|
THE MAHONING COUNTY INFIRMARY.
The
Mahoning County Infirmary is situated about two miles north by
west of the village of Canfield in the township of that name.
Perhaps nothing shows more clearly the degree of progress made
by the present generation over those which have immediately
preceded it, than by a comparison of present day methods in
caring for the poor and infirm with those in vogue in this
section less than a century ago. Of the latter the reader
may gain some idea from an entry in the Coitsville township
records, Book No. I, Page 19.
Whereas, information hath been given as that there is a
certain Elizabeth Eward, came into our town,
who is likely to become a town charge, we, therefore,
according to law, command you James Mariner,
Constable of Coitsville Township, to warn said Elizabeth
Eward to depart said township instantly, without putting
the town to any further trouble. And you are to
return, etc. etc.
| |
Signed, WILLIAM
HUSTON,
JAMES BRADFORD,
Overseers of the Poor, |
The modern way of dealing with such unfortunates is well
exemplified in the following sketch.
The Mahoning County Infirmary was founded within two or
three years after the organization of the county.
Additions were made from time to time until there were
several buildings, certain quarters being reserved for
insane patients who are now cared for according to law in
state institutions. On Saturday night, Feb. 20, 1897,
the infirmary was totally destroyed by fire, with the loss,
however, of but one life - that of an insane patient who
rushed back into the burning building after having been
rescued from it.
The superintendent at that time was Mr. James
Dickson. There were 235 inmates of whom forty-five
were insane. That all were rescued, with the exception
of the unfortunate man above mentioned, was chiefly owing to
the herculean exertions of Mr. Dickson, and the six
or seven attendants, who were assisted by some of the
inmates. After the fire the Park hotel was rented for
a while as a temporary infirmary, the insane patients being
provided with quarters in the county jail.
The present infirmary buildings were erected in the
same year, from plans by Messrs. Owsley &
Boucherie, of Youngstown, archi-
Page 400 -
consist of four large buildings, a front and rear building
with two wings - built of brick with stone foundations, and
connected by two glass-lighted corridors crossing each other
in the center at right angles. The front, or
administration building, which is the smallest, measuring
40x70 feet, faces south and is occupied by the
superintendent, with his family and assistants; it also
contains the reception room for visitors. In the rear
or main building, which measures 107x67 feet, is the large
dining room, where the inmates take their meals together
separate tables being reserved for the women. It also
contains the kitchen and laundry, the former, a capacious
room, being provided with a large Burton range, several
large potato steamers in which three bushels of potatoes are
cooked for each meal; also coffee and tea urns, and other
kitchen utensils, all of large capacity. Bread is
baked three times a week, the bake-house containing a large
mixer of two-barrel capacity, about one and a third barrels
of flour being used at each baking. The oven holds
eighty loaves, each from three to four times the size of an
ordinary ten cent loaf. Close to the kitchen, on the
other side, is the milk cellar.
The wash room contains a large steam washing machine
and a centrifugal wringer. Two other rooms are
connected with this department, one containing a large steam
mangle and the other being fitted up as a drying-room.
A large room on the second floor of the main building was
designed as a chapel, but is used only occasionally, a
religious services being held but at irregular intervals,
there being no chaplain attached to the institution.
The inmates occupy the two wings, the male inmates in
the east and females in the west wing. These buildings
measure respectively 146x48 feet and 173x48 feet. Each
wing contains two large, and a number of small bedrooms, the
latter being reserved in general for the aged or invalids or
those who for any reason require separate attention.
There are accommodations in the institution for 350 inmates,
though at the present time (March 1, 1907) there are but
185, of whom about thirty are women.
In both the men's and women's departments there are
rooms devoted to hospital purposes, where patients too ill
to sit up are cared for and given medical attendance.
There are also rooms in which a few feeble-minded people
receive special care and treatment.
