Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/464

 448 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

underlying spirit is different. The women form a circle of the Needlework Guild of America, and call themselves the "Visiting Nurses' Auxiliary," although only three of its members are nurses. It meets regularly once a week and makes hundreds of women's and children's garments during the year. These are carefully stored in the basement until November, when the San Francisco branch of the Needlework Guild of America holds its open exhibition of articles collected during the year and votes them to the various charities. The Visiting Nurses' Auxiliary has viewed with pride its own substantial contributions, and its store is voted to the poor outside its own district. Miss Briggs always receives collections from other sections of the Needle- work Guild of America, and in time these garments often find themselves in the homes of the very women who have plied their needles so diligently to help others more needy than them- selves. This sewing circle has made great strides of advance since its organization four years ago. At first it obtained all its materials for garments from donations ; but in a short time it was not content to be so dependent, and formed a plan of pur- chasing its own goods. Each member now pays ten cents a month dues, and the circle gives a semi-annual entertainment at some public hall, with an admission price of ten cents. The talent is secured from all parts of the city, and the proceeds furnish sufficient material to keep the Visiting Nurses' Auxiliary busy throughout the year. During its first months Miss Briggs furnished both the tea and cake which close each weekly sew- ing; but then the women arranged that each member in turn should bring the cake and that they buy the tea out of the general fund.

At each meeting, while everyone is sewing, there is a short talk,nowarranged for by a college graduate who attends regularly. These addresses are by women and men from different pro- fessions. For instance, during the past year a charming Chinese woman doctor has given talks on her native land ; one of the probation officers from the juvenile court of Chicago has explained the evolution and working of that body; a noted woman suffragist has told the story of her life; a traveler from Brazil