The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-08

When d young woman whose belleship is acknowledged and whose presence is always desired at the many social func- tions in which society is engaged, takes the time and trouble to leave these allur- ing environments and takes up the more serious side of life, her personality is not only decidedly interesting, but worthy to be quoted in connection with the suc- cessful achievements of the day.
 This is what Miss Eva Conner has done, and when I asked her a few days ago if she would talk with me about her kinder garten work at the Avondale cotton mills she very gracously consented, and her experience and success will no doubt be of great interest to many.
 Am I right in supposing, Miss Conner, that your sister, slrs. Craig Smith. was the first to establish the Kindergarten work at the cotton mills?" I asked.
 ''Yes. That was eight years ago and 1t was just after her return from the Wom- ans College in l5altimore She was great ly interested in Settlement Work and after discussing the question thoroughly with my father~ they decided that there was a splendid work to be accomplished at the mills. Accordingly, arrangements were at once made, the building was se- cured and within short time the work was commer<ed."
 And how many pupils did Mrs. Smith start with?" l inquired.
 Not a bakers dozen," she laughingly replied But the school soon grew. and as son as the mothers saw the condi- tions and understood how nice it would be- as well as how practical to have their babies well cared for while they were at work in the mill, they took to the idea and the children were sent in large numbers
 And are the children of those who work in the mills the only ones allowed in the school?'
 Yes" said Miss Conner, land really, there is no room for any others"
 "When did you take up the work?" I asked.
 Well, one of us has been connected with the school ever since it was estab- lished My sister Katherine assisted Mrs. Smith until Mrs. Smiths marriage and then continued the work until her own marriage took place last spring. Then took up the work and continued it until within the past two months, when Miss Sarah Luckie took charge. And oh! how l did enjoy it, and really hated to give 1t up. My health and a proposed trip abroad caused me to S>sign the work Christmas"
 How many pupils are in the school?' l asked.
 About fifty, as an average. They are the cunningest little tots you ever saw anywhere from one to six years old. must tell you that I had one little pupil that was tiny We kept him In soap box while he had school. He was com fortably ensconced with pillows and cov- erlets and the best care was taken of him. and he was the pet of the school"
 "How interesting I exclaimed. And didn't you have lots of funny experiences and hear lots of cute, clever things that the little tots said?'
 T should think I did, Miss Conner uaid. "One morning I missed one of two little fellows familiarly known to Us ,as s.Buddy" and Babe" I asked Buddy where Babe was, and why he was late for school. Buddy" hung his head and mumbled something, and finally l asked him what the matter was, and he replied: "Babe's'' coming to school; but he's wait ln for the hen to lay" 'I know I should have enjoyed their Iunny little speeches more than anything n the world. Was 1t at your kindergarten hat the funny story was told about the little boy that the teacher asked him who was the mayor of Birmingham, and he promptly answered Loveman, Joseph & Loeb?"
 Reverting to more serious subjects, I isked Miss Conner to tell me the routine of the schoolroom work, to which she re- piled:
 "Our work there is the regular kinder garten work. The school opens at o'clock in the morning and we dismiss at l2. The schoolrooms are large and we'll