In the rear of the main building are the engine and
dynamo rooms, the former fitted up with a 36-horse-power
Westinghouse electric engine, and three Babcock boilers
erected by the Stambaugh-Thompson Company. This engine
and the dynamo are soon to be replaced by a 55-horse-power
Russell engine, of Massillon, Ohio, manufacture, having
direct connection with a K. W. compound electric generator
of 540-light-power. A small building back of the
engine room is used as a machine shop.
Among the numerous smaller buildings forming a part of
the institution are an ice house, with a capacity of 200
tons, a soap factory, slaughter house, chicken house, turkey
house, and cow shed. The kitchens, dairy, wash room,
and other working rooms are laid with cement floors.
The land forming the estate consists of 210 acres on
which are raised practically everything required for the
consumption of the inmates and attendants. Last year
the farm produced 180 bushels of wheat, 1,135 bushels of
oats, 1,400 bushels of ears of corn, and 2,200 bushels of
potatoes. Seventy-five tons of hay were also cut,
being required for the live stock on the estate. Of
the latter there are at present some twenty-five cattle,
besides a goodly number of hogs and chickens, with a few
turkeys. In the dairy were made last January 300
pounds of excellent butter.
In addition to the farm there is a good sized garden,
tended mainly by some of the inmates. In it were
raised last year 5,000 heads of cabbage, 500 bushels of
potatoes, 100 bushels of turnips, 20 bushels of onions, 75
bushels of beets, 25 bushels of grapes, and 500 bushels of
apples.
Page 401 -
Mr. Robert S. Taylor; he is ably assisted by his
wife, who fills the post of matron, and by seven or eight
employees. Visitors are admitted to the infirmary on
Thursdays and Fridays.
With one or two exceptions, all the inmates are free
patients no case being admitted until it has been passed
upon by the board of directors, the members of which are
elected every two years. This board, which visits the
infirmary on the first and third Fridays of each month,
consists at present of J. K. Weir, Thomas Prosser and
George Gordon.
REUBEN M'MILLAN FREE LIBRARY.
[A
brief historic sketch of the library is included in this, the
first printed annual report of the librarian to the trustees.
For the earlier years we quote a report to the board of
education, 1897-98, by Miss Julia A. Hitchcock,
Librarian, 1890-1898.]
Sometime in the 40's the general assembly of Ohio passed a law
providing for the furnishing of books to every school district
in the state. Every family was entitled to one volume at a
time, although no member of the family attended school in the
township. The books were sent to the various board of
education in the state and Youngstown received its quota.
In 1860, with the breaking out of the Civil war, the statute was
suspended. In 1870, when Miss Pearson and I took
charge of the library in the Wood street school building there
were 168 volumes in the superintendent's office. The books
were marked Ohio School Library.
Many of the books were not adapted to the needs of
children. Feeling the necessity of something outside of
the text books to interest and develop the pupils, we enlisted
the interest of the teachers and parents and the aid and advice
of our worthy superintendent, Mr. McMillan. In 1872
the first venture was made in an entertainment which netted
about $100. Thus was used for books suitable for schools.
Each year a festival or a literary entertainment was
given by the pupils and teachers for the benefit of the library.
The board of education furnished a room and a librarian.
About 1875 a number of teachers, members of the board
of education and public spirited citizens formed an association
to further the interests of the library. In 1878 the
library was moved to the rooms of the board of education in the
First National Bank block and was opened to the public on
Saturday evenings.
In 1880 the association took out articles of
incorporation in order to receive gifts and legacies. The
name of the corporation was the Youngstown Library Association.
The charter members were: Reuben McMillan., Dr.
F. S. Whitslar, Dr. J. S. Cunningham, Sarah E.
Pearson and Julia A. Hitchcock. Mr.
Sidney Strong was active in forming the new
association, framing the constitution and bylaws. The
board of education had control of the library until March, 1891,
the association loaning its books to the board, contributing
dues and whatever other money came by gift or other wise.
The board of education contributed $300 yearly as a took fund
and paid all other expenses except a part of the librarian's
salary.
