Portland, Oregon: Its History and Builders/Volume 1/Chapter 22
CHAPTER XXII.
i860 — 1910.
The Kind Hearts and Willing Hands — Portland's Benevolences — Hospitals, Homes, and Noble Women.
"Think not, the good,
The gentle, deeds of mercy thou hast done,
Shall be forgotten all ; the poor, the pris'ner
The fatherless, the friendless, and the widow,
Who daily own the bounty of the hand.
Shall cry to heav'n, and pull a blessing on thee."
"To the blind, the deaf, the lame.
To the ignorant and vile. Stranger, captive, slave, they came.
With a welcome and a smile. Help to all they did dispense.
Like the gifts of Providence, To the evil and the good."
If there is one thing more than another out of a multitude of distinguishing characteristics that the people of Portland may be justly proud of, it is the abounding charities of the city, and the noble women who manage them.
The two great hospitals were founded practically about the same time, both being commenced in 1874. However, Bishop Morris, the founder of the Good Samaritan Hospital, purchased the site and commenced raising funds to build the hospital in 1873. And assuming that to be a commencement of the good work, the Good Samaritan will be noticed first.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL.
An official report states that the Good Samaritan Hospital of Portland, Ore- gon, was founded in 1874 by Rt. Rev. B. Wistar Morris, then missionary bishop of Oregon and Washington territory. In 1873, three and a half acres of land were purchased from Dr. R. Glisan for $1,500, the remaining portion of an acre from B. Goldsmith for $800. In 1875 another block was purchased from Capt. Flanders ; this was bought on the installment plan, and when the bishop found that the increased expenses of the place made the payments a burden, Capt. Flanders, with a ready mind to give, and always at the Bishop's right hand, gave the hospital the rest of the money due him.
An old receipt shows that the fence cost $92, $4 of which was for the foun- dation of the arch at the entrance of the grounds on 226. and Lovejoy streets. The vine maple which now follows the direction of the original scaffold, was brought from the then nearby woods and planted by Bishop Morris himself, and constitutes what is now known as the "Bishop's Arch." Another interesting receipt is one for $67 for "extracting stumps."
Among the original donors we find the names of General Eaton, Colonel McCraken, Samuel Sherlock, S. Pennoyer, Dr. R. B. Wilson, G. S. Brooks, Lloyd Brooke, Mrs. Couch, Judge M. P. Deady, Mrs. Hewett, Wm. Sherlock, Mrs. Corbett, Weeks & Morgan, Ladd & Tilton, Dr. Glisan, W. Wadhams, S. G. Skidmore, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Lewis, George Goode, Elijah Corbett, H. W. Corbett, James Laidlaw, G. E. Wethington, Hodge, Calef & Co., James Steel, D. P. Thompson, Henry Failing and others. Also the churches of Trinity and St. Stephens of Portland, St. Peter's of Albany, St. Paul's of Oregon City, St. Mary's of Eugene, St. David's of East Portland, and St. Luke's of Vancouver, Washington.
An appeal from the bishop to raise funds for the hospital reads, "A hospital and orphanage to be erected in the northwest part of the city under the supervision of the Episcopal church. Patients will be admitted to this hospital, and children to this orphanage, without distinction of race or religion, of color or country, and any ministration that may be desired at the bedside of any patient, will be cordially allowed. It is proposed to raise a building fund of $5,000 for immediate use. I have pledged $2,000 of this and hope the good people of Portland will soon furnish the $3,000. The first hospital board of managers were Hon. M. P. Deady, Rev. Geo. F. Plummer, Mr. C. H. Lewis, Capt. Geo. H. Flanders, Dr. R. B. Wilson, Dr. R. Glisan, Mr. James Laidlaw, Mr, Henry Hewett, Gen. J. H. Eaton, Mr. Ivan R. Dawson, Mr. Henry Failing, Gen. J. H, Eaton, secretary, and Mr. George Goode, treasurer.
The hospital was opened October 9, 1875, and the first patient admitted October 10th. It then consisted of a building which cost $10,000, of which $1,500 was unpaid at that time. The first superintendent was George Boyd, a deacon of the church, who did faithful service in the hospital for 10 years. During the first year it cared for 51 patients, and in the orphanage were 25 children. Two years later there were 129 patients in the hospital, and 15 children in the orphanage. In 1877 a mortgage of $2,000 was placed on the hospital, but was paid in 1880.
A portion of the address of Bishop Morris for the year 1878 we quote: "By the fencing of the surrounding property, access to the hospital has been very difficult for the past year, and in the winter, the long and circuitous road to it was almost impassable to any ordinary vehicle, and a very terror to patients and physicians." It was during this winter while the bishop was east that the hospital was closed, waiting for a passable road. One of the staff, Dr. W. H. Saylor, often told about letting down bars while on his road to make his daily visits to the hospital.
Some years later the bishop makes an appeal for money "to relieve an alarming indebtedness of $636." Another time he was strongly urged to sell it for a marine hospital, as he had what was then considered a good offer for it; but gradually it prospered. During the year 1883, it sustained a great loss in the death by typhoid fever of Mr. Boyd. The expenditure of the hospital during this year was $4,988.20. Sister Hannah and Sister Mary were next in charge, and after them, Rev. Mr. Ferguson. In 1885, Mrs. Emma J. Wakeman was asked to manage its affairs, and for 20 years was its faithful and beloved superintendent.
The first addition to the original part was made in 1889, increasing its capacity about 25 beds. In 1890 the training school was organized—the first in the northwest; Miss Emily L. Loveridge, a graduate of Bellevue, taking charge of it, and starting with six student nurses. It has now ninety.
When the missionary jurisdiction of Oregon became a diocese, the control of Good Samaritan Hospital was vested in a corporation founded under the laws of Oregon, and known as the Board of hospital trustees of the diocese of Oregon. This board now consists of three clergymen and three laymen, the bishop of Oregon being ex-officio the chairman of the board. The first board was Rev. Thos. L. Cole, Rev. W. R. Howell, Dr. S. E. Josephi and Dr. Geo. F. Wilson. In 1896 two more members were added—Rev. Mr. , and Mr. L. B. Cox, whose untiring interest in the hospital, and whose earnest work for its welfare will long be remembered. Mr. Glisan was appointed his successor on the death of Mr. Cox, in 1890.
In 1891 the next addition was made, adding a capacity for 30 ward and room beds for patients, and also accommodations for fourteen nurses. The first brick portion of the hospital was the Lewis wing, being the southwest portion of the west wing. In 1902 the nurses' home was begun, and two floors completed. In 1905 was built the northwest wing of the hospital, containing the Couch surgery, a memorial to John and Caroline Couch. In this same year the laundry was built, and the following year the two unfinished floors of the nurses' home were completed. In 1909 was erected the middle or north portion of the hospital as a memorial to the late Bishop Morris, containing a complete administration building with a chapel, also a memorial to the bishop. This was made possible largely by the generosity of some of its friends, among them Mrs. C. H. Lewis, Mrs. Glisan and family and others.
During the year 1894, Mrs. Wakeman's health failed, and with great regret her resignation was accepted in 1905, when Miss Loveridge was appointed her successor and Miss G. M. Welch, one of the school's first graduates, made superintendent of the training school.
The hospital has now a capacity for 250 beds, and in 1909 cared for 4,374 patients. In 1909, Miss R. M. Jolly was appointed superintendent of the training school, and Miss Welch assistant superintendent.
Medical and Surgical Staff—Andrew J. Giesy, M. D.; Andrew C. Panton, M. D.; S. E. Josephi, M. D.; A. E. Mackay, M. D.; E. H. Parker, M. D.; Holt C. Wilson, M. D.; Geo. F. Wilson, M. D.; Richard Nunn, M. D.; W. L. Wood, M. D.
House Staff—H. B. Lieser, M. D.; B. E. Smith, M. D. ; Miss Emily Lover idge, superintendent; Mrs. N. J. Carroll, matron; M. E. Lieser, M. D.; Rev. Wm. Powell, chaplain; Miss Mary Welch, superintendent training school of nurses.
Number of full pay patients from March 1, 1908, to February 28, 1909
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
2,017 |
Number of part pay patients from March 1, 1908, to February 28, 1909
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
1,215 |
Number of free patients from March 1, 1909, to February 28, 1909
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
491 |
Number of days' treatment bestowed on full pay patients
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
22,950 |
Number of days' treatment bestowed on part pay patients
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
19,383 |
Number of days' treatment bestowed on free patients
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
9,742 |
Number of patients under treatment March 1, 1908
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
168 |
Number of patients under treatment March 1, 1909
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
134 |
Number of patients admitted during the year
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
3,723 |
Number of patients discharged during the year
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
3,606 |
Number of patients died during the year
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
161 |
Of the above, endowment beds furnished days' care and treatment as follows: Queen Victoria Jubilee commemoration bed, 516; Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee commemoration bed, 371; British Consulate bed, 489; S. Morris Wain memorial bed, 217; Grace Charlotte Stark memorial bed, 212; H. Rodney Morris memorial bed, 365; Mary and Lewis Flanders memorial bed, 365; George C. Morris memorial bed, 245; Caroline Couch memorial bed, 210; Ellen Wain memorial bed, 203; Philadelphia bed, 160; Strangers bed, 189; Arthur William Morris memorial bed, 190; Maria Blanchard memorial bed, 214; Children's Christmas cot, 205; Hamilton-Brooke memorial bed, 365; Wm. Sherlock memorial bed, 218; Sailors' bed, 120; Hannah M. Smith and Margery Lindsley memorial bed, 180; Trinity Church memorial bed, 255; Child's comfort cot, 150; total, 5,439.
PATIENTS UNDER TREATMENT DURING THE YEAR.
By nationalities — Americans, 2,803; Austrians, 38; Belgians, 7; Bohemians, 3; Bulgarians, 8; Canadians, 75; Chinese, 24; Danes, 30; Dutch, 2; English, 90; Finns, 50; French, 19; Germans, 126; Grecians, 41; Hungarians, 5; Indians, 1; Irish, 31; Italians, 49; Japanese, z|4; Macedonians, 4; Mexican, 1; Norwegians, 67; Poles, 8; Russians, 29; Scotch, 45; Servian, 1; Spanish, 1; Swedes, 101; Swiss, 18; Turks, 2; total, 3,723.
By religious faith — Adventist, 15; Baptist, 235; Campbellite, 1; Christians, 83 ; Christian Scientists, 5 ; Church of the Apostles, 2; Church of the Disciples, 1; Church of God, i; Church of the Nazarene, 1; Church of Zion, 2; Buddhists, 8; Episcopalians, 247; Evangelicals, 48; German Reform, 4; Greek, 32; Heathens, 33; Hebrew, 15; Hindoo, 1; Lutherans, 374; Macedonian, 1; Methodists, 465; Mohammedans, 2; Mormons, 2; Presbyterians, 222 ; Protestants, 624 ; Quakers, 2; Roman Catholic, 444; Salvation Army, 2; Spiritualists, 3; Unitarians, 17; United Brethren, 16; Universalists, 9; None, 806; total, 3,723.
Total cash income for the year $249,282.39 Total cash expense of operation 248,821.53 Balance in the treasury . 460.86
ENDOWED BEDS AND GIFTER FUNDS.
