ACT OF INCORPORATION.

An Act to incorporate the National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Sayles J. Bowen, Daniel Breed, George E. Baker, their associates and successors, being members of the said society by paying into its treasury the sum of two dollars annually, or life members by paying fifty dollars at one time, are hereby incorporated and made a body politic by the name of “The National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children,” for the purpose of supporting such aged or indigent colored women and children as may properly come under the charge of such Association; to provide for them a suitable home, board, clothing, and instruction, and to bring them under Christian influence; and by that name shall have perpetual succession, with power to use a common seal, to sue and be sued, to plead and to be impleaded in any court of the United States, to collect subscriptions, make by-laws, rules, and regulations needful for the government of said corporation, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States, to have, hold, and receive real and personal estate by purchase, gift, or devise,; to use, sell, or convey the same for the purposes and benefit of said corporation; and to choose such officers and teachers as may be deemed necessary, prescribe their duties, and fix the rate of their compensation.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the officers of said Association shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Board of Managers, to be composed of nine members, the whole to constitute an Executive Committee, whose duty it shall be to carry into effect the plans and purposes for which said Association was formed; all of which officers shall erected on the fifteenth day of March next, and hold their offices until the second Tuesday of January eighteen hundred and sixty-four, on which day, and annually on the second Tuesday of January in each succeeding year, at the annual meeting of said Association, which shall be held on such day, their successors shall be elected, and hold their offices for the term of one year, and until their successors shall be duly elected. And in case of a vacancy it shall be filled by the other members of the Executive Committee.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That said Society may receive into a house or building, to be provided by it, any destitute child or children, at the request of the parents or guardians, or next friends, or the mother, if the father be dead or has abandoned his family, or does not provide for their support, or is an habitual drunkard, such parents, guardians, or next friend or mother making a written surrender of such child or children. The Superintendent, or other 0004 4officer in immediate charge, may, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, of the Board of Trustees, to be appointed by said committee, and to consist of three persons, citizens of Washington Govern the inmates, preserve order, enforce discipline, impact instruction in useful knowledge and some regular course of labor, and establish rules for the preservation of health, and for their proper physical, intellectual, and moral improvement. The Trustees may, with the consent of the Executive Committee, bind out by indenture such children as may be deemed capable of learning trades or of becoming useful in other occupations, to such persons as will give them the benefit of good examples, wholesome instruction and other means of improvement in virtue and knowledge, and the opportunity of becoming intelligent, moral, and useful members of society.

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for said Association, by and with the advice and consent of the Secretary of War, to occupy for the objects of said Association any lands not exceeding one hundred acres, and the improvements thereon, which the Government may now own or may hereafter acquire contiguous to the city of Washington, by confiscation or purchase, such occupation to continue for such a number of years as the Secretary of War may, in writing, prescribe.

Approved February 14, 1863.

BY-LAWS.

ADOPTED BY THE ASSOCIATION, 1866.

1. Any person may become a member of the Association by paying the sum of two dollars. At the meetings the Executive Committee ten members shall constitute a quorum. At the meetings of the Executive Committee five shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.

[This By-Law was amended June 10, 1879, as follows: “Any person may become a member of the Association, upon nomination at a regular meeting of the Association, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, and by paying into the treasury the sum of two dollars. At the meetings of the Association ten members shall constitute a quorum. At meetings of the Executive Committee five shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.”]

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2. At the stated meetings of the Executive Committee, and at the quarterly meetings of the Association, the order of business shall be: first, minutes of the preceding meeting; second, reports of committees and officers; third, unfinished business, new business, adjournment.

3. The President, or, in her absence, the Vice-President or President pro tem., shall preside at the meetings, preserve order and see that the officers perform their duties, and all drafts upon the treasury, approved by the managers, shall be signed by the presiding officer at the meeting at which they have been passed.

4. The Secretary shall keep correct minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of the Association and of the managers, and give due notice of the place of all meetings—a notice of the annual and quarterly meetings of the Association to be advertised for at least two days in a daily paper published in Washington city. The Secretary shall conduct the correspondence and countersign all drafts upon the treasury.