In 1890, through the efforts of some of our public
spirited men, notably John H. Clarke, a law was passed,
Mar. 25, by the Ohio general assembly applying specially to
Youngstown, by which a tax could be levied on the property of
the city for library purposes. In order to use the tax
money for the purchase of books the association decided to raise
money by subscription to meet current expenses. This was
done in 1891 and 1892, the board of education bearing the
expenses jointly with the association.
In March, 1891. the Library was moved to the Reel
& Moyer block.
In 1870, we started with 164 volumes: in 1891 there
were 3,608 volumes; in 1898 there were about 14.000 volumes,
including the pamphlets.
Early in 1897 some friends and pupils of Mr.
McMillan were at a social gathering, at which Mrs.
McMillan was present. The subject of memorials came up
for discussion, during which Mrs. McMillan expressed her
views together with those of her husband. They chose to be
remembered in the hearts of their friends.
Page 402 -
The
idea of dedicating the library to the memory of Mr. McMillan
was there conceived and suggested by Mrs. McElevey and
from the seed then sown has grown the beautiful structure which
we hope to occupy in the near future.
A large portrait of Mr. McMillan hangs in the
library, under which is the following tribute, paid by Mr.
Clarke:
"A man who sought neither wealth nor honor save as these
were to be found in the faithful doing of his duty. He
spent a long life for meager salary, in training the youth of
the city to live the highest intellectual life. When his
name was chosen for the library it was because his generation
chose to honor and revere that type of manhood which finds its
best expression in 'That high stern-featured beauty of steady
devotedness to duty.' "
In 1897 the name of the Youngstown Library Association
was changed to the Reuben McMillan Free Library Association and
that of the library to the Reuben McMillan Free Library.
In 1898 the Richard Brown house was
purchased, $36,652.61 being raised by popular subscription for
house, refitting and lot. The building was dedicated Feb.
16, 1899.
The policy of the library has from the founding of the
association been broad. In 1895 sets of books were loaned
to schools; in 1899 free access to shelves was given to users of
the library; in 1901 the library opened its doors on Sunday
afternoons; co-operation with the Haselton library was then
established ; in 1904 home libraries were established.
The library has received legacies from the estate of
David Theobald, $300.00; Charles D. Arms, $5,000.00;
and Mrs. Caroline Theobald, $100; Mrs. Richard Brown
gave an adjoining lot.
Too great praise cannot well be bestowed upon those who
originated and fostered this institution in early years; nor
upon those who took up this work in later ones and devised ways
and means to place it upon a permanent foundation and provide
for it an adequate home. By reason of the contributions of
the many, it belongs to the people - a free library, supported
by the people and for the people.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN,
APRIL, 1905.
"To the Trustees of the
Reuben McMillan Free Library:
"The librarian has the honor to present the report of
the library for the statistical year ending Apr. 30, 1905.
"While the past year shows no very important changes,
we feel that with the increase in volume, the work has become
more of a unit and the year the most successful one in the
history of the library.
"For convenience the results of the year's work are
briefly summarized as follows:
|
Total number of
books in library April 30, 1905 .....
|
24,640 |
| Total circulation
...................................................... |
73,777 |
| Total number of new
borrowers.............................. |
1,725 |
"The most gratifying development of the year has been in the
number of readers who use the library for reference.
There was an actual increase of 58 per cent over the
previous year, while the gain for the last two years was 113
per cent.
"An exhibit of good books for children was held before
Christmas. Interesting books and good editions were chosen.
"The gradual rounding out of the different departments
is being accomplished. The selection of books for
purchase has been mainly from the American Library
Association catalogue of 8,000 volumes for a popular
library. Nearly 300 of the best specialists
co-operated in making up the lists. Most of the books
in the catalogue we had already. The others are
received too late for their use and worth to be appreciated
by the public in this statistical year. With these
additions the people may well be proud of the selection of
books in the library.
