To provide for such emergencies Grenfell, many years ago, established a lumber camp in the north of Newfoundland, and at Canada Bay in the extreme northeast a ship building yard where schooners and other small craft could be built, and nearly everyone out of work could find employment.

In southern and eastern Labrador, where wood is to be had for the cutting, he arranged to purchase such wood as the people might deliver to his vessels.  In return for the wood he gave clothing and other supplies.

Then came mat and rug weaving, spinning and knitting and basket making.  Through Grenfell’s efforts volunteer teachers went north in summers to teach the people these useful arts.  He supplied looms.  Every one was eager to learn and today Labrador women are making rugs, baskets and various saleable articles in their homes, and Grenfell sells for them in the “States” and Canada all they make.  Thus a new means of earning a livelihood was opened to the women, where formerly there was nothing to which they could turn their hand to earn money when the men were away at the hunting and trapping.

Mrs. Grenfell has more recently introduced the art of making artificial flowers.  The women learned it readily, and their product is quite equal to that of the French makers.

Doctor Grenfell had been many years on the coast before he was married.  Mrs. Grenfell was Miss Anna MacCalahan, of Chicago.  Upon her marriage to Doctor Grenfell, Mrs. Grenfell went with him to his northern field.  She cruises with him on his hospital ship, the Strathcona, acting as his secretary, braving stormy seas, and working for the people with all his own self-sacrificing devotion.  She is a noble inspiration in his great work, and the “mother of the coast.”

Doctor Grenfell has established a school at St. Anthony open not only to the orphans of the children’s home but to all the children of the coast.  There are schools on the Labrador also, connected with the mission.  It is a fine thing to see the eagerness of the Labrador boys and girls to learn.  They are offered an opportunity through Doctor Grenfell’s thoughtfulness that their parents never had and they appreciate it.  It is no exaggeration to say that they enjoy their schools quite as much as our boys and girls enjoy moving pictures, and they give as close attention to their books and to the instruction as any of us would give to a picture.  They look upon the school as a fine gift, as indeed it is.  The teachers are giving them something every day—­a much finer thing than a new sled or a new doll—­knowledge that they will carry with them all their lives and that they can use constantly.  And so it happens that study is not work to them.

How much Doctor Grenfell has done for the Labrador!  How much he is doing every day!  How much more he would do if those who have in abundance would give but a little more to aid him!  How much happiness he has spread and is spreading in that northland!