Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 84

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

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Sheltering Arms Nursery .- In April, 1870, Mrs. Rev. J. A. Paddock conceived the idea of affording to the poor mothers of St. Peter's (P. E.) congregation, facilities for pursuing their daily labor by providing a place where their infants could be cared for during the day. The experiment was made, and it gave promise of success. In October of tlie same year, ladies from the different parishes met and or- ganized, at first, a day nursery. A house in Pacific street, was rented, and the nursery established there. During the next year the society was incorporated under the above title, and permanent inmates were received. In the same year, larger quarters were procured in Warren street. Thence the nursery was removed, successively, to Atlantic avenue, Lex- ington avenue; and, in 1877, to its present quarters, 157 Dean street, near Hoyt. A building was purchased here, at a cost of $13,000. In 1880, this was burned out, but at once rebuilt. In 1878, it became a diocesan charity. It has passed through many vicissitudes and discouragements, but its permanence and usefulness have become well assured. The object of this charity is, not to encourage idleness, but to aid those who are willing to labor for their support. The first OFFICERS were : Mrs. Rev. Dr. John A. Paddock, Pres., 1870-'81; Mrs. D. L. Dodge, Vice-Pres .; Mrs. C. L. Caswell, Sec'y; Mrs. A. Hallett, Treas. Present OFFICERS : Mrs. Jolın A. Nichols, Pres. Lady Managers: Mrs. William B. Kendall, Vice-Pres .; Mrs. Henry C. Hardy, Sec'y; Mrs. Jolin Norton, Treas. About fifty infants and small children are now in the institution, which has a permanent fund of $50,000 for its support.

984

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

HEBREW ORPHAN ASYLUM.

The Hebrew Orphan Society of Brooklyn originated from a gathering of charitable Hebrews to provide a home for or- phans from Brooklyn. An organization was perfected and the society incorporated in August, 1878. A house was rented on the corner of Stuyvesant avenue and McDonough street. The asylum was opened for the reception of orphans January 7, 1879, and sixteen children received. Before the expiration of two years the need of larger accommodations was felt, and at a meeting April 17, 1881, it was resolved to purchase grounds on McDonough street, near Stuyvesant av- enue, 120 by 200 feet, for the sum of $12,500. The trustees resolved to erect a new building, 70 by 100 feet, of which the corner-stone was laid June 26, 1883. It is of brick, with stone trimmings, and three stories in height. The managers have deemed it a wise policy to educate the children in the neighi- boring public school. The asylum owes much to the efforts of Ernst Nathan, who has been its President from the first. The other OFFICERS for 1883-'4 are: S. Goodstein, Viec- President; G. Merzbach, Secretary, and M. Bruckheimer, Treasurer.

The Hebrew Benevolent Society of Brooklyn, E. D., was organized June 24, 1868, with 36 members, and was designed to assist the poor and needy through a well-regulated system of relief. All applications are investigated by a committee, and the worthy are assisted with food, clothing and fuel. Its first OFFICERS were: M. Kessel, Pres .; Moses May, Vice-Pres .; Isaac Stranss, Sec .; Philip Strauss, Cash .; S. Kaufman, A. Nova, M. Benjamin, N. Bernstein, S. Moog, A. H. Sonn, Directors. The society has meetings semi-annually; the committee on relief and charity meets every month. The society derives its income from the dues of members and voluntary contributions from the charitable. The OFFICERS for 1884 are as follows: M. Kessel, Pres .; M. May, Vice-

Pres .; H. Stettheimer, Sec .; Philip Strauss, Cash .: N. Beru- stein, I. Igelheimer, D. Urlach, D. Wollmar, I. Weinberg, Directors.

The Brooklyn Industrial School Association and Home for Destitute Children (No. 217 Sterling place, between Flat- bush and Vanderbilt avenues), was organized in 1854, and incorporated in 1857. Its object is to form and support in- dustrial schools, and to establish and maintain a home for destitute children in the city of Brooklyn. The small house in Concord street, in which the children were first gathered by the Association, afforded too limited accommodation, and fourteen lots of ground were purchased on what is now Ster- ling place, although at time of purchase there were no paved streets and no buildings in that immediate vicinity.

