Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-12

would find employment at once. But
there seemed to be no opportunity for
her to secure such instruction, as ii
would take much of her time and the
expense would be beyond her means.
A young woman to whom Miss Speer
was introduced and who had heard
that she was in need of money Incl.
dentally remarked that it might be
there was something Miss Speer could
do in a millinery store where the
young woman worked. Miss Speer at
once stated that she had always been
anxious to learn the millinery trade
and had enjoyed very much making
the hats for her mother and herself
at home, and for the younger sister
when she had the time and material
She said she had not yet been fur
nished with such material as she
needed to make first.class job of 1t,
but she had succeeded so well with
the simple materials they could buy
that many persons had told her that
she ought to be in the millinery busi-
ness.
To Learn Millinery
This suggestion led the writer to
visit a millinery store doing large
business on Chestnut street, Ph;ia-
delphia, where he told the circum-
stances and asked If some reasonable
opportunity could not be given Miss
Speer to learn the millinery trade. An
Arrangement was soon made, on terms
MAT seemed very generous then, so
that Miss Speer could work in the
basement of the store and have an
hour or two each day in which she
could assist in the manufacturing de-
partment for the purpose OF gaining
experience as a milliner. She received
| $3.50 q week and was given commits.
sion on any hats which were sold
which she made up at her home eVe'
nings.
1t was nearly a year after this
opening opportunity when the follow
ing interview with her occurred. She
may see, when she reads this article,
that the writer has overlooked some
thing, but it is as clear statement
as can be recalled after so many years.
1t has been very deeply impressed
upon the writer's mind because OF the
great influence her example has had
! in bringing q practical education 10
thousands of needy young women.
Questioner-"NIiss Speer. how have
you prospered in your millinery under-
taking?
Began TO Prosper
| Answer-"I am delighted with the
occupation and ! have prospered SO
we'll that they have put me in the
manufacturing department at VIZ
week, allowing me two hours in the
afternoon in the salesroom TO get en-
perience for that position. MY moth'
er's health is not so good as 1t was
year ago and my father has again
been out Of work. as he cannot use
his right hand at all. but we are get,
ting along very we'll on my wages ana
the children are doing we'll in school'
| still walk to my place of business,
but I think the exercise has been
good for my health. Since we nave
been getting a regular income all OF
us are much better. OF course, we
are compelled to live very cheaply ana
use such food as we can purchase ior
the least money. But I have wished
to see you to have a conference ABOUT
my great ambition TO be an artist.
as it at all within a reasonable am,
bition for me to hope to paint pictures
do not know why the idea grows IN
my mind, unless 1t is because | nave
been visiting the art galleries ana look
| ing at the head dress of characters IN
| great paintings, and it does seem 10
/ ME as tQOuBn nave soihc SN'S S'S
talent In that direction. Grand pic
lures have a strong fascination for me
and II Is difficult to tear myself away
from the gallery when l am compelled
to leave to return to the store.
have been reading some books upon
art which were loaned to me by
workman in the store, and 1t seems 10
me that one OF the features of great
success in the millinery business is
to have an artistic temperament COM
bined with a training In art
Found Right Job at Last
Questioner--"It seems to me. Miss
Speer, as though you had hit upon
bent of your genius which will give
you a much larger income and greatly
widen the enjoyment Of your life II
late b. Morris Magill died Of pneumonia
at his home on Monday, after short
illness. Born in this city January II,
1871 Mr. Magill, a yardmaster was an