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Start Over Repository Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College Subject Nonprofit Organizations -- Pennsylvania Subject Quakers -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia Year 1950 to 1999

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Friends' Home for Children, 1881-1988 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
Friends' Home for Children ("Friendly Acres") was established in 1881 in Philadelphia by Hicksite Quakers. The Home was a residential facility for orphans and other children in need, modeled on a homelike environment rather than the large institutional more typical of the era. The Home was administered by a Board of Managers which originally was composed entirely of members of the Society of Friends. Eventually it became a summer camp, "Camp Sommerdale," a summer facility for the children. While maintaining ties to the Society of Friends, the Home became non-sectarian over the years. As attitudes towards the care of children changed and costs soared, it was decided in 1979 to phase out the residential program, and the name was changed to Friendly Acres Community Services with its mission focused on community programs, such as day care and senior services. In 1988, Friendly Acres Community Services merged with the Community Y of Eastern Delaware County, another community service...(see more)

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Central Soup Society, 1860-1968 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
The Central Soup Society of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was incorporated on March 6, 1861, with the charitable purpose of distributing soup and other food to the poor and needy during the inclement seasons. The organization was founded by Hicksite Quakers and continued to serve the people of Philadelphia throughout the 20th century. It survives at the turn of the 21st century as a foundation. Records of the Central Soup Society; includes financial records, minutes, and miscellaneous historical documents concerning the organization. More than half of the records pertain to some financial aspect of the organization. Though the time scope of the file encompasses the organization's inception (1861) through the late 1960's, the majority of the materials are from the beginning to the middle part of the 20th century.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Friends Neighborhood Guild, 1880-1962 (inclusive)

Extent:
4 linear ft. (8 boxes)
Abstract:
Friends Neighborhood Guild is a social welfare agency established by Hicksite Quakers in 1879 to serve the Poplar section of North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It began as a volunteer organization for immigrant children and evolved into a settlement house and community center. This collection primarily contains early records of Friends Neighborhood Guild, and also the records of two related Quaker societies, the Friendly Settlement Association and the Spring Street Mission.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]