The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-03-15
CHANCE TO HELP.
Family That Needs a Place to
Breathe.
May Save Life of a Little
Mother.
FATHER HAS WORK.
But Dire Poverty Prevents a
Necessary Change.
Some Pieces of Furniture Are
Needed.

In a little upstairs room on East
Eighth avenue a family of three are
making their home. The little family
Is in destitute circumstances. The
mother is sick. Almost the entire win
ter the father has been out of employ
ment. An 11-year-old son attends an
East side school and works at odd jobs.
The little family needs help. An ap-
peal for old furniture to enable them
to move into a small house brought no
results.
Two years ago, the mothers health
failed. She suffered an abscess of the
lungs and was taken to a Colorado
sanitarium. The high altitude soon
forced her to leave the state A little
five room home, the savings of life
time, went to pay the doctor bills. The
days he could not leave the room and
frequently he was without work
A year ago the family came to To-
peka. They lived for several months
on the West side The husband and
father is a painter Work was good
last summer and from the seasons toll
the man saved $50. Then the little
woman's health broke again. Friends
advised an overland trip. The little
savings of the summer, a loan on the
furniture and bedding, enabled the
family to buy a horse and a light
wagon. When the three reached a
small town in Missouri, the woman
was unable to continue the journey.
They reached the home of her sister.
1t was rs miles from railroad and in
the midst of the Ozark country. For
days her life was despaired of. Finally
the return trip was made to Topeka.
1t was January %, when the little
family reached Topeka They rented
two small rooms on the second floor
of an East side rOOming house. But
the husband was without money. Day
after day he searched for employment,
but none was found A nearby grocery
store learned of the case and has ex-
tended five weeks credit for groceries.
The landlord has carried the rent ac-
count on a piece of paper. Twelve
days ago the m went to work for
the Santa Fe. Thi week he will draw
his first pay check. He receives $3.50
q day. From this amount the family
must live, pay their little obligations
and buy medicine. It is a serious
problem.
The house in which the family lives
will probably be sold in a few days.
This means the father, mother and son
must move. Friends have told the Wo-
man that a little cottage near the edge
of town, where she can enjoy the fresh
air, look after q little garden and for
get her troubles, will improve her
health. The family wants to try it.
But they have no money. There is no
one who wants to trust them for the
price of one or two months rent.
eff we just had little three or four
room house somewhere near the Santa
Fe shops,'' said the little woman this
morning, as she told of the family's
condition, 1--WE could get along ever SO
well, 1 know. We don't want to beg.
We are honest and want to pay every
penny. But if Some one who owns 4
little house, would just let us move in
we could soon pay the rent. And then"
the woman added, as she wiped a stray
tear from her eye, you know it might
save my life. I don't think 1 can stand
It up here much longer
That is all the family wants. Just a
little cottage someWher with a fair
chance to get a fresh grip on the
world. The family needs a few pieces
of furniture-worn and cast off articles
are good enough-the woman said. The
real brand new shoes, but some that
will keep out the cold and protect the
feet. Underwear is also a necessity
A few little miscellaneous articles that
will make the unfortunate family feel
that the big busy world has a heart
and that sympathy is something ex-
cept d word buried in the dictionary.
A few days ago Mrs. Charles B.
Thomas visited the family. She has
done marvels. She restored confidence
IN the little woman-made her see
things in a better light. This morning
the little mother was cheerful and
hopeful The Provident association has
offered assistance. But the little cot
tage out somewhere in the Santa F.
shop district is the thing that is most
needed at this time. Perhaps the home
where the little family live may be
sold tomorrow. There is need for
quick action. Somewhere in Topeka
there is some one with a big, open
heart who owns little house that Is
not occupied There is a chance to do
some real good. The family does not
want 1t for nothing. But just at this
time, a little credit is needed and this
little household of three wants the OPP