The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1950-04-07


windows open and everything very neat The
& small. Some single and
double. At the end of the hall there is dormtory
where 10-14 girls are housed These two girls Gage
16 in September) proud of their home 1t is about
lunch time and we have yet to the basement. Here
housed the washing facilities ironing facilities
bathtubs showers, and in the other half rumpus
The girls do their laundry, and there is Bendx
to make it easier Upstairs again and the neat and
spotless kitchen and dining complete salts
faction to Round dining tables each seat four
girls Each cottage is complete living unit. Yes,
the cottage is large and comfortable home. More of
my atmosphere! 1t is good
The dinner bell and we go to tables. l sit at
table with Mrs. Steed, teachers and matron. The
girls stand and say simple and sweet grace in unison.
The meal is good. We have potatoes that have been
baked with srloin tips, gravy, peas rolls, milk,
and cookies
To handle the kitchen and dining room work the
girls have three months detail at which time they
serve and wash dishes and set and clear the tables.
After lunch the girls relax in the large living
before returning to classes. At such times as the
girls in the cottages the matron is always hand
and the choice of matron has been an important cog
in the smooth operation of the home.
At 1 80 p m. Mrs. Steel had to pick up of the
girls at the doctors office in town and she left
again to talk with the girls
Friend In Need
One of these girls in particular to tell
her experience She had been in the vocational school
before released, married and moved to Iowa. There
she became involved with the law and sentenced
to 10 years in the Iowa state pententiary She was
finally allowed to call Mrs. Steed She knew if it
humanity possible here friend who would help
her. Her hopes not in vain and immediate action
by Mrs Steed caused the girl to be paroled in her
custody. That the girl is grateful is natural but the
attitude of this girl true to all with whom talk
ed They all consider Elizabeth Steed their friend and
mentor Some of them told they sometimes got
mad at her when she camped down and "laid down
the law but there little lasting resentment. AS
a mother can feel little the latter
ton in the girls
Many Girls With Trying Problems
One thing must be taken into consideration in this
story. visited and did most of my talking to girls
who interested in talking to There girls
here with deep emotional problems There preg-
nan girls who at the moment little ray of hope
for the future. Most of these girls make valiant
tempt to keep their babies which under most circum-
stances is mpossbility Some of these girls did not
have happiness written all their faces. They had
suffering in their eyes, l did not approach them and
only of them talked to me. She to have
her baby, and she felt deep gratitude and admra-
ton for Mrs. Steed What l am trying to say is that
not say how all" the girls feel about Elizabeth
Steed. would not want to have someone tell me that
was wrong because all of the girls didn't feel the
same. That may be entirely possible. | spent six >
hours in the institution, free to who l want
ed had looking down my neck l could
have spoken to of the girls that had greater
problems, tried to keep them away from me,
but something inside revolted at what might seem
prying into an already painful burden for them and
couldn't do it.
A Job Is Being Done
There is splendid service being done by the per-
sonnet at the state vocational school for girls There
great emotional problems to be dealt with within
the girls themselves This is being handeled to the
limit of their time and strength by Mrs Steed and her
fine staff. futme psychiatrist will be employed
as one is available, and will be the greatest
help the present superintendent could have.
Often great praise does not react in per
sons favor. 1t is hard to keep from sounding pref
udced. Such is the position find myself in as
CARDS Elizabeth Steed. l had seen her before
my visit to the institution, had preconceived
idea to the type of person | was meeting She is
a personable woman-p observation-disclosures happy
Outspoken and sincere She exhubes a strength and
determination that | am extends itself to the
girls and is in good part responsible for her
with them. / imagine better type of person to
handle these girls, and yet spent only two hours with
her except for lunch AS think about it, what she
is makes the institution what it is. Her complete de-
votion to these girls and their acceptance of her lead
ershp is in the air, she is mother and advisor to 60
girls 1t completely smothers me to think of the job
she has to do therefore join the line of admirers
and thank God for people like Elizabeth Steed who
big enough for the job that needs to be done.
7 have here attempted TO imDart the hackpround