Guilford College - Quaker Yearbook (Greensboro, NC)

Page 14 text:

THE Q UAlbCELF the Guilford College Graded School for the children of the neighbor- hood has been no less than her interest in the broader fields of educa- tional activity. The beauty of the grounds and the conveniences about the building are due in a large measure to her kindly solicitude and care. Besides being actively and forcefully concerned in the educational fa- cilities of the community and State, she has long been regarded as one of the leading women in the Society of Friends in the United States. As such she has frequently responded to calls for papers and addresses before the most notable conferences and gatherings of Friends in this country. Her fine literary style, clear and incisive utterances, together with her sane, logical mind and clear judgment, have won for her a warm place in the hearts of all who have heard her. Few of the mem- bers of the Society of Friends in America know more of the history, or have a keener insight into the beliefs and doctrines of Friends than Mrs. Hobbs. The most commendable work of Mary Hobbs. as with all women who succeed in the undertaking, has been the maintenance of a hospitable and attractive home. Here she created an atmosphere that was invit- ing not only to her large circle of friends, but genuinely pleasant and satisfying to her daughter and sons. Here have gathered from time to time rich and poor alike, mingling together in the most cordial demo- cratic spirit to share her gracious hospitality. As a neighbor and friend Mrs. Hobbs will stand under the most rigid test. As a neighbor she is sociable, thoughtful, kind, and helpful: as a friend she is gracious, frank, obliging, and sincere. Those who have known her as students of the college will owe to her an eternal debt of gratitude for her kindly interest in their welfare; the entire community can never repay her for her faithful and unselfish ser- vices: what she has accomplished outside the college and beyond the environs of the immediate community will be spoken of as an ever- lasting memorial.

Page 13 text:

THE ( UAlbCER. ities for the young women of North CaroHna, and especially that suit- able arrangements be made at Guilford College for the accommodation of those who were unable to bear the expense of a college training. As a result the Girls Aid Committee of North Carolina Yearly Meeting was organized, and what later became known as the cottage system was established for the accommodation of these worthy girls. As chairman of this committee Mrs. Hobbs made possible the attendance at Guilford College of hundreds of young women from all sections of the State to whom, otherwise, the collage portals would have remained forever closed. As the success of this enterprise was established and the con- cern grew upon her and her associates in the work, the need of an ade- quate dormitory for these girls was laid before the Yearly Meeting and the friends of the college. As a result, through the untiring efforts of Mrs. Hobbs, after almost seemingly insurmountable difficulties had been overcome, the task was accomplished, and an excellent brick building, modern in every convenience, with kitchen and spacious dining hall and dormitory accommodations for fifty girls, was completed in 1907. By this method hundreds of girls, who otherwise must have endured intellec- tual starvation, have received a good education, and by it many other hundreds yet to come will be prepared for life and for service in the world. Verily behind the steps of Mary M. Hobbs will rise flowers that will bless her for having blessed them, and will love her for having loved them. Furthermore, Mrs. Hobbs was among the first to realize the neces- sity of establishing a State school where young women might have the same opportunities for education that the young men enjoy at the Agri- cultural College and the State University: and she petitioned the Legis- lature in the matter. Soon thereafter the State Normal and Industrial College was established at Greensboro. And Mrs. Hobbs was always regarded by Dr. Mclver, its first president, as one of its staunchest friends and most valued supporters. Although she taught no classes at Guilford College, her presence on the campus and the delightfully instructive and scholarly addresses given by her from time to time are remembered with great delight by every student of the institution. Her unanimous election as an honor- ary member of the Guilford Alumni Association is only a feeble token of the great love and esteem in which she is held by the members. Her gracious manner, with kindly words of encouragement and motherly in- terest have been a veritable balm to the soul of many who might other- wise have fallen by the wayside. The interest of Mrs. Hobbs in the establishment and maintenance of

Page 15 text:

THE ( U A.lbCEL Alma Mater 0. Gentle Mother, as now we must, loving thee, leave thee. How strong and how close are we held in thy tender embrace! Our hearts overflow when we think, when we know.— that our journey. Shall soon,— in our turn, bear us far from thy beautiful face. Thou hast watched o ' er us in tender and loving compassion. And many the faults by thy care hast thou charmed away. In virtue and wisdom and honor thou hast labored to fashion, And make us in deed and in word to be worthy of thee. In years that shall come.— that we ' ve longed for.— thy kind admonitions Shall guide us. all truly, in peace through the world ' s fiercest storm. One thought of thee and thy ways shall quench strongest temptations And thy gentle might and great soul shall defy every harm. Here would we offer to thee. Gentle Mother, our lives ' true devotion. Long in the heart of our hearts let us hear thy sweet voice. In mountain or valley, on plain or on hill-top. by river or ocean. Wherever we dwell. — may the ways thou hast taught be our choice.