New Britain herald., 1918-10-30

linen on hand to change the beds but
once a day. Whatever close calcu-
lating we may make do not let it be
in the direction of clean bed linen.
Our churches have come forward
nobly to assist us by generous gifts
of all such things. yet, even so, our
matron has been obliged to purchase
bed linen to the amount of $125.
We appreciate all the help of past
years and we trust that many
churches will give this year as gener-
ously as they possibly can in this di-
rection.
Donations.
Last year our usual appeal for
offerings for Thanksgiving was made
and was in the hands of Mrs Justus
A. Traut. The calls for jellies and
delicacies for war purposes were so
great that we were not quite sure
whether our hospital would receive as
much as usual Mrs Traut with her
committee worked most faithfully and
the public responded so we'll that it
was said that never had there been so
many good things received. This goes
to show that New Britain does not
forget her hospital. At Christmas the
usual celebration was att >nded to
under the direction of Mrs. Hedley p.
Carter. Handkerchiefs were given to
the women and socks to the men. In
this work Mrs Carter was assisted by
her auxiliary committee. On this oc-
casion Mrs. George Corbin was asked
to take charge of the Christmas gifts
! in the Children's house. The Sum
shine society still continues to least
sunshine" by carrying each week a
basket of oranges to be distributed
among the patients. Time passes
slowly and YEARLY to the sick and that
little break in the monotony of the
sick room is certainly appreciated.
In regard to the social affairs which
take place annually for the purpose
of raising money for the executive
board as our part towards the run
ming expenses of the hospital we will
say that it is our custom to give a
card party or dance but this year we
proposed to bring a war lecturer TO
New Britain instead. Mr.. Empy was
the speaker under consideration, but
on account Of his talk in Hartford dur
ing the winter it was thought best not
to undertake it. Then came the
question of a talk by Mr.. Francis
Wilson and our plans were laid for
that form of entertainment when the
coal shortage proved to be so serious
that we could not have the use of the
Lyceum. M. George Hart, president
of the Country club then very kindly
offered US the use of that building
and Mrs. Carter with her efficient
committee decided to give a card
party and dance, supper being served
| under the direction of Miss Flora
Humphrey. The affair was most sue
Cessful and enjoyable, and best of all
the large sum of S1,042.25 was raised.
Under conditions which were unfavor-
able to us at that time we felt that
our efforts were richly rewarded. This
year we have not had quite the re-
spouse in the way of dollar member
ships that we have had in other
years, and also there has been a fall
ing off in special gifts. We lay this
of course to the unprecedented de-
mands made upon us by the way, but
unfortunately expenses at the hospital
are very great and increasing all the
time. It was therefore considered ad-
visable for the secretary to call the
attention Of our people to the lack
through the Columns of the press and
in this way we received few more
memberships and several c0rtribu-
tons of money. Among the gifts was
a substantial sum from the ladies
society of the Jewish church and we
we're gratif1ed by this expression Of
interest in our local institution
Just word about a much needed
ct.ange at the hospital. Through the
long corridor extandi:4ts from tie main
building to the hospital prober rub
Der mating has been placed and the
walls and ceilings have been reno
waited. The appearance of the corrl-
dor has not only been improved but
rurses and patients testify to the fact
that the rubber does away with con-
siderable noise which was formerly
very trying to the patients.
In looking over our list of directors
we find that we must now lose from
our board one of the valued members,
Mrs Hedley P. Carter, who took up
the work of Mrs. William c. Hunger
ford during the year when Mrs. Hun
gerford was obliged to lay aside her
duties. Mrs. Carter has removed
from town and our best wishes follow
her to her new home in Ansonia.
In closing this report we wish to
extend a word of thanks to our presi-
dent who is so faithfully leading us in
our work and to all the officers and |
directors who are associated with her
Also we would remember the services !
of the auxiliary and membership |
committees. Then we would not for
get our local press who give US space |
so generously. We cannot thank each
one separately, but we certainly ap- |
prcciate their help and cooperation. |
Now one last plea for the hospital |
for the coming months Our demands |
for money and time will not be less |
this winter than in years before and |
we expect to respond to our calls, but |
while making the war of first lmpor- |
lance. as we must, do not let the local |
interests suffer. Continue to Keep |
the Home Fires Burning" and in SO |