In 1861 the Home for Destitute Children was erected at a cost of about $15,000. In 1874 a wing was added to this building to be used for hospital purposes. In 1880 the work had so far outgrown the utmost capacity of this Home, for the accommodation of appheants, as to render it necessary to remodel the entire building. This was done, and a new wing was added; the whole being ready for occupation in 1553.

In accordance with the plans of the architect, it is pro- posed at some future time to erect a new westerly wing mn place of the old one, which was allowed to remain for want of funds. When this change shall have been made the com- pleted building will appear as one of the finest in the city of Brooklyn. As it stands on an eminence commanding a view of Prospect Park, and also of the Bay of New York, it is a prominent object. The situation is both airy and healthful, and peculiarly suitable as a home for the little ones who need the pure, fresh air which this site furnishes.

Six Industrial Schools have been established and supported by this association. They are, at present date, in the locali-

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

985

BROOKLYN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AND HOME FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN.

ties here given, and their order of establishment is as follows: No. 1, Concord street, opposite junction of Prince street; No. 2, Fourth street, near Smith street; No. 3, in the Home, Ster- ing place, between Flatbush and Vanderbilt avenues; No. 4, No. 391 Van Brunt street; No. 5, Throop avenue, between Myrtle and Flushing avenues; No. 6, Franklin avenue, near Myrtle avenue.

In these schools the children receive an elementary course of instruction and good moral and religious training. A suit of new clothing is provided for every child, and dinner is given daily in their respective schools. This pro- vision is made so as to enable the children to attend, for none are admitted who have sufficient clothing and food prepared by their parents; and no child who can attend the public school is allowed to remain here. The children are taught to sew by ladies wbo visit the schools for that purpose: every school is under the supervision of a committee from the board of managers. The children in the Home building are those whose parents cannot, for various reasons, provide a shelter for them. In some cases their relations pay a nom- nal board toward their support. Some of the children are surrendered to the association, and others are taken entirely n charity. The older children assist in the light work of the house, and thus become familiar with the ordinary routine of household labor. The girls are taught to sew; and ' kitchen garden " instruction has been introduced, so as to repare them to take places for domestic service.

The work is supported by the voluntary contributions of benevolent persons. Managers are appointed from the vari- us churches, and contributions are taken up by the man- ugers in their respective churches. Nearly every Protestant church in Brooklyn is represented by one or more managers n the Home. The board at present consists of about one hundred and fifty ladies. An annual fair adds to the rev- nues of the association. The Presidents have been, in suc- ession: Mrs. Fisher Howe, Mrs. Jesse Smith and Mrs. J. erwin; the latter is still the President of the Board.

Orphans and half-orphans are not received in the Home or Destitute Children, but are referred to the Orphan Asy- um, this being an arrangement made to distinguish the vork of the two institutions. The Industrial School work, however, is the distinctive feature of this charity, and its enevolence is distributed throughout the whole city by the chools, which are, as to locality, widely separated from each other. This has always been a favorite charity in the city, und its growth has been very rapid.

The Industrial School and Home of Brook- lyn, E. D .*- Previous to 1854, a voluntary asso- ciation for the care of poor children existed among the local churches in Williamsburgh. In February, 1854, Mrs. Harriet Brown, im- pressed by the degraded condition of poor chil- dren, and anxious for their reformation, per- sonally solicited the sum of $600, and called a meeting of friends in the parlors of the New England Congregational Church, Feb. 20th.

The organization of the society was per- fected, with Mrs. Brown as chairman. It was determined to have a school in the old North American Hotel, on North Second street, be- tween Fourth and Fifth streets. The session commenced March 7th, 1855, with eleven pupils, Mrs. Fister being the teacher. Mrs. Van Houghton was the first matron.

