Title–9 | 10–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–51 52–53 54–55 56–57 58–59 | 60–69 | 70–79 | 80–89 | 90–99 | 100–109 | 110–119 | 120–129 | 130–139 | 140–151
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Its present Board of Trustees consists of the following: Rt. Rev. Ethelbert Talbot, D.D., LL.D. – President, ex-officio.
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| Rev. Marcus A. Tollman Frank Firmstone Harry J. Seaman John W. Eckert Charles M. Dodson Henry C. Trexler H.H. Mitchell Alexander C. Graham G. Reginald Radford Henry S. Drinker, LL.D. John A. Miller H.R. Fehr Leonard Peckett |
Edwin Thomas Alan C. Dodson Robert E. Wilbur Charles M. Schwab M.L. Connolly James W. Fuller, Jr. Henry S. Snyder David J. Pearsall Natt M. Emery Frank J. Myers Joseph Brobston Eckley B. Coxe, Jr. |
The Medical Board consists of the following: Director, and Physician, and Surgeon-in-Chief – William L. Estes, M.D. Consulting Physicians and Surgeons: Superintendent of the Hospital and Principal of the Training School – |
The smallpox epidemic, in the Spring of 1882, left so many orphans and half-orphans in this community that Mr. William H. Thurston, then President of the Bethlehem Iron Company, felt the necessity of a place of refuge for these unfortunate children. This was the beginning of the Children’s Home of South Bethlehem. A little house was rented on Cherokee Street and a matron, Miss Lizzie Frick, put in charge.
For about four years Mr. Thurston bore the whole expense of maintenance, but as the number of children increased, he deemed it necessary to place it on a more. permanent basis, and it was duly incorporated in 1886.
The number of children increased until the first house was too small, and Mr. Thurston donated a lot for a new building, also on Cherokee Street, upon which a house was built by a fund secured by Mrs. George Jenkins and the ladies of the Board of Directors, the total amount of which was $3,749.53.
The new house on Cherokee Street was completed in June, 1888, and the children with their efficient matron, Miss Frick, installed.
In 1895, when the still increasing number of children had again rendered the Cherokee Street quarters inadequate, the Board of Directors decided to purchase a country site where the children would have more space.
The carrying out of their resolutions at this time was made possible by the generous donation of Capt. James Wiley, of a sum of money towards the erection of a suitable building, this gift being made in memory of his wife, Annie Lewis Wiley. The Directors, having secured an option on a tract of six acres of land, in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, began immediately to solicit funds for its purchase.
Through their activities, special donations ( amounting to $4,253.00) were received.
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The property having been purchased, the building, which is the Children's Home of to-day, was immediately started. The structure erected from designs prepared by Mr. A.W. Leh, the well-known architect of South Bethlehem, (J.S. Allam, Contractor and Builder) is a substantial three-story building of brick, standing well back from the street. It has in many respects, admirably answered its purpose. From time to time fruit and shade trees have been planted, and cows and poultry are kept for use of the Home. By means of the constant activity of the Board of Directors of these years in soliciting sufficient funds for the proper equipment of the new building, the Home was able to move into its new quarters, and entered upon a fresh field of usefulness. This fact is proved by the current reports which show at this time an increasing number of children under the care of the Home.
As the public schools of Salisbury Township could not accommodate the children, a private teacher (Miss Agnes Moore) was engaged in 1897, and the children instructed by her according to the public school curriculum. This custom has ever since that date been maintained.
The Board has been fortunate in its matrons. After a most efficient service of several years, Miss Frick was compelled to resign, and Mrs. Dry took her place, serving until her death. Mrs Kintner then took up the work, and for six years did most admirable service, proving a most motherly person to the children. She was succeeded by Mrs. Herman, who has proved her worth many times.
It is to the credit of the Home that its record is one of constant development and growth.
During the Presidency of Mrs. J.F. Meigs (1902— 1908) a new wing had to be added to the building, and, by special Act of Legislature, a small appropriation of State aid was secured, which, it is hoped, will be substantially increased in proportion to the increased needs of the Home. This is a pressing necessity which should commend the interest and attention of the public.
In the thirty-three years over a thousand children have been cared for. The health of the children has been excellent. There have been three epidemics, but very few deaths.
The object of the Home is to furnish temporary shelter for homeless, destitute or unfortunate children until suitable, permanent homes can be found for them.
Group of South Bethlehem Residences
W.A. WILBUR J. DAVIS BRODHEAD
C.M. SCHWAB
DELAWARE AVENUE ROBERT E. WILBUR
Title–9 | 10–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–51 52–53 54–55 56–57 58–59 | 60–69 | 70–79 | 80–89 | 90–99 | 100–109 | 110–119 | 120–129 | 130–139 | 140–151