OUR 1000th NUMBER.Theprinter has put a fourth figure to the number on the front page of this issue, and the Editor makes his bow to his faithful readers—of whom there must now be many millions—and congratulates them on having done their part, the most important of all, in bringing this magazine to so enviable a point in its history.To all girls who now read its pages, and to all who have read it in the past, he sends hearty greetings and offers his sincere thanks for their loyal support. Everyone works best when his labours are appreciated, and the Editor feels that he ought, at least, to have done well, for he has pursued his task accompanied by a constant chorus of friendliness and encouragement.The first idea ofThe Girl’s Own Papercame as a happy thought to the present Editor about twenty years ago, at a time when he was closely connected with the management of two other magazines long well known to the public.It appeared to him that there was a real want of a paper which girls could truly calltheir own: a paper which would be to the whole sisterhood a sensible, interesting and good-humoured companion, counsellor and friend, advocating their best interests, taking part in everything affecting them, giving them the best advice, conveying to them the best information, supplying them with the most readable fiction, and trying to exercise over them a refining and elevating influence.To meet this want he proposed the starting ofThe Girl’s Own Paperto the present proprietors. By them the suggestion was well received—indeed, they themselves had about the same time conceived the notion of a magazine for girls—but many doubts and difficulties were expressed as to the carrying of it out, which was natural, seeing the venture meant the sinking of a considerable amount of capital. At last, however, the decision to start the paper was arrived at and careful preparations were made for launching the first number on Saturday the 3rd of January, 1880.During the nearly twenty years which have elapsed since then the Editor has been aided in every possible way by the society who own the paper. They have enabled him to conduct it on the most liberal principles of expenditure, and the business management has been such as to make easy what at times might have proved burdensome. Also to the Editor-in-Chief of the Society’s magazines, Dr. Macaulay, the hearty thanks of the Editor are due for liberty of action and a great deal of kindly encouragement.The first number appeared on the Saturday we have just named. Success shone upon us from the very first, andThe Girl’s Own Paperat once and by general consent took a foremost place amongst the magazines of the day.Professional critics in the Press were generous, and said many a friendly word in our praise. The late George Augustus Sala elevatedThe Girl’s Own Paperto the position of “first favourite,” and in an encouraging notice expressed a hope that “all the girls” of Great Britain would subscribe, for he thought it would be greatly to their advantage.Much-valued approval and friendly letters of advice and help also came to us in these early days from Mr. John Ruskin, who, writing to a girl friend, said that he had ordered the paper to be sent to him regularly, and added, “Surely you young ladies—girls, I ought to say—will think you have a fair sixpenny worth.”But better and more important than even the praise of the critics was the appreciation of the girls themselves. Everywhere throughout the country, far away in the colonies, and up and down all over the world, we found we were being read, valued, and talked about by those for whose benefit the paper had been produced. Girls were unanimous in recognising the merits of this new friend and in letting it be seen thatThe Girl’s Own Paperwas to be henceforth a welcome and, indeed, indispensable visitor in all their homes. It was a great and gratifying success.The favour with which the paper was received has been continued up to the present time, and the Editor is in hopes that, by pursuing the course that has done so well hitherto, he will be enabled to retain it for many a day to come.No matter what a girl’s tastes or needs may be, on looking intoThe Girl’s Own Paper, she will sooner or later find what she is in want of. We are not going here to compile a list of the thousand and one subjects that have been treated of in our pages. It is enough to say that there is not a single topic of interest to girlhood to which our paper has not given, or is not going to give, attention. Whether a girl merely wants to read what will make the hours fly fast, or, what is more important, wants to know what will add to her value and usefulness, let her turn toThe Girl’s Own Paper. There never has been in this country, or indeed in any other, a storehouse of material by means of which girls can make the most of their lives, at all to be compared with it.A valuable feature of our paper has been the Answers to Correspondents, which have appeared with such regularity, and been read with such pleasure, ever since its commencement. The magnitude of this department, and its ceaseless flow of incoming letters, would surprise anyone admitted behind the scenes for the first time. In these answers, innumerable items of information have been given, countless criticisms have been ventured on, and an attempt has been made to solve a great many of the problems and difficulties that enter into the thoughts and lives of our readers.Letters have also been received daily, during these nineteen years and more, by the Editor, which have not been answered publicly in our correspondence columns, and these communications he has now much satisfaction in mentioning. They have come from girls in all parts of the world, and without exception have borne testimony to the usefulness ofThe Girl’s Own Paper. Not a