Life — June 3, 1915 — page 8: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

980 Our Fresh Air Fund IX 1887 Lire became impressed with the importance of summer vaca- tions for poor children and brought it before his readers, They responded so liberally that nearly $1,000 was raised in a few weeks, that summer, and more than 250 children were given outings. Since that time his friends and helpers have never failed, and last summer (1914) completed a rec- ord of over $150,000 collected and 36,769 vacations, A great advance came in 1891, when we opened our farm at Branch- ville, in the hills of western Con- necticut. It was the property of the late Edwin Gilbert, who afterward deeded it for Fresh Air purposes. Its fourteen acres afford ample play- grounds, The orchard and brook are favorite spots, and the ball-ground is also popular. The large house, barns and other outbuildings have been re- modeled as dormitories, dining rooms, ete, for children. Every fortnight during the summer parties of about 200 boys and girls are sent up for a two weeks’ outing. Branchville is fifty-three miles from New York, and railroad fare is a heavy expense. The increased cost of foodstuffs is also a serious problem where there are two hundred healthy appetites at every meal. Many of our guests have arrears of short rations to make up. Under careful management, the cost last summer was only $5.71 for each child for the entire two weeks, including transportation. This work is entirely dependent on the generosity of our friends, and we hope both new and old friends will help. The war has made such demands on the charitably inclined that we fear a deficit this summer, so we again make our appeal and hope our friends will do all they can for us. These children come from the city missions, the East Side and various “settlements” and poorer dis- tricts of Greater New York, and the effect on them of a full fortnight of ample food and pure country air is really surprising. They all want to come again, and no needy child is ever re- fused if room can be made. Caretakers are always with the chil- AT LIFES FRESH AIR FARM CHEERS FOR THE FLAG dren, In all our experience at the Farm, with more than 36,000 children, we have not yet had one serious acci- dent or more painful illness than re- sults from over appreciation of green apples. We will gladly agree to put to the best of uses the largest sum that any- one cares to give, but will also guar- antee a pro rata return for even the smallest donation—a safe return in health and happiness in little lives where joyous outings are rare. What- ever the amount you send, some child will get the money’s worth of vaca- tion, Your vacation may be expen- sive and be a failure, but that young- ster’s will not, and it won't cost as much as yours does, either. Won't you give him a lift?) Many things may be scarce, but there is no scarcity of children who need help. The matron will welcome donations of partly worn clothing for children of twelve and under. Their wardrobes, none too strong at best, are so used up with the strain of country life that some children scarcely have clothing to wear home, so contributions can be used to advantage. They will not be eaten by moths Remittances may be made payable to Lire’s Fresh Air Fund or Lire Pup- LIsHING Company, Acknowledgment is made in Lire about three weeks later, and by letter direct if address be given. STATEMENT. Included in the following statement will be found contributions received since last season's final acknowledgments: lance from season 1914. “Soonk" ... P Elizabeth, Scottie, Mary and pp oibert. Heights, Marbke $928.54 5 100 ‘ohn, head, Mass. 7.00 aes 1.00 indaigna 40.00 $.00 3.00 3.00 6.46 5.00 $0.00 iste Surges ACKNOWLEDGED WITH THANKS From Alex. Taylor & Co., Inc., New York Ci One pair tan athletic shoes Seven tennis racquets. One basket-ball net and iron frame. One exercising machine. One green coat. One red coat. Eleven corduroy coats. ight pairs corduroy trousers One khaki coat. Six fencing masks comicbooks.com