The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-07-17
STREET BOYS HAVE
 B|G TIME AT WELL Summer Camp Is Maintained
 Near Gate City TAKEN FROM STREETS Next Thursday Big Barbecue Will Be served to Every Street seller of Papers and About 25O Are
 Expected
TAKEN FROM STREETS

"Hi, there. Buttermilk, fling me tht ba1ll' was the first fresh country noise that rang out when the reporter ap preached the camp of the Boys club al the Artesian wells near Gate City. The youngsters from the crowded city were enjoying a spirited ball game, on ar excellent ball field, and back in the pine trees above a big tent rose the smoke from the stove which accounted for the odor of beans and pot licker' It was nearly supper time.
 Tented at the upper end of Jones val. ley, under tall pine trees which cast pleasant shadow in the heat of the day near the finest water in the district, the boys who know little luxury at home and enjoy little sport but the rabble in the back alley, are having the time of their lives.
 They are boys chosen carefully from a great number of applicants, for spe- cial physical and mental reasons, boys whose home life is not what 1t ought to be, or whose bodies need the fresh air and exercise of the camp.
 The camp has been conducted two weeks and already 62 boys have enjoyed the privilege. A new shift went in yes terday, beginning the second half of the month.
 They have eleven tents, grouped in a half circle, giving the boys plenty of room. "Noah," the cook, presides over a large tent, where he prepares healthy country food and dishes 1t out in enam- eled pans, as much as the boys can eat.
 They have a good swimming hole in Shades creek. and have discovered black berry patches hitherto unknown.
 The camp life works wonderful changes in the boys. "Buttermilk" has been tanned from the widest youngster and the most mischievous, to be the directors right hand man. Molly" who appeared in camp in an Indian suit and was greet ed by the question, ''Is 1t fish?" got his corners rubbed off and became a real boy. "Southside Dan" and Little Petey.'' two boys of reputation, have been just ordinary bouncing boys. as.
 we have had no trouble with them whatever, Sdlu SupeIlHleIuSit 4hhuIlCc Willows. "The change of environment and freedom of fresh air works wonders. Of the first 25 boys IS were on tho wait ing list for the reform school because their parents couldn't hold them, but in a few days they settled down to be absolutely normal. The sun boils 1t out"
 Mir Willows has been assisted by Hor- ace Shaw, Mrs Shaw and Mrs. Willows. The presence of ladies fin camp has had a very favorably effect on the boys. T. P. williams, his assistant, has been look ing after the work of the club in town, but his ghost stories at night have made him one of the most popular fellows around the camp.
 MT. Willows and the ladies of the club are preparing a great barbecue\for next Thursday on the grounds. Tickets will be issued to every street seller and every member of the club, and over 250 will be fed. They will be invited to spend the day and given a fine barbecue at noon. Mrs. W. L. Murdock and the other ladies are watching the camp and rendering every assistance. At first they feared the rains might make 1t unpleas- ant, but they have not caused the least inconvenience. The water flows off in a few minutes. The tents are rainproof, and are trenched on all sides. so as to be kept perfectly dry. The showers have really been delightful.