S. Morris Wain memorial bed fund. $ 3,500.00
Grace Charlotte Stark memorial bed fu.mi •; 3,000.00
H. Rodney Morris memorial bed fund. . 2,673.00
Mary and Lewis Flanders memorial bed fund 3,250.00
George C. Morris memorial bed fund 3,000.00
Caroline Couch memorial bed fund 3,000.00
Ellen Wain memorial bed fund 3,000.00
Queen Victoria Jubilee bed fund 3,250.00
British Consulate bed fund 2,500.00
Philadelphia bed fund 3,000.00
Strangers' bed fund 3,000.00
Arthur William Morris memorial bed fund 3,000.00
Maria E. Blanchard memorial bed fund 3,500.00
Children's Christmas cot fund 3,250.00
Trinity Church free bed fund 3,000.00
Childs' comfort cot fund 3,000.00
Hamilton-Brooke memorial bed fund 3,500.00
Hannah M. Smith and Margery L. Lindsley memorial bed
fund 4,500.00
Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee bed fund 3,500.00
William Sherlock memorial bed fund 3,500.00
Sailors' bed (the B. H. Buckingham memorial) 5,000.00
Benjamin C. Stanton memorial bed fund 5,000.00
Henry Whitaker bequest 3.546-37
Masonic free bed fund 775-i^
R. Glisan fund 1,000.00
Mothers' bed endowment fund (Lamson) 334-8i
Mothers' bed endowment fund (the Laura A. McGill memorial) 200.00
Sinking fund (cottages) 8,003.05
Seller-Loewengart fund 596- 14
ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL | MOTHER THERESA |
For many years manager |
King Oscar II Jubilee bed fund 92.39
Child's cot No. 3 4,006.50
Lottie S. Short memorial fund 76-95
Henry Weinhard fund 6,1 17.61
John H. and Caroline Couch memorial surgery fund. . . . 3,566.14
Sarah Elizabeth Goodwin bequest 575-00
Bishop Morris memorial building fund (new hospital) . . 25,233.32
Mary Phelps Montgomery fund 327.00
Bishop Morris memorial (chapel furnishing fund) 1,000.00
Amanda W. Reed bequest fund 1,000.00
Samuel Wells Morris and Anna Ellis Morris (memorial
Haight bed) 5,000.00
Trustees for the Year 1910 — Rt. Rev. Charles Scadding, D. D., bishop of Oregon, ex-officio chairman; Rev. J. E. Simpson, 1910; Rev. H. R. Talbot, 191 1; Rev. John Dawson, 1912; Geo. F. Wilson, M. D., 1910; S. E. Josephi, M. D., 1911 ; Rodney L. Glisan, Esq., 1912. Rev. J. E. Simpson, secretary; S. E. Josephi, treasurer.
Ladies' Aid Committee — Mrs. C. F. Lewis, president; Mrs. A. G. Barker, vice- president; Mrs. J. Frank Watson, secretary.
ST. Vincent's hospital.
St. Vincent's Hospital, conducted by the Sisters of Charity of Providence, was established September 29, 1874, and incorporated in 1876 according to the laws of the state of Oregon, The original building was situated in North Port- land on Northrup street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, a wooden structure and sufficiently spacious to accommodate from fifty to seventy-five patients.
Mother Joseph, a woman of exceptionally keen insight, and who at the time was head of the community in the west, read the future of the city of Port- land, and secured a more desirable site for the new St. Vincent's. From the time of the purchase of the property until the present day, all are unanimous that the sister's choice could hardly have fallen on a more ideal and unique location; situated as it is in the west of the city, on the foothills of the evergreen coast range, facing the beautiful Willamette, and commanding a stretch of scenery that for variety and magnificance cannot be surpassed. Before it lies our fair Rose City, its comfortable homes, stately public and business buildings, then the winding river, beyond which the city extends for several miles, and in the dis- tance majestic Mt. Hood arises its snowy height; Mts. Adams, St. Helens and Rainier also bound the horizon to the east, as well as the noble range, of which they form a part.
To the north the harbor greets the eye with graceful ships and river craft, and over in the distance "where rolls the Oregon," one can distinguish on clear days Vancouver, where the pioneer Sisters of Charity landed fifty-three years ago.
To the south and within two blocks of St. Vincent's is the city park, a natural reserve which wealth has beautified and made most attractive; thither the pa- tients may saunter and while away the time during convalescence.
The hospital grounds are extensive, comprising fifteen acres, laid out artis- tically with walks and shade trees, affording uncommon facilities for sun baths and open air recreation; no more delightful place can be imagined than the mount to the west of the hospital, and it is here the weary nurse finds repose and pastime during her free hours ; easy access has been made possible by means of a suspension bridge which connects the fourth floor with the upper ridge; fol- lowing the path will bring one to an artistic shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, nestled in the mountain a short distance from the s ummit.
St. Vincent's Hospital is a structure of stone and brick, erected in 1892 ; has a frontage of 500 feet, a depth of 58 feet, is 6 stories in height and is fitted with modern improvements, required by such an institution. Upwards of four thou- sand patients are now treated yearly, about one-half of which are surgical cases. Every modern and up-to-date hospital equipment has been provided.
A necessity long felt by Portland physicians and medical students, has been met by including in the plans of the new wing an operating theater which will accommodate at least 150 medical students. The operating table will be placed under a skylight, thus affording an excellent opportunity for the students to wit- ness the work of the operators.
On another floor an X-ray room is provided for special work in this line.
Aside from the general operating rooms, there are placed convenient to the elevator and etherizing rooms, a number of private operating rooms for the use of patients desiring this privacy.
At times when the hospital was taxed to its utmost capacity, many have been reluctantly refused admission, but only when it was known that other institu- tions were open to them. However, at no time have the needy, sick poor been turned away. All races and creeds are equally welcome and receive the same care and attention from the sisters and nurses.
THE SANITORIUM.
In order to protect patients in the hospital from those suffering with con- tagious diseases, the sisters were obliged to open a sanitorium containing fifty beds, although it is still inadequate for the rapid increase of such cases. Many a sufferer has found in this sanitorium a haven of mercy and charity on his home- ward journey to eternity.
The personnel of the hospital and sanitorium consists of 60 sisters, 50 nurses, 4 house physicians and a corps of attendants. Since May, 1875, or during the thirty-four years of its existence, over 65,000 patients have been cared for.
No statement of the medical and surgical staff has been furnished for this work, which is much regretted.
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES.
A handsome new training school in connection with the hospital, modern throughout, is for the use of estimable young women desiring to become profes- sional nurses, and to whom a complete and systematic course of instructions, both theoretical and practical, is given.
The sisters having had to cope with untold difficulties and sacrifices, it is due only to their ability, integrity and industry that St. Vincent's is a leading institution in the northwest, for they have no appropriation or endowed beds as a revenue to rely upon, depending solely on their labors and endeavors to carry on the immense work; the benefits accruing from the patients who are able to pay are used for the support of the least favored.
On another page will be found the photo-engraving of "Mother Theresa," who managed the Hospital for over twenty-five years.
HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL.
The physicians of the Homeopathic School of Medicine, and their patrons, with a pride and public spirit that has outdone the "old school doctors," have raised the money and erected in East Portland a six-story fireproof concrete hos- pital building planned to provide all the accessories required by the most advanced practice and scientific medical research for an up-to-date modern hospital.
Several years ago the late Henry W. Corbett donated to the Homeopathic Hospital organization four blocks of land in South Portland, saying that it could be used for hospital purposes or sold as seemed best to the corporation. After holding it for a few years, it was determined that it was not good for hospital purposes, and it was sold for $88,000, and a block of land bought in East Portland for $30,000. Plans were drawn and a building commenced on a reinforced concrete plan. Some more money was given by friends, and so far, above $70,000 has been spent on the building. As soon as more money can be collected, the building will be completed. This will be the only hospital in the city which is entirely fireproof. The management, consisting of Judge Bronaugh, F. M. Warren, W. B. Ayer, Tyler Woodard and Walter F. Burrell, are now considering plans for money sufficient to furnish and fully equip the new hospital for work.
THE COUNTY HOSPITAL.
Multnomah county maintains a county hospital in the city, now under the care and direction of Dr. E. P. Geary, which is fitted up to minister to the in- digent unfortunate in the inost comfortable manner. This hospital has grown out of the general provision made by the county authorities for the unfortunate poor, known as the "Poor Farm." This public charity was organized in 1869, by the county of Multnomah purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land of Gen. Stephen Coffin in the year 1869. The land lay about two miles west of the then city of Portland, and was purchased of General Coffin for fifty dollars an acre. It was recently sold by the county for seven hundred and fifty dollars an acre ; the proceeds of which are to be invested in land for a poor farm near the town of Troutdale, and the necessary buildings to be erected thereon.
Multnomah Hospital, on Second street, between Hooker and Hood streets, came into existence in its present form in 1909. For many years the indigent sick of the county received indififerent care in wards connected with the alms- house. The county physician. Dr. E. P. Geary, soon after his appointment, be- came impressed with the inadequacy of the facilities in this institution and strove for better things. Backed by a humane board of county commissioners, composed of Judge L. R. Webster, W. L. Lightner and F. C. Barnes, he was enabled to introduce modern methods into the hospital department. The male attend- ants were replaced with white capped trained nurses, and the old-time hit or miss methods of nursing gave place to scientific and cleanly regulations. The first step having been accomplished, a demand was made for better rooms, better beds and better food. The county commissioners authorized the purchase and equipment of suitable grounds and buildings for a hospital away from the environment of the poorhouse, and the new institution there to be erected was named Multnomah Hospital ; the word county being dropped, and with it the stigma of pauperism so unnecessary and so oiTensive to the unfortunate who, by reason of sickness, is obliged to seek charity.
The new grounds provide accommodations for buildings which will house 1,000 or more beds. As Portland grows, this number will, at no distant day be needed. Meanwhile the inmates of the present structure enjoy the use of grounds and shrubbery which might adorn the palace of a king. The mansion which occupied the center of the grounds has been reconstructed and enlarged, and already 100 people at times occupy the beds therein. A surgery and dressing rooms with racolith floors insures that degree of cleanliness which is necessary for the performance of successful operative work; and a staff of nurses under the guidance of the superintendent, Mrs. Alta Y. Spaulding, give the needed care to the sufferers who seek the hospital.
But the most progressive feature introduced into the hospital by the county physician and his co-workers is to be found in the organized staff which divides with Dr. Geary the responsibility of caring for the sick. New York, Philadel- phia, Chicago, Buft'alo and every large city has realized the need of organized medical and surgical help in the care of the county sick, and each in turn has secured the aid of charitable physicians for this purpose. So widespread has
been this move that the city which fails adequately to provide in this way for
the care of its indigent sick, is universally regarded by medical men and women
as belonging to the dark ages. Following the best standards, the staff was sought
from among the younger men who are already becoming well known. The men
selected were known to be interested in various branches of medicine and sur-
gery, and the staff is made up largely of men specializing in one branch or an-
other. The sick man or woman who goes to Multnomah Hospital will find not
only first-class general medical and surgical service, but will receive examina-
tions and the benefit of opinions from carefully equipped specialists in any line
made advisable by his condition.
Medical Superintendent — E. P. Geary, M. D.
Medical and Surgical Staff— Robert C. Yenney, M. D. ; N. W. Jones, M. D. ; H. M. Greene, M. D. ; Alvin W. Baird, M. D. ; H. W. Hegele, M D. ; R. E. Holt, M. D. ; J. H. Bristow, M. D. ; G. S. Whiteside, M. D. ; Ralph A. Fenton, M. D. ; E. D. Johnson, M. D. ; Ralph Walker, M. D. ; J. D. Sternberg, M. D. ; Ralph Matson, M. D. ; E. A. Pierce, M. D. ; H. S. Nichols, M. D. ; Clarence Keene, M. D. ; R. J. Marsh, M. D. ; J. C. Elliott King, M. D. ; Wm. House, M. D.; R. H. ElHs, M. D.; Ray Matson, M. D.
To these men falls the duty not alone of caring for the sick, but also for lec- turing to the members of the training schools for nurses, which, under the man- agement of Mrs. Alta B. Spaulding and her assistants, is already looking forward to the graduation of its first class.
THE TUBERCULOSIS SANITORIUM.
The Portland Open Air Sanitorium was opened for the reception of tubercu- losis patients on January 8, 1905. Believing that the disease could be as suc- cessfully treated here as elsewhere, an organization was formed with Mr. A. L. Mills as president. Fourteen acres of land were purchased, several tents were erected, a small administration building and an adequate water supply were pro- vided, and the work of caring for these unfortunate people was begun. Results have been so satisfactory and the demand for accommodations so great that it has been deemed necessary to enlarge and modernize grounds and buildings until at present the institution is completely equipped.
The sanitorium is located six miles south of Portland on the east bank of the Willamette, on a beautiful wooded bluff three hundred feet above the river. A dense growth of fir, cedar and flowering shrubs cover the grounds, and make of the spot a veritable flower garden. The climate is exceeding mild and equable. The low altitude allows of a lessening nerve tension, and is a safeguard against violent hemorrhages. This spot seems ideal for the patient with fever and rapid pulse in the early and active stages of the disease. The near-by mountains and coast afford an easy change of altitude, so that in all stages conditions can be met, and necessary increase of nerve tension can be obtained without long jour- neys, which are often disastrous.
