MARY MARGARETTA MANNING, Chairman.
MARY PHELPS MONTGOMERY.
EMILY S.G. HOLCOMBE.
It was the earnest wish of some of the members of the board, at a very early period of its existence, to establish and maintain, if possible, a day nursery or crèche on the exposition grounds, in order that suitable provision might be made for children whose parents might wish to have them cared for during the day, and thus afford to those whose time and means were extremely limited an opportunity to see as much of the exposition in as brief a space as possible. Ways and means were frequently discussed, but the absence of funds and the uncertainty of the action of the company in regard to substantial aid were sources of much anxiety and delay. Estimates were obtained of cost of building, however, plans were drawn ready for work to be begun the first practicable moment, and all information as to best methods and equipment was secured, in order that no time might be lost should it later be found possible to proceed with the enterprise. The idea was viewed with much favor by both the president of the Exposition Company and the director of exhibits, and it was hoped the Exposition Company would regard this as one of the "suggestions" from the board which President Francis had said the executive committee would "take under serious consideration," but on the 15th of August, 1903, President Francis wrote to the president, Mrs. Blair:
My idea is that we should not permit any one State to have charge of these day nurseries. I think the board of lady managers should have entire charge, and hope they will be able to raise the money without making inroads on the treasury of the Exposition Company.
Subsequently, however, the Exposition Company agreed to appropriate $35,000 for the purpose of erecting the building, but later granted a concession for a similar enterprise on the grounds. When the board eventually obtained its appropriation of $100,000 it was thought that the work might be begun immediately, but as some misunderstanding had arisen in the minds of the members as to the terms of the original proposition of the one who was to conduct the crèche for the board, upon close investigation it was found that, whereas in the first place it had been represented that the crèche would be self-sustaining, it now became evident that the plan had grown beyond all anticipated or intended proportion, and that instead of being self-supporting the board would be called upon for unlimited and unreasonable outlay.
As all the members had become greatly interested in the project, they felt keenly disappointed when it became evident that it would be necessary to abandon the undertaking. Desiring, however, to take some part in this useful work, and being informed that the concession that had been granted for a similar purpose was in need of funds to enable it to employ additional nurses and make it possible to care for more children, on July 14, 1904, at their midsummer meeting, the board passed the following resolution:
Be it resolved, That the board of lady managers set apart, and turn over, to the persons in charge of the Model Play Ground, Nursery, and Lost Children work the sum of $5,000 to assist in carrying on these projects on the exposition grounds.
Mrs. John M. Holcombe was made chairman of the committee having this appropriation in charge, and her final report is as follows:
The members of the board of lady managers were from the beginning of their organization deeply interested in the need of caring for little children at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and various plans were under consideration at an early date.
To have a model crèche was the desire of the president and members of the board, and it was with great satisfaction that arrangements were made for a very perfect equipment.
A practical philanthropy in full working order would prove also an exhibit of the most approved and up-to-date methods—at once a charity, an example, an inspiration.