Smyrna times., 1922-08-09
D0RMIT0RY ROOM At STATE
IBL|ND SHOP TO Be DOUBLED
TO INCREASE WEAVING CAPA-
CITY BY PURCHASING OF LOOM
New Addition Will Give Room For De-
velOpment-Child of Eight Years
Found With No Training

Found With No Training
Delaware Commission for the Blind
contributes the following concerning
its recent activities: One of the most
pleasing events in the history of our
Welfare Work was the picnic of the
blind. A large van was supplied by
Mrs. dupont and the blind gathered in
surprising force at The Blind Shop.
There were 27 active and energetic,
good-natured, joyous blind, ranging
from ten summers to eighty, and only
seven for guides, helpers and enter
tainment, who possess whole or par
tial vision. Seven of our best blind
workers were detained at home for un-
avoidable reasons. With these the
turn out would have been "a. All
these have been reconstructed through
industrial and literary incentive. 1t
was harvest of golden ears.
The party enjoyed a merry day, the
trip up and down the shores of the
Chesapeake was enlivened by song
and joke. Luncheon was served at l
o'clock and supper at at the bunga-
low of Mr.. Justis, which was very
kindly opened for this purpose. All
joined in bathing and fishing and had
social evening before the return at
9 o'clock. The picnic has been the
theme of much joyful talk by the
blind workers.
Two Rooms Added to Blind Shop
The proposed improvements to the
Blind Shop have all been completed.
This adds two splendid rooms for DOR
mitories with a capacity of six beds
each, which doubles the dormitory ca
pacity. The great improvement which
will take care of the prospects of the
living apartment for a number of
years, has all been paid for out of the
private resources of the Blind Shop
The fire escape has also been complet-
ed and is very efficient which ensures
the safety of the workers. The fire
escape is erected by direction of pub
lie authority. We are charging this
addition to our State Funds.
| To Purchase Reed Loom
As the two small looms are mucl
crowded with work it has been decid
ed to purchase a new Reed loom like
the old ones. Harry Yingling, of Dow
er, an efficient blind man, familiar
with all the work for the blind, ha!
been secured and he will operate ont
of these looms. The weaving of rug
by the blind is an important handi
craft. They do beautiful weaving ant
take great pains with the selvage AM
their work is very popular on accoun
of this care and attention.
Robert Loves Death MOurned
The loss of one of our most indus
trious and inspiring blind men ha
been a grevious blow in the loon
room. He was Robert r. Love, VIII
lost his sight some five years ago. A
soon as he left the hospital where hi
eyes were removed, first one then tn
other, he came Immediately to tn
Blind Shop and went to work on tn
loom. He was a most beautiful weaN
er and his stipend amounted to 500
to $1,000 per week, out of which h
supported his family and was cheerfl
and happy upon all occasions. He wa
deeply mourned by the blind at tt
shop, several of whom attended h
funeral services on the 22d inst. Flo
al offering was provided. Mr.. LoN
was a revelation to those searchin
for relief under a terrible handica
He was an inspiration and an incel
tive to all of the blind and was or
of the most beautiful cases that hs
ever come to the attention of tf
workers for the blind. The glory {
his reconstruction must forever indul
to the good of our cause for the upli
of the blind.
Blind Shop VS.. WOrkhOuse
The broom shop is doing beautifl
work under the supervision of NJ
Wyatt. Our Polish apprentice WI
started to learn handmade broom
less than four weeks ago, at this wri
ing has made two dozen double y
rattan shop brooms. This is Il
heaviest of brooms made for she
work and two dozen brooms is a j
for most experienced broom make
We plucked a young man off Il
streets who was idling in vagranC
= and told him he must either come
:, | xuorlr On On bopact ioh m. traveI nv,