TREATMENT.
The principal factors in the successful treatment of tuberculosis are : Life in the open, absolute rest in the febrile stages, plain, wholesome food in abundance, rigid adherence to regularity of habits, and the use of the tuberculin treatment in suitable cases.
The treatment of tuberculosis is a stern business problem. H the patient has courage and good judgment, he has a right to get well, or at least to greatly pro- long his life. The modern sanitorium removes him from the cares of home and teaches him not only to prevent reinfecting himself, but to avoid infecting others.
Sanitoria are today permanently arresting the disease in 80 per cent of early cases, providing good judgment and sufficient time are employed. These are the encouraging statements of the medical director in charge of the sanitor- ium, Dr. E . A. Pierce.
Tuberculosis, commonly known as consumption, has been the terror of the human race for thousands of years. Within the last forty years the medical pro- fession has come to a more definite understanding of the cause of the disease, and has made more progress in curing it than in the previous two thousand years. Since the microscopic discovery of minute germs or cells as the causes of dis- ease, reasonable practice and great hope has taken the place of blind guess work, and hopeless endeavors.
Now in 1910 specialists in the treatment of consumptives lay down the rules enforced at the above sanitorium, as follows :
1st. Don't spit on the pavement, on the street, nor into any place where you cannot destroy the germs which you spit up.
2d. Do not swallow any spit. Try not to cough. Whenever you must cough, hold a paper napkin in front of your mouth, so that particles will not fly out into the room.
3d. Always use a paper napkin to wipe your mouth after spitting, and be careful to not soil your hands.
4th. Always carry a cheap paper bag in your pocket to put the napkins in after being once used.
5th. Burn the paper bag with the napkins which you have deposited in it.
6th. Do not let any spit get on your clothing, bed clothing or furniture.
7th. Never kiss any person on the mouth.
8th. Live in the fresh air as much as possible.
9th. Sleep with the windows wide open, or in a tent if possible.
Everyone should be prepared to battle with consumption. This disease spares no class of people.
Weakly persons, particularly those who have been exposed to the disease, should be constantly on their guard against it.
Correct living with plenty of physical exercise and regular habits is the great- est safeguard against consumption.
Because one member of a family has consumption, it is no reason why other members of the family should take the disease.
If they do take it, it is because some one has been careless in not observing the rules set forth for the consumptives to follow, and not because it is inherited or unavoidable.
Consumption is positively a preventable disease, and the family that allows it to spread from one of its members to another are either ignorant or careless in observing the rules of health and prevention of disease.
THE PATHETIC SIDE.
The hope of relief from the terrors of this disease has prompted efforts of all sorts and in every direction. Portland has had several of these well meant but ill-fated propositions. The open air sanitorium above described is supported by wealthy men, and planned on business methods that insures its permanence. But other efforts not so supported but equally devoted to the welfare of the afflicted, deserve notice. A devoted Catholic sister — Mary Theresa — with a little money and a beautiful place, is devoting it all, with her own personal service, to the relief of consumptive patients. And this, all she has, she has offered as a free gift for the foundation of another and larger hospital for consumptives.
Oak Grove is located near Pine station, on the electric line between Port- land and Oregon City. Three acres of land constitute the site, which Sister Theresa explains was bought with money left her by her mother, and which is covered with trees, roses and shrubbery.
The sister says : "Since the opening of the sanitorium about two years and a half ago, its doors have been open to all those afflicted with consumption — rich and poor — those in the early stages of the disease, and the incurables. The highest rate that has been paid by a patient was $15 a week, and from that the
prices have ranged down to nothing. I have taken care of many who have never
reimbursed me in any way, and where a patient dies penniless, I see that a decent
burial is given,
"So far, the sanitorium has never paid expenses, and I have kept it up with my own money. At present I have twelve patients. To assist me, I have an- other sister, two trained nurses, two men and a cook. The grounds are ideal for a tuberculosis sanitorium, and I am willing to give what financial aid I can to anyone who will promote the establishment of such an institution."
THE "'HOMES."
The Children's Home, familiarly called "The Home" by all old Portlanders, by general consent stands at the head of all the charities of this city, not only in point of age, but also in point of general interest. The Ladies' Relief Society, which holds the trust ownership of the home, and manages its activities, was organized March 20, 1867; so it is now forty- four years old. More than a whole generation of average lives has been born into the world, grown up, run its race, and passed into the great beyond since the good women of Portland first opened the doors of this noble charity to the orphans, and many times worse than orphaned children of the city and state. How much of heavenly blessing these women have thus accomplished, how many lives they have directed into paths of honor and usefulness, and how much of real benefit to the city and state they have thus wrought can never be estimated.
After four years' work and experience in helping the poor of the city, the society found that the demands for assistance and protection to abandoned chil- dren required a suitable building in which to gather these children, and take proper care of them. It was then decided to incorporate the society under the laws of the state, and accordingly articles of incorporation were drawn up by Judge William Strong, and executed by W. S. Ladd, Henry Failing, D. C. Lewis, Thomas L. Eliot, and J. C. Ainsworth. And at the same time, and by the same instrument, the following named persons, members of the Ladies' Relief Society, were declared to be members of the corporation, and entitled to elect its board of trustees, its members and officers, to wit:
Mrs. G. H. Atkinson, Mrs. E. Ainsworth, Mrs. J. C. Ainsworth, Mrs. E. B. Babbitt, Mrs. C. W. Burrage, Mrs. M. S. Burrell, Mrs. Lloyd Brooke, Mrs. E. R. S. Canby, Mrs. C. M. Carter, Mrs. J. H. Couch, Mrs. J. B. Couch, Mrs. T. L. Ehot, Mrs. J. R. Foster, Mrs. Thomas Frazer, Mrs. H. D. Green, Mrs. E. L. Griffiths, Mrs. C. H. Hopkins, Mrs. M. R. Hawkins, Mrs. A. Hurgren, Mrs. Amory Holbrook, Mrs. C. H. Lewis, Mrs. A. L. Lindsley, Mrs. W. Jackson, Mrs. George W. Murray, Mrs. P. J. Mann, Mrs. D. MacLeay, Mrs. S. G. Reed, Mrs. W. Morton, Mrs. R. R. Thompson, Mrs. A. E. Wait, Mrs. W. Wadhams, and Mrs. S. M. Smith — thirty-two ladies, all of whom have passed on but seven.
The first purchase of ground for a building is described in the minutes of the society as "two lots and a small house across the creek, have been ofifered for two thousand dollars, which business men think cheap and most desirable for our purpose." This property is now occupied by the Portland Women's Union, and the two lots without the buildings thereon, at the corner of F. and 14th streets, is now worth about fifty thousand dollars. After discussing the matter, the ladies decided to make the purchase, "the society paying down the thousand dol- lars we have at interest, and borrowing the other thousand until we can make it, either by working for it, or by begging." At the next regular meeting August I, 1871, the committee reported "that twelve gentlemen had contributed one hundred dollars each toward the purchase of the lots ; thus setting us entirely free from debt, with a surplus of $200 to carry on our work." And that was the start of the Children's Home.
The little house was too small to provide for the children already on the
hands of the society; so Rev. T. L. Eliot was again set to work to raise money MANAGERS OF PATTON HOME
for a new building, and soon reported the subscription of three thousand dollars
for that purpose. And that is the way the ladies got the first home for the
orphan children.
The society records states that "all the members and many citizens entered heartily into the work of furnishing that first home, and on the 27th of Septem- ber, 1872, the home was formally opened under the charge of Miss E. Davison, the first matron. The home was soon filled with children, and ten years later was too much crowded for health."
Early in 1883, the need of a larger building, still farther out of town, was felt. A block of land in South Portland was donated by Henry Villard of New York; and through the liberality of the citizens in subscribing the necessary funds, the large and handsome building in South Portland was erected and completed in 1884, free from debt, and the matron, Mrs. George Woods, with her numerous family were removed to their new quarters in season to celebrate the national thanksgiving on the 22d day of November, 1884.
THE WORK OF MRS. WOODS.
No notice of this worthy charity would be just or complete, that did not specially recognize the great work of Mrs. Woods, the matron, affectionately called "Aunty Woods" by the thousands of poor children she has "mothered" for more than a score of years. It is the universal testimony of all who visited the "Home," as well as the officers of the society, that Mrs. Woods could not have bestowed more care, labor, and affection on the unfortunate waifs brought to the home if they had been the children of her awn f^esh and blood — her very own children. When it is remembered that she had on her hands and responsible for their welfare, from forty to sixty children for all the term of her service for more than twenty years, it is seen what a task was hers. And if it had not been a labor of love, she never could have carried the burden.
PRESENT OFFICERS OF LADIES' RELIEF SOCIETY.
President, Anna M. E. Mann; vice-president, Mrs. T. L. Eliot; second vice- president, Mrs. W. B. Ayer; secretary, Mrs. Ellis G. Hughes; assistant secretary, Mrs. C. W. Burrage; treasurer, Mrs. A. E. Butterfield.
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
Mrs. W. H. Skene, chairman; Mrs. M. C. George, secretary; Mrs. Julius Lowenberg, Mrs. Max Fleischnqr, Mrs. W. R. Roberts, Mrs. R. Koehler, Mrs. H. L. Pittock, Mrs. A. F. Biles, Miss Sallie Lewis. Honorary, Mrs. A. J. Meier.
THE PATTON HOME.
The Patton Home for the aged, located in the upper Albina district of the city, is the outgrowth of the Ladies' Union Relief Society, of old Albina. The relief society was organized December 9, 1887, by a number of ladies for benevo- lent purposes, and commenced its work with only twenty-nine members, assist- ing the poor, the friendless, the orphan, the erring, and whosoever else needing the willing hands and kind hearts of these noble women.
The kind-hearted ladies found their self-appointed work rapidly increasing on their hands. It would be impossible to relate in the space given to this sub- ject, all of the calls, and the kinds of calls which came to them for assistance. One of the first was a poor woman who had lost her husband by death, and had nothing but small children left for help. A little house was rented for the widow and children, and the house rent provided for by the relief society. In two years' experience, the ladies found they must plan something permanent and
effective, or be swamped with calls for help they could not relieve. In the mean-
time, Mr. Matthew Patton, one of the noble whole-souled old pioneers of the
city, had proposed to donate a city block of land to any society which would agree
to build thereon a charitable institution within a year, that would cost not less
than one thousand dollars.
The ladies had already vindicated, by their unselfish labors and abundant charities, their right to public support and encouragement, and they decided to claim the benefits of Mr. Patton's offered block. So, in 1889, they reorganized their society under the name of the "Home for the Friendless," and elected a board of five trustees to serve for one year, consisting of Rev. W. O. Forbes, Dr. J. J. Fisher, Capt. W. H. Foster, Dr. N. S. Spinney, and W. P. Watson, with Mrs. Mary A. Knox, president of the society; Mrs. Mary Foster, vice- president; Mrs, Freelove Delay, treasurer; Mrs. Eva Cline, secretary, and Mrs. Mary Evans, corresponding secretary; and went to work to raise money to clear the land, and get a house built to comply vv'ith the conditions of the gift. It was no easy job. In the year 1889 Albina was a straggling village of a few hundred people, and none of them burdened with surplus cash. But the plucky women got the money. The faded old admission cards testifying to valentine balls, mid- summer ba,lls, picnics, and so on, hitting the purses of the men on their vulner- able points, showed how, when and where, and by what patient and persistent labors these noble women of old Albina laid the foundations of a great charity, which will testify to their good works, and keep their names in sweet remem- brance for all the future history of the city.
The last report of the -society tref ore taking up the building of the home shows how carefully they had managed their- business.
Cash balance from i8§8 $ 28.50
Received from all sources during the year 1887 916.60
Total $945-10
Expended on charitable work during the year 1889 649.20
$295.90
With that balance, they started in on the year's work for 1890, twenty years ago, to provide for the poor and unfortunate of their neighborhood and build a home for the friendless.
