USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume I > Part 51
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Mr. Seager continued to be superintendent until failing health obliged him to resign in 1903. In 1904 the Associated Charities called James F. Jackson, of Minneapolis, to become its leader, and he continued as such for more than five years of phenomenal success. In the year 1900 a spontaneous movement mani- fested itself in no less than three separate circles-ganglia-of the community.
W.J.MORGAN & CO LITH.
WORK HOUSE CLEVELAND. 0
From an old lithograph showing the building as it was first erected
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
This looked toward a still closer relation between and supervision of the nu- merous charitable agencies. After consultation it was determined that the strong and vigorous body known as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce should take the public initiative. Ten of its representative members were appointed a committee on benevolent associations. Its work was twofold, to foster and sup- port the useful charities and to discourage, and as far as possible eliminate those who were found to be unworthy of confidence. The former, after thorough in- vestigation, were furnished yearly cards of commendation, which not only the two thousand seat holders, but the still larger public who look to them as lead- ers, were taught to demand before considering a request for contribution. Churches and other purely religious organizations did not come under the scope of this scheme, but all charities appealing to the public for aid found the card of approval essential to any wide success. Results have proved the wisdom of this plan and other cities have copied it. It has met with violent opposition, it is true, but only from those whose living was made by preying upon the credulity of a long suffering city.
Nor did the work of the Chamber end here. Numbers of worthy-but un- worldly-societies were instructed in business methods of bookkeeping, expen- sive solicitors were lopped off, direct methods of support were encouraged. Was a gap in benevolent work discovered, the proper persons were induced to fill the same by forming a new society ; were efforts seen to be duplicated, societies were advised to amalgamate.
A number of important charities have since been inaugurated, such as the Visiting Nurse Association, Martin A. Marks, president; the Workingmen's Loan association, under the leadership of F. F. Prentiss ; the Babies' Dispensary and Hospital association and the Anti-Tuberculosis league, whose president is Dr. John H. Lowman. This latter absorbed the Milk and Eggs Fund association, its former auxiliary.
The Chamber of Commerce also concerned itself actively with the betterment of conditions in the work shops and factories of the city. The question, "What more than wages?" was a watchword in its relation to various groups of em- ployes. Committees with a competent paid secretary wrought diligently and ef- fectively in this field. The result was extremely gratifying. Many comforts and conveniences were inaugurated, until the great commercial and manufactur- ing establishments of Cleveland have become noted throughout the civilized world for their thoughtfulness in providing means for the elevation in body and mind, of their working people.
The history which has thus passed before our eyes has contained the names of many noble men and women. The greater number of these pioneers, after having faithfully served their day and generation, have fallen asleep, and their works are their highest monument. Men like the great representative Hebrew, the Hon. Benjamin Franklin Peixotto, have become distinguished in broader fields. Benjamin Rouse, together with his worthy wife, Loren Prentiss, Wil- liam H. Doan, Truman P. Handy, David Wightman, E. C. Parmalee, Joseph Perkins, Amasa Stone, Jr., H. B. Hurlbut, Mrs. John A. Foote, Miss Sarah
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
Fitch, Miss Ann Walworth and many others whose names are bound up in any story of Cleveland's philanthropy, born leaders in good works, have passed on to their reward. One of the latest of this noble band to pass into the unseen was Mrs. Flora Stone Mather, daughter of Amasa Stone and wife of Samuel Mather. Blessed with large means, she gave generously, and, more important still, in- telligently, begrudging neither time nor thought to make her benefactions reach their mark. Cleveland is distinctly poorer for her loss. -
Such wise discrimination has marked the benefactions of another large giver, John D. Rockefeller, who has shown a deep interest in the city where the foun- dations of his vast fortune were laid. To single out individuals among the liv- ing, however, worthy of honor, would seem invidious, yet we cannot refrain from reference to one who has been a citizen since the early days, linking the past with the present, whose identification with a large number of the charities which we have been considering has been peculiarly close. In his brochure on the His- tory of the Charities of Cleveland, laboriously compiled during the city's centen- nial year, 1896, Lucius F. Mellen might fittingly have used the classic phrase of Aenias when addressing the queen of Carthage, "All of which I saw and much of which I was."