5. The Treasurer shall take charge of all moneys belonging to the Association not otherwise ordered by the Board, and shall deposit them in such institutions or invest them in such ways as the Board may direct, and shall make no payment except by its order. All bills ordered by the Board shall be paid by the Treasurer. She shall report, in writing, at each monthly meeting to the Executive Committee the amount received and expended during the months also all indebtedness. She shall keep a list of the contributor; and an accurate account of the receipts and expenditures of the institution, which account shall at all times be open to the inspection of the managers. She shall make a written report to the annual and each quarterly meeting of the Association, and give bonds in the sum of one thousand dollars for the faithful performance of her trust.

6. At the first stated meeting held after the annual meeting of the Association the Executive Committee shall elect from their number the following standing committees: A Committee upon Education, a Committee upon Clothing, a Committee upon Household, a Committee upon Admission and Dismission.

7. Of the Committee upon Admission and Dismission.—The committee, or one of its members, shall visit the Home once each month. To this committee all applications for admission shall be referred. They shall keep a book of registry, in which they shall enter the name and age of every woman and child received, the date of admission, whence and from whom received. If the woman or child has near relatives note the degree of kindred and residence of same—ascertain whether the child have had measles, whooping cough, or smallpox, and whether they have been vaccinated. These particulars shall be recorded, together with other circumstances, which may be of importance to them or the institution at a future day. If the child be brought by a parent obtain his or her signature to the form provided for the same. When children 0006 6are placed out state particularly with whom, the residence and occupation of master and mistress, and note the date of removal from the Home, whether by death or otherwise. When children are placed on trial, if returned, they shall be well clothed by their employer, or he be required to pay twenty-five cents a week for as many weeks as they have served him. A promise to do so shall be made by him, in writing, on receiving the child.

8. The Household Committee, or one of its members shall visit the Home once a month, and oftener if necessary. They shall see that its affairs are administered with order, prudence, and economy; that proper attention is paid to the habits, manners, and persons of the children, and that peace, harmony, and domestic religion are cultivated; and, whilst obedience is required of the children to the duly appointed officers, no corporal punishment shall be allowed. They also shall keep a book of the records of all gifts and benefits conferred on the institution which do not appear on the Treasurer's record. They shall make monthly a call on the matron for a report, in writing of the same.

9. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Clothing to see that the women and children are supplied seasonably with all necessary clothing including hats, caps, shoes, and other articles of wearing apparel which may be needed on leaving the Home. They shall report when necessary to the Board.

10. Committee on Education, or one of its members, shall visit the school once a month, and provide furniture, books, and whatever may be needed for the use of the school.

11. The above-named committees shall render monthly reports to the Board, all of which shall be in writing, as well as all resolutions and resignations. The Executive Committee shall erect three Trustees to continue in office until their successors are chosen. A special meeting of the Association may be called by the Board at any time due notice being given.

12. The By-Laws may be amended at any regular or duly called meeting of the Association by a vote of two-thirds of those present.

AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS.

13. Children under three years of age will not be admitted to this Home.

14. The Association, at any regular or duly called meeting of the Association, may, by a vote of two-thirds of those present, expel a member, but the vote shall be taken by yeas and nays, and be recorded by the Secretary in the journal of the proceedings.— Adopted June 12, 1879.

15. Members of the Association, other than members of the Executive Committee, shall be eligible to positions on any of the regular or special committees of the Association.— Adopted January 10, 1880

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OFFICERS FOR 1887. President. Mrs. M.S. POMEROY, Kansas. Residence in Washington, 1339 K Street N. W. Vice-President. Miss L.S. SWAN. Residence, Cor. M Street and Vermont Avenue N. W. Treasurer. Mrs. L.S. DOOLITTLE. Residence, 1925 I Street N. W. Secretary. Mrs. H.A. COOK. Residence, 1005 16th Street N. W. Board of Managers. Mrs. F. T. BAXTER. Mrs. M. L. MERIWETHER. Mrs. E. G. DOLE. Mrs. A. M. PURVIS. Mrs. C. A. S. HALL. Mrs. J. W. SCUDDER. Mrs. E. W. LYNCH. Mrs. A. S. LYNCH. Mrs. S. E. BAKER. Trustees. Mr. JOHN F. COOK. Hon. S. C. POMEROY. Mr. W. H. A. WORMLEY.

