New-York tribune., 1918-07-30
The Tribune Fresh Air Fund

A tale OF infirm knickerbockers, of
dolls. of ice cream, of new pinafores-
of the piping times of FRESH AIR.
tale told by those who piped the
tunes to which the "Fresh Airs"
danced (and sld) their knckers into
shreds. their old pinafores into new
ones-told in the words of those who
dished out the ice cream and dressed
the dolls which made glad the hearts of
Susie and Josie and Mamie and all
their cousin Fresh Airs"
The first chapter of the tale was
written in lion, N. Y. 1t reads:
This is to say that the ten small
poys who have been our guests since
July is are we'll and enjoying every
minute of their visit. The town has
done everything to give them pleasure
ana the ladies in charge have devoted
themselves to their care personally.
Il nope we will return them much
improved morally as we'll as physically.
Zen boys of so many different nation
ailties and with such different disposi-
tlons are no small job to handle, and,
OF : course, we have had our battles, but
feel we have gotten a good hold upon
the little fellows affections and hope
their. visit to Ilion will be long remem-
bered. We are hoping to fix them up
with clothing before they go home. for
two weeks wear is pretty hard on
boys trousers.
II will return them on Monday, the
29th. and take it for granted there
will be an escort provided for them
from Herkimer.
IL Il deb. s'e SHAUl'GHroN."
Now, Pennington
The second chapter of the tale, the
one headed PINAFORES, DOLLS AND
ICE CREAM. was penned in Farming
ton, Conn, the place where the stage
was set for this chapter. It's good
chapter:
"Just word to let you know that
everything is coming on splendidly.
Twenty-seven children arrived. Seven
teen are distributed about town. So
tar as we hear all the hosts are happy
with their children and the children
are happy with them.
Our particular joy, though, is the
colony of the Barbour House There
are ten-all kinds, but all dear chill
dren and really transfo formed in these
two days. Mrs. Chase has gotten each
new dress and doll. and other peo-
pie are taking delight in doing for
them. They are having an ice cream
party. this afternoon across the street
with others in anticipation.
"THEY ARE so HAPPY!
1--WE are really getting great deal
of pleasure from it all
ci5TS'S, aouiNGY B1AKE1y."
The next scene shifts bit further
east to Putnam, Conn. This third chap
ter is little more quiet in tone, but
there is a deep meaning running
through it. 1t helps to fill in the back
ground for the story.
with very few exceptions the chill
dren have been greatly enjoyed and if
we had known earlier that they could
remain over the two weeks l am sure
arrangements could hNve been made to
entertain large number for longer
period. The people here in Putnam
are very open hearted and a great deal
wa, done for the pleasure and com
fort of the children. I hope they were
greatly benefited by their stay here.
am sending you q check for $50
which was received too late for US to
use here in Putnam.
"As YOU will see from the enclosed
/ list six children are remaining for
longer stay.
"Very sincerely,
GERTRUDE w. PERRY"
All, the Epilogue
Then there's the epilogue No old
fashioned tale is complete without one
and. of course, you've discovered that
this is a very old fashioned tale IN
deed, tale without suggestion of a
problem, without hint of triangle.
n Of ho;&