Of that work, the Oregonian of that date says : "The Tatton Home for the Friendless,' the cornerstone of which was laid in Albina Sunday afternoon, rep- resents a noble charity, and one for which much self-sacrificing labor has already been performed. Its aged patron, Mr. Matthew Patton, was one of the pioneers of Oregon, having resided in the early fifties on a donation land claim near LaFayette, Yamhill County. He has, however, for more than thirty years, been a citizen of Multnomah County. The site of this institution, so well designated by its nam.e, was given by Mr. Patton, and consists of a valuable block in Al- bina. Through the energetic labor of the Ladies' Relief Soicety of that place, funds have been secured for the building, the corner stone of which has been laid, and there is every prospect that the work will go on satisfactorily. The aged poor, for whom no place of refuge, outside of the county almshouses exists in the state, will be the special care of this institution ; and certainly a more worthy or humane object could not well engage the attention of charity, or ask the sup- port of benevolence."
And within two years they had a house of six rooms built and paid for, and commenced taking in those aged and unfortunate people that had "nowhere to lay their heads" — the first home for old people.
The rich people of Portland never took much interest in this enterprise.^ But
on the contrary, they took steps to found an "old ladies' home" on this side of 1—Old People's Home, founded by P. J. Mann. 2—Babies' Home, founded by charitable people. 3—Old Ladies' Home—called the Patton Home. 4—First Building of Patton Home. 5—Florence Crittenton Home. the river. And from this fact the Albina ladies were compelled to rely on what aid they could get from a community of people all struggling to build homes of their own. But in spite of all discouragements, the "Home for the Friendless" took deep root and continued to grow. From the six-room cottage, it was enlarged into a two-story building of eighteen rooms ; and within the past year the eighteen rooms have grown into forty with the building of an annex, furnishing comfortable quarters for forty-two aged ladies and eight aged men. One of these aged ladies is past ninety-five years of age, with a mind bright and clear. Some of these aged people have a little income of their own and pay their way. Others are supported by churches, or relations, or fraternal societies; and a few are kept at the expense of the society. The average cost of each inmate is thirteen dollars a month; and some are confined to their beds, requiring a nurse. Mrs. Mary A. Knox, the first president of the society, is still retained in that position, having now faithfully devoted twenty years of her life to the building and care of this most worthy institution.
THE OLD PEOPLE'S HOME.
The Old Ladies' Home Society — prototype of this home, was organized March 3, 1893, Mrs. Mary H. Holbrook, a pioneer woman of Portland, noted for good works, being its first president. The object of the society was declared to be the establishment of one or more homes for aged women. The need of institutions of the kind had been recognized before this formal organization; and Mrs. Holbrook, Mrs. W. W. Spaulding, Mrs. R. B. Wilson and Mrs. F. E. Beach, together with Mr. C. A. Dolph, Mr. W. W. Spaulding, and Mr. Richard Williams, had entered into an agreement to promote the establishment of such home or homes.
It was first decided to limit the beneficiaries of the society to aged women; and a committee was appointed to prepare articles of incorporation, which were on February 28, 1893, presented and signed, and thus organizing "The Old Ladies' Home." From this time on the membership of the society increased, and a number of liberal donations were made, the most notable of which were bequests of the late Amanda W. Reed and Henry W. Corbett, Mrs. Reed giving block No. 124 of the city, and Mr. Corbett bequeathing $15,000 in cash and some real estate. But the advance in the price of land suitable for a home site, the cost of construction, and the necessity of enlarging the plans at first proposed, made the task of securing sufficient funds to execute so large an undertaking too great to be attempted by the society.
In this emergency, and during the spring of 1908, Peter John Mann, a resident of the city of Portland, generously proposed to the society that in case the scope of its beneficence could be enlarged as indicated by a change in the name to "The Old People's Home" he would purchase a site and erect a suitable building for old people of both sexes; adding thereto, the suggestion that he did not think it right to separate aged couples, and that in his opinion, a home was not complete without both men and women. And after due consideration, the society unanimously decided to make the change, and a committee was appointed to legally make it.
But before this change could be entirely consummated, Mr. Mann was suddenly called by death. Upon the death of her husband, Anna Mary E. Mann, president of the society, desiring to carry into effect the wishes of her departed companion, took up the work planned by him; and in the hope that in thus applying the fruits of his industry, many old people, both men and women, may be afforded in their declining years the comforts of a home, and the society continue to be a blessing to the city in which he lived for more than forty years, she dedicates a large portion of the fortune left her by her husband, to the erection of this home to the memory of Peter John Mann. This home has now been completed.
MT. ST. JOSEPH HOME.
The Sisters of Mercy have had for some years a home for the aged, and about ten years ago the work assumed such importance that more commodious quarters were required. In consequence the building and grounds formerly known as the Portland hospital were purchased by the sisters in June, 1901. By this purchase the sisters came into possession of the brick building erected several years before by the Methodists as a hospital, and five acres of ground surrounding it. The place is admirably adapted to the use to which the sisters have put it.
The home was dedicated September 15, of the same year by Most Rev. A. Christie, in the presence of a great gathering of Portland people. More than 500 aged persons of all denominations and nationalities have been cared for at Mt. St. Joseph's in the eight years of its existence. At present there are 110 inmates. Of these 80 per cent are men. This proportion has been usual from the beginning. On account of sickness or extreme old age (several are over 90) very few of the men are able to perform any labor.
THE ODD FELLOWS HOME.
This is not a charity, but a wise provision of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, for providing and taking care of their aged and disabled members. The annual dues paid into the treasury of the order by the membership constitute the fund from which this institution is supported. It is the only secret society (so-called) here at this city, that has made this provision for its membership; and this fact attests in the very highest and effective way the benefits and brotherhood merits of this fraternal order.
The grand lodge of the order took the necessary steps in 1883 to establish this home near the village of Fairview, some fifteen miles east of this city. And after erecting a building on the tract of land owned at that place by the order, it was never used or occupied as a home. Its inaccessibility, and distance from the city, rendered the selection inappropriate, and it had to be abandoned, and the land sold to found the present home in the southeast part of East Portland.
In carrying this benevolent work through to success, the late Richard Scott of Milwaukie (sic), and Dr. Williamson, trustees for this purpose, rendered most efficient service. The ladies connected with the order — Mrs. Mary Tomlinson, vice-president ; Mrs. Emma Galloway, of McMinnville, secretary, and Mrs. Lizzie Howell of Oregon City, treasurer, together with Robert Andrews, president, have the care and management of the institution. The corner stone of the home, which is a substantial brick structure, was laid May 25, 1907, and the building completed and dedicated on January 4, 1908. At last report, there were eleven men, four women and thirteen children, beneficiaries of the institution, of which Mrs. Viola Crawford, was superintendent and matron, and Miss Irene Bemar, governess. They have ample funds, and do not solicit aid.
THE BOYS' AND GIRLS' AID SOCIETY.
A committee of five was then appointed to perfect organization. W. S. Ladd was elected chairman of the meeting and F. E. Beach, secretary.
The first meeting of the board of trustees of the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society of Oregon was held on the 7th day of October, 1885, and consisted of the following: L W. Pratt, Miss Helen F. Spaulding, F. E. Beach, H. W. Corbett, W. S. Ladd, L F. Powers, W. B. Gilbert, P. T. Keene, and L. L. Hawkins.
The first officers elected were H. W. Corbett, president; F. E. Beach, secretary and L. L. Hawkins, treasurer.
During the first ten years of the life of the society, Mr. Ira F. Powers, acted as superintendent, without compensation, and did a large amount of good work for the organization.
The present board of trustees consists of W. B, Gilbert, president; F. E. Beach, secretary; J. C. Ainsworth, treasurer; Dr. T. L. Eliot, Robt. S. Farrell, Chas. E. Wolverton, Fredk. H. Strong, Wm. F. Woodward and Mrs. Levi White.
The Boys' and Girls' Aid Society was organized for the care and disposition of homeless, neglected and abused children and to receive first offenders, caring for them until suitable homes or employment was found for them, and thereafter to continue systematic attention to their condition and treatment. The society at that time was entirely supported by voluntary contributions, and the first bequest made to the society was in 1889, by Miss Ella M. Smith, who left the society the handsome sum of $40,000.00. This was of course an irreducible fund and was loaned out on note and mortgage.
The first appropriation made by the state of Oregon was in the year 1895, to the amount of $2,500.00. Then followed other bequests from friends of the society until the society had received as bequests the following:
- Miss Ella M. Smith $40,000.00
- Levi C. Millard 5,000.00
- Lindsley Estate 2,134.55
- Mrs. Rosa F. Burrell 9,000.00
- H. W. Corbett 10,000.00
- Mrs. Amanda W. Reed 1,000.00
- Henry W. Weinhard, 1,000.00
- Making a total of $63,134.55
Besides which a farmer named W. L. Justice, residing in Fox valley. Grant County, Oregon, recently died leaving all his real and personal property to the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society, which will in all probability amount to about $2,000.00 after the debts outstanding against the estate are liquidated.
As may be seen by the present names of the board of trustees, there are still three of its organizers members of the board. While Dr. T. L. Eliot was not a member of the first board of trustees, yet, he always took an active interest in the work, and was instrumental in raising the funds for the erection of the present receiving home, which is built on a beautiful site donated by Mrs. Rachael Hawthorne, on the corner of East 29th and Irving streets, one block from the line of the Rose City Park cars.
In addition to the donations for the site the Ladd estate donated nine lots at the back and immediately adjoining the grounds of the receiving home and the society purchased the next nine lots adjoining these, making the grounds four hundred and fifty feet long by three hundred and thirty feet wide. These grounds are beautifully laid out with roses and ornamental trees. The children's play ground in the back is situated in a beautiful grove where all kinds of children's games can be indulged in.
Since its organization the society has appointed three superintendents, the first being Mr. E. T. Dooley, who served for about one year from 1891 to 1892. Mr. Dooley was for twenty years preceding his appointment, superintendent of the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society of California, situated in San Francisco. During his incumbancy he organized this work and formulated methods for its prosecution and opened books in which was entered the history of the children coming under the care of the society. Mr. Dooley was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Misner, who served from February, 1893, at which time the present superintendent, W. T. Gardner, was appointed, and who has served ever since in this capacity.
The present assistant, Mrs. Mary J. Graham, was the first matron employed, to which position she was appointed in February, 1892.
The work of the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society is state wide. Children are committed to the society from every county in the state. Since its organization it has received and cared for three thousand, seven hundred and twenty-three children and deducting those who have become of age, children adopted, and those sent to relatives or discharged for other causes, they have now upwards of five hundred children under the direct care of the society. About fifty-five of this number are at the Receiving Home awaiting placement and the balance are placed in family homes throughout the state of Oregon. One hundred and fifty of this number being for the most part girls between the age of ten and eighteen years, are placed in family homes within the corporate limits of the city of Portland. The younger ones are attending school and receiving their board and clothing in return for service rendered while the older ones are working in families at regular wages.
Mrs. Mary J. Graham acts as city visitor and has in charge girls whom she visits at regular intervals and pays particular attention to their conditions and treatment.
The southern Oregon district is under the care and supervision of Miss Myrtle E. Pease, while the eastern Oregon district is looked after by Mr. J. C. Kilpack, thus, all the wards of the society are systematically cared for after being placed in family homes.
The result of the work can be seen throughout the entire state of Oregon and it is hard to find a better equipped child placing agency than the Boys' and GirlsAid Society in the United States.
THE BABY HOME.
Portland's home for deserted orphaned babies, located at East 36th and Ellsworth streets, was organized in 1888. The first officers being: Mrs. Mary D. Halsey, president; Mrs. Kate Mendenhall, vice-president; Mrs. R. N. Robb, secretary; Mrs. Jane Abraham, treasurer.
The institution was incorporated in 1889, with a capital stock of one thousand dollars, divided into one hundred shares of ten dollars each. And of this incorporation Mrs. Sarah Kern was president; Mrs. J. C. Warner, vice-president; Mrs. A. J. Wells, secretary; Mrs. A. L. Keenan, treasurer; and Mrs. E. R. Harbin, each being a member of the board of five directors.
A block of eight city lots was donated to the institution by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kern, for a building site, and opened a house for the little charges then at hand, and commenced business with ten children.