In 1860, the association was incorporated for the following purposes : "To cause the chil- dren of the school to receive elementary English instruction; to teach habits of neatness and order; to instruct in domestic duties; to provide food and clothing, and procure places of employment for the children when they arrive at a suitable age."

The nine TRUSTEES for the first year were: James Hall, Rob- ert Dunken, George Ricard, John Broach, Isaac M. Haly, Richard B. Hunt, John A. Brady, M. D., Joseph H. Van De Water, and George W. Edwards. Some years later, the Home was removed to the old public school building, corner of Fifth and South Third streets.

In 1866, an appeal was made to the Legislature for aid. The first directress, Mrs. Lyons, fought a brave battle in the interest of the school. She was a leading spirit; not only in this institution, but in all works of charity and public spirit, her sympathies were quickest and her hand strongest. She asked others for nothing which she herself was not willing to give. She led where she desired others to follow. During the war for the Union, she gave to the stricken soldier the same systematic and vigorous aid as here to the child of poverty and want. She had taken this institution into her heart of hearts, and voluntarily went to Albany to secure the needed appropriation for this institution.

BONAR

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AND HOME, E. D.

While she used no artifice, no unworthy or undignified methods, she omitted no proper effort that could con- tribute to her success. She knew the members personally, and literally sat down before and in the Capitol until the bill was passed and signed by the Governor, giving the

* By Geo. H. Fisher, Esq.

986

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

school $10,000, upon condition that an equal sum be raised by private subscription, which was duly fulfilled. Mr. George Ricard presented four lots iu North Second street, on which to erect a new building; but, in 1869, the plan was changed; the Pease estate, in South Third street, was pur- chased, and the large substantial building occupied. In 1877-'78, a wing, costing $32,000, was added to the Home, the funds for which were raised principally through the efforts of the lady managers.

The association now numbers about 450 life members. The first BOARD OF OFFICERS was: Richard B. Hunt, Pres .; Geo. W. Edwards, Sec .; John Broach, Treas. The succeeding presidents have been : Nicholas Wyckoff and Benjamin Wil- son. The first direetresses have been: Mrs. Robert Dnucan, Mrs. E. Lyon, and Mrs. B. H. Howell.

The OFFICERS for 18:3-'84 are: Board of Trustees-Ben- jamin W. Wilson, Pres .; Lewis P. Nostrand, Vice-Pres .; George II. Fisher, See .; John Broach, Treas .; Benjamin HI. Howell, Cornelius L. Johnson, George B. Cole, John T. Wood- ruff, Edward S. Seeley. Board of Managers-Mrs. B. H. Howell, First Directress; Miss S. F. Snow, Second Direct- ress; Miss J. A. S. Schapps, Rec. See .; Mrs. L. L. Kortright, Cor. Sec .; Mrs. J. D. Wade, Treas.

The Industrial Restaurant and Training School was or- ganized in 1878, mainly through the efforts of Mrs. A. Ten- ney. The aim of its managers was to provide a remedy for street begging, by furnishing work to be done on the prem- ises, to men, women and children, for meals, cooked food to carry home, groceries, clothing and coal.

The work furnished for men has been: sawing, splitting and delivering wood. The work for women and children has been: house cleaning, laundry work, sewing and rug- making.

A fair amount of labor only has been required, and people have been nrged and aided to find work outside. An appli- cant to the institution is allowed to work three hours per day, for which he receives payment at the rate of ten cents per hour in meals, or food to carry home.

A weekly visitor is sent to poor families to relieve their wants, provide them with work, and see that the children attend some school.

The restaurant cares for children during the day while the mother goes out to work; loans moncy on furniture; pur- chases coal at reduced rates for the poor; lodges men at 10 cents per night; a free evening reading-room, free baths, and washing, in exchange for work. It also teaches the proper way to perform work.

In 1882, the Industrial Restaurant moved to its present site, No. 112 Lexington avenue. It is supported entirely by charity ; any person paying 5 cents per week becomes a mem- ber of the association, and is entitled to send all applicants for aid to the restaurant.