few have told how it has had a good and wholesome influence on the minds of the writers, acknowledging in no measured terms that it has enabled them to lead wiser and better lives. And many a solitary girl has written how she has found it the best possible company, coming to her—and punctually too—with all the inspiring influence of a cheerful friend.Another feature not to be forgotten in the progress ofThe Girl’s Own Paperis to be found in the many competitions, by means of which we have from time to time tested the ingenuity, taste, accomplishments, skill, and perseverance of our readers. These have occasionally roused a remarkable degree of enthusiasm. In one of the most successful, we well remember, the papers came in such numbers, that the Post Office had to send a special van with them, and one sackful took four men to carry it upstairs.A large amount of money has, from first to last, been distributed amongst the winning competitors, and a great many certificates of merit have been granted to those who, whilst failing to get a prize, obtained a certain percentage of marks. These certificates have been much valued and not a few have been found serviceable as testimonials to painstaking and ability, when girls have had to make their way in the world.And not only have our readers received benefit themselves. Influenced, as the Editor knows them to have been, in the direction of true charity by the writings of some of our contributors, they have tried in their turn to be of service to others, and through the medium ofThe Girl’s Own Paperhave done much useful work for the community.They have, for example—at the suggestion of the Countess of Aberdeen,[3]who has ever taken great interest in the magazine, notwithstanding her high public and official positions—established a working girl’s home in London; also, they have re-established the Princess Louise Home for Girls, subscribing with touching readiness and liberality to each of these schemes in actual cash over a thousand pounds. They have besides made periodical grants of warm clothing for the poor, sent dolls in great numbers to brighten the dull hours of sick children in hospitals and in many other ways shown a good sisterly interest in those less happily circumstanced than themselves.The Editor has been assisted in his labours by a band of very willing workers—authors, musical composers, and artists—whose names are familiar to all our readers. Many of these have been associated with him from the commencement ofThe Girl’s Own Paperup to the present time—faithful, industrious, enthusiastic helpers, eager to give of their best and thoroughly in sympathy with the young.Some of our authors had already made their mark before they appeared in our pages; but others were unknown, and it is a great pleasure to the Editor to think that he has been the means of bringing into public notice not a few who are now universally acknowledged as writers of ability.But whilst surrounded by a tried staff, the Editor has made it a rule to welcome contributions—indeed, to invite them—from every quarter. If the topic be suitable, the writer well informed, and the manner interesting, no manuscript ever goes away rejected from the door of the Editorial Office. Amongst our occasional contributors may be seen the names of a queen, several princesses, and leading members of the nobility, and a great many more who have distinguished themselves in various lines of activity connected with the life and work of women and girls.The Editor is well aware that his readers would like to see the portraits of some of the tried and true friends who have given such devoted service. He therefore adds them here, and they form, he thinks, a fitting accompaniment to this notice of what has led up—in quite a marvellous manner, and by God’s blessing—to the publication of the presentThousandth Number of The Girl’s Own Paper.
OUR 1000th NUMBER.Theprinter has put a fourth figure to the number on the front page of this issue, and the Editor makes his bow to his faithful readers—of whom there must now be many millions—and congratulates them on having done their part, the most important of all, in bringing this magazine to so enviable a point in its history.To all girls who now read its pages, and to all who have read it in the past, he sends hearty greetings and offers his sincere thanks for their loyal support. Everyone works best when his labours are appreciated, and the Editor feels that he ought, at least, to have done well, for he has pursued his task accompanied by a constant chorus of friendliness and encouragement.The first idea ofThe Girl’s Own Papercame as a happy thought to the present Editor about twenty years ago, at a time when he was closely connected with the management of two other magazines long well known to the public.It appeared to him that there was a real want of a paper which girls could truly calltheir own: a paper which would be to the whole sisterhood a sensible, interesting and good-humoured companion, counsellor and friend, advocating their best interests, taking part in everything affecting them, giving them the best advice, conveying to them the best information, supplying them with the most readable fiction, and trying to exercise over them a refining and elevating influence.To meet this want he proposed the starting ofThe Girl’s Own Paperto the present proprietors. By them the suggestion was well received—indeed, they themselves had about the same time conceived the notion of a magazine for girls—but many doubts and difficulties were expressed as to the carrying of it out, which was natural, seeing the venture meant the sinking of a considerable amount of capital. At last, however, the decision to start the paper was arrived at and careful preparations were made for launching the first number on Saturday the 