REPORT ON SETTLEMENT WORK

The Report of the Social Service Secretary of Phillips Brooks House shows that the past year has been one of steady progress in its field of activity. In the beginning, one should consider the significance not merely of the actual work accomplished, but of its great value as a means of broadening the views of the undergraduate concerning his relation to his fellow men.

There are many distinct departments of the work, which naturally deserve separate treatment. The total number of Settlement Houses which have been assisted by Harvard men is 39, an increase of 3 over last year.

Entertainment troupes compose one of the most appreciated of the various activities. The settlements have entertainments occasionally, and either a part or the whole of the performance is often furnished by members of the University. This year 26 entertainments have been provided at 18 different places. All of these with one possible exception have been highly successful and have been received enthusiastically by the audiences. One more entertainment was given than last year.

The fall clothing collection, which was in charge of H. L. Nash '16, was the largest to date. The one taken this spring under R. Meade's direction was equally favorable, with the exception of books and magazines. The clothing collected was sent to ten institutions.

More men have been engaged in boys' club work than ever before. The total number amounts to 189, an increase of 37 over last year. The term a man works varies from 3 to 22 weeks. A large number of men, however, keep their classes during the whole year, and several have returned to the same house for the second or third year. This indicates the interesting character of this work.

There are over 400 men in all taking active part in social service work, and 200 more who take part occasionally, making a total of 600. The good which such a large number of men can accomplish later on as a result of the beginnings made at college can hardly be overestimated.

To keep everything moving, superintendents have been appointed to take charge of districts of some five houses. The committee this year has been composed of: Chairman, S. S. Otis '14, H. Atkinson '15, R. Ayres '15, P. Blackmur '15, H. A. Murray '15, W. H. Trumbull, Jr., '15, and J. D. Winslow '14. For next year H. A. Murray '15 will be chairman of the superintendents.

There have been 130 men who have had weekly teaching appointments, a gain of 6 over last year. The majority of these have helped at the Prospect Union, the Cambridge Social Union, and the Cambridge Y. M. C. A. P. H. Stafford '14 has had charge of those teaching at the latter place.

The Juvenile Court work has been directed by E. K. Carver '14. This year 9 men were engaged in it as compared with 18 a year ago.

P. Bradley '16 has successfully directed the home libraries. Next year, W. Wilcox, Jr., '17 will have charge of this department.

Speakers have been provided for many institutions. H. Francke '15 sent out 20 men in the first half year, while Arthur Beane has also sent out a number of men.

The Social Service Pamphlet, published by the committee describing its work, has had a wide circulation and has been found very useful elsewhere.

The committee has held two conferences in addition to three Social Service dinners. These have been of great value in cementing the work together and in facilitating the exchange of helpful ideas.

Co-operation has been instituted between Phillips Brooks House and the Boston Social Union, organized for the purpose of uniting all the settlement work of the city.

L. Saltonstall '14, the Social Service Chairman for this year, has done much to further the success of the work by his interest and activity in its behalf.