great and unknown expense pregnant with such
possibilities of loss and failure, and so, with the deepest
regret, the members of the board saw their cherished castle in
the air--the beautiful, useful creche--fade and disappear. Words
can hardly express the discouragements and heart sinking of the
members over this failure of their fond aspirations.

Mrs. Ruth Ashley Hirschfield opened her Model Play Ground on May
23, 1904. From the beginning it seemed to meet the requirements
in a simple but direct and effective manner. So successful was
it that soon the demands outgrew the accommodations, and the
possibilities of extending the work were such that Mrs.
Hirschfield welcomed the aid of the board of lady managers. Very
soon after the opening of the Model Play Ground the president
and members of the board became interested, realizing its needs
and possibilities, many of which had been carefully--even
affectionately--considered for a long period.

At the July meeting a committee was appointed to confer with
Mrs. Hirschfield, and the sum of $5,000 was appropriated for use
in the development and care of the Model Play Ground and Day
Nursery, and a special stipulation made regarding the care of
lost children. Arrangements were entered into as to times of
payment. Mrs. Hirschfield was to have the entire responsibility;
the board gave her their confidence and hearty support and five
monthly payments of $1,000 each.

Results proved the soundness of the theories, as well as the
administration of Mrs. Hirschfield, and no appropriation could
have been more advantageously applied.

It gives me the greatest satisfaction to report that the money
appropriated filled a distinct need and enabled Mrs. Hirschfield
to enlarge the scope and power of her work up to the very day
that the fair closed its doors on December 2, 1904. It seemed,
indeed, to meet every want, and no child was ever turned from
its hospitable doors. To this bright and happy spot parents
could bring their children, even wee babies, and be themselves
free to go unencumbered and enjoy the beauties and wonders
spread so lavishly before them and happy in the consciousness
that their little ones were receiving the tenderest care and
were undoubtedly enjoying the many comforts and attractions
provided for their welfare and e