The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1914-01-09
Object of Guest House to Give
Home to Number of Working Girls

The conception of the guest house,
the Investigations made of other
houses now in operation and the plans
by which the board of directors hope
to give to Richmond such an institu-
ton is set forth in a statement pre-
pared by committee appointed by
the board. This committee is compos-
ed of Miss c. M. Sweitzer. Mrs. Edwin
ia yand Miss E. A. Robinson. The
statement is:
The Richmond Guest House-the
proposed Home for Self-Dependent
Women, has been under consideration
for about year, articles of incorpora-
ton were taken out, and an auxiliary
was formed to assist the Board of Di-
rectors; but the next step--the rails
ing of funds seemed to be the stumb-
ling block.
1t was a matter of doubt to some
citizens whether Home of this kind
was needed in Richmond, and whether
its up-keep might not prove to be a
financial burden, so we had to aban-
don the idea Of carrying out the first
plans which were on larger scale.
Committees were appointed to make
investigation as to the probable num-
Der who would take advantage of such
a Home, and the possibility of rent
ing or buying a suitable building to
meet the needs.
After taking poll of the girls EN-
ployed in the factories, we found in
one establishment alone, where nearly
two hundred girls are employed, 81
per cent are boarding, some of these
in very undesirable quarters Most of
them expressed a desire to patroniZe
home of this kind
poll OF the entire city was not ia
ken, but, no doubt. there are many
more who would apply for accommo
datiCns. 1t has also been ascertained
that there are number of girls here
living at home, where the conditions
are so deplorable that it would be a
blessing if they could be taken away
and placed in a home of this kind.
The committee appointed to look for
home or location, has been on tour
of inspection for some time There
are no available properties for rent
Some OF the larger homes are fo1
sale but none Of these could accom-
modate more than twelve or eighteen
girls, so that while We mean to be
gin on a small scale, it is hardly
practicable to begin SO small that
those who now need homes could not
be accommodated. We should at least
be able to take care of the present
needs.
1t has now been decided that the
best opening that is presented to lie
is in the property at the corner Oi
North B street, between Eleventh and
Twelfth streets, and the campaign &c
raise the necessary funds will be
started Immediately.
The Board was much encouraged by
and greatly appreciated the volun
tary assistance Of Miss Ruth Ann YeO
| who gave a Christmas Cantata for the
benefit of this home, by which a con
| tributiOn Of $115.35 is now in the bank
as nucleus, $3.50 has been raised
within the board directors.
We have a fine home for the men
and boys Of Richmond, a home for the
| friendless and a home for the aged
| women: but what are we doing fol
| the girls and unprotected women OF
! our community? Every city of 1906
or more inhabitants should have q
home for young men and one fol
| young women.
Why? Because every human beins
| needs home with its comforts anC
| Influences. Because in no city are
| there boarding houses for the boy. and
especially for the girl earning a mod
crate salary, that have the proper en-