"Again, as a consequence of the net price system on
books, increasing the cost from 25 to 30 per cent, it has
seemed expedient to curtail as much as possible the purchase
of current American publications. Many books have been
imported, others picked up through second hand and remainder
catalogues. The
Page 403 -
Page 404 -
YOUNGSTOWN CITY HOSPITAL (top
center);
MAHONING VALLEY HOSPITAL, YOUNGSTOWN; (left)
CHILDREN'S HOME, YOUNGSTOWN (right)
Page 405 -
library has thus secured books of enduring worth at very
advantageous prices. This has restricted recent accessions
to authors of established reputation, or to volumes which have
been before the public long enough to have demonstrated their
merit. The more recent books of fiction have been obtained
through the Bodley Club.
"Accessions - 4,090 volumes were added during the year
and while a great many worn out books have been discarded, there
is an actual net gain of 3,936 volumes, making a total of 24,640
in the library.
"Among the new accessions may be specially mentioned
those in foreign languages - Swedish and German. It is
hoped that Hungarian books may be added soon.
"Loan Department - During the year 73,777 were issued
for home use from the main library, schools and home libraries.
This represents an increase over the previous year of 4,352.
"The circulation of current numbers of the more popular
magazines has been continued.
"Registration - 1,725 new borrowers were registered
during the year.
"Periodicals - 89 current periodicals are now received in the
periodical room, an increase of eight over last year. Of the
accessions may be specially mentioned poultry journals.
The list is appended to the report; 47 were gifts.
"Cataloguing - The work of the year includes the
cataloguing of the new accessions. The Library of Congress
printed cards have been purchased as far as possible.
"Binding - 318 volumes were rebound, of which 250 were
periodicals; a smaller number than for last year.
"Reading and Reference - The growth of attendance has
been constant and the statistics show an increase of 7,651;
1,016 came on Sundays, an increase of 173. The total
attendance was 24,036.
"Special efforts on the part of the librarian have been
made for individual and special workers, clubs and teachers.
Four hundred and seventy-eight subjects were especially looked
up for study clubs, aid given in making programs, and new books
were bought where the subject was not otherwise sufficiently
covered.
"A rotating library of new and interesting books has
proved popular and of general use in guiding readers to good
books.
"Stories were also told in the public schools and the
Boys' Club at the Baldwin Memorial Kindergarten Association.
"A Girls' Club for reading met weekly during the summer
vacation. The members made scraps books for the younger
children in the children's room.
"The attendance in the children's room for reading
during vacation has been most encouraging. This habit of
coming to the library for reading even for short periods, has
been specially noticeable among the lower classes of the Rayen
school and shows the influence of the children's room of the
preceding years. Many of those students come daily and
more subjects of general interest are looked up than ever
before.
"While a report from the children's department can
never express in figures the result of its work, a careful
investigation of what has been accomplished with the children
would convince any interested observer, that some of the most
telling work for the general good of the community and for the
future success of the library, has been done among the children.
We have plenty of evidence to show what sensational and
injurious stuff they do read if better is not provided.
"Scattered throughout the city are innumerable small
chops where most debasing and sensational literature is sold to
children. Is it not a wise expenditure of effort for a
free public library to enter vigorously into competition with
these purveyors, and place within the reach of every child of
our city all the clean and wholesome literature it can secure?
"The empty shelves speak most eloquently for the needs
of this department.
HOME LIBRARIES.
"The
work (if reaching the children too far from the main library to
come to the children's
Page 406 -
room, has been most gratifying. Six home libraries have
been sent out - to Steelton (2), Brier Hill (2), Lansingville
(I) and Dry Run (I). The libraries were sent out in
November and exchanged once during the winter. The
circulation of books was 885. The number of members was
72.
"This seed planting has borne fruit in every district
where these books have been sent. Desire for reading
material has now come to us from the older children, men and
women in these districts. Larger collections of books should be
placed there in stores, schools or fire engine houses as deposit
stations. We believe that the time has now come to adopt
this broader public policy, for citizens farthest away need the
reading necessary for good citizenship as much as those who are
near the heart of the city. It is also theirs by right,
since they also are taxpayers.
SCHOOLS.