In May, 1910, in order to enlist a larger circle of interest, senior and junior auxiliaries were added to the board of directors, consisting of, for the seniors: Mrs. Walter Burrell, president; Mrs. Frank Ransom, vice-president; Mrs. Whitney L. Boise, secretary; Mrs. W. J. Van Schuyver, treasurer, with seventy-five lay members. And for the juniors, Miss Maida Hart, president; Miss Marguerita Hume, vice-president; Miss May Coon, secretary; Miss Ruth Beach, treasurer; and fifty lay members.
Mr. A. L. Keenan has served as treasurer of the institution ever since its incorporation, and Mr. F. S. Aikin has rendered service to the home as secretary for nineteen years.The institution is now caring for fifty-one babies; and thirty-seven babies were placed in permanent homes during the year 1909. And altogether, more than 1,000 babies have been taken care of since the home was opened.
The institution has no endowment, whatever. The building site was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Kern as stated; and the building erected by funds given by benevolent and public spirited citizens. The lady managers have appropriated all the rights, easements and benefits of "Tag-Day" in each year as the special and particular franchise of the baby home; and on the day for 1910 the young ladies sold "tags" to the amount of $6,420.
Mrs. D. C. Burns is now the president of the institution, and has made a great success of her management. And she presents the following history of the institution, and its claims on the sympathy and support of good people.
The experience of this home is that it is more expensive to care for a baby than a grown up child. One nurse is required for every five babies. And a matron must take charge of the whole institution, with the assistance of a housekeeper, a cook, laundryman, and night and day nurses in proportion to the number of children. No officer of the home receives any pay for services, and the physicians give their services free, frequently visiting the home every day in the month.
Through the Baby Home in the decade and a half of its existence, several hundred infants have passed from the early weeks or months of human helplessness on through sheltered babyhood and happy early childhood into homes secured for them by officers of the institution.
The work is a beneficent one. Orphaned, or worse than orphaned babies represent human Hfe in its most helpless and pitiful aspect. There have been under the shelter of the Baby Home, since it was first opened, in narrow, unsuitable, inconvenient quarters, infants whose mothers died at their birth and whose fathers, with the helplessness of poor men thus situated, turned to that institution as a veritable house of refuge for their motherless babes; infants whose mothers had been cruelly deserted by the fathers of their babes, and who welcomed the Baby Home as a place in which they could leave their helpless ones while they went out to work; infants whose legal right to be in the world was not questioned, but both of whose parents had passed from earth; infants worse than orphaned, whose parents had "jarred apart" and left them without their birthright of home and love; and, now and then, alas, an infant has been left upon the doorstep of the Baby Home, its abandonment thus suggesting the shadow of shame that darkened its entrance into life. Of these classes of homeless infants, those of cruelly deserted mothers have been perhaps the most frequent inmates of the Baby Home; next in number comes those, one or both of whose parents have died. The last class above enumerated has been the smallest one passed through the institution to the care of foster parents.
ST. AGNES'S BABY HOME.
In addition to the Baby Home supported by everybody, the Catholic Sisters of Mercy have established a home at Park Place near Oregon City, for foundlings, orphans, and very young children. The average number of children taken care of here is about 65, fully equal to the Baby Home, and many of these find permanent homes in Catholic families, and are thus provided for during their minority or for life. Every comfort and protecting care is here furnished these helpless children.
HOMES FOR ORPHAN BOYS AND GIRLS.
The Sisters of Mercy are engaged in a great variety of work in this arch-diocese.
diocese.
Between thirty and forty girls find accommodations at the Mercy Home for working girls, i6th and Couch streets. The sisters have conducted this excellent institution for the past thirteen years. They feel that with increased facilities their work might be very greatly extended, and it is their hope to establish them- selves in larger quarters. '
ST. Mary's home.
Did you ever stop to think what significance attaches to the name ? It signifies happiness and comfort, aye, even life, to some 800 little waifs of humanity, human beings like you or me, but not so fortunate, who have been cast out upon the world, left to fight the battle of life — or perish — doomed never to know the kind care of a father or mother, often without a tie of kinship to care whether their struggle for life is won or not. But without friends ? No, for in the kind sisters who are watching over their temporal and spiritual welfare, in those generously disposed people, who have helped and are helping by their charity to maintain this great institution, the orphans find true friends.
It was eighteen years ago that Archbishop Wm. H. Gross, founded the insti- tution. The beginning was small and the struggle for existence was difficult and discouraging. A handful of sisters, who comprised the beginning of what is now the flourishing order of The Sisters of St. Mary, took over the institution under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Fessler, who died at his post of duty in 1896, and is now buried in the institution's cemetery.
When the doors of St. Mary's were opened the home was at once swamped with applications for admittance, and the sisters found themselves without suf- ficient food or clothing to supply the wants of their newly-found charges. With the aid of friends, however, St. Mary's gradually has waxed strong, until today we have a flourishing institution, with all the modern conveniences of life.
St. Mary's is located about ten miles from Portland on what is known as the "west side" line of the Southern Pacific. It is a large four-story structure. Near it is St. Mary's institute, a new boarding academy for the young ladies, con- ducted by the Sisters of St. Mary's. Rev. Father Deany, S. J., is superintendent, and Sister Alexander, superior.
CARES FOR MANY BOYS.
There are about 100 boys enrolled at St. Mary's now, and they range in age from 3 to 15 years. Many of them are the innocent victims of divorce courts, or are re-claimed from the slums of the city, or they have been taken by the courts from some cruel father or mother, and others are abandoned by inhuman parents. Still others there are, who have never known a father or mother. It matters not what race or creed they are ; all are welcome by the good sisters, and given a home and placed in the big family.
GIVEN A PRACTICAL TRAINING.
There every opportunity possible is afforded the young lads to obtain a good common school education, which is supplemented with an industrial training as well. The large steam laundry, electric light plant, water system, steam heating plant, are all operated by the boys under the supervision of skilled masters of the different trades. Farming is taught on the large 600 acre farm.
PLAYGROUNDS.
Realizing, however, that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," spacious play grounds have been provided, and a large playhouse has been con- structed for use during inclement weather. Here baseball, marbles, hop-scotch
and other games, dear to the heart of the small boy are indulged in. 1—Boys' and Girls' Aid Society Home. 2—Odd Fellows Home. 3—St. Joseph's Home for Aged Persons. 4—Home of the Good Shepherd. 5—The Children's Home.
The boys are kept until a good home is found for them, or they are appren-
ticed to some kind employer. St. Mary's, however, aims as far as it is possible,
to fill its function as a "home" in the true sense of the word, and therefore, un-
like secular institutions, which seem to be only too anxious to get their charges
off their hands, no children are sent away unless there is assurance that they
will be made happy in their newly found homes, and that their spiritual as well as
their material welfare, is looked after.
GET SOME STATE AID.
Up to 1902 St. Mary's was supported wholly by subscriptions from the chari- tably inclined, but in that year the legislature passed a measure whereby an orphan receives approximately $4.20 per month. Small as the amount is, it helps much. It is required, however, that the child be either an orphan or a half- orphan, and that never at any time has anything been paid for his support. Often a relative or friend will place a child in St. Mary's, promise to pay for his sup- port, pay a few dollars and fail in subsequent payments. That money paid will then debar the institution from receiving a cent from the state for the child's support. There are many in the home now for whom never a cent is received.
But this sketch would not be complete without the mention of Grandma Theisen. Many and many a little one has "grandma" as she is generally known, proven a mother to. Mrs. K. Theisen has been with the home since its infancy and during that time she has taken care of all the "babies," as their older com- panions term them, and there she has "mothered" with unsurpassed affection and success. By the hundreds of people who have .rjiet this genial and kind old lady she will not soon be forgotten. -':-*-..•'
THE HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
The Portland Home of the Good Shepherd was established in the fall of 1902, by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who came from the province of St. Paul, Minnesota. An institution of similar character had been conducted here by the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge, who became afifiliated with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. When the sisters first arrived from St. Paul their home was at Park Place, but on account of the distance from the city was found unsuitable. Archbishop Christie procured for the sisters the present location at East Twentieth and Irving streets, which had been occupied formerly by the Sisters of Refuge. The building was remodeled and enlarged in 1906 on account of the growing needs of the home.
ITS OBJECT.
The object of the home is principally to care for and reclaim wayward girls. To accomplish this object the sisters try to instill into the minds of their charges habits of industry and regularity for "sloth is the mother of much evil" they think. The girls are taught housework, cooking and laundry work in which all that may be termed laborious is done by steam power. The children as they are called by the sisters, take turns in serving in the dining room. They are taught to make their own clothes, to do fine sewing and embroidery and for those who are de- ficient in the primary branches of study there are classes 9 in the morning until 12 each day. For good conduct those who desire it are given music lessons and an hour to practice daily.
MANY CARED FOR.
Since 1902 the home has received 427 girls of which number there are 79 in the institution at present. Of these many are remaining because they prefer the safety from temptation and the quiet happiness found in the Hfe in the home. The
girls on leaving mostly return to their families, while for others the sisters find
suitable work.
Though all do not live up to the instructions given them, yet the sisters say that very many do well on leaving and they often receive letters from the people with whom the girls are living, telling how good they are.
This home is regularly visited by the public authorities and highly approved of.
The juvenile court regularly commits wayward girls to the sisters' care. The sentence is indeterminate, but usually after a year the girls are paroled if their behavior has been satisfactory. The sisters believe that many girls who are paroled would benefit very materially if left for several years in the home. This is particularly true of young girls.
The congregation of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd was founded by Father Eudes in 1667. This saintly French priest was solemnly beatified on April 25, of the present year.
THE FLORENCE CRITTENTON REFUGE HOME.
This organization, the Florence Crittenton Refuge Home of Portland, Oregon, is a branch of the International Florence Crittenton Mission of Washington, D, C. U. S. A.
It is the object of this organization to provide and maintain a home for the shelter and salvation of erring girls who are, or are not facing maternity; to receive and instruct them during the waiting period, bringing such influence to bear upon them in their sorrow, that they may be led to enter God's open door of forgiveness and hope; to encourage them in meeting the sacred obligation of motherhood ; to assist them in finding suitable occupation, if they are without friends, and to follow them with Christian love and care as they go forth to begin life anew.
It is entirely non-sectarian in character, and is supported by the voluntary contributions of large-hearted humane people without regard to creeds or churches; and who in the highest and best sense of the term are Christians in effort, trying to lift up, protect and reform the erring and betrayed. It is doing the same sort of work as the Sisters of the House of the Good Shepherd, and doing it well; providing a home and healthy and kind hearted surroundings at the present time for an average of forty or fifty inmates.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE.
The "Neighborhood House" is the unique expression of Portland benevolence. Say and think what you please about the Jewish people, they have the talent and the disposition to present the subject — any subject — in its most practical and effective position. They waste nothing on forms, ceremonies, creeds, customs or contention; but go straight to the important point, and secure success, if success is possible. They co-operate in public schools, charities, improvements, attend to their own business and make money. One would conclude that such a people would not need a charity institution. And the native American Jews do not need such an institution. But Russian and Polish Jew immigrants do ; and the Neigh- borhod House takes care of them. But it does not close its door against any other nationality. All are welcome. The Baby Home paraded Chinese and negro babies in the automobiles on "Tag Day," and the street crowds cheered. The Neighborhood House does the same thing — and its membership foots the bill.
The Neighborhood House is under the control of the "Jewish Women's Benevolent Society," which was organized in 1874, with C. H. Friendly as presi- dent, and Edward Kahn as secretary. Succeeding presidents of the society have been Mrs. B. Goldsmith, Mrs. B. Selling, Mrs. Steinhardt, Mrs. Marcus Fleisch- ner, and Mrs. H. Gerson, the present executive head of the society. The or
ganization started with twenty-four members and now has i86 members, owes
no debts and expects a large increase in membership this year.
