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Friends' Association of Philadelphia for the Aid and Elevation of the Freedmen, Annual Reports
Report of the Executive Board of Friends' Association for the Aid and Elevation of the Freedmen, Read at the Meeting of the Association
Yearly reports printed for annual meeting of the association. Largely consist of narrative accounts of the freedmen's progress, drawn from letters sent by teachers who operated colored schools under the care of the association. Most years, a list of the society's officers, the treasurer's report, accounts of donations received in cash and goods, and an overview of distributions made were also included.
1864 - 1871
192 p. ; 22 cm.
reformatted digital
SG 3
Friends Freedmen's Association Records--http://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/4024frfr
The Women's Association of Philadelphia for the Relief of the Freedmen was founded in 1862 to provide charitable assistance to recently freed slaves. Many Quakers were involved in this organization, but it was not until the following year that a similar group that was officially affiliated with the Society of Friends emerged. The Friends Association of Philadelphia and its Vicinity for the Relief of Colored Freedmen, was founded by Orthodox Quaker men in 1863. Soon after, in 1864, an equivalent group was established by Hicksite Quakers of both sexes: the Friends' Association for the Aid and Elevation of the Freedmen (amended to the more precise "Friends' Association of Philadelphia for the Aid and Elevation of the Freedmen"), which incorporated the Women's Association in 1865. It is unclear when this association closed, but it was in existence at least as late as 1872. Its Orthodox counterpart, renamed Friends' Freedmen's Association circa 1873, continued to operate in various capacities--most recently as a scholarship fund--until it was dissolved in 1982.
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a real festival. We are going to have a Christmas tree, and
speaking, singing, &c., and I shall be happy enough in seeing
their enjoyment. Many of them only know of ‘Christmas
trees’ as some ‘fairie story,’ and are nearly wild with delight.
Several of the children have expressed a desire to contribute
something for the tree, and I told them they might. I am sure
I shall have a very merry and happy Christmas. Some of the
scholars would like to buy the books they use, ‘for their own.’
I told them I would ask you; there are none kept here in the
stores, and Washington seems ‘far away,’ as there are few
opportunities for sending there for them.
“LT receive the Standard and Friends’ Intelligencer now, and
the scholars are always glad to get them when I have read them,
also the Tribune and Press. We are having a library made for
our books, and our sabbath school is getting along nicely. God
bless you all for your kindness in sending us such nice books and
papers.”
From Harriet Jenkins, (Col’d.), Fall’s Church, Va., Dec. 80th,
1868.
“TI write a few lines about the school. You will see by the
report, as it is made out, that the school is enjoying a vacation,
which will last until the fourth of January. I could not induce
the scholars to be satisfied with any less number of holidays.
They seemed to be delighted at the sight of the Christmas tree,
made out of the nice things sent us by the Friends’ of your city.
I am truly thankful we have such friends in reach of us. My
school still increases in numbers, but the attendance is very
irregular ; those who have attended regularly are doing very
well in their studies. The new grammar class is delighted with
the study, and they get on very well. I thank the good people
of Philadelphia for the reading matter sent me every week. I
receive the Friends’ Intelligencer and have become strongly
attached to it, on account of the true Christian principle it sets
forth. I have other papers sent me, both political and religious.
I feel under many obligations for my Christmas present; more
so when I think of it coming from those I have never seen in
my life. Be assured I value it highly.”’
From Jennie Speer, Washington, D. C., Dec. 30th, 1868.
‘I do not know but I should have sent this Report before
this ; but I have not been very well, and have delayed longer -
than I was aware of. :
“* The festival at the school house was very interesting to me,
and all seemed to enjoy it very much. Some of the large boys
got a very pretty cedar tree, reaching to the ceiling, which was
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Friends Freedmen's Association Records --http://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/4024frfr