"Work
with the schools has been continued along the lines of
reference, school duplicates and story telling. Books have
been sent to 171 schools. As a result of the meeting of
the library committee of the Board of Education in February with
the executive board, $300 aid was appropriated by the school
board for the purchase of new sets of school duplicates.
"With the beginning of the fall term the school sets
will be delivered by the library to the schools.
"School Sets - Seventy-eight sets of duplicates for
school room use were loaned 171 times, many of the sets being
used each term and sometimes by two teachers the same term in
the same building. Eighteen miscellaneous sets were
building. Eighteen miscellaneous set were loaned; the
record of the use of these sets is incomplete and shows a
partial use of 468."
THE YOUNGSTOWN CITY HOSPITAL.
The
Youngstown City Hospital was founded in 1882, and much of the
credit is due to the late John Stambaugh for its
inception and organization. It was actively begun by the
incorporation in that year of the Youngstown City Hospital
Association, the institution being opened in the following year.
The original frame buildings were added to from time to time, as
the beneficent work of the institution extended year by year,
until finally the imperative necessity for a modern and much
larger hospital was promptly met by many patriotic citizens.
The new hospital was formally opened July 9, 1903.
In the construction of the present institution careful
attention has been given to the advice of some of the best
experts in the country. The buildings, which stand on a
new site, crowning a steep bluff, which commands a fine view of
the city and of the Mahoning valley, are Indiana limestone, and
the grouping of the single detached wards and the administration
building is very graceful. The administration building
contains three stories and basement, 61x65 feet in size.
The main corridor, which extends the entire length of the
hospital, connects the various wards, as well as the nurses'
home, divides the administration building into executive offices
in front, and the operating wing in the rear. The
buildings are set back on a line eighty feet from Frances
street, and present a very beautiful appearance to the passerby.
The hospital is a magnificent testimonial to the philanthropy of
the citizens of Youngstown, many of whom have given freely of
their money to erect and equip the new hospital buildings.
In the twenty-first annual report (1903) of the
association appeared the following statements of benefactions:
PERMANENT DONATIONS.
| a. |
Administration building, operating rooms, two male
surgical wards, obstetrical ward, children's ward
and power house erected and furnished by Myron C.
wick at a cost of |
$65,300.50 |
| b. |
Nurses'
Home erected and furnished by Mr. Myron I. Arms,
Mr. Warner Arms, Mrs. Mary Arms Wick, Mrs. Emeline
Arms Peck, Mrs. Jane Arms Hofer and Mrs.
Harriet Arms Booth at a cost of |
24,705.50 |
Page 407 -
| c. |
One male
medical ward erected and furnished by Mrs. C. H.
Andrews at a cost of |
8,631.57 |
| d. |
One male
medical ward erected and furnished by Miss Sallie
Tod at a cost of |
9,868.79 |
| e.
|
One
female medical ward erected and furnished by Mrs.
Sallie Arms Bonnell, Mrs. Annie Arms Bonnell, Miss
Katherine Arms, Miss Caroline Arms, Mrs. Laura Belle
Arms Robinson and Mrs. Olive Arms at a
cost of |
8,813,48 |
| f.
|
One
female surgical ward erected and furnished by
friends of the Hospital at a cost of |
$10,000.00 |
| g. |
One
private room ward erected and furnished by Mrs.
Edith Andrews Logan at a cost of |
$10,790.54 |
FREE BED ENDOWMENTS.
| |
Mrs.
Mary P. Hitchcock |
$
8,631.57 |
| |
Mrs.
Maria Tod, George Tod |
5,000.00 |
| |
Mrs.
Grace Tod Arrel. Miss Sallie Tod |
5,000.00 |
| |
John
and Henry H. Stambaugh |
5,000.00 |
| |
Mrs.
Caroline Stambaugh |
5,000.00 |
| |
Robert Bentley |
5,000.00 |
| |
Miss
Belle Crandall, as a memorial of her father and
mother |
5,000.00 |
| |
Estate
of Richard Brown |
5,000.00 |
LEGACY.
| |
David
and Caroline Theobald |
500.00 |
PRIVATE ROOM DONATIONS.
| |
Y. M. C.
A. |
$250.00 |
| |
St.
