The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-06-02
CIVIC LEAGUE REPORT.
The President Makes Annual Report
of Activities and Achievements of
Organization.

ter:
l have the honor Of submitting this
my first annual report as your presi.
dent
We have held eight regular meet
ings, at five of which have presided
While the average attendance is bet
ter than it was, there is much to be
desired in this line, as encouragement
and enthusiasm Is created by full
meetings. What we need most to ac.
complish the growing work
ahead Of us, is more help and cooper.
alton. This organization stands for
the betterment Of conditions in our
town and our homes, and We should
have 500 instead Of 125 members in
this club. We cannot give up the
things we have undertaken to do, the
call Is too strong for them, and the
best proof We have that the Civic
League Is an institution which has
come to stay, Is it's ever widening in
huence, and the support given it by
the best citizens of Sumter. am sor-
ry to state that our finances are ex-
tremely low at present, there being
only $4,000 in the treasury. On ac-
count Of business depression caused
by the war. 1t was deemed best not to
have the annual entertainment from
which We have formerly raised mon
ey Tor our needs. In place Of this, we
have tried to have the separate COM
mittees make enough to carry on their
department until more prosperous
days dawn for us. The library COM
mittee, and especially the energetic
chairman, deserve much credit for
their faithful and uphill work. Funds
were raised for its upkeep by an anna
teum dramatic performance last July
and by a travelling art exhibit in
connection with a silver tea in Febru-
ary. There are about 1000 volumes
In the library and two cases two cases
which have been given to the State
library containing rs volumes each.
and which have been kept in circu-
lauon In this county. We feel that we
have taken a step in the right direc-
tion when we arranged with the City
Council to share the expenses of the
library. They to pay $500 per
month. We to continue to furnish mon-
ey for the books and manage it, there
by making 1t open to the public,
which We hope and believe will prove
a great benefit. and especially TO those
unable to procure reading matter for
themselves. s...
One Of the greatest factors for good
IS the work that ia being done In the
Mothers Club. We have had monthly
meetings regularly since last June,
except in January and February
when 1t was not practical to hold
them. The greatest benefit is being
derived from these meetings which is
shown in better care Of their homes
and children. The mothers attend in
large numbers and enjoy the social
side as we'll as profting by the instruc-
tion given them.
The Civic Improvement committee
has continued the care of the triangle.
assisted with the care of station
grounds, and has held two plant ex-
change days when large quantities of
seed and plantc were given and ex-
changed and have also planted cannas
on the play grounds. One of the
things accomplished Of which we are
very proud, is the establishment OF
play grounds for the children. Funds
were raised for this purpose last
spring and In July they were turned
over to the city with fitting ceremo-
nies. The place was thronged with
the little ones all season, and we
hope to make 1t as much of a success
during the coming vacation months.
The play grounds committee made
money last season to assist the League
In defraying expenses, and we are now
planning to have an entertainment as
early In June as possible, the pro-
ceeds to go towards paying a super
visor and director of play. For the
present, Mr.. White. Of the Y. M. C. A.
Will give us part Of two afternoons
a week. Tuesdays and Fridays, and
will direct the play on the grounds.
The garden contest will be conduct
ed as formerly.
Our most important department
that of the visiting nurse, continues to
flourish and bring the very best re-
suits. We are fortunate In hoino oh,o