New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-12
| CONTRAST In AIRS
Why the Country Is q Paradise to
Little City Children.

1t is pleasant to contrast the picture presented
a Tribune Fresh Air Home, the children playing In
the fields and under the trees with that of the city
on a warm summer day. The boys and girls
found in the Streets the only place for them to
play. on the sidewalks. more the curb
stones Their scanty and unclean attire their
discomfort. and the low. mournful wall of the in
fants whom mothers. sitting the doorsteps. hold
In their arms is pitful to hear. An odor fills the
neighborhood. arising from decayed fruit. dsh and
vegetables and nearly every other unpleasant
source that be imagined
But in the Fresh Air homes and in private houses
where individuals extend their hospitality TO the
little ones all is different More than ten thousand
children are sent far away from tie vile atmos-
phere of the city into the sunny meadows and
fields. The brighter eyes, merrer laugh and happier
makeup or these little ones prove the inestimable
value Of the Fresh Air work. In the country they
may romp and play to their hearts content with
the cool grass Instead of the hot pavement under
their bare feet. with the waving branches OF the
trees towering their heads instead OF the
sitting tenement houses.
There is no fear of policemen 10 stop the boys
playing ball. often happens when they start a
game In the streets in the city: no windows to
look out for. The boys. of them, that is. can
hit the ball with all their might and joyousy watch
II go soaring down over the field myriad Of
swings and see-saws there for the girls and
green lawn to play dolls rather than a Sc
Guided doorway in some dark alley Good food
PN4o hours all go 10 clear their
minds and strengthen their bodies. For them life
Is one glad. sweet song when they In the cOun-
Try and II Is small wonder that they desire TO stay
more longer one little girl said
Many little children become fast comrades while
they are at the Fresh Air homes. The attention
or one OF the attendants called an instance
OF this when two little girls came up 10 deposit
their money In the bank OF which she had charge
bank is necessary institution at the homes, for
the children always start their vacations with
II hTa1
spend tudiciously. This amount generally lasts
them the entire two weeks. and there Is little OPP
portunity for them to get more. So II must be
taken care of by some trusted person.
The little girls who went up TO the attendant
were strangers when they arrived at the Home
but they struck up an acquaintanceship
They had particularly requested TO be allowed TO
sleep In adjacent beds and sit beside each other
at the table. Their affection became strong that
they wished TO keep their money together on the
same account
Teacher" one said. may and her keep our
money together"
Keep your money together? Why do you want
20 do that?'
cause we're aunts." replied the girls.
The fact that both Of these little ten-year-olds
were aunts was enough to place them on equal
footing at once. and they much envied by
some OF the other girls who could not boast OF
such distinction.
The Fresh Air Fund sent away ala children yes
terday. OF this number by far the largest party
went 10 Ashford Hill. $50 in all Twenty-seven
went 10 Cuba. y. Y. and like number went 70
Delhi. n Y. Three parties returned. ~ coming
back from Goversville. y. Y. 45 from Goshen.
" Y. and Us from Ashford Hill.
From Stoninston. Conn. letter has been re-
cetvei containing contribution and saving;
Enclosed please ind check from this family
toward the splendid charity which you so gener-
Ously manage. The thought and work OF its
founder the late Mr.. Parsons. were Indeed above
all praise. and l wish might send larger sum. -