When Helen turned six years old, her parents decided to take her to Baltimore to a renowned oculist to see if anything could be done for her eyes. The journey to Baltimore was a delightful experience for Helen. She made many friends on the train. A lady gave her a box of shells in which her father made holes so that she could string them; and for a long time Helen was happily and contentedly engrossed in playing with them. The kind conductor also became her friend. Often when he went his rounds she accompanied him as he examined and punched the tickets. He often lent his punching machine to Helen; she took immense delight in playing with it and making holes in cardboard.

Her aunt made a doll with towels for Helen; she did not like at all as it had no nose, mouth, ears or eyes. Helen pulled two beads off her aunt’s cape and asked her to stitch them on the doll’s face as eyes. The aunt did it and Helen became exceedingly glad at it. During the whole trip Helen did not feel any irritation or frustration as there were so many things to keep her mind and fingers occupied.