Evening journal., 1916-07-31
Blind SHOP EARNS
2.5O4. O4.99N3MONTHS
Work of Reclamation of
Hand of Blind Is
Making Progress
LIOUIDATING THE
HOUSE MORTGAGE

Ahb lnoA luai Ntity ltpoit OF hluut
follows:
The york Of the reclamation Of the
hand Of the blind in Delaware has
made progress during the past three
months and much interest has been
exhibited by the public and philan-
thfopic friends Of the blind. The
greatest evidence OF this kind inter
est was exhibited by the interest and
support given to the concert OF the
blind held in the New Century Club.
June /. At this concert more than
$500 was realized over and above eX-
penses. and the audience Of more
than six hundred OF most ap-
preciative friends OF the blind with
the musical and artistic element ap-
preciatingly represented filled the
house almost to It's limit The artists
all OF whom were blind and all oi
whom we're remunerated for their
services. did their very best and were
delighted with their reception. Be
sides adding appreoiably TO the build
ing fund this concert had a stmulat-
ing effect on all the blind. upon the
blind with talent to develop their
gifts. upon the workers upon other
lines to encourage them In their ef-
forts. and to bring the work for the
blind to the attention of the public
and stimulate their announcement
and support
With the proceeds Of the concert
and other contributions some OF which
we're solicited by the never weary
friends OF the cause. the mortgage on
the Blind-Shop is being rapidly liqui-
dated $4,000 held by the Gawthrop
estate was paid off and half the funds
are now in hand and subscribed to
meet the final payment of $500 held
by the Wilmington Savings Fund So
ciety on the other OF the two proper
ties covered by the shop. We hope
inside Of thirty days to be free of this
incumbrance and will then look to
much needed expansion and improve
ment of the quarters.
Il has already been pointed out the
crowded and really dangerous condi-
ton Of the shops and the lack of ia
/ cilities for storing goods, thus ham
pering economical purchase Of sup
plies. This need is imperative and
more room must be provided if the
work Of the blind man is to progress
and all who claim their just right OF
self support are to he provided for
The old Girls Industrial School on
the outskirts Of the city has been
suggested as a possible solution Of
these difficulties. but while the kind
! thoughts of the promoters of this pro-
/ iect are appreciated II is to be point
ed out that a large part Of the busi-
ness OF The Blind-Shop Is commercial
and the revenue and sale of products
in cash sales over the counter. This
Is the true self support and should
be encouraged. besides this many Of
the blind seek their livelihood by
vending the products OF the shop and
other merchandise on the street. and
1 their headquarters should he central
/ ~ located so that they may reach any
part of the city without expense Of
| transportation For such reasons IL
would seem that The present location
]
provided There is room on the pres
ent property for a building. which IL
Is believed would provide for all the
future needs of the State to care for
their blind. and II Is urgently recon-
mended that a campaign he inaugu-
rated 10 provide the funds for a fire.
proof building 10 adequately supply
the needs Of our industrious and enc
getic men who want 10 make a living
with their hands
During the past three months earn
ings Of the Blind-Chop has been $2,-
50499 from cash sales. Every de.
partment of manufacture has shown
net earnings over the cost OF ma
terial and the wages paid the blind
worker, so that excluding overhead
expenses every blind worker has beer
actually self supporting, The man.
agement is greatly encouraged by
this result and confidently hopes n
will continue throughout the remain.
ing quarters Of the year This is q
very sanguine hope for considerinE
the limited field Of the sightless hand
and the sharp competition with ma.
chinery Cfor all blind labor must h
by handl. and the competition o
= cheap labor and prison labor in thes,
products, it is exceedingly difficult tC
produce goods that are saleahle anC
upon proceeds Of which the blind mar
may live. Deep thanks are due the
friends Of the blind and the patrons
OF the Blind-Shop for their interest
and support
/ DELAWARE COMMISSION FOR THE
BLIND.
TEMPERANCE RALLY.
The Rev. Charles f. Davis. a