The Neighborhood House is not in the narrow sense a charity. No alms are doled out, no beggar crosses the threshold, but men and women eager to become an intelligent part of this great commonwealth, thirsting for the power to speak the language of their adopted country, children seeking the rudimentary knowl- edge that is essential to home, neatness and happiness, boys craving the power to use their hands in useful trades, girls learning the art of sewing, mothers or- ganized to discuss matters of importance, young men and boys trying to develop their bodies heretofore denied the expanding influence of proper exercise. A kindergarten school is maintained which is in a very flourishing condition. And all sorts of children may go to it. While the school is made up mostly of foreign Jewish children, there are a few non-Jewish children, including a couple of little Chinese. This is the most expensive department of the work, costing from $90 to $100 a month.
The sewing school continues to be the most largely attended single class, averaging 75 girls. The attendance of larger girls, the increased number of Jewish girls, all give the only reward sought for by the faithful volunteer teachers.
The cooking school has come to be one of the most important classes. Through these classes, many of the children are able to assist their parents in much of the household work. It is wonderful to think how much a child of ten or twelve can accomplish when it is obliged to be helpful. At this school, girls are taught the elementary part of cooking; that is, to cook simple food, such as they could afford in their own home.
A free library is maintained and five hundred books suitable for the young circulated each month. Also a night school is carried on by volunteer teachers, with regular attendance of classes. At present three classes — mostly Russian and Roumanian Jews and a group of non-Jewish foreigners, who come all the way from Montavilla ; all of whom come to us after a hard day's work, and who are too diffident to seek the work of the public night schools.
The Neighborhood House is in a large sense a public institution for it is open at all times to any man, woman or child who feels drawn to it. Its doors are closed to no one. In a larger sense than that, it is open to all shades of opinion and no man is frowned down upon because his social views are different from those of the teachers or managers.
THE FLOWER MISSION.
The Portland Fruit and Flower mission is an organization of young ladies in the city to minister to the poor, the sick, and the distressed. It is not con- nected with any church, it does not profess any creed except the gospel of doing good ; and it does not recognize any nationality, age, sex or color in its true catholic work of benevolence and friendliness. Without .the dole of formal charity, it took up, and is doing a work no other organization had attempted and it is doing much good in an unostentatious way.
Among the first members of the society were Mrs. Genevieve Schuyler Alvord, Mrs. Dorothea Eliot Wilbur, Miss Clara Teal, Mrs. Lucy Schuyler Wheeler, Miss Frances Warren, Mrs. Ellen Burrell Vorhees, Miss Antoinette Montgomery, Miss Alice Robbins Cole, Miss Edith Chittenden, Misses Lena and Louise Bickel.
The activities of the society is manifested through the "Day Nursery," which is conducted at Ninth and Burnside streets. Here the mothers who are compelled to go out in the work-a-day world to wholly earn or assist in earning a livelihood, can leave their little ones, knowing that they are well cared for during the day.
To relieve it from being absolute charity, to which many independent women object, a nominal sum of ten cents a day is charged to a working woman. Where both parents work, 25 cents per day is charged for a child. At 7 o'c lock in the
morning a child can be brought to the nursery, where it will be kept and cared for by a capable woman until 7 o'clock in the evening. During this time the child is properly fed, the older children receiving two good meals and the smaller ones are given the proper nourishment. No extra charge is made for these extra adminis- trations.
An average of sixteen children are cared for daily, says Miss Frost, who for three years has been matron of the nursery, which number, she says, consists of children of many nationalities ; colored children, Egyptians, Austrians, Norwe- gians and Danes.
Children of any age under six are eligible to be admitted to the nursery, but before the nurse will accept them, they must pass a medical examination, and be vaccinated.
The nursery consists of eight rooms, cribs and cots being in evidence in all of the rooms except the kitchen and playroom. The kitchen is furnished with little low tables and baby chairs of all sizes.
The president of the society in a recent report says : '*We have, during the past year, furnished nurses, drugs, medical attendance, fuel, bedding, clothing of all kinds, paid house rent, hospital expenses and made two payments to satisfy a chattel mortgage on furniture, in addition to the weekly distribution of provi- sions, etc. Visits were made to St. Agnes Home, St. Joseph's Home, and the regu- lar May-day concert and treat furnished the inmates of the county poor farm.
Christmas day was made memorable to thirty-five children by the fact that the mission provided them with toys and goodies.
One-half the expense of maintaining a housekeeper for five motherless chil- dren, and for the keeping of a young man afflicted with tuberculosis at the Open Air Sanitorium is paid by the mission.
Total receipts same year $4,132
Total expenditures 2,392
Cash in treasury $1,803"
THE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION.
This most worthy institution is a cooperative union between several other char- itable associations for the purpose of making more effective and speedy their good work It was early seen that trained nurses must be within the command of char- itably disposed people whenever their services were needed, if aid was offered or to be had. People that were sick, or wounded, or suffering for the need of help, could not put off their sickness or wounds to a more convenient season. They must have help at once if helped at all ; and a nurse's home or station, must be provided and nurses retained and be ready to go on telephone calls ; and so to secure these ends this association was organized in the year 1902, and has been at work in Portland ever since, yearly extending its most beneficent services to the poor and unfortunate.
At present the advisory board of the association is made up of the Needle Work Guild, represented by Miss Annie Cremen ; The Woman's Club, repre- sented by Mrs. Jennie C. Pritchard ; St. Anne's Society, represented by Mrs. James Lotan ; the Council of Jewish Women, represented by Mrs. Alexander Bernstein, and the Woman's Alliance of the Unitarian church, represented by Mrs. C. W. Burrage.
From the report of the president, Mrs. Millie R. Trumbull, it is seen that the association not only aims to extend timely aid to the sick and poverty stricken, but also find out the conditions of a community where their services are in demand, from unsanitary conditions. Says Mrs. Trumbull, "If after we learn that a cer- tain neighborhood in our city always has cases of a certain character, and we have visited that neighborhood and find that the lodging houses have wre tched sanita-
tion, wall paper that has not been renewed for years, dark bedrooms that must be lived in because the tenants can afford no better; or when we visit the com- munity in the vicinity of the garbage crematory and find houses with no sewer connections, owned by men who charge the tenants a rent that precludes neces- sary repairs, a neighborhood where the air, instead of being sweet with the per- fume of the blossom-laden fruit trees, is foul with the smell of decaying garbage ; or, when we care for a family where the father, injured in the factory, has been sent to the hospital at the expense of the company, but with no provision for the wife and children, and no responsibility acknowledged by employers for the des- titution in the family; or, when we read of the case of the sick old man and help- less wife, the story of illy paid labor and the abnormally short working life; and in case of the broken-down young girl the story of a life of labor begun too soon — if we learn all this about bad housing conditions, unsanitary neighborhoods, lack of protection for the wage-earners, the helplessness of poverty-stricken old age, and the evils of child labor, and take no steps to remedy the evil and abate the causes of disease, then we have fallen short of the objects of our association."
The association has taken active part in the establishment of the sanitary for tuberculosis patients.
STATISTICAL REPORT, I9IO.
Cases reported to association 304
New cases 260
Old cases 44
Visits made 2,885
Ofifice dressings 50
Kindergarten children cared for no
School children cared for 39
Deaths 33
Graduate nurses employed 3
Practical nurses employed 16
Pupil nurse, Good Samaritan Hospital i
PATIENTS PLACED IN HOSPITALS.
Good Samaritan 14
St. Vincent's 11
County 6
Open Air Sanitorium 7
North Pacific Sanitorium i
Total
39
NATIONALITIES.
Scandinavian 21
Scotch 4
Russian 33
German 18
Chinese 2
English 5
American 205
Irish 6
Italian 5
Australian 2
Austrian i
French 2
GENERAL DISEASES.
(a. Specific Infections.)
Typhoid fever 7
Diphtheria 4
Measles i
Influenza lO
(b. Other General Diseases.)
Purulent infection 2
Tuberculosis, pulmonary ; 43
Tuberculosis, miliary i
Tuberculosis, articular 2
Tuberculosis of lymph glands 3
Syphilis 3
Rheumatism 2^
Carcinoma 3
Maternity cases 57
and 151 other diseases and wounds.
THE NEEDLEWORK GUILD.
The Needlework Guild of Portland is a branch of the Needlework Guild of America, and the idea and institution of this charity originated in England, where it was founded by Lady Wolverton. From England it was brought to America and organized first at Philadelphia in April, 1885. From Philadelphia the society was brought to Portland by Mrs. James S. Reid, who has been since its first organization, and is now, the acting president thereof, with Mrs. H. W. Corbett as honorary president, and Miss Anna Cremen as secretary, and Mrs. A. Bern- stein, treasurer. The object of the society is to collect and distribute nezv plain, suitable garments, to meet the great need of hospitals, homes, and other charities. The annual contribution of two or more articles of wearing apparel or household linen or a donation of money, constitutes membership in the society.
At the recent annual meeting of the Portland branch of the society, 2,700 gar- ments of warm underwear and household linen required for use in sickness, were displayed ready for distribution wherever needed. While this was an encouraging advance of more than six hundred garments, more than was contributed last year, yet the great growth of the city demands more. Four thousand garments are needed for hospital and charity home uses ; and ten thousand could be used to greatly promote the health and comfort of the destitute.
THE OREGON HUMANE SOCIETY.
This society for the prevention of cruelty to domestic animals was organized in April, 1872. Bernard Goldsmith was its first president, and Henry Failing, Dr. J. R. Cardwell, Wm. Wadhams, Rev. T. L. Eliot, James Steel and W. T. Shanahan were directors. In 1882 the society enlarged its field of service, ex- tending its protection to orphan children, and the children of dissolute parents. The police commission recognized the work of the society and appointed special policemen to assist the officers of the society in enforcing the laws for the protec- tion of dumb animals. Among those citizens who have been active in supporting the work of the society may be named Ira F. Powers, E. J. Jefferey, C. H. Wood- ard, Daniel Sprague, T. L. Eliot, and W. T. Shanahan.
To Mr. Shanahan is due the honor of founding the society, and making it ef- fective to protect the defenseless dumb brutes. And it is a service he rendered not only to the animals who had often no friend, but a great service to society in general, and especially to the young, in the inculcation of humane sentiments and action, and thereby raising the standard of manhood and Christianity itself. Mr. Shanahan was not a member of any church, secret society, or fraternal organiza- tion, and yet he manifested in all his life and conduct the highest and noblest senti- ments of humanity, and the precepts of the Christian religion.
William Thomas Shanahan was born in Cassopolis, Cass county, Michigan,
in 1835. He was married at the age of 23 years to Miss Harriet M. Taggart, and THESE LABORED TO SAVE THE YOUTH
Portland and engaged in the music and art business. This he conducted until 15 years ago, when he retired, living at 409 16th street.
All of his life, Mr. Shanahan demonstrated a zealous interest in the treatment of dumb animals, and with a view to bettering the conditions of animals in Oregon, he organized the Oregon Humane Society soon after coming here, and was elected its corresponding secretary. Since that time he has been instrumental in the passage of laws protecting dumb animals from the savage treatment of ill-tempered masters, and in the vigorous prosecution of offenders of that law. Until the death of his wife, he continued active in this work, which led to his services being recognized, not only by the people of his home city and state, but by the nation at large.
The following are the present officers and directors : August Berg, president ; Mrs. Frank W. Swanton, vice-president; Mrs. Caroline Shanahan Mayes, corresponding secretary; Otto J. Kraemer, recording secretary; Raymond G. Jubitz, treasurer ; E. J. Woods, special agent. Directors : Dr. Emma J. Welty, Miss Ruth E. Rounds, E. J. Jaegar, Mrs. Gordon Voorhies, Mrs. A. Klingenberg, J. J. Shipley, Mrs. A. M. Berry.
THE JUVENILE COURT AND DETENTION HOME.
The juvenile court has been evolved from the experience of judges of criminal courts in their dealings with criminal offences of the youth of both sexes. Judge Benjamin Lindsey, of Denver, Colorado, is probably the highest, if not the most experienced authority on this feature of reform of criminals.
The juvenile court of Multnomah county was organized in June, 1905 ; and had in its first year's work more than a thousand cases brought to the attention of the court, or of its probation officers. The record is appalling, and shows the dangerous demoralization of city life. Nothing more important to society can be recorded in this history than the facts, developed by the juvenile court. Here they are for Oregon:
Total number of children brought into court by citation
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
720 |
Delinquents
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
594 |
Dependents
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
126 |
AGES OF CHILDREN.