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STANDING COMMITTEES. Household Committee. Mrs. F. T. BAXTER, Mrs. E. G. DOLE, 1504 H Street 1014 14th Street Mrs. E. W. LYNCH, Mrs. A. S. LYNCH, 1511 Corcoran Street 1338 19th Street, Mrs. S. E. BAKER, 1117 17TH Street. Clothing Committee. Mrs. J. W. SCUDDER, Mrs. M. L. MERIWETHER, 1006 New Hampshire Avenue 1822 13th Street. Educational Committee. Miss L.S. SWAN, Mrs. C. A. S. HALL, Cor. M Street and Vermont Avenue. 2715 N Street N. W. Miss M. B. BRIGGS, 1637 P Street N. W. Committee on Admission and Dismission. Mrs. A. M. PURVIS, Mrs. LOUISE MANN, 1118 13TH Street. 1918 Sunderland Place. Mrs. M. V. DATCHER, 1597 K Street. Physician. Dr. S. L. COOK, 1526 L. Street. Matron. Miss ELIZA HEACOCK. Assistant, Miss JENNIE HEACOCK. Teachers. Miss J. M. BARTLETT. Miss NELLIE A. PLUMMER. Industrial School—miss S. STORUM.

ANNUAL REPORT.

January 11th, 1887. The close of the year 1886 brings to the National Association more than one cause for sincere and heartfelt rejoicing.

The period of its early history (which may be fitly termed its heroic period), when the wants of the infant institution were supplied by voluntary contributions, was a time of struggle; without permanent buildings or a permanent source of revenue the band of earnest workers who were its founders, had need of faith and hope as well as the most untiring exertion to insure its success.

It would gladden the hearts of some who have gone before to know that the institution, at length, takes its place among the well-established charities of the District of Columbia; that the orphaned and homeless little ones, who enlisted their sympathies, have a home in which is provided everything necessary to, health and comfort; in which they are instructed in the rudiments of an English education and such industries as may be acquired by children under twelve years of age; where they are treated with justice and kindness and taught to exercise these qualities in their intercourse with each other; in short, where they have every incentive to well-doing.

It is gratifying to know that the children justify the kind care bestowed upon them, the large majority of those sent to homes in families giving entire satisfaction and remaining with their employers during the whole term of their apprenticeship. Not infrequently some of this class—former inmates of the Home—are present at the Christmas celebration and on other occasions, and bear willing testimony to the value of the training received by them years before.

The Matron, during the past summer, visited a large number of boys and girls who have been sent from time to time to farms and country places in Maryland and Pennsylvania, with a view to ascertain their condition by personal inspection of their surroundings; in nearly every case she found them doing well and showing by their appearance and behavior that they were properly cared for and that a kindly spirit existed between them and their employers.

The good health of the inmates affords another cause for congratulation; 0010 10with the exception of a girl of twelve, who is paralyzed, a condition consequent upon a constitutional disorder of long standing, there is no sickness, even the tonics and other simple remedies usually administered having lain unused on the dispensary shelves for several months. It is but a just tribute to say that to the Matron's exceptional efficiency and devotion to duty, and to the excellence of the corps of teachers and assistants, much of this happy result is due.

The family consists, at this date, of one hundred (100) children and nine (9) aged women. As stated in the last annual report, about thirty more might be easily accommodated in the Home if the limited amounted of the annual appropriation did not make it impossible to provide for them. This amount, which, when divided among the actual number of inmates, allows about 15 cts. per day to each individual, is made to cover every expense incidental to their maintenance, including food, fuel, clothing, medicines, insurance, repairs, industrial training, salaries and wages, etc., and is the lowest limit compatible with health. The Private Fund, derived from membership fees, occasional contributions and other sources, has been largely drawn upon during the past year to supplement the appropriation, but is too uncertain a factor to be counted upon as a basis for extending the work. The managers are, therefore, reluctantly obliged to turn away numerous and frequent applicants, although the necessities of the class which the institution is designed to benefit would impel them to increase rather than to diminish the number.