3rd of January, 1880.During the nearly twenty years which have elapsed since then the Editor has been aided in every possible way by the society who own the paper. They have enabled him to conduct it on the most liberal principles of expenditure, and the business management has been such as to make easy what at times might have proved burdensome. Also to the Editor-in-Chief of the Society’s magazines, Dr. Macaulay, the hearty thanks of the Editor are due for liberty of action and a great deal of kindly encouragement.The first number appeared on the Saturday we have just named. Success shone upon us from the very first, andThe Girl’s Own Paperat once and by general consent took a foremost place amongst the magazines of the day.Professional critics in the Press were generous, and said many a friendly word in our praise. The late George Augustus Sala elevatedThe Girl’s Own Paperto the position of “first favourite,” and in an encouraging notice expressed a hope that “all the girls” of Great Britain would subscribe, for he thought it would be greatly to their advantage.Much-valued approval and friendly letters of advice and help also came to us in these early days from Mr. John Ruskin, who, writing to a girl friend, said that he had ordered the paper to be sent to him regularly, and added, “Surely you young ladies—girls, I ought to say—will think you have a fair sixpenny worth.”But better and more important than even the praise of the critics was the appreciation of the girls themselves. Everywhere throughout the country, far away in the colonies, and up and down all over the world, we found we were being read, valued, and talked about by those for whose benefit the paper had been produced. Girls were unanimous in recognising the merits of this new friend and in letting it be seen thatThe Girl’s Own Paperwas to be henceforth a welcome and, indeed, indispensable visitor in all their homes. It was a great and gratifying success.The favour with which the paper was received has been continued up to the present time, and the Editor is in hopes that, by pursuing the course that has done so well hitherto, he will be enabled to retain it for many a day to come.No matter what a girl’s tastes or needs may be, on looking intoThe Girl’s Own Paper, she will sooner or later find what she is in want of. We are not going here to compile a list of the thousand and one subjects that have been treated of in our pages. It is enough to say that there is not a single topic of interest to girlhood to which our paper has not given, or is not going to give, attention. Whether a girl merely wants to read what will make the hours fly fast, or, what is more important, wants to know what will add to her value and usefulness, let her turn toThe Girl’s Own Paper. There never has been in this country, or indeed in any other, a storehouse of material by means of which girls can make the most of their lives, at all to be compared with it.A valuable feature of our paper has been the Answers to Correspondents, which have appeared with such regularity, and been read with such pleasure, ever since its commencement. The magnitude of this department, and its ceaseless flow of incoming letters, would surprise anyone admitted behind the scenes for the first time. In these answers, innumerable items of information have been given, countless criticisms have been ventured on, and an attempt has been made to solve a great many of the problems and difficulties that enter into the thoughts and lives of our readers.Letters have also been received daily, during these nineteen years and more, by the Editor, which have not been answered publicly in our correspondence columns, and these communications he has now much satisfaction in mentioning. They have come from girls in all parts of the world, and without exception have borne testimony to the usefulness ofThe Girl’s Own Paper. Not a few have told how it has had a good and wholesome influence on the minds of the writers, acknowledging in no measured terms that it has enabled them to lead wiser and better lives. And many a solitary girl has written how she has found it the best possible company, coming to her—and punctually too—with all the inspiring influence of a cheerful friend.Another feature not to be forgotten in the progress ofThe Girl’s Own Paperis to be found in the many competitions, by means of which we have from time to time tested the ingenuity, taste, accomplishments, skill, and perseverance of our readers. These have occasionally roused a remarkable degree of enthusiasm. In one of the most successful, we well remember, the papers came in such numbers, that the Post Office had to send a special van with them, and one sackful took four men to carry it upstairs.A large amount of money has, from first to last, been distributed amongst the winning competitors, and a great many certificates of merit have been granted to those who, whilst failing to get a prize, obtained a certain percentage of marks. These certificates have been much valued and not a few have been found serviceable as testimonials to painstaking and ability, when girls have had to make their way in the world.And not only have our readers received benefit themselves. Influenced, as the Editor knows them to have been, in the direction of true charity by the writings of some of our contributors, they have tried in their turn to be of service to others, and through the medium ofThe Girl’s Own Paperhave done much useful work for the community.They have, for example—at the suggestion of the Countess of Aberdeen,[3]who has ever taken great interest in the magazine, notwithstanding her high public and official positions—established a working girl’s home in London; also, they have re-established the Princess Louise Home for Girls, subscribing with touching readiness and liberality