New Britain herald., 1928-05-26

Mrs. r. G. Platt, was superintendent of the City Mission. It was decided to organize a sewing school and the place of meeting chosen was the The first meeting was held on Octo- Der 23. 1909 with 29 girls and 12 teachers present. Miss Theresa Ste dry. whom Mrs. Platt secured from the Schauffler school in Cleveland, was the first supervisor. The girls were taught about e5 different stitches in sewing as well as songs. hymns and Bible verses. A similar type Of program with some varia- tions has been followed through the years since. The school soon out grew the Cherry street quarters and was transferred to the ground floor of the Methodist church where it has remained to the present time. The pupils meet for one hour a i week. About half the time is given to the sewing and the other half to program of songs. stories, verses and prayer. The program themes vary from week 10 week. Some of the subjects which have been used are: "Cieaning Up the House." Per sonal Cleanliness" Kindness, p Service" "Obedience," Respect ing the Rights and Property of others" Love for all Nationalities and Races"-in word-qualities which make for a well rounded Christian character. The girls en- joy singing and look forward to the stories, and by these means many helpful lessons which relate to their daily lives are taught.
 The method Of teaching the sew ing is good one and came original 1 ly from the Schauffler school The 1 simpler stitches such as the hasting stitch and the running are taught by l having the pupils follow lines drawn in some fancy shape. such as q clover leaf, candy box. etc. Other articles which the girls enjoy mak- ing are dolls cushions. pin holder dolls apron, needlework. duster large apron. etc. All practica stitches used in plain sewing art taught: basting. running stitch | hemminC, ovcrcastinr, alarming {, French scanning. etc. When pupils
 have finished the 80 required piece
 of hand sewing. they arc graduated
 10 the class in sewing machine work | Fifteen were thus promoted th
 year, They make aprons, gown. slips and the like by machine.
 ! The pupils who register represen 1G or IS different nationalitics. A
 one would expect they are mostl girls although a few boys, apparent ly ambitious to become taiiors. al tend. For the whole period Of years the enrolment has been owe 30 and the attendance between s and 11o. The work is sponsored b the Woman's Home Missionary go ciety Of the Methodist church. Tn admission for the children is tn very small sum of one penny weei This helps 10 pay for some of tn materials used.
 In the 19 years Of the sewin schools existence more than 10
 women have given their time an
 service in teaching. Among thos who have directed the work ar
 Miss Theresa Stedry. Miss Emm Hutner. Miss Mary Brehovsky. Mis- Estelle Dickinson, Miss Margars Crawford. and Miss Gladys ShaleI The staff of teachers and worker
 fer the past year was as follows
 Mrs. Lillie Stotts, Mrs. r. E. Rack life, Mrs. William Nichols, Mir Hollis J. Foster. Mrs. r. A. Schaefe
 Mrs. w. II. Thompson. Mrs. F.. Wheeler. Miss Clara Powell. Mrs.
 M. Coutant. Mrs. George Hahn. Mis
 Muriel Stockwcll. Mrs. Charle Francis Mrs. J. H. Ginns, Mrs. Ell.
 worth A. Sheldon. Mrs. II. C. Dot
 little. Mrs Benton Parker, Mrs. C. l Edwards, Mrs. David Penny. Mrs.
 ]. Elton. Miss Charlotte Grococl
 Miss Irene Fredericks. Miss Muri
 E,llmnrs. Miss Shirley Green and Mi. Gladys Shalcr.
 Mrs. r. F.. Rackliffc was one ( the teachers when the school fir
 started and has been an active an
 enthusiastic worker each year. Sll
 is the only one of the original tea cl
 ing staff now ngaged in the worl
 Occasionally mothers meetings a'
 held in order that teachers an
 mothers may become acquainted.
 order to assure the mothers Of tr
 intnrc-t or thc staff in thcm an