It may be proper to state that the land that has been recently acquired by the Association has been paid for out of the private fund above referred to. It having been deemed advisable to place the permanent buildings at the northern extremity of the grounds, the purchase of the lots betweeen them and the street above became necessary; partly to obtain an additional entrance entrance to the grounds, but principally by preventing the near approach of other buildings, to secure the light and air essential to the welfare of so large a household.

The Executive Committee have been deeply gratified by the manifestation of a growing interest in the Institution on the part of many people not officially connected with it. They believe that those who are charitably inclined will give it more earnest support as they become more fully acquainted with its character and purposes. Helen A. Cook, Secretary.

0011

TREASURER's REPORT. From JANUARY 11, 1886, to JANUARY 10, 1887. The National Association for the Relief of Destitute Women and Children, Mrs. L.S. Doolittle, Treasurer, in account with the United States. Dr. Cr. To balance in U.S. Treasury, By payment of bills January 11, 1886 $ 3,477 03 and orders. $ 8,833 08 To appropriation of 1885 9,000 00 balance in U.S. Treasury January 10, 1887 3,643 95 $12,477 03 $12,447 03 Mrs. L.S. Doolittle, Treasurer, in account with the National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children . Dr. Cr. To balance in Treasury, January By payments for land $1,045 50 11, 1886 $ 981 61 By payments for 119 76 To membership fees 50 00 groceries To payments for board 157 50 By payments for meats 147 06 To payments on Crandell note 1,151 51 By payments for milk 41 40 To donations 428 87 By payments for coal 21 70 To cash from sale of old By payments for furniture 136 53 building 60 00 By payments for hardware 36 50 To cash from sale of rags, &c 19 42 By payments for freight and travelling expenses 20 38 By payments for gas 24 38 By payments for steamstress 7 09 By payments for carpentry 5 00 By balance in Treasury January 11, 1887 1,243 64 ________ _________ $2,848 94 $2,848 94 Classification of Expenditures. Land $1,045 50 Insurance $ 46 87 Salaries and Wages 2,332 45 Whitewashing and Furnaces and Repairs 963 00 plastering 39 00 Coal 822 87 Oiling floors 20 08 Groceries and provision 929 62 Freight and traveling Meat 847 74 expanses 20 38 Bread 695 45 Printing 26 00 Milk 474 72 Books and Stationery. 20 76 Clothing 345 38 Lumber 22 51 Shoes and mending 240 41 Measure 14 00 Plumbing and repairing pumps. 239 45 Window glass and Carpentry 219 90 setting 8 30 Hospital beds and bedding 231 72 Pleasure frames 7 00 Matron's current express 240 00 Hats 7 20 Furniture 197 99 Cane setting chairs 3 60 Hardware 116 05 _________ Sewer 90 00 $10,434 08 Gas 47 93 __________ Gas fixtures 55 25 From Congressional Medicines 64 00 appropriate $8,833 06 From other sources 1,601 35 _________ $10,434 43

0012

MATRON's REPORT. Number of Inmates Jan. 1, 1886— Women 7 Girls 42 Boys 58 ___107 Received during the year— Women 3 Girls 6 Boys 9 ___ 18 Sent Homes__ Girls 3 Boys 8 ___ 11 Runaway__ Girls 1 Boys 1 ___ 2 Died__ Girls 2 Sent to Freedman's Hospital__ Woman 1 Total Number Dec. 31st, 1886 109 The children have knit 67 pairs of stockings.

The two children who ran away were in their twelfth year when transferred to the Home from Washington Asylum, and were so used to a vagrant life, that the restraint of the home did not suit them.

Very respectfully, ELIZA HEACOCK, Matron.

REPORT OF THE SCHOOL. Whole number taught 95 Number of girls 37 Number withdrawn 13 Number in first grade 27 Average number enrolled... 80.1 Number in second grade 16 Average daily attendance.. 70.8 Number in third grade 19 Average age 9 Number in fourth grade 33 Number of boys 58 J.M. BARTLETT, Teacher.