Widely known and beloved by all who know him, Major General James Bar- nett, "the first citizen of Cleveland," has been closely identified during his long and useful life with the charities of his city. Rarely has one kept to his old age such pace with the march of ideas in the world of modern charity.
We have thus hurriedly swept over the vast field of effort and accomplish- ment which has bounded the private philanthropies of the Forest city during its comparatively few years of existence. At the present time about one million dollars are yearly expended in various directions embraced under the term of charities. Some of this money is returned, in kind or in work, from those who are the beneficiaries, some comes from bequests, a certain part from the interest on vested funds. After all, about one half remains to be contributed by the liv- ing, the present citizens of Cleveland.
We have noted the feeble, yet growing attempt to systematize the raising and disbursing of this large sum. If the tendencies of the past may serve as a guide to the future, this movement will continue and will finally prevail.
Already have the Jewish community accomplished this end. The scheme of a federated board to collect and disburse all funds given to organizations of private charity, already proposed, and being favorably considered by the Cham- ber of Commerce, has strongly seized the imaginations of thoughtful men and women.
What we have set down is history, and our task properly ends just here. Some future historian must record the result. Should felt need surmount all minor objections and difficulties, should the wish and the thought be projected to their logical conclusion, then will our philanthropic city continue to be known throughout the world as a leader in charity, and the prophetic bud of today will expand into a great spreading tree bearing all manner of fruits of nourishment and healing.
THE CITY INFIRMARY IN 1905
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
CHAPTER XLIII.
PUBLIC CHARITIES.
The first public charity in Cleveland was the "Ragged school." It was not strictly a public charity, for it was maintained largely by private funds. It was at first a public school for poor children .* Gradually it was found that it was quite as necessary to provide clothing and food for some of the children as to pro- vide books and learning. About 1855 it was reorganized into a "City Industrial school" and the attention of the city council was brought to the work of the school. The council then gave the use of the old Champlain schoolhouse as a school for vagrant and pauper children and made an appropriation for its maintenance. Later this beneficent work was organized into the Children's Aid Society and was put upon a private foundation. In 1867 it was moved to Detroit street. The city council that year discontinued its aid. Through the generosity of J. H. Wade, Mrs. E. G. Leffingwell, Mr. Jennings and other wise givers, the home enjoys a beautiful location and well equipped buildings.
CITY INFIRMARY.
During the village days no legal means were provided for the care of the poor from public funds. On the incorporation of the city the paupers were taken to the "poor house" which stood in the rear of the Erie Street cemetery, facing what is now Brownell street, on land owned by the township. It was torn down in 1851. In 1849 the legislature empowered the city council of Cleveland "in their discretion to locate and establish a poor house and hospital for the poor and in- firm of said city," that the "said city shall have power to purchase such tracts of land within the county of Cuyahoga as they may judge necessary and shall also have power and authority to erect suitable buildings thereon. It shall be the duty of said council to appoint three persons, residents of said city, who shall form a board of directors and take charge of and manage the affairs of said poor house and hospital. The said council shall fix the compensation of said board of direc- tors in any sum they may deem advisable, providing such compensation for one year shall not exceed the sum of four hundred dollars."
In May, 1849, the city council levied a tax for the establishing and maintain- ing of a poor house and hospital and the ordinance establishing the poor house em- powered the directors to provide such outdoor relief as they deemed necessary.
In 1855 the main building of the city infirmary was completed, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. Forty inmates were immediately received. By 1860 there were two hundred and forty, and in 1862 a large addition was necessary. In 1876 two three-story wings were built for accommodating the insane, and in 1885 two more wings were added for the insane department. In 1858 the city council de- creed "that the infirmary heretofore established by the city shall in addition to poor purposes, be used as a house of correction of all children under the age of sixteen years, who shall be convicted of any offense made punishable by imprison- ment under any ordinance of the city, may be confined to such house of refuge
*Dr. Reeves told the author that he remembered when a school boy that there was the most unfriendly feeling between the children from the private schools and the pupils in the ragged school.
