Home for Women Concert, Recitation, and Tableaux

“Interesting Exercises at the ‘Home’ in Houston Street.—A number of ladies and gentleman, comprising the managers and those interested in the Home for Women, 22 West Houston Street, met at that institution last evening, for the purpose of exercises by the inmates, consisting of singing, recitations, tableaux, etc. The entertainment took place in the parlors, the guests occupying seats in the front parlor, the girls being in the backroom, the folding-doors serving in place of a ‘drop’ curtain. The exercises opened by the singing of a hymn by the ‘family,’ at the conclusion of which A.R. Wetmore, Esq., made a short address, in which he gave a brief history of the institution; all the material facts in connection with which were recently published in the Sun, with the exception of the expenditures for the last year, which amounted $8,000. Then followed a dialogue between two young women, entitled ‘The False Position.’ One of these young persons rendered her part exceedingly well, and exhibited a superior degree of refinement and intellectual ability. Several girls followed with songs and recitations, which were highly appreciated by the audience. Two very interesting tableaux were then given, in which the ‘work [sic] of the House’ and the ‘Amusement of the House’ were delineated. The first consisted of groups of girls, some of whom were in the act of washing; others ironing, sprinkling clothes, sewing, bookfolding, scrubbing, etc. When the doors opened, they were all at their various duties but as still as statues. The second tableau consisted of groups of girls engaged in the ‘Amusements of the Home,’ playing checkers, cards, dominoes, reading, etc. At the conclusion of those exercises several addresses were made by various gentlemen interested in the cause, in which it was announced that the inmates were not Magdalenized, or Institutionized, not dressed in checks—all alike—but were treated and respected as women. An appeal was made to the benevolent for funds to increase the usefulness of the work in which the directors are engaged by building a larger institution so that every poor tempted one who applies for admission may be accommodated. Donations of books were asked, the present library, consisting chiefly of biographies, which the girls do not especially care to read. The company then separated highly pleased with the entertainment they had witnessed, the girls expressing their satisfaction for the interest taken in them. The latter were all very nicely dressed, and declared that they felt much happier since they had been at ‘bookfolding’—a new business introduced into the institution.”