to each of these schemes in actual cash over a thousand pounds. They have besides made periodical grants of warm clothing for the poor, sent dolls in great numbers to brighten the dull hours of sick children in hospitals and in many other ways shown a good sisterly interest in those less happily circumstanced than themselves.The Editor has been assisted in his labours by a band of very willing workers—authors, musical composers, and artists—whose names are familiar to all our readers. Many of these have been associated with him from the commencement ofThe Girl’s Own Paperup to the present time—faithful, industrious, enthusiastic helpers, eager to give of their best and thoroughly in sympathy with the young.Some of our authors had already made their mark before they appeared in our pages; but others were unknown, and it is a great pleasure to the Editor to think that he has been the means of bringing into public notice not a few who are now universally acknowledged as writers of ability.But whilst surrounded by a tried staff, the Editor has made it a rule to welcome contributions—indeed, to invite them—from every quarter. If the topic be suitable, the writer well informed, and the manner interesting, no manuscript ever goes away rejected from the door of the Editorial Office. Amongst our occasional contributors may be seen the names of a queen, several princesses, and leading members of the nobility, and a great many more who have distinguished themselves in various lines of activity connected with the life and work of women and girls.The Editor is well aware that his readers would like to see the portraits of some of the tried and true friends who have given such devoted service. He therefore adds them here, and they form, he thinks, a fitting accompaniment to this notice of what has led up—in quite a marvellous manner, and by God’s blessing—to the publication of the presentThousandth Number of The Girl’s Own Paper.
T
heprinter has put a fourth figure to the number on the front page of this issue, and the Editor makes his bow to his faithful readers—of whom there must now be many millions—and congratulates them on having done their part, the most important of all, in bringing this magazine to so enviable a point in its history.
To all girls who now read its pages, and to all who have read it in the past, he sends hearty greetings and offers his sincere thanks for their loyal support. Everyone works best when his labours are appreciated, and the Editor feels that he ought, at least, to have done well, for he has pursued his task accompanied by a constant chorus of friendliness and encouragement.
The first idea ofThe Girl’s Own Papercame as a happy thought to the present Editor about twenty years ago, at a time when he was closely connected with the management of two other magazines long well known to the public.
It appeared to him that there was a real want of a paper which girls could truly calltheir own: a paper which would be to the whole sisterhood a sensible, interesting and good-humoured companion, counsellor and friend, advocating their best interests, taking part in everything affecting them, giving them the best advice, conveying to them the best information, supplying them with the most readable fiction, and trying to exercise over them a refining and elevating influence.
To meet this want he proposed the starting ofThe Girl’s Own Paperto the present proprietors. By them the suggestion was well received—indeed, they themselves had about the same time conceived the notion of a magazine for girls—but many doubts and difficulties were expressed as to the carrying of it out, which was natural, seeing the venture meant the sinking of a considerable amount of capital. At last, however, the decision to start the paper was arrived at and careful preparations were made for launching the first number on Saturday the 3rd of January, 1880.
During the nearly twenty years which have elapsed since then the Editor has been aided in every possible way by the society who own the paper. They have enabled him to conduct it on the most liberal principles of expenditure, and the business management has been such as to make easy what at times might have proved burdensome. Also to the Editor-in-Chief of the Society’s magazines, Dr. Macaulay, the hearty thanks of the Editor are due for liberty of action and a great deal of kindly encouragement.
The first number appeared on the Saturday we have just named. Success shone upon us from the very first, andThe Girl’s Own Paperat once and by general consent took a foremost place amongst the magazines of the day.
Professional critics in the Press were generous, and said many a friendly word in our praise. The late George Augustus Sala elevatedThe Girl’s Own Paperto the position of “first favourite,” and in an encouraging notice expressed a hope that “all the girls” of Great Britain would subscribe, for he thought it would be greatly to their advantage.
Much-valued approval and friendly letters of advice and help also came to us in these early days from Mr. John Ruskin, who, writing to a girl friend, said that he had ordered the paper to be sent to him regularly, and added, “Surely you young ladies—girls, I ought to say—will think you have a fair sixpenny worth.”
But better and more important than even the praise of the critics was the appreciation of the girls themselves. Everywhere throughout the country, far away in the colonies, and up and down all over the world, we found we were being read, valued, and talked about by those for whose benefit the paper had been produced. Girls were unanimous in recognising the merits of this new friend and in letting it be seen thatThe Girl’s Own Paperwas to be henceforth a welcome and, indeed, indispensable visitor in all their homes. It was a great and gratifying success.
