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CHAPTER 9. Walk Together, Children
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87 CHAPTER IX Walk Together Children1 H ere in the city of Cleveland the most civic-minded and unselfishelementsoftworaceshaveworkedtogetherfortwentynine years to build and maintain an institution which, while it ministers primarily to Negroes, has improved the cultural and economic conditions of the whole city by eradicating evils which were preying upon both colored and whites, by nurturing mutual sympathy between the two races, and, above all, by demonstrating that the only efficient method of dealing with a submerged minority is not the paternalistic method of working for it, but the democratic spirit of working with it. The first member of the white race to become a part of our undertaking was the woman whose memory we gratefully perpetuate in the Sarah C. Hills Training School.2 Mrs. Hills’ active interest lasted as long as she lived. It was she who introduced me to the Women’s Missionary Board of the Second Presbyterian Church.3 To this group I described our projects and won the interest of its members. Then, again through her influence, I spoke before the Presbyterian Missionary Society of Cuyahoga County4 and so stirred the sympathetic interest of the members that they undertook a broader interpretation of my work to many other groups of the white race. The women of Boulevard Presbyterian Church5 pledged themselves to make all the curtains for our new home. Mrs. Hills became my early counselor, sponsor, and guide, 88 Chapter IX introducing me to those whose interest I might win, restraining my enthusiasm when it seemed excessive and imprudent, urging me forward when I seemed to be moving in the right direction. To her I owe my discipline and training in the handling of finances. When she became President of Phillis Wheatley, it was my habit to go over the accounts with her every month, checking and auditing the books. Once, I remember, there was a shortage of fifty cents; and the most careful search did not reveal the reason for the shortage. “Miss Hunter,” said she, “that fifty cents will have to come out of your pocket.” On another occasion, when we were unable to establish a balance because of a trifling sum on the credit side, and I would have added the small amount to the treasury, she was just as business-like. “No, Miss Hunter, that is not good bookkeeping. You will have to take the surplus.” How much I owe to her rigorous training in accountancy! At this time I was actively engaged in my profession. While on a case I drafted a letter which I hoped would prove satisfactory to all concerned. The following letter to prospective donors was my first attempt to make a public appeal: WORKING GIRLS’ HOME ASSOCIATION Miss J. Edna Hunter, Pres., 2167 East 76th Street Miss L. R. Bailey, secretary J. S. Hall, Treasurer cleveland Dear Madam: After six years of study and thorough investigation, I have gotten at the root of the domestic problem involving the working girls and their inefficiency of service in well-governed and systemized homes. I found that lack of interest, ambition, training, and association is due largely to this trouble, which, perhaps, you and thousands of women have had to endure. It is apparent that the time has come when something must be done to eradicate this evil. [35.168.113.248] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 13:42 GMT) Walk Together Children 89 The persons whose names appear on this letterhead believe that the only solution of this condition would be a Home Association where these women might have pure and pleasant surroundings when out of employment; a place where they be taught the art of housekeeping, the technics of hygiene, the beauty in personal neatness, the importance of loyalty, etc. The object of this Board is to establish just such a place and to have the above mentioned subjects taught. We are endeavoring to raise means by which we intend to lift the standards of working girls. It is earnestly hoped that you will co-operate with us in some way to help make this work a success. My good friend felt that this letter as drafted, going directly to sympathetic people from me, would have a stronger appeal than any which she might compose. Although there was delay in getting the organization started, the interest of my people grew stronger and stronger. Now it became my duty to harmonize these interests and unite these two dreams—the purposes and desires of my people and...