Call Number:

RG4.015

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Extent:

1 linear ft. (2 boxes)

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item or series here], Central Employment Association (Philadelphia, Pa.) Records, RG 4/015, Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.

Date:

1840-1942 (inclusive)

Creator:

Central Employment Association (Philadelphia, Pa.), Northern Female Association for the Relief of the Sick and Infirm Poor (Philadelphia, Pa.), and Female Association of Philadelphia for the Relief of the Sick and Infirm Poor with Clothing

Abstract:

The Central Employment Association, a women's charity, was established circa 1840 in Philadelphia by Hicksite Quakers as the Northern Female Association for the Relief of the Sick and Infirm Poor. The collection contains the charter and by-laws, work and financial records, and correspondence, 1840-1942.

The Northern Female Association for the Relief of the Sick and Infirm Poor was organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 1840 by Hicksite Quaker women to distribute food and clothing to poor people. On 12 month 1, 1857, the name was changed to the Central Employment Association, and in addition to relieving the poor, the Association sought to provide employment, primarily sewing, to the poor who were able to work. Priscilla H. Henrey was appointed President, and Sallie H. Henrey, Treasurer, and Ann H. Townsend, Secretary.

The policy was for each person assisted to be visited by a member of the Association. Poor people were provided with materials to sew garments, and they were paid for the work completed. Garments were distributed without charge to those poor people unable to work, due to illness or infirmity.

The Central Employment Association was incorporated in 1874. In 1884 it was located at 4th and Green Street, Philadelphia. The Association continued to function until 1940 when it was dissolved, and it assets were given to the Female Association of Philadelphia for the Relief of the Sick and Infirm Poor with Clothing.

Organizations of this kind, of which there were several in the Philadelphia area in the late 1800's, were often referred to as "Houses of Industry."

This collection contains the records of the Central Employment Association, a women's charity established circa 1840 in Philadelphia by Hicksite Quakers as the Northern Female Association for the Relief of the Sick and Infirm Poor. The collection contains the charter and by-laws, work and financial records, and correspondence, 1840-1942.

The collection is organized into 5 series. The series are:

1. Constitution
2. Minutes
3. Work Reports
4. Correspondence
5. Financial Records

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