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
and may there be kept or apprenticed out until they arrive at the age of eighteen years."
Until 1871 the work house and the house of correction and city infirmary were all maintained together. In that year the work house and house of correction were separately established.
A work house was built on Woodland avenue near the Cleveland & Pittsburg tracks, and the house of correction was placed with it. It was a large building of pretentious architecture and spacious grounds. The house of refuge for juvenile offenders was also placed in the work house to the detriment of the poor children, who were sent there by the courts. In 1891 the refuge department was discon- tinued and until the establishment of the juvenile court and its beneficent work, no separate provision was made by the city for juvenile offenders.
BOYS' FARM.
A few years ago the city purchased a farm at Hudson, Ohio, that is called the boys' farm, where juvenile delinquents may be sent. Its administration is under the charge of the division of charities. The first purchase of land now included in the boys' farm at Hudson was made June 23, 1902. There were one hundred and twenty-three acres in this parcel, which cost four thousand four hundred and sixty dollars. November 30, 1903, one hundred and sixty acres were bought for seven thousand eight hundred and forty dollars. There are now two hundred and eighty-three acres of land, which cost twelve thousand three hundred dollars, eight cottages, four barns, an engine house, a bakery and a laundry, carpenter shop and a gymnasium. Bonds to the amount of seventy thousand dollars have from time to time been issued to build up the institution at Hudson. The institu- tion accommodates one hundred and thirty boys and most of the time its capacity is taxed.
WARRENSVILLE FARMS.
Nearly ten years ago, Rev. Harris G. Cooley, director of public charities, con- ceived the plan of moving the public charitable institutions into the country and grouping them on a large public estate. Warrensville township was chosen as the site.
The first purchase of land was made in 1902 when the Highland Park cem- etery was bought. In 1904 the idea of locating the infirmary at Warrensville had taken definite shape and eight hundred and fifty acres more were purchased, Since that time more land has been absorbed in the tract, until today we have one thousand, nine hundred and forty and a fraction acres. This land has been purchased at an average cost of one hundred and sixty-eight dollars and sixty-one cents per acre. Approximate cost of the entire tract is three hundred and thirty- six thousand, two hundred dollars.
The service building of the infirmary is completed and occupied; also the small building for aged couples. There are temporary quarters for a few tuber- cular patients of the city. On that part of the farm given over to the house of cor-
HOUSE OF REFUGE AND CORRECTION IN 1SS6
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
rection, the main quadrangle the service building is in process of erection. In ad- dition there is a wooden building, purely temporary in nature, which has been used as a lodge for trustees of the house of correction. Together with the new build- ings, there are a number of old farm buildings scattered about the property which were upon it when purchased. The completion of this "city farm" will place Cleveland well in the forefront in the work of public charities and corrections.
CHAPTER XLIV.
OTHER INSTITUTIONS.
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. :
The Woman's Christian association of Cleveland was organized October 20, 1868, by women from various denominations in the city. In 1869 Stillman Witt gave the association a house and lot on Walnut street. In 1869 a retreat for unfortunate women was established on Perry street, in a house given by Joseph Perkins. In 1872 Leonard Case gave a plot of land, upon which a house was erected largely through the beneficence of Mr. Perkins. In 1873 the house was thoroughly equipped and completed. In 1876 Amasa Stone erected a home for aged women on Kennard street and placed it in the hands of five trustees, who turned its management over to the association. The home was formally opened July 14, 1877. In July, 1884, seven and a half acres of land on Detroit street wa's given to the association by Miss Eliza Jennings as a site for a home for in- curable invalids. In September, 1888, the home was dedicated.
On March 15, 1882, the Day Nursery and kindergarten committee was formed and in 1886 the Educational and Industrial union. In May, 1893, the Day Nursery and Kindergarten society was made independent from the association. In 1893 the Educational and Industrial union was incorporated with the association and the corporate title, the "Young Women's Christian Association" was assumed. In December, 1893, the association moved to Euclid avenue from the Penn block, where it had been housed for some years.