John's Episcopal Church |
$250.00 |
| |
First
Presbyterian Church |
$250.00 |
| |
Trinity
M. E. Church |
$250.00 |
| |
Masonic
Order |
$250.00 |
| |
Mrs.
Edith Andrews Logan |
$250.00 |
| |
Mrs.
Mason Evans |
$250.00 |
| |
Ferdinand Ritter and daughters |
$250.00 |
| |
Rayan
Club |
$250.00 |
| |
Miss
Grace Stambaugh |
$250.00 |
| |
Thomas Parrock |
$250.00 |
| |
William H. Park |
$250.00 |
| |
Rodef
Sholem Church |
$200.00 |
| |
John
S. Orr |
$200.00 |
| |
Tabernacle U. P. Church |
$200.00 |
| |
B. P. O.
Elks |
$200.00 |
| |
The
German Lutheran Church |
$200.00 |
| |
Mrs.
C. P. Hutchinson |
$200.00 |
| |
Endless
Chain |
$200.00
__________ |
| |
|
$
4,650.00 |
In
addition to the above there were cash and material donated to
the total amount of $12,822.59. This included
contributions, a number of them in large amounts, from some of
the leading business and manufacturing concerns of Youngstown as
well as from private individuals. There were also a number
of contributions amounting in the aggregate to $545.50, for the
purchase of an X-ray machine, as well as numerous contributions
of books, papers, magazines, flowers, pictures, toys, baby
clothes, etc., chiefly from ladies. In connection with the
hospital there is a training school for nurses, which has
achieved a high standard of excellence in the work done by its
pupils. The following is a report of
MEDICAL CASES.
| |
In House
Oct. 1, 1902 |
37 |
| |
Admitted |
492
529 |
| |
Recovered |
374 |
| |
Improved |
51 |
| |
Not
improved |
10 |
| |
Died |
66 |
| |
In house
Oct. 1, 1903 |
28 529 |
SURGICAL CASES.
| |
In house
Oct. 1, 1902 |
49 |
| |
Admitted |
941
990 |
| |
Recovered |
865 |
| |
Improved |
7 |
| |
Not
improved |
7 |
| |
Died |
66 |
| |
In house
Oct. 1, 1903 |
45 990 |
The
hospital has a skillful medical and surgical staff, including
several well known specialists, with an adequate number of
trained nurses, under an efficient directress. Besides the
officers of the association, who are elected annually, and the
trustees, who hold their office for life, there is a Board of
Lady Manaers, who take care of the committees on Inspecting,
Supplies, Flowers, Entertainments and Library. The
Executive, Finance, Purchasing and Soliciting Committees are
appointed annually from the Board of Trustees. Members
from both boards serve on the Training School Committee.
The present superintendent of the hospital is Miss Sadie
Sims.
This year (1907), within three
months, to
Page 408 -
pay off a debt, $40,000 has been received in contributions.
MAHONING VALLEY HOSPITAL.
In
the spring of 1891 a number of Youngstown physicians, who were
dissatisfied with the conditions which then prevailed at the
City Hospital, formed an association to provide separate
accommodations for their patients. Among them were Drs.
A. L. King, John McCurdy, A. E. Warren, C.
C. Booth, J. A. Dickson, L. U. Howard, M.
S. Clark and Jared E. Cone. The old Tod
city mansion, built by Governor Tod on Holmes street,
near Federal, shortly before his death, was rented and used by
the doctors for this purpose.
In December of the following year some Sisters of
Charity from Pittsburg came to Youngstown for the purpose of
founding a hospital, and got into communication with the
physicians above named. Arrangements were made whereby the
hospital passed into the hands of the said Sisters, they
purchasing the property from the Tod estate. The
house was thoroughly remodeled and fitted up as a hospital, for
which purpose it is still used. It has forty beds, which
are contained in large, airy rooms, well lighted, and provided
with all necessary accommodations for the sick. There are
also a few private rooms for special patients. Besides
what is paid in by patients, the institution received one-half
of the fund appropriated by the city for hospital purposes.
