The Ocala evening star., 1915-04-26
WOMAN'S CLUB WORK
MRS. FRANK WETHERBEE
Editor for April
Cmfew Bells

ing day"
Fortunate indeed in that hamlet,
town or city where not only 'the plow-
man." or laborer, shomeward plods his
weary way" but where every man,
woman and child responds to the ring
ing of the curfew.
This custom was common in the
middle ages and when William the
Conqueror introduced it into Eng
land, he probably had thought of
its use as a safeguard against fire,
but it was further used as badge of
servitude, and, Notwithstanding Hen
ny I. repealed the law in 1103 the
bell has continued to ring in many
districts up to modern times.
The old law provided that all per-
sons under Is years of age should not
be on the street later than p. m. in
summer and 9 in winter, without the
consent of parent or guardian. Am
erica has made an amendment to this,
in some cases, and the children if on
the street must be accompanied by
guardian or parent.
Salem, Mass, with the exception of
Plymouth, the Oldest settlement in
New England, has, since the Puritan
days, forced this ordinance, until of
late years other cities have seen its
advisability and adopted the same
measures.
Are the children all in? Is the fam
lily circle complete as the table is
spread for the evening meal? Is that
boy of yours safe from the tempta-
tions which 1urk for him at every
corner particularly as the evening
shadows deepen?
The long summer evenings viii
soon be upon US. Shall it be home
or street? Shall we cultivate the
childrens company or shall we
leave them to their own devising?
Shall your boy confde to you or to
one or more of his pals around the
corner?
Take this in a practical manner.
Even if you have your boy safe at
home does that hinder other boys,
neighbors or otherwise, to seek him
out, to persuade him to go with them
until he is discomfort oftimes with
home environment and what you have
done toward making a man of him
seems almost a failure
Have curfew law and give every
mother an equal chance! Ocala is
waking up at last to the need of this.
Every organization for the better
ment of mankind has a department
of social service-and what does it
mean? 1t means a department to in
vestigate and see what can be done in
each community to prevent the evils
which happen each day in that neigh
borhood of yours or mine.
The ringing of the curfew will put
an end to many anxious moments; it
will bring the family to know each
other better 1t will be an eye
opener to many who perhaps have
never given the matter any consid-
Grafton or perhaps never will until il
is, alas, too late.
If your children go out in the eve.
ming, go with them; why not? If it is
for their improvement you should go
if it is questionable you should know
it. The adults of this country must
provide for the children. They are
the future generation and must be-
/ trained for it and it is we who will bt
held responsible far more than W,
ever dream. Have you thought abou
it?
You have no children? Well, ha:
your neighbor none? Enforce the
curfew law and see if it will not helT
them. The divine law tells US to love
our neighbor as ourself, and can We
idly sit and let them struggle along
with life's problems without any pro
test, without any protection? Wher
our long summer evenings close and
dark hours lengthen where are oul
children. Does "e'en bring US hame p
| Where are they on Halloween? Are
they any better fitted for life after
an evening or night spent in what
they term as fun? Where are they or
Thanksgiving evening-off with a
crowd Of other young folks or at the
home enjoying a jolly home evening
which you planned with their CO.
operation or at their suggestion, even
if it did seem a task?
Where are they at Christmas time
At home at curfew hour or on the
street planning a new lark, or else
making night hideous with ammuni-
ton, frecrackers, ETC., disturbing the
peace and rest of our citizens, wher
the occasion should be one of joy
peace and good villa season OF
home pleasure and Yule-tide attrac.
tiveness.
Lets ring the curfew bells in ou1
city. The Kings Daughters, W. C
T. u and citizens viii cooperate with
US Let Us build up the home By
projecting it. Let US see that the
children are all safe and then we may
take steps to entertain them in many
ways which will be delightful and
entertaining intsead of allowing them
their own manner of amusement OF
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