The OFFICERS for 1883-'84 are: Mrs. A. Tenney, Prcs .; Mrs. HI. W. St. John, Vice-Pres .; Mrs. George L. Carrington, Sec .; Mrs. M. B. Ross, Treas.

The Orphan Home of the Church of the Holy Trinity was established in 1861, and soon afterwards incorporated, for the purpose of maintaining and educating orphans, from the congregation of the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity. There are about 30 inmates at the present time. The first OFFICERS were: Very Rev. M. May, J. Bert- ges, J. Zimmer, and J. Raber.

The Board is the same for 1883-81, with the addition of F. J. Berlenbeaner and L. Groeser.

St. Phebe's Mission, at No. 10 Lafayette street, was or- ganized in the spring of 1882, and adopted a constitution May 30th. Its object is to minister to the necessities of the

sick and the destitute; especially to the inmates of the County buildings at Flatbush, of the Penitentiary, the City Jail, and the Naval and City Hospitals. To this end, women workers and trained nurses are engaged, who are known as St. Phebe Associates. During the past year, over 1,000 visits were made to these various institutions by the Sisters. The Mis- sion is supported entirely by charity. The first BOARD OF MANAGERS was as follows : Miss Harriette Low, Mrs. A. A. Seaman, Miss C. King, Mrs. Hugh Allen, Mrs. Augustus Ivins. Miss Peck, Mrs. Samnel Cox, Mrs. F. B. Carter, Mrs. Alexander Hutchins, Mrs. Washburne. The OFFICERS have been and are as follows: Miss Harriette Low, Pres .; Mrs. Augustus Ivins, Sec .; Miss Cornelia King, Treas. The present BOARD OF MANAGERS is as follows : Miss Harriette Low, Miss King, Mrs. Seaman, Mrs. Ivins, Mrs. A. Hutchins, Mrs. S. Cox, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Stoddard, Mrs. Van Nostrand Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Snively, Mrs. Conklin and Mrs. Wood- ard.

The Christian Union for Chinese Work .- This organiza- tion lias for its object the education, elevation and protection of the Chinese residents in our city. The rooms of the so- ciety are located at 991 and 993 Fulton street, and are open every week-day afternoon and evening, with religious ser- vices on Sunday evening. On Monday afternoon, there is a Union school session at the Moravian Church, Jay street, near Myrtle avenue. The President of the society is Mr. Andrew A. Smith, who has been very active in assisting the Chinese iu their business affairs; seeking redress for them when robbed and abused by civilized Americans, and in many other ways endeavoring to impress them with the idea that Chris- tianity means something. The other OFFICERS of the so- ciety are : H. E. Pease, Vice-Pres .; Rev. E. S. Walle, Sec .; W. D. Gleason, Treas. The TRUSTEES are: Messrs. A. S. Barnes, S. L. Parsons, A. D. Matthews, Charles Tremaine, Miss Shirley, Mrs. Wyman, Miss Pleier, Mrs. Relph, Mrs. Dr. Sizer, Mrs. Simmons, Mrs. Culbertson, and Mrs. Harris.

The First Brooklyn Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized early in 1874, and incorporated in 1880. It is connected with the New York State organization as well as the Woman's National Christian Temperance Union. Its OFFICERS are as follows: K. E. Cleveland, Pres .; Miss M. E. Winslow, Cor. Scc .; Mrs. Myra J. Denley, Rec. Scc .; Mrs. Mary L. Jacobs, Treas.

A hall seating 400, at the corner of Fulton and Jay streets, is the headquarters of the Union, with branches in different parts of the city. The Union provides pleasant and attractive reading rooms, where meetings are held every evening and on Sunday afternoons. Sunday evening temperance meet- ings are held in the theatres and places of amusement. The work of the Union includes the visitation of families, reliev- ing distress, circulating temperance literature, and gathering children into schools. Regular visits are paid to the Ray- mond street Jail and to the Kings County Penitentiary, and the families of prisoners are cared for when necessary. Work among children is carried on by means of two flourishing schools, numbering about 300 pupils. The Union has expended in its work, since March, 1874, $21,252. Mrs. Mary C. Johnson was its President for the first eight years.