Ten years and under
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
201 |
Eleven to thirteen, inclusive
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
289 |
Fourteen and fifteen
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
230 |
SEX.
Boys 585
Girls 135
CHARACTER OF DELINQUENCY.
Charge. No.
Burglary 10
Larceny 148
Immorality 32
Violation of city ordinances 51
Destruction of property 13
Persistent truancy 39
Growing up in idleness and crime 192
Incorrigible 34
Other charges 75
Total number of delinquents 594 Number of children having neither parents living 14
Number of children having one parent living 191
Number of children having both parents living 477
Children of native American parents 348
Children of foreign parents 333
Children of vicious or immoral parents 76
Children of incompetent or careless parents 362
Children of capable parents 246
Delinquents dismissed with warning 334
Results, good 302
Return to court on other charges 32
Apparent reformation, resulting in uniform good conduct in. . .377
Great improvement in 121
Some improvement in 75
Failed so far (at Reform School) 17
Ran away, not returned 4
The observation and conclusion of the judge of the juvenile court is that the youth who is convicted of a serious crime, as a rule has been known as a bad boy for several years.
But there are exceptions to all rules. Not every criminal begins so young. But so large a majority of them do that we may safely say that if boys did not form criminal habits, there would be practically nothing for the criminal courts to do.
Parents whose boys grew to the age of twenty without having committed any crime, may rest in confidence that they never will. The chance is very remote for a beginning in crime after that age.
Another fact accepted by all who have made a study of the subject is, that the adult criminal is rarely reformed. The man who has once been in the penitentiary is almost certain to become an habitual criminal. Much work has been and is now being done in the effort to encourage discharged prisoners to lead honest lives; and, I understand, with some success; but it is uphill work. Police authorities everywhere know that a man once a criminal is almost sure to commit another crime at the first opportunity; and for that reason they make it an invariable rule to keep a close watch over such persons.
Recognizing these facts: that criminal habits are almost always formed in youth, that they have their beginnings in early childhood, and that if they continue into manhood they can rarely be eradicated.
In fact, the importance and necessity of care and watchfulness in the rearing of children on the part of parents, has been recognized from time immemorial. Among all nations, the parent is expected to instruct, restrain and correct his boy, to the end that he may grow up to be a useful and honest man. And parental control is today, as it always has been, the most important factor in the proper bringing up of children.
It seems a curious fact, in view of the recent development of ideas on the subject, that while almost all nations have made provisions for the care of the property of minors, until recent years practically nothing has been done to safeguard their characters. The child has never been considered by law capable of caring for or managing his own property. If he attempted to make a contract, he was not bound by it. He was not competent to vote upon any question; but after he arrived at the age of 7 or 8 years, old enough to understand the nature and quality of an act, was held as fully responsible for any infractions of the law as an adult. It is true that for many years a distinction has been made in the manner of punishing children, separate institutions have been provided for their care and reformation; but until the juvenile courts were established, no distinction was made between the responsibility of juvenile and adult offenders; and no direct effort was made by the state to prevent children from acquiring criminal habits, or to reform them, without first convicting them of a crime.
There is another class of children of which the juvenile court has jurisdiction. They are the neglected and abused, known to the law as dependent children.
In dealing with dependent children, the object of the court is manifestly to see that they are cared for and provided with suitable homes. Nearly all the children committed to the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society and other charitable institutions, belong to this class. It would surprise most of our own citizens to learn how many neglected and abused children are in this city. There is a surprising number of utterly worthless and vicious parents, bringing children into the world to grow up in idleness and crime, while their worse than criminal fathers become the pawns of unprincipled politicians, saloon bums, and other pauper house wrecks.
It is estimated that 84 per cent of the children placed in the Detention Home are reformed and saved to grow up to useful lives. And of the children placed in the home, only 16 per cent are later sent back to their homes or other places, and no further trouble or annoyance is brought about by them. Under the discipline and restrictions of the home, the minds of the children are imbued with good principles.
When the school was first planned, it was intended only for boys, but it has since been found necessary to include girls among the eligibles. Through the efforts of the late Judge Frazer, after whom the home is named, the institution, was constructed by the county on a site donated by Dr. C. E. Brown. The grounds cover four acres and the building, which cost in the neighborhood of $12,000, is located on the highest point of the area. Besides the rooms occupied by those in charge, the bath rooms, etc., there are three dormitories, one for the girls and two for the boys, reading and school rooms, dining room, kitchen and reception room and office. One-half of the building is an exact duplicate of the other half, the west side being for the boys, and the east half for the girls. At present there are in the home 26 children, 8 of whom are girls, and the others boys.
Only children under 18 years of age who come under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court are eligible to the home, and may be classified as follows: Children who are considered incorrigible, but not ferocious, and whose wrongdoings do not justify sending them to the state reform school; those whose home environments are a detriment to their proper development, and the children whose mothers are widows, and who have to work for a livlihood, leaving them to run the streets. For a child to be placed in the Detention Home does not imply that he or she is incorrigible or a detriment to society. It is a place where children are held temporarily until they can be properly otherwise placed.
One of the purposes of the home of which the general public is not aware, is to ascertain the whereabouts of children who have run away from home and return them to their parents or guardians. Runaway boys from Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Washington, Arizona and California, have been apprehended and taken care of until the parents could be notified.
To the late Arthur L. Frazer, a judge of the circuit court for Multnomah county, is the honor due for organizing the juvenile court in this city; and that notable work has been recognized by naming the home "The Frazer Detention Home."
NATIONALITY AIDS AND CHARITIES.
Every land and nation on the face of the globe is represented at Portland, Oregon, now at this year of our Lord, 1910. British, Irish, Scotch, French, Germans, Holland Dutch, Spaniards, Portuguese, Belgians, Swiss, Austrians, Italians, Hungarians, Danes, Swedes, Norwegians, Finns, Russians, Turks, Syrians, Roumanians, Servians, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Roumelians, Albanians, banians,
Arabians, Egyptians, Persians, Hindoos, Siamese, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Negroes, Indians, Eskimos, Mexicans, and all the South Americans, besides Kanakas and cannibals from the south seas.
And about twenty of them maintain separate and independent societies to help their fellow countrymen in time of need. All these societies for aid to for- eign nationalities have been called on for reports of their affairs, but only two have responded — the British and the German.
The British Benevolent Society is in a very prosperous condition, with cash and invested funds amounting to $4,771, and the relief committee, requiring $732.85 to meet all calls.
. Mr. J. C. Robinson, from the board of relief, reports for the past year that on account of improved business conditions, the applications to the society for aid have been fewer in number.
Temporary inability to work through sickness or accident has been the only excuse recognized in a request for aid by able-bodied men, except during the win- ter months, when there was insufficient employment, and the weather was severe. It was during this period that 60 per cent of the expense for beds and meals was incurred.
In other directions, the society has been called upon for assistance in a greater degree than ever before. At the present time the society is making monthly pay- ments of $50 in aid of three families and two old ladies. This is a large amount in the year and absorbs a considerable proportion of the income of the society.
The number of cases relieved by expenditure of money was 161. Six cases were sent to the Good Samaritan Hospital, i to the Open Air Sanitorium, and work was found for 19 men. The number of days during which the hospital beds were occupied was 514. The sum of $110.30 was paid to the society by for- mer beneficiaries.
DETAILS OF EXPENDITURE.
Beds and meals $123.20
Rent and provisions 56.00
Transportation 75-35
Employment offices 4.50
Open Air Sanitorium and medicine 68.25
Funeral 1 5.00
Monthly allowances 305-00
Cash 85.55
THE GERMAN AID SOCIETY.
The report of Mr. Reisacher, the president of the German Aid Society, is a very interesting document, as it throws a flood of light upon the ideas, thoughts and habits of his steady-going part of the foreign immigration coming to our shores. It would be a happy solution of many troubles, and set at rest a vast deal of unnecessary agitation about the influences of foreign immigration, if all other nationalities would imitate the example of the German population. The report of Mr. Reisacher is given in full as follows :
"the GERMAN AID SOCIETY."
"The terrible hardships that German immigrants had to endure, the ill-treat- ment and abuses they had to submit to, the undue advantage that was being taken of their ignorance of the English language, often by swindlers and kid- nappers of their own nationality, led to the organization of societies for their protection and assistance.
The first one was organized in Philadelphia over 150 years ago. New York soon followed, and nearly all the larger seaports followed their e xample. Al-
though the German immigrants who sought homes in Oregon were nearly all able to look out for themselves, having acquired a knowledge of English suffi- cient to transact business. There were cases of destitution and sickness which appealed to the better situated of their countrymen, who considered it their duty to assist them instead of obtaining relief from the county. To accomplish this effectively without putting the individual under too heavy contribution, the Gen- eral German Aid Society was organized.
January 3, 1871, a meeting was called at which C. H. Meussdoffer presided; Frank Dekum, Henry Everding, C. A. Landenberger, Henry Saxer and Charles Wiegand were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws.
February 7th, this committee reported, and the society was permanently or- ganized with the following charter members : F. X. Auer, F. Dekum, F. E. Eberhardt, G. H. Henry, F. A. Hoffman, C. A. Landenberger, C. H. Meuss- dorffer, H. Saxer, Dr. Schwab, A. Trener. C. Wiegand, Charles A. Birchard, H. W. Dilg, H. Everding, L. Herrall, L. Kuehn, F. Menge, J. L. Riete, Dr. Schumacher, A. Staender, Henry Weinhard, H. Wilmer. Henry Saxer was elected president; Frank Dekum, vice-president; Dr. Schumacher, secretary; C. A. Birchard, treasurer. Henry Everding, C. H. Meussdorffer, Charles Wiegand, trustees.
March 2, 1872, the society was incorporated under the name Allgemeine Deutshe Unterstutzungs-Gesellshafl — General German Aid Society. The object is declared to be to erect and maintain a German hospital, to provide for nursing sick members, to relieve needs and distressed German immigrants, to obtain em- ployment and furnish information and advice for them.
Lacking the support necessary to maintain a good graded school, the Inde- pendent German School Association transferred its property and consolidated with the aid society on condition that said corporation enlarge its field of activity and bind itself to maintain one or more schools, where native born children could learn the German language, and German immigrants be instructed in English whenever it is desired by a sufficient number willing to pay a reasonable tuition. In compliance with this agreement, additional articles of incorporation were filed, and two school directors added to the list of officers. After spending more than $2,000 in fruitless efforts to raise the school to a higher grade, it was closed for want of sufficient attendance. The high school where the German language is taught and the night schools where working people of all nationalities can ob- tain free instructions in English, made this independent school unnecessary.
Although the main object of this society, the erection and maintenance of a German hospital' has never been lost sight of ; it had to be deferred for want of means; and the principal work of the society so far, has been to assist the sick and destitute. For this purpose it has expended nearly $27,000. This sum is far from representing its usefulness, for the agent of the society acts also as reliable adviser and friend to the immigrants, in looking for proper homesteads. It is his duty also to answer correspondents from abroad regarding settlement in the states, etc.
The society has received letters requesting information from the eastern states as well as Europe. The school property has now become valuable for business, and will, at no distant day bring an adequate income to support at least an old people's home, and later on a hospital. Two acres of land in South Port- land was secured for this purpose 22 years ago. The erection of a home for old people has been resolved on in general meeting, and a committee is now at work on the project. The membership is now 114; the present officers are: John Reisacher, president; Charles J. Schnabel, vice-president; H. C. Bohlman. sec- retary and agent ; Peter Wagner, treasurer. John Griebel and William Isensee, school directors. C. Bircher, D. iW. Hoelbing, Charles Hegele, auditing com- mittee; F. Filing, delegate; Dr. O. S. Binswinger. Dr. F. H. Dammasch, society physicians ; Charles J. Schnabel, attorney." Since the above was w ritten Mrs.
Henry Weinhard has donated twenty acres of land worth $50,000, to the So- ciety for the "Old Peoples' Home."
THE SALVATION ARMY.
At first treated with inexpressible outrage and insult, the Salvation Army finally won its way into the respect and support of all good people.