It is under the immediate charge of the Sisters, who are
assisted by a board of directors. While the Sisters owe
obedience in matters of faith to the Catholic Church, and are
members of the diocese of Cleveland, the hospital is independent
of the diocesan jurisdiction. It is visited by the
Catholic clergy, and also by pastors of the various Protestant
denominations, or other religious organizations, whenever their
ministrations are desired by any of the patients, the
institution being open to patients of all religions.
GLENWOOD CHILDREN'S HOME.
The
purpose of the Glenwood Children's Home is to provide homes for
homeless and neglected children under sixteen years of age.
It was first opened for the reception of children in the year
1900.
The home is situated on one of the most charming spots
in the city of Youngstown, facing upon Glenwood avenue, and
overlooking the beautiful Mill Creek Park, and a broad stretch
of undulating farm land.
There are eleven and one-half acres of land used for
ornamental and garden purposes. The buildings consist of a
substantial brick central structure, to which is attached by a
covered corridor a cottage which is used as a dormitory, school
and a play-room for the boys; the girls for the present being
cared for in the main building. When the original plan is
completed, a like cottage for the girls will be provided.
There is a substantial frame building on the grounds,
occupied by the gardener, and a convenient barn will soon be
erected. A sewerage filter plant has been installed and
the healthfulness of the home, within and without, has thus been
assured.
The report of the superintendent. Miss
Elizabeth Harlow, for the year ending Aug. 31, 1906,
shows some useful work done in improving the grounds and in
providing suitable arrangements for the amusement and recreation
of the children. The highest number of children cared for
in the home during the year was thirty-two. There had been
a uniformly good state of health, with freedom from epidemics.
The children received into the home must be of good
moral character and have satisfactory references. They are
given at least five months' schooling each year, and are
required to attend church and Sabbath school when possible.
At the age of eighteen they are free and receive a good
outfit of clothing and a bounty of from $50 to $100. They
may be visited once a year or oftener by some one duly au-
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thorized, and may be legally adopted by responsible persons
whose character is satisfactory to the officers of the
institution, and the right of recalling a child when its welfare
demands it, is reserved.
FLORENCE CRITTENDEN HOME.
Tile
Florence Crittenden Home, of Youngstown, is one of a large
number of homes of refuge and reformation for erring and
unfortunate women that have been established in some sixty
cities of the United States, besides Japan, China, France and
Mexico. They owe their existence to the efforts of Mr.
Charles Crittenden, a wealthy business man of New York, who
was led to consecrate himself to Christian work through the
death of his little daughter, Florence, after whom every
home is named. It was this great affliction that first
caused Mr. Crittenden to seek strength and
consolation in religion. After a period of despair and
rebellion against the Divine will, lasting for some months, his
heart was finally softened. He found peace in resignation
to God's will, and sought and found a field of Christian
activity in the work of saving "Our Little Sisters," to which he
now gives all of his large income. The first mission was
opened at No. 29 Bleeker street, New York city, some
twenty-three years ago, and since then the work has been
steadily growing. It has been the means of rescuing
thousands of young women and girls who had, through weakness,
temptation, or unfortunate environment: let go their hold on
right living, and has saved many more who were in danger of
taking a similar false step.
"Any destitute, dissipated, or fallen woman or girl
desirous of leading a better life, is cordially invited to the
home, and may remain for such period of time as the Board of
Managers shall deem best." Women and girls who have no
home, or are out of employment, are also welcome until some
employment is found. In this way many who are stranded are
enabled to keep out of bad hands and tide over a time of stress
and danger. The more detailed sketch of the local
institution which follows is from the pen of Rev. D. T.
Thomas, and was published in the first report of the home.
"The Youngstown Florence Crittenden Home is due
originally to the persistent prayers and efforts of a few of the
devoted W. C. T. U. ladies of our city, the following being the
primary movers: Mrs. E. A. Hall, Mrs. Jane Davis, Mrs.
