The Portland daily press., 1872-11-09

MANAGERS REPORT.

MANAGER s REPORT.
With their 18th annual report the Managers
present their congratulations to the association
on the completion and occupancy of the long
talked of and much desired house.
AS this is noticeable era in the existence of
the association, review of its past history may
not at this time, be inappropriate. Early in
1854 few benevolent ladies having been much
impressed by the needs of many aged women in
this city, wished to devise some plan by which
their condition might be permanently improv-
ed They had heard of the formation of asso-
Citations for such purpose in other citi s, and
desired that Portland should not be behind her
sisters in works of charity. Meetings prelim-
mary to organizing were held in September of
that year, and in November the society was in
corpOrated under our present constitution Sub
scription papers were circulated, but for nearly
year not much was done. In January, 1856
the house on Elm street was purchased. This
house, an old one, and even then very incon-
venient one for our purposes, was put in good
order, and in August housekeeping was COM
menced with three inmates. Two of these are
still with us, at the advanced age of 81 years
thus shelving how freedom from care and the
anxieties and uncertainties of poverty in old
age will aid in the prolongation of life. The
family was soon increased to eight, the largest
number that could be accommodated.
In the spring of 1869 it was found that the
house needed many repairs and changes to make
it comfortable for the aged. Additions were
planned, but on an examination of the premises
by an architect these were found to be imprac-
ticabe. The subject of a new house, which
had many times been mooted, was then taken
up in earnest. The late Mr.. Willis, from the
first firm friend and earnest advocate of the
association, prepared a paper, which Mr.. Eben
Steele with his usual energy circulated amongst
our citizens. Money did not flow into our cOf-
fers as freely as was to be desired yet about
$4,000 were raised, which, with the sums that
had earlier been given by Mr.. William Kimball
and Mrs. Sanford, seemed to authorize COM
mencement. Still we hesitated ;tbut our wants
increasing, by the advice of many gentlemen,
in April, 1871, we decided to wait no longer for
fixed sum, trusting that after we had COM
menced the public would so appreciate our Ia
bors as to aid us to the extent that we needed.
We hope it will be proved that this confidence
was warranted, but we regret to say that as yet
the result has not been such as we wished.
We removed to the rev home last June. 1t
is not very large building; but in comfort and
convenience, as well as in beauty and healthful-
ness of location San hardly be surpassed. 1t
can amply accommodate twenty-four inmates,
giving each comfortable, well warmed and
well ventilated apartment with sufficient closet
room; rooms for managers, matron and visit
ors, sitting and dining rooms, laundry, pantries
and kitchen.
With our new house we make an entire
change in our household, Mrs Haley, after
fourteen years of faithful and efficient service,
felt herself obliged to relnquish the position of
matron. Our present matron came to us high
ly recommended. The short trial we have given
her has satisfied us that she possesses every ca
paclty for the situation and will endeavor to
render the place in every sense of the word a
home" To fully appreciate the comfort and
happiness such home provides it is only nee
essary to visit the inmates and hear their fer
vent expressions of thankfulness while compar-
ring their present with their former conditions.
OF the whole number admitted since our organ
ization, eleven have died, two have been re-
moved, and three left having been provided
for otherwise by their friends. OF the eleven
who constitute our present family, the Oldest
the exception of the intirmitles incidental to
old age they are in the enjoyment of good
health.
Of the original Board of Managers we have
but two members now with us. Their interest
is still undated and we hope will long continue
so. For their earnest efforts for the advance
ment of the society we feel sure they will receive
the reward promised to those who are constant
in well-doing.
We would invite your particular attention to
our pecuniary affairs. The growth of our fund
will be shown in our Treasurer's report, yet We
are far from being in prosperous or satisfac-
tory condition. The cost of the new house is
about $4,000. This includes that of the land,
which was over $6, 600; apparatus for heating,
water, gas, etc. To meet this we have the
valued at 81 900, but which, as yet. we have
been unable to sell, leaving debt of $4,000 to
be provided for
1t is too early to tell how much our enlarged
family will increase our annual expenditure,
but comparing the four months since we have
occupied this house, wthIthe corresponding four
months of the last year, we find but a small in
crease. But it is much to be desired that our
annual subscription list should be enlarged,
and we hope some plan may be devised this af-
ternoon by which this may be effected.
In addition to many valuable articles of fur
niture, we have to acknowledge the reception
of large donations of domestic goods, groceries,
fruit vegetables, etc. For such kind remem-
brance of us we would present our sincere
thanks to each and all of the donors who have
contributed in any way for the benefit of the
Home. Ry order of the Board,
j. GREELEY, Secy.
Portland, Nov 9Th, 1872. .+
e. Mountfort, Treasurer, in account with sHome for
Aged Women" Of Portland, from October 31st, 1871,
to October 31st, 1872.