The Republican journal., 1919-05-29
The Children's Aid Society
Held Its Annual Meeting at the Girls
Home in This City.

The annual meeting of the Children's
/ Aid Society of Maine was held May goth
and the only changes were that of Nor
man. Staples elected on the real estate
committee in place of S. G Norton, de-
ceased, and Mrs. j. w. Manson of Pitts
field, vice president in place of Miss M.
w. Fairfield of Saco, resigned.
The Journal prints with pleasure the
full report of Mrs. Anne A. Craig, it's
competent secretary and Field superin-
tendent. Mrs Craig brings to her work
not only genuine love OF children, but
| also business tact and vast amount of
energy. 1t would be difficult to find her
equal in Maine.
Officers and members of the Children's
Aid Society of Maine:
The annual meeting is not matter of
form merely, it marks a time when we
pause in our work for backward glance
over the year, reviewing its problems, its
discouragements, its successes, and learn
ing from it how better to meet the COM
ing year, Swallowed, as it must needs be
with difficulties, but bright also with
hopes and possibilities which challenge US
to make them realities.
This past year has had its full share of
hlndrances and perplexities 1t was sad
dened at the beginning by the recent loss
of our long time secretary, Mrs. Eliza
beth B. Bracket, who had given unstint-
eddy of her life and thought to the work
of our Society. And now, at it's close,
the year is marked by the resignation of
Mr.. and Mrs M. Neil who for ten years
have presided over the house and the
farm, always welcoming graciously every
friend who came to see the Home or the
children. The choice of new matron
was not an easy matter. After long
search we were most fortunate in finding
and engaging Mrs. Addie X. Fletcher of
Monticello. Under her efficient manage
ment life at the Home is moving on
smoothly and happily for all.
Miss Shibles who hau been house-keep-
er during the winter, was leaving with
Mrs. Mcneil, so her place also had to be
filled For a time Mrs. Eva Wing very
acceptably held this position, but she
could not remain permanently, and now
Mr.. and Mrs. Fred Greer are taking charge
OF the farming and house keeping, COM
mencing this week. Many of our mem
bers have long been eager to try the re-
suits of more extensive cultivation of the
farm, and that is one aim of the coming
year: under the skilled man cement of
Mr.. Greer, it should be a success
At the beginning of this year we had
" girls under our care. We have ad-
mltted ten new ones, and have sent out
II, leaving Is now i'll the Home
Three left US, having passed the age of
10, Two are homes w here tho e., lilo,
have agreed to care for them till thew are
of age. One, of Catholic parentage was
at our request received into Catholic in
shtutlon. Six are in foster homes or
working homes, where they are attending
school, and helping with housework One
is In school-home, and four are already
adopted o. are very soon to be so. These
tour are in most desirable places, and
seem to have won their way to the hearts
OF their adopted families. One IS in
Searsport, one in Washington, Me, and
two in New York. 1t is pleasant to hear
OF them such messages as this, ''she is
lovely GIRL" or this, "she is very happy.
and is certainly enjoying her new environ
ment very much. She fits right in, and
there is not jar anywhere"
OF the six in foster homes, at least
four are exceptionally fortunate in their
surroundings, and it seems quite probable
that they will remain permanently. In
placing these girls, the secretary has been
to Bangor, Stockton, Washington, Au-
gusta, Brunswick, Revere and Boston.
The management of the Maine c. ntral
Railroad has been extremely kind, grant
ing passes promptly whenever it has been
necessary to travel with the children.
Last summer nine of our girls worked
during some part of the season, either
helping with housework or with the care
OF children. On the whole this proved a
successful experiment. The girls gained
experience and practical knowledge, and
were kindly treated
Our average number at the Home dur
ing the year has been II. They are in
the main happy, lovabe group.
Through the kindness of friends -holi-
days have been made festive occasions
1t would have interested any of you to
have seen the children at the Thanks /
giving dinner-t table, or around the Christ