REPORT OF KINDERGARTEN. Whole number entered 26 Number in first year's work.. 8 Number of boys 12 Number in second year's work. 7 Number of girls 14 Number in third year's work.. 11 Number promoted to school Number on roll 26 September, '86 9 NELLIE A PLUMMER, Kindergartner.

REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL. Pillow slips, 134; towels, 117; rollers, 16; sheets, 142; joined quilts, 6; [?], 36; night gowns, 46; aprons, 42; plain knitting, 15; fancy knitting, 3; handkerchiefs, 232; bibs, 24; dusters, 27; straps, 172; collars, 27; pieces block, 51; waists, 44; drawer, 55; napkins, 12; table cloths, 2; iron holder, 23; dresses hemmed, 6; spreads, 12; ruffles, 5. Fancy work —Crochet collars, 2; scarf tidies, 3; felt tidied, 3; fancy bags, 1; side board cover, 1; tea tray cover, 1; knit lace, 2 yards; crochet lace, 2 yards; samplers, 4. SAREPTA STORUM, Teacher.

EXTRACTS FROM CHILDREN's LETTERS.

Dear MISS H:

I love my home very much. Dr. E. raises apples, peaches, grapes, currants, raspberries, blackberries, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, beets, cababage, beans, and peas. Every morning when I get up I sweep the front porch, the hall, and back porch. Miss Mary has made a nice suit of clothes. Please tell Miss Malinda I have not forgotten her and never shall. Sometime if I have time I shall write to her. Give my love to all of he children and to the old people.

I am your sincere friend.

Dear friend Miss Heacock:

After quite a long delay I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well and am doing well. You must excuse me for not answering your letter before, on account of my being very busy. I am now engaged in learning the printer's trade in a small village named—. I commenced my trade on the ninth day of May, 1885, and have now just one year and about four months to serve, when I hope that I shall then be a first-class printer. As a compositor or typo, I now can average a column of minion type in a day. A column is equal to about five thousands ems. That is called very fast time, for one that has almost just commenced. I like the business very well. But I shall stick to it if my health is good and does not fail me. I am having first-class health at present. My mother and father are getting old and feeble and are not able to do much, but they are so as to be around. I am satisfied that they do all they can for me, and I try to do the same by them. Love to all.

I remained sincerely yours.

Dear Miss Heacock and Miss Bartlett:

am getting along very well. We have sixteen sheep, three cows, and three calves, and a two-horse wagon, but haven't got but one horse and a buggy. I help to shell corn, and cock very well; work in the garden, and wash and iron my own clothes; I read my bible some nights and sometimes get a psalm by heart.

We have seventy-five hens, three Pekin and common ducks, twelve turkeys, two hen-houses; we have a little dog that we put in the hen-house to keep the minks out, named Rip.

We have just finished our new house, and have eight rooms and six large closets and one medicine press, and we have a nice parlor and a nice chamber.

Miss L—has one child and he is six months old. There are a heap of children around here; he is the prettiest of all.

Yours truly,

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P.S.—Dear Miss Bartlett: I thank you for the good advice that you gave me and that nice card that you sent me; I like it very much.

Yours truly,

June 13TH, 1886. Dear Miss Heacock:

It has been along time since I have heard from you. We are working in the corn and plowing for buckwheat; it has been very dry; but we had drain this morning, so I didn't go to Sunday School. How is all the boys and girls; how is Henry, he was troubled with sore eyes when I heard from him? We have stock of all kinds on he farm; we have ten little pigs, and some chickens, a yoke of oxen, and one team of horses. We live in a beautiful surrounding; we have a splendid view, it extends about three miles around; we raise all kinds of grain, we have seven acres of corn, seven of oats, five acres of barley, and two acres of potatoes. How does things prosper down in Washington since I was there? It has been a long time since—eight and three months—how time does go. Has you heard from Alfred or any of my brothers? Is my mother living? Will you please give Alfred's address, and also my other brothers and sister, if you can. Tell Henry I received his letter two years ago—just think of it—I have been here eight years, and have not writen to you in four, and have not heard from you in two; I said I had not written to you in four years, but I have; I wrote to Henry, and a few lines to you last winter, but got no answer. Tell Henry to write to me; give Alfred my address; this does not seem to be a long letter, but I cannot think of anything more; I have one more thing to tell you and Henry—that is, I have become one of Christ followers; it has been a help every day of my life since I found him. Please write to me soon. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remained one of your boys.

