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Start Over Subject Charities -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia Subject Quakers -- Pennsylvania Subject Society of Friends -- Pennsylvania Year 1850 to 1899

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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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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]