Educating the Young

The first year of the New Albany Kindergarten has come to a close and for a work so new and untried in this community the success has been remarkable. This is the first philanthropic work that has been organized for the "wee little ones" of our city. It is a forming, not a reforming, agency, and has for its aim the cultivation of the head, the hands, and the heart of children too young for the public schools.. Through the kindness of the School Board, the pleasant, sunny rooms, Ninth and Oak streets, were furnished rent free. The Louisville Association sent to our assistance three teachers from the Normal Training Class.... Eighty-nine children have come under the wholesome homelike influence during the year. These have been from all classes. Many of our best citizens have sent their children and contributed to the support of the work. Others who have appreciated the advantage but unable to pay have been allowed to enter their children free. And still others have been of the neglected class, who have been clothed and ministered to in many loving thoughtful ways.... ...Can we not broaden out the work this coming year and make its influence felt in a larger number of homes? If it could be made free for all what a boon it would be to tired, overworked mothers and fretful children who get into mischief because their little hands have no better employment. It would also help to solve the question of how to decrease the hoodlum element of the city.