The favour with which the paper was received has been continued up to the present time, and the Editor is in hopes that, by pursuing the course that has done so well hitherto, he will be enabled to retain it for many a day to come.
No matter what a girl’s tastes or needs may be, on looking intoThe Girl’s Own Paper, she will sooner or later find what she is in want of. We are not going here to compile a list of the thousand and one subjects that have been treated of in our pages. It is enough to say that there is not a single topic of interest to girlhood to which our paper has not given, or is not going to give, attention. Whether a girl merely wants to read what will make the hours fly fast, or, what is more important, wants to know what will add to her value and usefulness, let her turn toThe Girl’s Own Paper. There never has been in this country, or indeed in any other, a storehouse of material by means of which girls can make the most of their lives, at all to be compared with it.
A valuable feature of our paper has been the Answers to Correspondents, which have appeared with such regularity, and been read with such pleasure, ever since its commencement. The magnitude of this department, and its ceaseless flow of incoming letters, would surprise anyone admitted behind the scenes for the first time. In these answers, innumerable items of information have been given, countless criticisms have been ventured on, and an attempt has been made to solve a great many of the problems and difficulties that enter into the thoughts and lives of our readers.
Letters have also been received daily, during these nineteen years and more, by the Editor, which have not been answered publicly in our correspondence columns, and these communications he has now much satisfaction in mentioning. They have come from girls in all parts of the world, and without exception have borne testimony to the usefulness ofThe Girl’s Own Paper. Not a few have told how it has had a good and wholesome influence on the minds of the writers, acknowledging in no measured terms that it has enabled them to lead wiser and better lives. And many a solitary girl has written how she has found it the best possible company, coming to her—and punctually too—with all the inspiring influence of a cheerful friend.
Another feature not to be forgotten in the progress ofThe Girl’s Own Paperis to be found in the many competitions, by means of which we have from time to time tested the ingenuity, taste, accomplishments, skill, and perseverance of our readers. These have occasionally roused a remarkable degree of enthusiasm. In one of the most successful, we well remember, the papers came in such numbers, that the Post Office had to send a special van with them, and one sackful took four men to carry it upstairs.
A large amount of money has, from first to last, been distributed amongst the winning competitors, and a great many certificates of merit have been granted to those who, whilst failing to get a prize, obtained a certain percentage of marks. These certificates have been much valued and not a few have been found serviceable as testimonials to painstaking and ability, when girls have had to make their way in the world.
And not only have our readers received benefit themselves. Influenced, as the Editor knows them to have been, in the direction of true charity by the writings of some of our contributors, they have tried in their turn to be of service to others, and through the medium ofThe Girl’s Own Paperhave done much useful work for the community.
They have, for example—at the suggestion of the Countess of Aberdeen,[3]who has ever taken great interest in the magazine, notwithstanding her high public and official positions—established a working girl’s home in London; also, they have re-established the Princess Louise Home for Girls, subscribing with touching readiness and liberality to each of these schemes in actual cash over a thousand pounds. They have besides made periodical grants of warm clothing for the poor, sent dolls in great numbers to brighten the dull hours of sick children in hospitals and in many other ways shown a good sisterly interest in those less happily circumstanced than themselves.
The Editor has been assisted in his labours by a band of very willing workers—authors, musical composers, and artists—whose names are familiar to all our readers. Many of these have been associated with him from the commencement ofThe Girl’s Own Paperup to the present time—faithful, industrious, enthusiastic helpers, eager to give of their best and thoroughly in sympathy with the young.
Some of our authors had already made their mark before they appeared in our pages; but others were unknown, and it is a great pleasure to the Editor to think that he has been the means of bringing into public notice not a few who are now universally acknowledged as writers of ability.
But whilst surrounded by a tried staff, the Editor has made it a rule to welcome contributions—indeed, to invite them—from every quarter. If the topic be suitable, the writer well informed, and the manner interesting, no manuscript ever goes away rejected from the door of the Editorial Office. Amongst our occasional contributors may be seen the names of a queen, several princesses, and leading members of the nobility, and a great many more who have distinguished themselves in various lines of activity connected with the life and work of women and girls.
The Editor is well aware that his readers would like to see the portraits of some of the tried and true friends who have given such devoted service. He therefore adds them here, and they form, he thinks, a fitting accompaniment to this notice of what has led up—in quite a marvellous manner, and by God’s blessing—to the publication of the presentThousandth Number of The Girl’s Own Paper.