Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-05

There is no object which appeals more
to the generous mind OF the
average clubwoman than the opportu-
nifty to help in broadening the social out
look of women less fortunately situated.
The club movement is developing a spirit
of fraternity among women in different
classes in life who cooperate for the
sake of being helpful TO each other.
the wealthy women can only
aid in working out reform by carrying
Oft plans which the poorer women orig
mate. In one of the larger cities, where
a special child-welfare crusade was in
operation under the auspices OF the most
influential woman's club. a woman be-
longing To one of the school social cen
tiers suggested to a club member new
line of work which has been found most
helpful.
\ few years ago when the advantages
of the free hospital service for obstetrical
cases were first urged, there was dim
Guilty in inducing expectant mothers to
take advantage of II. But in this partic-
ular city the other extreme had been
reached The women planned to go 10 the
hospital for their confinements. and be-
cause of the numerous charities, which
supplied even the needed clothing for the
infant made no preparation themselves.
During their absences their homes were
disorganized, their other children ne
elected. and in many cases the husband.
even during the period of two or three
weeks. spent too much time at the corner
saloon. and perhaps began a period OF
intemperdnce.
little investigation showed that this
woman, who despite her own busy life.
had Yet time to con-
Mothers Club slider the conditions of
other women of her
40 mel g b orhood was
correct in her statements, so new club
was formed, in which the women of the
larger club helped to put her ideals into
effect. A new mothers club was formed.
to which all of the expectant mothers in
the neighborhood We're invited each week.
Patterns and materials for making in
fants' clothing were provided and all of
the women sewed on them, with the I'M
derstanding that they were to belong to
the first woman who needed them. As
they sewed they listened to lectures
given by physicians and trained nurses
on the care of infants. with special di-
rections as to bathing them, caring for
their eyes and preparing food in cases
where the mothers milk was insufficient.
BY means of these lectures the women.
working under the direction of the physi-
clan and visiting nurse having charge OF
the case, were able to take proper care of
each other in their time of need and thus
obviate the necessity of leaving home.
This club now has been in operation for
several years and has been of the great
est social benefit to the community The
women have developed neighborly spirit
which did not exist between them before
The health of the young children of it's
members has materially improved and
many other good results have been OBJ
served. The club was located in manu-
featuring district and many of it's MEM
bers were women of foreign birth. who in
this way were helped to a realization of
ideal American womanhood.
The social service sections of the clubs
always works largely in connection with
the public schools. They are greatly in
terested in the formation of the home
and school associations the school social
settlements and similar organizations.
which aim to improve the social condi-
tons of the people. whose own resources
are restricted. Many of the clubs aid the
work of the associated charities, al
though this is not the club woman's idea
of social service. They do not want to
give charity, but they do want to give
the kind of help that will enable the poor
est working mans wife not only to help
herself to higher ideals, but to do some
thing toward improving the conditions OF
her environment.
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