Dear Miss Heacock:

You must excuse me for not writing sooner as I have been kept very busy working. I have been picking strawberries and raspberries. I earned a dollar and ninety-three cents picking raspberries and I have as many as I want to eat. Saturday the day before the Fourth we had a very nice little pic-nic on our beach, and we had a very nice time riding on the lake. I feed the calf every morning after breakfast, and I am learning how thow to milk. All of our old potatoes are gone and now we are feasting on new ones. The peas are nearly all gone and our beans will soon be large enough to eat. We have been having some very dry weather out here, but it began to rain Tuesday and it has been raining ever since. I am glad to see the rain as it will make the things grow so much better. Yours truly,

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DONATIONS Have been receive during 1836, from— Mrs. F.T. Baxter, Mrs. M.L. Meriwether, Mr. C.C. Bryan, Mrs. M.V. Minton, MR. Cornelius Brown, Miss F. Mitchell Miss J.M. Bartlett, Miss Mary Patton, Behrend & Son, Mrs. M.S. Poineroy, Mr.J.F. Cook, Mr. Plummer, Mr.J.H. Cook, Mrs. Prescott, Mrs.E.G. Dole, Dr. C.B. Purvis, Mrs.L.S Doolittle, Roth & Geoghegan, Wilbur Drayton, Miss Mary Satterthwaite, Mrs. Eaton, Miss J.W. Seudder, Mrs. C.A.S. Hall, Miss Annie Shoemaker, Mr. Wm Hoeke, Mrs. L. Stanford, Miss Hunter, Miss S. Storum, Mr. Kellogg, Miss L.S. Swan, Messrs. Geo. & Robt. Kengla, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Louis Kengla, Mr. Wm. Taylor, Mrs. E. Kaiser, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. A.S. Lynch, Miss Julia Wilbur, Mrs. E.W. Lynch, Mr. M.G. Wine, Luttrell & Wine, Mr. G.S. Wormley, Mrs. Lydia Mather, Mr. W.H.A. Wormley, Mrs. C.B. Mann, Jas. Wormley's Sons. Mrs. L. Mann, Mr. L. Chaffee,Providence, R.I $100 00 Mrs.Josiah Lascelles,Messachuetts 50 00 Mrs.Whitin,Whitinsville,Mass 50 00 Mrs. J.K.Upton 10 00 Mr.L.C.Bailey 10 00 Mrs. M.S. Schoenberger 5 00 Mrs. Mary E. Pierce, Boston, Mass 5 00 Mr. John B. Pierce, 5 00 Mr. P.A. Chase 5 00 Miss E. Heacock 5 00 Mrs. Grimes 5 00 Mr. W.H.A. Wormley 5 00 Judd & Detweiler 5 00 Friends-through Mrs. E.W. Lynch 7 00 Hon. J.S. Morrill 3 92 Mr. David Warner 2 00 Mr. Jesse Ewell 1 50 A Friend 1 00 Mrs. Lydia Mather 1 00 Charity Box (at the Home) 2 27 Bureau Baptist Church 5 00 Fifth Baptist 4 37 St. Luke's Guild 1 00 Mr. Storum's School 47 0016 16Public Colored Schools of Washington and Georgetown—Seven's School . $14 75 Summer School 12 00 High School 10 00 John F. Cook School 9 93 Lincoln School 9 76 Minor “ 8 46 Wormley “ 7 69 Normal “ 3 81 Banneker “ 3 50 Anthony Bowen “ 3 30 Lovejoy “ 1 69 ——- $96 37 Howard University Normal School 4 25 $100 62 Mrs. Leland Stanford—Toys for one hundred children, shawls for the aged women, candy, fruit, etc.

Mr. William H. Morrison—100 Christmas cards.

Dead Letter Office—Papers and magazines.

Unitarian Sunday School Society—15 copies of magazines, “Every other Sunday.”

Miss Satterthwaite—2 copies of magazines “Scattered Seeds.”