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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
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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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tunity to acquire it, shali be dismissed without the mental food
they so earnestly crave.’’ Although this appeal met with less
response than we had hoped, yet the continued liberality of a
few has enabled us to continue the good work commenced in
faith, and to keep all of the schools open during the season.
Extracts from letters written by the teachers show that their
interest continues unabated, and though they are obliged to
suffer many privations, and are surrounded by difficulties which
would often seem insurmountable to those accustomed to ease
and self-indulgence, they still continue earnest and unwearied
in their efforts for the elevation and improvement of this ignorant
and long-suffering people.
In addition to their regular school duties, several of the
teachers have large First-day and night schools, for those who
are unable to attend during the day. .
Lrom Catharine E. Hall, Vienna, Va., Nov. 24, 1868.
“Thy letter and the Reports were duly received. I am glad
to say that my school-house is at length completed, and is as
comfortable as I could desire. It has a new shingle roof, is
plastered, ceiling and all; and with new desks, a good stove and
my twenty-six pupils, I anticipate a real good, comfortable time
this winter.
“Tt is useless to ask even the colored people here to contribute
anything towards the support of their school; for they cannot
pay for the house. Major Hines has given them the land, and
furnished the money to finish it; that is, what the sum given by
Colonel Lee would not do; and indeed if it had not been for his
persistent efforts, nothing would have been done at all. They
are very poor and easily discouraged, and I think sometimes it
is hard work to keep up the interest among the parents. The
children are bright and glad to come to school, and there is much
to hope from them.”
From Mary McBride, Fairfax C. H., Va., 11th month 21st,
1868.
‘‘ expect workmen will be at the school-house next week re-
pairing it for the winter; the Bureau sent fifty dollars to Lieut.
Chase for that purpose. Mr. Sagar has kindly consented to let
us have the land another year, as it is the most convenient site,
both for teacher and scholars. I will take advantage of the
holiday, by going to Washington to have my eye operated upon;
it does not get any better ; I am afraid it is worse. I wear greén
.
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Friends Freedmen's Association Records --http://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/4024frfr