Norwich bulletin., 1912-10-28
ROCK NOOK HOME
 OF UNITED WORKERS.
Has Cared for 400 Children Since It's
 Establishment in 1878.

The present effort to raise funds for the United Workers by special person. al appeals is not entirely without prec- edent. as may be seen by an extract from an early report:
 In their second year, 1878, the Unit ed Workers were surprised and grati- fled by a communication from Moses Pierce stating his willingness to give for a children's home his house and extensive grounds on Norwich Town Green. He wished it to be held in trust for such purpose. believing that Norwich people would rally for its support The better to ensure such support. he proposed that $4,000 should be raised by contributions for the nec- essary repairs and current expenses of the first years. He asked if the United Workers would assume this trust. This mark of confidence in the society was most inspiring. \ To collect so much money for one object meant a good deal of work, bat it was cheerful ly assumed by a number of ladies, and the responses were prompt and hb- eral~S
 Then, as now. the women who be- heved in the cause made their appeal and their efforts were well rewarded.
 The Rock Nook Children's Home was opened in 1878 and has been twice enlarged. It is under no limitation of color. race or religion. through all who are old enough are expected to attend the neighhoring church and public
 school.
 It is not reformatory nor hos pital, nor is 1t an orphan asylum in the
 strict sense of the word. Still less is it free boarding house, where ire sponsible parents may be relieved of the burden of supporting their chill
 dren. It is rather shelter where homeless children may find a home in time of special need. A widowed father or hard working mother strug- gling to earn support for their fam iNes. but unable to watch over them, may bring thAm here and, paying a small siim for board, may visit them frequently. until under happier condi-
 tions ths family may be reunited. Nearly four hundred children have received the loving personal watch and care given in this shelter, many of whom are now known to be filling useful positions in the world. The present family numbers 25, of whom eight are in the nursery, The cost of maintaining the home in 1911 was little more than 5000. Of this amount nearly one-half was re- oeiEed from interest on invested funds , not otherwise available, Relatives of | the children paid rather more than one-quafteF for board, Tine remainder
 was provided by donations fer this special object or for the general fund
 of the United Workers
 Among the contributors to the four thousand dollar fund in 1878 are two Hon. Lafayette S. Foster and A. P. Startevant-whe each gave s200, and
 a2 who eaeh gave $l0e, Not one oI these 2A is with us today. Are they
 watching from the heavenly homs, giving thanks for the measure of sue 1 cess that has followed their gifts and
 smiling to think of the share they took in establishing this place of ref | uge.
 In the same list are the names of 1 nearly two hundred children who
 brought contributions of one dollar
 each, Many of these are still here and have never ceased to be united in the work. Some are even now on the com l mittee in charge of the home. Some gre heads of families with children ot their own to be cared for. All, as 1 public spirited men and women, must
 care for the welfare of Norwich. II cannot be supposed that any who have watched the growth of the United 1 Workers and whe appreciate the daH- l gers to the community of neglected
 class growing up iR our streets, will 1 allow this preventive work to suffer 1 for want of adequate support. Is ii l necessary t6 urge them t6 continue and ! enlarge their gifts?