Paisley, Mrs. Gravell and Mrs. Ferrin. A year
or so previous to the spring of 1902, at the invitation of the
above named ladies, Mrs. Kate Walter Barrett, National
Superintendent of the Florence Crittenden work, together
with our present matron. Mrs. Jaynes, visited the
city. Mrs. Barrett presented the work in public
meetings, and Mrs. Jaynes, staying some days longer,
soliciting subscriptions throughout the city.
"In April, 1902, Mrs. E. A. Hall and Mrs.
Jane Davis appeared before the Ministerial Association
asking the privilege of speaking concerning the needs of such a
home in Youngstown. This being granted, they also
presented personal letters from the Chief of Police and other
leading citizens of Youngstown, strongly urging the necessity of
such a home, and especially emphasizing the adaptability of the
Florence Crittenden Homes for this work. After listening
to their earnest pleas a committee was appointed by the
association to consider the need and advisability of such a home
in co-operation with these ladies. In due time this
committee reported favorably on the matter and was instructed to
continue their services.
"After corresponding with headquarters at Washington,
the Rev. Mr. Mason, a field worker for the Florence
Crittenden work was brought here and spent a month in the city
speaking in the churches and soliciting subscriptions for the
new enterprise. During his stay in the city a permanent
organization was formed with the following persons as officers:
Rev. C. H. Stocking, president; Rev. W. G. White,
vice-president; Rev. D. T. Thomas, recording secretary:
Mr. L. A. Thayer, treasurer; Mrs. S. A. Hughes,
corresponding secretary.
"After electing the governing bodies,
Page 410 -
which consist of a board of trustees and an advisory board, and
the appointing of standing committees, namely: a finance
committee, an admission committee, house committee, and
religious committee, a building committee was appointed and
instructed to proceed at once to the securing of a home.
After much hunting and examining, the Leet property,
in Girard, Ohio, was purchased. Mrs. Jaynes, our
present efficient matron, was called to take charge of the home
in March, 1903, and with the exception of a few months, has
continued to fill this difficult position in a most proficient
and satisfactory way from its inception to the present time.
But before we had occupied our Girard home six months it be came
evident that it was too far away and too small to serve the best
purpose and meet the urgent and increasing need.
"After further investigation a residence of eleven
rooms was purchased on Hine street. In less than a year
after occupying this property we were for the second time face
to face with the problem of securing still larger quarters.
This time we were fortunate in securing our present large,
commodious and delightful location, namely: the old Baldwin
home on McGuffey street, which the national officers say
is one of the very finest in the whole chain of Florence
Crittenden Homes, one which Youngstown may well be proud of.
"During these four brief years services have been
rendered by officers, committees, donors and friends which
deserve highest commendation, without which service, indeed, it
might be said that the Florence Crittenden Home of Youngstown
would have been impossible. For instance, the great
service rendered it in its beginning by the late Rev. W. G.
White and the late Mrs. Ford, Rev. A. L. Frazier
and Mr. L. A. Thayer. The splendid and untiring
devotion of Mrs. Henry Heedy, who, as chairman of the
finance committee during most of this time, has been
instrumental in raising more than three-fourths of the funds for
the establishment and support of our home. And common
courtesy demands that we speak of the invaluable services
rendered the home by our staff of physicians, namely, Drs. J.
J. Thomas (chief of staff), Jennie Turner, Merwin,
Parish, Hawn and McCurdy."
The home was opened in the usual way by Mr.
Crittenden's subscription of $1,000, and is supported almost
entirely by charity. The late Mrs. Arabella Ford,
who was untiring in her efforts to improve the financial
condition of the institution, succeeded in soliciting about 100
yearly memberships which represented $12.50 each, and which for
a time were adequate to meet the daily expenses. Nine
thousand dollars were raised by soliciting and selling the Hine
street property, and monthly donations were obtained from a
number of leading business men of the city.
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