Norwich bulletin., 1912-10-17

The board of management and the committee of visitors held their an- nuai meeting at the New London county temporary home on Wednes- day and besides the officials there were present many others interested in the welfare of the home and the children. The session was a pleasant one, all expressing delight with the day's programme and with the home in general The bright, sunshiny rooms presented, as always, a neat and spotless appearance, character 1stic of the home which never fails to bring commendation to the matron. Miss Jessie Gibson, and her efficient assistants. Altogether, there were about 75 people at the home during the day. County Commissioners c. H. Smith of Noank, c. D. Moves of this city and Fred J. Brown of LeDa- non showed their interest in the home and it's inmates by their attendance.
 The session opened at 1l-30 o'clock with prayer by Amos Babcock of Wil- aimantic. Commissioner Smith pre- aided, and in opening the meeting spoke of the success of the past year and said that there had been no dis ease and little sickness at the home during the period
 secretsry's Report.
 Mrs. F: A. Mitchell secretary, of this city. read her report as follows:
 It was doubtless beyond the expec- tation of those who planned and leg tslated that each county in the state must open and maintain a temporary home for the better protection of de- pendent and neglected children that in this year 1912 the New London county home should have been called upon to shelter Al such children This, However, is the fact and it is for the purpose of hearing what has been done for the care and protection of these and of the almost identical num- Der placed in family homes, that you are gathered this morning
 It is evident that the time neces- aary for the placing of these children fin well selected family homes" is stretching out to an indefinite length. 1t is not difficult in looking over the prosperous homes of this county to find great number answering these requirements, but well selected" homes demand well selected children, and 1t would be folly to claim that the dependent and neglected children of this county arc other than average, normal children. Puzzling ones there are, few unusually attractive ones, perhaps, but as whole, healthy, in pcssession of intelligence as demanded by the statute, their own future we'll heinz and their value to the state largely dependent upon their environ mGnt- The reason for taking these children into family homes appears to have altered very much in late years, few under 12 years of age being de- aired. This condition seems to indi- caAe that fewer people are taking them for the benefits they are able and will jnG to confer upon helpless little ones ana more for the assistance which can be obtained from them
 { Benefits of Placing Out.
 One of the advantages of the plac- ing out system to which Connecticut ia at present held is said to be that 1T family homes children learn to bs { helpfni and that expending their su- ' perfluous energy in doing light work morally, but that opportunities art constantly at hand for preparation fol the more important duties and tho gradual taking upS of tasks requiring intelligence and experience. Doubt. Hess this is true in the best homes, bu how about 1t in some. of those we art practically compelled to use?
 The house has been kept in its usua excellent condition and repairs, includ ing several new floors, have been mad, aA found expedient- You can judge O Ms fitness for the housing of this larg family as you visit the different rooms !, Fire is the most dangerous foe to b. i dreaded here as the constant ant watchful care of Miss Gibson and he faithful assistants in maintaining tn cleanliness always observable, couples with the wholesome and nutrition food provided, minimizes the danger | from lack of air space considered ade Quate for proper hygienic conditions. The prosperous school which is ia vored as having the same efficien teachers who were in charge a yea ago. is under the direct supervision 0 6. G. Willard. agent of the stat board of education. Doubtless th good health of the children and tn | freedom from epidemics of contagiou diseases is in part due to the fact tha 1 the school Is under the same roof wit other departments of tho home Stormy weather has little effect i these well lighted and well heate rooms and there is little opportunit for contact with other children.
 One Fatal Illness.
 Although the health of the chi1dre has been excellent, one little lad C eight years, who was ailing only
 short time. died at the Backus hospits the same day he was sent there. Tn
 physicians said his disease was in
 curable,
 ! Perhaps the appearance of the chi
 dren as you see them today will h
 sufficient evidence of the care they re
 ceive, here. but the fact-that many be | yond the jurisdiction of the home con [ 5