A brief history of Peoria - University Library

28. .PEORIA
Secretary. The g-yinaasium fees meet the salary of a Physical
Director, the Lunch Department not only pays for itself but is a
scarce of revenue to the Association, hence we only call upon the
business men of our city to furnish us funds sufficient to pay the
rent of a building and its equipment, such a structure to stand for
the highest and truest womanhood of this city.
We truly believe that no organization in this city from a business
standpoint accomplishes as much for the same amount of
money expended, $2,000 per year. A careful and conscientious
Board of Managers uses the funds placed in its hands in the most
judicious way.
Are you reaching the class of young women you desire to reach ?
is another question often asked. Our answer is; just as long as one
young woman in this city is receiving help from this Association,
which she would not otherwise receive, whether she be rich or poor,
learned or ignorant, Christian or non-Christian, just so far, are we
reaching the class we desire to reach. We recognize the equality
of young womanhood with character as a standard for each and all.
Any young woman of the city of good moral character is privileged
to become a member of this Association and enjoy the advantages
offered to all.
The aim of our work is four-fold. The symmetrical development
of young womanhood through three channels, all of which
converge to the one great source of all, the spiritual development of
young womanhood.
The first is the physical, that the young women may understand
that this is a day when they must be strong in body to do the work
assigned them in the world. A gymnasium is equipped, in order
that we may have the apparatus needed for the best results, A
Physical Directress, who thoroughly understands her work, stands
at the head of this department and twice each week, the young
women meet to expand their chests, straighten their backs, enlarge
their muscles and redden their cheeks.
The second department is the social, to provide a wholesome
atmosphere in the rooms, where girls can meet as girls—having
thrown about them all the influences that tend to culture and refinement.
Socials are held twice each month, practical
many times we have interesting and instructive
subjects of travel, history, art and literature.
talks are given,
addresses upon
The great social feature which may not at first thought, seem to
come under this head is the Lunch Room, where many young
women come each day to obtain in a quiet homelike place, a simple
well cooked luncheon, daintily served for a reasonable price.
The noon hour is then spent in the Rest Room, at the Reading
Table, or chatting in the parlors, just as each one chooses.
The third department is the Educational which aims to offer a
systematic course of study with competent teachers, for 20 weeks of
the year. During the past year classes have been maintained as
follows : Arithmetic, reading circle, French, German, bookkeeping,
shorthand, choral, instrumental, cooking, fancy work, mandolin and
guitar. Any young woman who has little time to pursue the studies
she desires, under the instruction of a teacher one hour each week,
with some work at home, can secure lasting results.