Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1913-1915, 1913-06-05
BABIES.
(By Noah M. Hollowell.)

~ &NOAA ~ 44OxxO GILL;
Highly interesting and instruc-
tive and unlike anything ever
held in this State will be the
Better Babies contest of the
Western North Carolina fair,
which will be held in Ashevllle,
October ITO.
This contest will not be a
beauty show" in any sense of
the word. Personality, parental
popularity, persuasive dimples
and cunning ways will not count
against uncompromising figures
representing inches, pounds and
energy. The object of the con-
test is not to display an array of
beautifully curled locks and
daintily arranged ribbons, but to
stimulate the conservation Of
child life and raise the standard
Of health among the human race
in North Carolina.
This contest will be held in
connection with the department.
to be conducted by the Health
and Sanitary Board Of Asheville.
In view Of the Importance Of this
movement, the State Board of
Health is considering the advisa-
bility of cooperating in the
movement in order that the peo-
PIE Of Western North Carolina
might have an unexcelled oppor-
tunity for acquiring additional
information on the subject of
child development.
The details of the contest will
be arranged and carried out by
physicians familiar with the dis
eases of children and the. contest
will cover questions of height,
weight, circumference Of chest
and abdomen, symmetry, quail
ty of skin and fat, muscular de-
velopment, condition Of scalp,
teeth and throat; in fact, every
point of the anatomy of the
would-be prize-winners in which
VI eakness or disease might Turk.
Psychological points such as at
tenton, disposition, energy,
ocular and facial expression, etc.,
will also figure prominently in
this contest.
All examinations will be made
On scientific lines and with all
possible respect for the dignity
of the parents and the safety and
comfort Of the children.
The great value of the contest
lies in the opportunity given
parents to see a scientific, hon
est comparison between children
of the same age and with prac-
! tically the same environments
and opportunities for physical
development. Here may be stu
died the effects Of different meth
DDS of feeding, sleeping, outdoor
life and other interesting sub
: :iects, all Of which more or less
have to do with child develop
ment.
Many fairs of the west have
adopted the "Better Babies"
feature with most gratifying re-
! suits as they have been conduct
ed without personal feeling and
the many jealousies that I'M
avoidably creep into a beauty
| contest. The weak points found
in the examination of children
are pointed out to the fond par
| ents, who are anxious to learn
more about raising the standard
OF child life, which has been neg
lected in some instances in the
eager desire for knowledge per-
tanning to the dumb brutes,
which class has been holding
partial attention heretofore on the
fair grounds.
Considerable interest has been
aroused in this contest since the
management Of the Fair an
neunced that it would be inau-
gurated and many thoughtful
mothers have expressed their in
tention Of making an exhibit.
Arrangements are being perfect
ed for many handsome prizes
, and the "Better Baby, contest
will doubtless be one of the most
interesting and beneficial fea-
lures Of the Western North Car