ntertainment. Here the
wage-earner at the fair could bring her little child, leaving it
with the same cheerful confidence. This also was the haven for
lost children who were brought there by the police or by members
of the Jefferson Guard, and here were they found by their
distracted parents, or from here they were sent to their own
abodes under safe escort.

The care of lost children began on June 6, when the first lost
child was brought to the playground. The system of caring for
lost children was as follows: Lost children found by members of
the Jefferson Guard or the police were brought to the Model Play
Ground, according to orders received from headquarters. Every
child brought in was recorded, and an aluminum tag bearing a
certain number was attached to each. They were cared for and
entertained, and had all the privileges accorded to children who
were registered by their parents. After being recorded they were
handed over to the matron to be washed and fed and given all
necessary attention. They were then induced to join groups of
other children of their age. As a rule they quickly forgot their
sorrows in play. They were not permitted to leave the playground
until called for or sent home. If not called for they were
escorted to their homes, or, in case of children of sufficient
age and intelligence, to the car by the attendants of the
playground. Parents inquiring for lost children were directed to
this place by guards and police. If the child had not yet been
brought in, the inquirer was informed the child would be taken
care of. The telephone and electric service proved of great
assistance. The ages of lost children ranged from 2 to 13 years.
The system kept track not only of those who were brought in, but
also of those who were reported lost, and the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition should have credit for a "lost children system" so
complete that children separated from parents or escorts were
restored to them in every case. "The method used for the care of
lost children is the most complete and far-reaching system that
has yet been devised for the use of any world's fair." (World's
Fair Bulletin, September, 1904.)

Mrs. Hirschfield gave the following gratifying statement in her
September report:

"The $5,000 appropriated by the board of lady managers has