose children have been with
us for q length of time that they quote
the Mercy Home in everything-'We do
thus and 20 at the Mercy Home'-'We
were told not to say 30 and so at the
Mercy Home wish you could know how
many Of the girls come back to see Mrs.
Ramsey Just to tell her how they love
her and think Of her. Just think what
the conditions will be when we have
our Industrial school started and every
girl has something to employ her mind
and each ono possessing a talent will
have It cultivated whether 1t be sewing.
drawing, singing-anything that makes 1t
possible to make . woman moro worthy
/ and self sustaining. and last-all for the
girls sake not for the works. our shib-
boleth all Of which brings to the Mercy
Home q sunshine which II undimmed
even ON the darkest days and reaches
to the humblest and the poorest home.
and still further-the hearts OF our in
mates"