In 1908 the association moved into its splendid new building on the corner of Prospect avenue and Eighteenth street, where its work is continually increasing in influence. Under its care are now The Stillman Witt Boarding home, the . Retreat, the Home for Aged Women, the Eliza Jennings home and Rest cottage, as special institutions. 'A multiplicity of work, educational and philanthropic, is conducted by the association.
Among those who have aided in developing the splendid work of the associa- tion none deserves a higher place than Miss Sarah Elizabeth Fitch, who was president from its inception in 1868 until her death on the 10th of April, 1893. Her devotion to the cause of humanity, linked with her untiring energy, her great self-sacrifice and her executive ability made her a leader in the work of the women in our community.
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.2
A group of young men, including Messrs. L. F. Mellen, Loren Prentiss, S. P. Churchill, L. M. H. Battey, and several others, began a series of informal devo- tional meetings in 1853. This nucleus gradually enlarged until on February 7, 1854, the following notice was published in the Cleveland papers: "At a meeting called for the purpose of organizing a Young Men's Christian Association, held on Monday evening, February 6th, the Rev. Dr. Aiken was called to the chair and S. B. Shaw appointed secretary.
"After the object of the meeting was stated, on motion of Dr. Cleveland it was resolved that a committee of five be appointed to draft a plan of operations and a constitution and by laws, and report at as early a date as possible.
"On motion, S. H. Mather, Presbyterian ; Loren Prentiss, Baptist; L. M. H. Battey, Congregationalist ; E. W. Roby, Episcopal; and E. F. Young, Methodist, were appointed said committee and authorized to fill vacancies therein.
"On motion the committee were instructed to present to the public a short ad- dress, setting forth the object and use of the association and to call a meeting when ready to report.
"At the suggestion of Rev. Mr. Claxton and on motion of Rev. Dr. Perry, the committee were instructed to invite Bishop Potter of Philadelphia to address the association on Wednesday evening of next week.
"On motion the secretary was directed to put the proceedings of this meeting in several daily papers of the city.
"On motion of Rev. Mr. Canfield the meeting then adjourned. C. S. Aiken, chairman ; S. B. Shaw, secretary."
On February 25th a notice appeared in the papers that the association would meet on Tuesday evening in the lecture room of the First Baptist church on Seneca street, for the election of officers and other business. Constitution and by laws were adopted, dated February 28, 1854. Sixty names were included in the list of those who were virtually charter members. This was the beginning of a movement that from its origin has enlisted the wisdom and energy of the best men of the community and whose complex organization today ramifies into every portion of our community life. The first officers were: president, John S. New- berry, the distinguished scientist; vice president, E. W. Roby; directors, Dan P. Eells, R. F. Humiston, James M. White, J. J. Low, H. Montgomery ; recording secretary, Samuel B. Shaw; corresponding secretary, Loren Prentiss; treasurer, A. W. Brockway; board of managers: S. W. Adams, G. W. Whitney, F. T. Brown, F. B. Culver, E. F. Young, D. C. Hoffmann, T. G. Cleveland, Henry Childs, L. M. H. Battey, M. C. Sturtevant, S. L. Severance and S. B. Churchill. The first rooms of the association were in Spangler's block on the southeast corner of Superior and Seneca street. In 1858 the association moved to the Strickland block fronting on the public square. The association moved about in various mercantile buildings until in 1870-71, the first association building was secured through the gift of James F. Clarke. This building stood on the north side of the public square. This building was occupied until the five story brick structure, still standing, at the corner of Euclid avenue and Sheriff street, was purchased in
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2 See, for details, "History Young Men's Christian Association," by Russell Thomp- son, 1901.
Miss Sarah E. Fitch, whose devo- tion and strength of purpose established the Y. W. C. A.
Courtesy W. J. Walton Glen K. Shurtleff, Y. M. C. A. leader of national eminence
NORTHROP
& SPANGLER'S
BLOC K.
ODS
YOUNG AMERICA.
WHOLESALE & RETAIL.} JOLOTHING HOUSE.
ONNE HORN & BRO'S.
