The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-09-26
'. W. [. 4. HOME LIFE Is DESCRIBED BY HOUSE SECRETARY
Mrs. Stradley Discussed the Work and the Excellent
 Board Controlling the Organization Here

Few people, compared to the size of Bir- mingham, realize the wonderful work be- ing accomplished by the Young Womens Christian Association in all it's branches.
 One branch which is perhaps not as well understood as the others is the home or dormatory which IS located on West Twentieth street, and in a most attractive brick building and houses many new and friendless young women when they first enter this city to teach or 20 into the business world.
 Mrs. J. D. Stradley is the house sec retary and no better fitted women could have been selected to have mothered these young women. Mrs. Stradley is an excel- lent representative of the true southern woman, with that charm of manner and personality which attract all classes of people Her keen sense of hunor and her mother heart makes her an ideal com panion and leader of young people. Mrs Stradley was visiting in the city, and it was then that the idea of taking up this work was presented to her by the board. Her young son, Edward Stradley, was then oversea in the midst of battle for his country. and the thought that this might be her bit while he was many miles away made her accept
 Mrs. Stradley loves the work, the girls love her and in fact is the type that the world loves to come in contact with She is so enthusiastic over the work that she just lives for 'ny girls"
 In speaking of the building, Mrs. Strad- lev said, ''You know, have worked with girls for twenty years. and just love them, and the life here has been most interest ing and congeniaL Of all the boards Of control have been associated with, and there are many, I think Birmingham has the most wonderful The women are all splendid and representative women, who have big hearts and a fine understanding of human nature, as well as excellent heads for the minute business details con- nected with running such an organization. The officers of the board are: President, Mrs James McLester; vice president, Mrs James Bowron; treasurer, Mrs. Merrill Northington, and secretary, Mrs. T. O.. smith"
 When asked how many girls the house could accommodate. she said: We have places for hinety-six to be very comfort able, but most of the time we are housing 1lS by placing them in alcoves and every where even my own room has an extra cot.
 ''You know we have most all business girls. and only few teachers, about four or six. I think. We wish that we could take more teachers, but they are really more able to secure homes than most ot our girls, because they get better saiarles' and of course we show preference to the young girls who receive the small pay and think that perhaps they are the ones who need us most in every way.
 'Board, that is a room either in the dor nlitory or a room alone, can be secured. with two good, well-prepared meals. for $l S6. 30 week. F f 4F
 Really. the girls get somewhat Of a hotel service-elevators. hot and cold water and a laundry in the basement where they may do their washing and many other things that make home life pleasant. ~.,
 "All young women who live here must