The Christian Rescue Temperance Union originated in the weekly meetings of a few children to promote the cause of temperance, and assist poor families in the neighborhood. An organization was formed June 15, 1879, at 196 15th street, South Brooklyn, with six members. The membership in- creased so rapidly, and the society did so much good, that it was incorporated in August, 1882, with a view to erect a hall and reading-room. It now consists of about 80 adult mem- bers and 1,500 youths and children. Weekly meetings are

987

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

held for business and instruction. They are carefully trained in vocal and instrumental music, and give occasional con- certs to raise funds for current expenses and charity. Some fifteen families have been supported each winter, and large quantities of provisions distributed at Christmas. The so- ciety publishes a weekly paper-"Our Banner." A gospel temperance prayer meeting is held every Sunday by the mem- bers. The first BOARD OF OFFICERS comprise the following names: Mrs. J. Duer, Mrs. Updegrove, Mrs. Seabury, Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Cleverley, Mrs. Stevens, Mr. C. G. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Duncome. The OFFICERS first chosen have been retained in office and are as follows: Adult Department-C. G. Johnston, Pres .; William Cleverley and G. P. Spooner, Secretaries ; William Whitehead, Treas. Young People's De- partment-Mrs. J. Duer, Pres .; Mrs. J. Johnston, Sec ; C. G. Johnston, Treas.

The Sailors' Coffee-House Company .- This is an association which grew out of a desire to benefit sailors by establishing a cheap and good hotel, conducted on temperance principles, for the accommodation of sea-faring men when on shore. The following philanthropic citizens procured its incorpora- tion January 21st, 1880: George L. Pease, Ferdinand Van Sicklen, Edward H. Litchfield, Wm. G. Low, Thomas D. Williams, H. E. Pierrepont, Jr. A stock company was formed with a capital of $20,000. The buildings 241 and 243 York street, adjoining the Navy Yard, were rented, and an eating and lodging house opened. Prices were fixed as low as expenses would warrant, and still the work is partly car- ried on by voluntary aid. The OFFICERS for 1883-'84 are: William G. Low, Pres .; George L. Pease, Scc'y .; H. E. Pierre- pont, Jr., Treas.

The Woman's Work Exchange and Decorative Art So- ciety of Brooklyn (formerly known as The South Brooklyn Employment Society) originated in efforts made in 1872-'73, by a philanthropic gentleman connected with the Sunday-school of Christ Church, in Clinton street, near Harrison, to find work for his Bible class; particularly for a crippled girl who had no means of livelihood. At first a small circle were interested in his projects, but afterward many of the ladies connected with Christ Church promoted and sustained the endeavor. Later in the movement, other churches in South Brooklyn assisted it under this name with contributions, until there was an organization which had rooms at the corner of Clinton and Warren streets, and gave employment to seamstresses and also trained classes of girls in needle-work.

The first BOARD OF OFFICERS consisted of Mrs. Nehemiah Knight, Pres .; Miss R. Da Costa, Vice-Pres .; Miss. I. E. Buckmaster, Treas .; Miss M. I. Adams, Sec .; Mrs. A. Thomp- son, Directress.

In 1878-'79, the Woman's Work Exchange, for the sale of articles of use or beauty, which should be made by women who wished to dispose of them, was established and united with the S. B. E. Society; and the two societies, under the same Board of Management, took up their abode at 122 At- lantic street, where they still remain.

The first BOARD OF OFFICERS, after the union of the two so- cieties, was as follows: Mrs. Mary L. Clapp, Pres .; Miss Re- becca Da Costa, Vice-Pres .; Miss M. I. Adams, Treas .; Mrs. Gordon, L. Ford, Cor. Sec .; Miss M. H. Post, Rec. Sec.