The Salvation Army opened operations in Portland in 1886. Renting a small hall and commencing its spiritual work by holding street meetings and out-door meetings every evening. The first officers, Captain and Mrs. Stillwell, received nothing but insults and persecutions for months. Mr. Carl Tamm, one of the army's first recruits, is still a member of Corps No. i, located at 265 Davis street.
During the year of 1890, the city council of the east side, then an incorporated city by itself, attempted to stop the open air work of the army. The Salvation- ists were thrown in the city jail nightly. Adjutant Andrew Loney, the officer in charge, in looking about for a lawyer, could find only one in the city to take up the fight for the army's rights. This lawyer was Judge George H. Williams, who always since that legal battle until the time of his death, was a stanch friend and great financial help to the Salvation Army. The Salvationists spent 118 days in the East Portland jail. The nightly mobs that attacked the handful of Chris- tians, who at last by their patience wore out the hatred that the rough element seemed to possess.
The spiritual work of the army having gained a good hold in Portland, en- couraged the Salvationists to further operations. Thus, in 1895, social and in- dustrial institutions were opened where the "downs and outs" could begin life over again. Thousands of men have been started on the road to success again by the institutions.
The Women's Rescue Home, located at 15th and Hancock streets, which property is owned by the army, has done a great work among the fallen girls. Many came from lives of shame and are living good lives through the efforts of the army officers in this home.
The Swedish branch of the work has only been opened a short time, but has met with success among the Scandinavian population of our city, and is located in a church on Burnside street.
The Salvation army conducts an average of 1,404 indoor meetings yearly. A continuous revival which never ceases is estimated that at least 450,000 people hear the gospel in the outdoor services each year, while converts are being made weekly.
At Christmas time the army sees that no poor family goes hungry, and hun- dreds of baskets filled with dinners for the poor are sent out the day before Christmas all over the city.
The Industrial Home, located at East Third and Davis streets, is a great help to the worthy poor. Providing clothes, shoes, furniture, to the self-helping poor. The waste paper gathered from the business district is here baled and shipped back to the paper mills again. It is here that the man can get a chance to get up, however low he may have fallen.
The children are not forgotten by the army in Portland, and if too poor to go to Sunday school, the army gets them clothes and shoes, pays their carfare and gets them to its junior meetings. It would be a proud day if any church in Portland could say that it was doing as much real substantial Christian work as the meek and lowly Salvationists.
THE PORTLAND COMMONS.
Not one person in a hundred in Portland knows what this means. It is an organization of Christians, different from the Salvation army, in tha t it does
not go out and seek to convert anybody to the adoption or belief in any creed or religious faith. It takes the Bible in hand and attacks the devil and all his works wherever and whenever he shows up in his desecration of the souls or bodies of men and women. The letterhead of the society is given here, and the reader can guess the rest:
"the PORTLAND COMMONS,
Office, 22 N. Front St. Pacific Coast Rescue and Protective Society,
Dr. C. L. Haynes, president; Fred Voget, vice-president; Miss A. U. Uttstrom, field worker; Mrs. Florence Wells, city missionary; O. W. Wolf, secretary and treasurer ; Mrs. M. Shelly, recording secretary.
Non-Sectarian Missionary and Philanthropic Society. General Superintendent, W. G. MacLaren.
Not homes to foster pauperism; but homes to help men and women to help themselves — ^good Samaritan. See Luke 10:30-37. Men's home, 22 N. Front street. Beds, meals, free employment bureau. Commons Prison League.
Commons Mission.
Meetings every night and Sunday at 3 p. m., Aaron Wells, leader. Louise Home, Girls' Rescue, 373 Cable street. Commons farm at Eagle- creek."
THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES.
This is the clearing house for all the other charities. It hears complaints from everybody, and all other societies, and with its organization examines all sorts of cases, and renders that aid that is practicable or possible. Associated Charities were formerly the City Board of Charity.
At a meeting of the Society for Christian Endeavor of the First Congrega- tional church, on Monday, October 29, 1888, a committee was appointed to con- sider the formation of a society for organized charity. This committee consisted of W. G. Steel, Wm. Cake, Arthur Hedley, Miss Ann Holcomb and Miss Eunice Van Slyck. A call was issued for a meeting to consider permanent organization and the following committee on constitution and incorporation was appointed : Dr. Ross C. Houghton, Rev. T. E. Clapp, Rev. W. W. Logan, Thomas N. Strong, Wm. Wadhams, H. W. Corbett and W. G. Steel. When permanent organiza- tion was efifected, the name, "City Board of Charities" was adopted, and the fol- lowing were elected as officers and board of directors : President, Thos. N. Strong; secretary, W. G. Steel. Directors: John Klosterman, Dr. Ross C. Hough- ton, J. C. Flanders, and ex-officio mayor, Van B. DeLashmutt. On January i, 1890, Wm. R. Walpole assumed the duties of secretary, and is still serving in that capacity.
In 1906 the name was changed from "The City Board of Charities" to the "Associated Charities," as the former name created the impression in many minds that the support was derived from the public funds instead of being entirely sup- ported by private subscription. Since the organization in 1888, a total of S5>^3^ cases have been recorded.
Of greatest public benefit in times of emergency and stress, were the activity and leadership of the Associated Charities during the panics of 1893 and 1907, and again during the dark days following the earthquake in San Francisco, in 1906. During the panics, without any confusion, the great mass of unemployed was kept busy and quietly controlled through its well organized methods, and it is largely due to this fact that Portland showed a smaller percentage of crime during those strenuous days than did other coas t cities.
The Associated Charities have also been responsible for the greater part of the social legislation which has placed Oregon in the front rank of the states along this line. The law providing that insane patients on their way to the asylum at Salem, shall be in charge of the trained attendants from the asylum, instead of in the hands of sheriffs or their deputies, was sponsored by the organization. The juvenile court law, the child labor law, the wife desertion law, the inter- mediate and parole law for first offenders, all owe their first inception to the group of people identified with the Associated Charities. The present officers and board of directors are as follows: President, Thos. N. Strong; vice-presi- dent, I. N. Fleischner; secretary, Wfm. R. Walpole; registrar, Mrs. MilHe R. Trumbull.
THE PORTLAND WOMEN's UNION.
Its motto: "Not what we give, but what we share."
This society does not pose as a charity, but as the friend, protector and help to working women. Every woman and girl coming to Portland in the north- west, should be informed that under the hospitable roof of this society's home they are safe, and have a protector strong enough, ready and willing to see that they are treated honorably and justly at any place they are sent to.
This society was organized on May i, 1887. It is not a charity, nor is it a business enterprise seeking to make profit. Its object and aim is to furnish a home for working girls with board, lodging, congenial society, books, music and simple entertainment at actual cost, with such surroundings as will be moral and uplifting. In all this it has proved a great success, and the ladies who organized and built it up are entitled to the highest credit. No money or profit is to be made off of any inmate, but everything is to be done to find safe and healthy work and homes, with protection while they are in the city.
The boarding house home was opened in October of the same year in the house then just vacated by the Children's Home; and purchased by the union from the Ladies' ReHef Society, for the sum of $2,000.
After repairing and furnishing, the house was opened October the first, same year, with room for twenty guests, by putting two in a room. Boarding, room, washing, with all the privileges and reasonable restraints of a cultivated home were furnished the guests, at rates varying very little from that day to this, at $3.50 to $5.25 a week, with an abundance of good food, home cooking, and well served in a large, clean comfortable dining room.
The conditions on which guests were accepted, were then, as now, self-sup- porting young women of good moral character, earning moderate wages, and without home ties in the city; although no woman, old or young, of whatever class, need or condition, was ever turned away without help, an effort always being made to put her into the position best suited for her.
Strange as it may seem, the idea of a home for women only was at first op- posed by the very people it was designed to help, for the reason, as it was as- sumed, that such a home would interfere with the liberty of young women. But all criticism and opposition speedily disappeared, as it was seen that the move- ment had the best reasons in the world to justify its existence. The boarding house was the first and most prominent feature to attract attention ; but as time passed and experience increased, it was seen that the union was affording social and educational advantages of the highest importance to the guests. And from that time down to the present, its work in promoting the welfare and happiness of all those who came under its protecting influence has not only constantly in- creased, but has been even more largely appreciated.
And from the Women's Union was developed "The Women's Exchange"; a branch of the work of the society which afforded to workers at home an oppor- tunity to sell the work of their hands for money, and thus bring in support and home comforts which could not otherwise have been reached. Commencing with a small showcase in the Hotel Portland for the display of such ne edlework or
art work as might be useful or ornamental, that branch of this work has so ex- panded that the exchange has now separate rooms, and separate organization for its own development; and from sales amounting to only $468 for the first year, 1895, the sales ran up to as much as $700 per month for later years.
The limited accommodations of the original establishment was soon over- grown by increasing patronage of those it served so well, and an addition was added on with larger kitchen, laundry, bath and dining room, so that sixty women could be comfortably housed. But this has now been again outgrown; applica- tions for 600 women a year are now pressing the women managers for a new and very much larger building. As indicative of the growth of the union, the treasurer's report shows the income from boarding for the first seven months was $2,405 ; while the receipts from the same source for the year ending April, 1910, was $10,094; and the total income earned for the whole period of its ex- istence is about $100,000.
It was in this Portland Women's Union that the night schools of the city originated. In speaking of this item. Dr. Emma J. Welty, to whom we are in- debted for many of the facts here stated, says : "The night school was held in the old Central school building with 20 women and girls in attendance. In the 1888 report I see an item of $96.20 for night school, for rent, etc. This was a tax upon our income at that early day ; but there were no complaints in conse- quence. A demand arising that men and boys be admitted, carried the school to such a point we could not well handle it ; and by appeal to the public school system, it was taken over by it, and of which it is still a part. I have always been proud of our connection with this school. It seemed to me we had builded bet- ter than we knew; we were an influence for good in our civic life which still continues." The night school while under the control of the Union was taught and managed by Miss Mary Cook, now the wife of Dr. S. A. Brown.
Dr. Welty continues : "It has been the policy of the union to appeal to the public for money as infrequently as possible. In all these years there have been but a few times when an appeal has been made, and then it has been kindly met. The union's money affairs have been managed by the women themselves, and have been uncommonly well managed. They meet all their expenses, have no debts, and have a good property in their name. The policy of our work con- tinues to be preventive ; in nowise reformatory. We try to anticipate rather than restore. For the sake of emphasis I repeat, it is the young woman of today who is the problem of today and of tomorrow, and which will reach over into future generations ; and no church or society, or body politic, can afford to overlook or ignore it."
A new and much larger building is being planned for the future. A hand- some building site has been secured in the southern end of the city, through the generous gift of $14,000 from the president of the union, Mrs. P. J. Mann.
The treasurer's report, Annie MacMaster, treasurer, for the year ending April 30, 1910, shows :
Total resources and cash receipts $16,763.73
Total disbursements in same time 15,410.03
Mrs. P. J. Mann, president; Mrs. T. B. Hamilton, secretary; Mrs. W. A. "We have a boarding house for self-supporting girls, of forty rooms, and give 54,000 meals a year. We need 100 rooms more, having 600 applications a year. We need $250,000 for a new building. With the girls, we are developing lec- tures, literary classes, choral singing, and physical culture. Any girl in the city is cordially invited to join the classes.
A library of 500 volumes and many journals are on file. Entertainments, musicals, private theatricals and house parties for the girls. Classes in sewing
and kitchen gardening are held six months in the year, with an average attend-
ance of twenty-five.
OFFICERS OF I9IO.
Mrs. P. J. Mann, president; Mrs. E. B. Hamilton, secretary; Mrs. W. A. MacRae, treasurer.
THE woman's exchange.
The exchange, which was for years a part of the enterprise of the Woman's Union but is now separate, devotes its energies to helping women sell their needlework, paintings, photos, clothing, etc., as also the maintaining of a lunch room and selling prepared food.
The report of the treasurer, Mrs. Genevieve S. Alvord, for the year ending March 31, 1910, shows:
Total receipts from goods, lunches, entertainment, etc.. .$38,276.40 Total expenses for same time, paid out on as above. . . . 28,120.04
Cash on hand April i, 1910 10,156.36" MRS. W. J. HONEYMAN President of the Y. W. C. A.