NORTHROP & SPANGLER BLOCK Southeast corner of Superior and Seneca streets where the Y. M. C. A. met in 1854
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
1880-81. This commodious building was outgrown within a few years and the building, still occupied by the association, was projected in 1887-88 and the cor- nerstone laid on the 10th of July, 1889. With the occupancy of this building, in 1891, begins a third era of exceptional development for the association.
The vitalized power of the present association is due in large measure to Glen K. Shurtleff, who was called from Denver in 1893 to assume the general secretaryship. He served until his untimely death in 1909. Mr. Shurtleff was in every way an exceptional man. He became not only the leader of the Young Men's Christian Association, but was identified with every movement for civic betterment. For many years he led the work of the Social Service Club, was active in the Municipal Association and in the Chamber of Commerce. Many of the leading business men of the town relied upon his rare judgment of men, and as- sociation secretaries from every city came here to seek his advice.
The beautiful Gothic structure designed by Architect Schweinfurth on the corner of Erie, Huron and Prospect, has long since been outgrown. 'Announce- ment was recently made that it had been sold for a large sum of money. During thirteen days of February, 1910, a campaign of money raising was conducted by the members of the Young Men's Christian Association which resulted in sub- scriptions aggregating $540,956 from 17,084 subscribers, being nearly $41,000 more than was asked for. While the enthusiasm was at white heat, a second effort on be- half of the Young Women's Christian Association resulted in the raising of $100,000 more. This is said to exceed all previous records.
HIRAM HOUSE.
By Geo. A. Bellamy, Headworker.
The Hiram house is an outgrowth of a discussion held by one of the Young Men's Christian Association Bible classes at Hiram college during the winter of 1896. This Bible class sent a committee to Cleveland, of which the present head worker was a member, to investigate the need of social settlement work. The committee reported that there was abundant opportunity for such service and wished such an undertaking might be carried out. After a series of conferences, seven of the students of Hiram college agreed to come to the city and locate in the needy portion with a view of establishing what was then called "Hiram House," a social settlement. It was entirely a volunteer committee without any financial or official backing. The present headworker assumed the responsibility of the work, agreeing to raise funds, and if possible, to establish the work.
The house was opened July 1, 1906, in furnished rooms at the corner of Han- over and Washington streets, as temporary quarters, during which residence, a permanent location was to be decided upon. October Ist the Orange street dis- trict was selected as a permanent location and the work opened up at 141 Orange street. There were kindergarten and day nursery, social and educational clubs and classes.
In the spring of 1897 the work was enlarged by renting two houses at 183 Orange street and the summer camp opened up on a farm near Chagrin Falls.
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
In the fall of 1898 the public library opened a subbranch. May 1, 1898 a vol- untary board was organized to stand sponsor for the work at the settlement. The summer camp was changed to the fair grounds. A store was rented in addition to the two buildings and used as a gymnasium.
On May 1, 1899, the voluntary board was incorporated under the name of The Hiram House. The present location at 2723 Orange street was purchased from the Society for Savings and money raised for erecting the three stories of the present main building.
With the new equipment in 1900 there was a general enlargement of all work of the house. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mather at a cost of eleven thousand dollars purchased and equipped the present play ground, paying for the current expenses of the work.
In 1901, twenty-five thousand dollars more was raised to complete the top story of the present main building. New departments were added to the work, such as the work in connection with the visiting nurse, the city district physician, the opening of the skating rink, the securing of the arrangements with suburban so- cieties to send in flowers once a week on Flower day, which custom has continued ever since.
In 1902 the present main building was completed, refurnished and equipped for larger and more useful work.
In 1903 Mr. Samuel Mather gave fifty-two acres of land for camp property and Mrs. S. H. Morse erected the present spacious building and the summer camp was removed from the fair grounds to our new property. Mrs. S. H. Morse assumed the responsibility for the maintenance of the sewing and cooking classes.
During 1904 the work continued to grow and under the auspices of the Milk Fund association a free clinic for babies was opened during the summer.
In 1905, forty thousand dollars was raised for improvements and land ad- joining the present building site, upon which were a number of buildings. One of the buildings, an old church, was remodeled into a gymnasium and auditorium. Three of the buildings were used for families and residents. One frame building was equipped for our model cottage for demonstrating the purposes of home keeping.
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