In 1883, the South Brooklyn Employment Society passed out of existence, and the name of the association was changed to The Woman's Work Exchange and Decorative Art Society of Brooklyn, which represents its present aim and function. The Society has grown from a handful of members to a large and devoted fellowship; and paintings, decorated china, needle-work, embroidery, pickles, preserves and cake, are placed in their room3, and sold for the advantage of the con-

signors. These articles cover a wide range of ingenuity, in- dustry and æsthetic taste, and the intentions of the Society seem to meet the public approval and patronage. There are also painting and drawing classes under the wing of the Decorative Art Society, which foster talent and encourage good work.

The Business Women's Union was organized by the Brooklyn Women's Club, and incorporated Nov. 7, 1871. Its object was to provide a home for self-supporting women of good character, at the lowest possible rates, and to establish a bureau of information. The first OFFICERS and MANAGERS were: Mrs. Annie C. Field, Pres .; Mrs. Charlotte A. Clarke, Vice-Pres .; Miss Kate Hillard and Miss Laura F. Beecher, Secretaries; Mrs. Mary H. Holley, Treas. Mrs. S. M. Parsons, Mrs. L. A. Potts, Miss A. Coleman, Miss S. M. Glover, Mrs. H. Brigham, Mrs. R. Bunker, Mrs. C. E. Chambers, Mrs. S. Eppendorf, Mrs. M. A. Howland, Mrs. M. E. Rowley, Mrs. J. M. Wilson, Mrs. M. F. Hines, Mrs. C. C. Dike, Managers. The first Board of Advisors was: Rev. A. P. Putnam, H. B. Claflin, J. Willetts, F. Woodruff, M. S. Beach. A boarding house was opened at No. 80 Willoughby street in 1871, as a home for self-supporting women. The demand for larger accommodations determined the society to purchase the property, which was done for $15,000. $22,000 more was spent in alterations, which fitted the house to receive about 50 boarders.

From the beginning, the house has paid its current ex- penses. The rate for permanent boarders is from $3.75 to $5.25 per week. A Women's Employment Bureau has also been established in connection with the Home. The present board (1883-'84) consists of Mrs. A. C. Field, Pres .; Mrs. C. A. Clarke, Vice-Pres .; Mrs. W. V. Tupper, Cor. Sec .; Mrs. S. M. Glover, Rec. Sec .; Mrs. A. Forman, Treas. Mrs. S. M. Par- sons, Mrs. M. E. Rowley, Mrs. J. Sterns, Auditors. Mrs. R. H. Manning, Mrs. M. A. Howland, Mrs. R. Bunker, Mrs. M. U. Lewis, Mrs. S. Ellinwood, Mrs. A. Coggeshall, Mrs. M. Chapman, Mrs. L. Fisk, Mrs. T. E. Jewell, Mrs. M. H. Holley, Mrs. L. F. Beecher, Miss J. Keese, Mrs. C. Wood, Managers; The Advisory Board is as follows: C. A. Field, H. B. Claflin, R. H. Manning, C. C. Dike, A. Forman.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Through the efforts of Henry Bergh, the New York Society for P. C. T. A, was incorporated April 10, 1866, by a number of the best citizens of that city. Its objects were stated " to be the providing of effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States, the enforc- ing of all laws for the protection of animals, and the procur- ing the punishment of all persons violating such laws." From this beginning, branch organizations have been estab- lished in 37 states and territories, and Canada. The Society now numbers over 500 members. The first OFFICERS were : Henry Bergh, Pres .; J. T. Hoffman, Peter Cooper, D. D. Hicks, W. H. Aspinwall, Marshall O. Roberts, H. W. Bel- lows, James Brown, George T. Trimble, Moses Taylor, and H. B. Claflin, Vice-Pres'ts. The Society was vested with full power to carry out its specific objects, and has been most successful in securing humane treatment to animals, not alone in our large cities, but throughout the country. Hos- pitals for diseased animals, and an ambulance service for disabled ones, are now numbered among our city institu- tions. The Brooklyn Agency of above Society was started October 31, 1881, with J. R. Pye, Superintendent. During the first year, 301 arrests were made, 271 convictions secured, 871 disabled animals relieved from labor, and 429 humanely destroyed.

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Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 84

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360