Annual Report Of The Sewing School

Muy 29th closed i he year of the Sewing Schoo!. We began our school Oct. 21, with forty-tive children, the number gradual]}' ncreased until we uuiubered ninety. The year has been the most prosperous since we iutrodueed Bewing in '88, in work done, and alsoin regular attendence of teachers and scholars. We have thirteen teachers and three assistants. The Superinteudent n the cutting departnient, Miss Marshall, has been ill most of the year but she has kindly remembered us by doing the work at home and seudiug it to our looms. We are also indebted to many ladies of the city lio have basted work for ns. We have had less rnoney given us, bnt owing to the generosity of our merchants in giving material, we have distributed more garments than in previous years, having used several hundred yards of factory, ginghams, flanneis, etc. Our largest eoiitribution was írom Mr. Cuttii), wlio sent us a donation which we valued at twenty dollars. ïhis was especially welcome, as our treasury was ■very low and we feared we would be obliged to close the school. Surely, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." We have received aiil from Messrs. Keech and Babcock, also Mesdames Bradshaw, King, Keech, Fuller, Walker Zimmerman and others. Miss McMonegal gave us a benefit in March, but owing to the very stormy night, the receipts were suiíill. For the íirst time in many years we have received no help from the churches. This school is for the benefit of those who need our help; this work is done by a faithful few, and we feel that we ftught to receive a donation, at least once a year from every church in Ann Arbor. Could we look for this, we would not be constantly asking for donations from a few individuals. AVho will be the first to assist us in the fall? At Christmas time we made 108 children happy by giving them a banquet, friends sending in provisious, fruit, nuts, candy, and ice cream. We introduced a new feature in the school this year by having one day in each month called Mother's Day, and inviting all our friends, and especially the mothers of the children, thereby creating an interest in the school and aJso an opportunity of selling some of the garments, thus increasing our treasury iv tri Ie. We are especially indebted to Mr. Beal and to Mr. Godfrey for the use of our rooms free. Were it not for them, we would not be able with our limited means, to carry on the school. AVe also tliank the press for the many items they have given us in regard to the school. During the summer we hope to be remembered witli donations of money, material to make up, and garments o distribute. Our prosperity .and continuence of the school depends on the generosity of our Ann Arbor friends. Mviii.DA S. lïiiowx, Superintendent.