The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-26

It is always a pleasure to record the success of any enterprise, and it is doubly so when the achievement is accomplished by women, which is the case with the Womans exchange under the capable and excellent management of Miss Jeanette B. Walters, who numbers her friends by the score in Birmingham.
 Years ago when Woman's exchange was established on a small scale here 1t was considered move h the right direc- ton, as nearly every city of any size boasts of such an institution, and as it's progress has been noted. as it has grown apace with the breadth and bigness of Birmingham, those with whom the idea originated may we'll feel proud of the in- spiration which prompted 1t, for today it stands a self-supporting. weIl-managed successful enterprise-one which has and which deserves the support of the best element of society and commerce as well.
 At the exchange recently I had the pleasure of a little chat with Miss Wal ters, and among other things said:
 How has the exchange fared during all these hard times Gas the men >say), when depression has been felt throughout the country in business circles?'
 We have done remarkably we'll" quickly replied Miss Walters. "Of course we have felt the strain like every one else, but everything considered. we have much to be grateful for"
 T think that speaks mighty we'll for the management" suggested.
 Our exchange here has attracted a great deal of attention in various parts of the country" said Miss Walters. "and of course that is always matter of great satisfaction. I had a letter not long ago from Mrs. Pappenheim of Charleston, who is writing series of ar ticles for one of the popular magazines on the subject of the Woman's exchange question, and she said that the exchange here had been commented upon most fav- orably, and that she wanted to secure our methods and arrangements for running it."
 "I never hear of the exchange asking for donations of any kind, Miss Walters. How does that happen?" I inquired
 well you know the Woman's exchange is in no sense a charitable institution. It Is benevolent In its policy, but it Is not dependent upon outside support"
 Suppose" said I, you were to run in debt, though, who would help you out?" I asked.
 "Oh, mercy!' exclaimed Miss Walters. T think that I should be very much frightened at such a state of affairs. I see to 1t that we don't get in debt I pay for everything that Is purchased for the exchange at the end of each month, and in that way I avoid that most undesirable of burdens-debt."
 And Is the exchange open to all who may have talent for needle work, arts and crafts and domestic scence?" I in- quired.
 Yes" promptly replied Miss Walters. we, of course, cannot reach the class of people that the United Charities the Mercy Home and that class of institu- tions reach, but we are in a position to place before women who desire to be- come self-sustaining a market for their work, and thus establish good, reliable income for them, whereas under other circumstances they might not find a sale for their efforts.'
 f"And what sort of things do you sell?' I asked.
 Nearly everything that one could de- sire. Now let me show you some of the pretty things we have" and so saying we went to the various show cases and there was everything imaginable from the handsomest of lace coats-the work of some expect needle woman-to the pret- tiest of baby caps. hemsfitched and hand embroidered in the daintiest of designs.
 And do look at those pretty oldfash- ional turkey-tail fansi" I exclaimed, as picked up one of these old-style things like our grandmothers used to use in days gone by.
 "Those are very much in demand"