CHAPTER XII.

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CHURCHES, RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES, HOSPITALS AND CHARITIES

CHARITIES

OLD LADIES' HOME.

    The Associated Charities, a band of noble-hearted women, who have time and energy to aid those in sorrow, and distress, was first organized by the ladies of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church in 1886.   Led by Mrs. Samuel G. M. Gates and Mrs. Nathan B. Bradley, they raised $3,000 to purchase the property since enlarged and improved, located on Monroe street and Fourth avenue, a spacious, two-story frame building, with stone foundation and basement.  Nearly $10,000 has been collected and spent for the laudable purposes of this home in the last 18 years, during 13 years of which time Mrs. Gates has been the earnest, able and indefatigable president of this worthy association.  Ill health compelled her to resign in 1899.   Mrs. Selwyn Eddy assuming the responsibilities of the executive office of the association for more than three years, until ill health also compelled her retirement.   For the last three years Mrs. Frank Shearer has presided with commendable devotion over the destinies of Bay City's two most worth institutions of sweet charity.  The Old Ladies' Home is in the nature of a private boarding house, all the inmates contributing something toward the maintenance of the rooms, of which the home has 25 furnished with all the comforts, but none of the luxuries, of the modern home.  The inmates are there for life, enjoying the eventide of their earthly journey in congenial and quiet surroundings, free from care and assured of kindly attendance to the last.   In 1905, 27 inmates are enrolled, Miss Josephine Albertson is the matron, with two domestics and a janitor.   The Associated Charities are having their annual rummage sale April 24 - 29, 1905, the proceeds of which go into their charity fund, constituting each year a more liberal and well-earned sum.

CHILDREN'S HOME.

    Amid a grove of giant forest trees, fronting on Columbus avenue, one of Bay City's prettiest and broadest thoroughfares, stands the pride of the city's charities, the handsome, three story brick structure, whose roof covers the homeless waifs of the community.   After the Associated Charities had firmly established the Old Ladies' Home, they turned their attention to the poor little children, many of whom are each year left motherless and homeless, even in this well regulated community.  The first few years the children were kept at the Old Ladies' Home, but this was found inexpedient, and a separate home was established on Johnson street.   After some years of hard work, without commensurate results, the association concluded to drop the more burdensome care of the little waifs.   Mrs. Samuel G. M. Gates, however, never lost faith in the final success of this much needed home for children, so with the aid of Mrs. Murray, who for nine years was the devoted matron of this home, and a few others, she fitted up one of her houses on 10th street for the children, where for nearly eight years they received the best of care, though the accommodations necessarily limited the number that could be taken.
    In 1901 the ladies made another determined effort to secure a permanent and sufficient home for these poor children and a number of business men, headed by A. E. Bousfield, raised about $20,000 that year for the beautiful Children's Home, which was occupied by the association March 10, 1902.   The home is of artistic design and architecture, containing a large dormitory for the girls, another for the younger boys, and a third for the older boys, with a roomy nursery for the little mites, of whom there are always several under that hospitable roof.   The basement contains the steam heating plant, and a large children's play room, for use in winter and during storms, when the roomy out-door playground is not available.   Airy dining rooms, kitchen, reception room and living rooms complete the equipment.  Miss Grace Bradley, the present matron, has been in charge for three years, with four assistants.   A kindergarten was taught here until the public schools took up this work this year.
    On April 25, 1905, there were 52 children in the home, ranging from two weeks to 14 years in age; 38 attend the public schools, while 14 are too young, and the older of these receive their first instruction at the home.   Some of the children are placed here by their parents whose employment, or lack of a home, prevents their taking proper care of them and these contribute something toward their maintenance.  But by far the larger number of the inmates are wards of charity.
    The Associated Charities' officers for 1905 are: Mrs. Frank Shearer, president; Mrs. Archibald McDonnell, Mrs. E. T. Carrington and Mrs. D. C. Smalley, vice-presidents;  Miss Nellie Thompson, financial secretary; Mrs. George E. Harmon, recording secretary, Mrs. Wilfred E. See, treasurer.