The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-10-29
HOME FOR AGED WOMEN.
The Annunl Meeting and Reports.

The annual meeting of the Home for Aged
Women was held yesterday afternoon at their
house on Emery street. The secretary, Miss
l.. e. Bancroft, in behalf of the managers,
made the following report:
With this year we complete the twenty
fifth of our existence as an association; and
while we cannot call ourselves ''ancient and
honorable" we think brief reference to the
work accomplished in a quarter of a century
will be admissible.
Before this society was formed no suitable
provision was made for the maintenance OF
women of the better class, who were left in
old age, without homes or means OF support.
In view of this great need several meetings
were held to devise some means OF providing
for their wants, and after due consideration,
this association was organized and incorporat-
ed in November, 1854 A board OF managers
was elected, of which Mrs. VIM. L. Dwight
was president. She was succeeded by Mrs. j.
T. Gilman who holds the Office at the present
time. Two of the original board remain with
us-Mrs Neal Dow and Mrs. d. M. Rea-and
are unweariedly interested in the welfare of
the Home
In January, 1885, the house on Elm street
cupied for fourteen years.
At this time it became evident to the man
ayers that some change was necessary, as APP
pIications for admission were received beyond
the capacity of the house, which at its utmost
would accommodate but nine persons. The
question of charging and repairing was agi-
tated and an architect consulted in reference
to it, but it was found to be impractlcable Tor
many reasons. As subscriptions and dona-
tions had been received which gave sufficient
encouragement, the land on Emery street was
purchased and the commodiOus building erect
ed which we now occupy.
We removed in June, 1872, and after seven
years trial, find it everything that can be de-
sired. 1t accommodates twenty-four inmates
most comfortably, and has every convenience
for doing the work required for so large fam
ily. When we entered the new house we
were embarrassed by a debt of $4,000, which
has gradually been reduced to $500. In the
increasing business prosperity OF our city we
hope we shall soon find friends who will be
able and willing to assist us in freeing the as
ISOLATION from this debt.
The heavy loss occasioned by the extreme
depreciation of some of our investments, and
their failure to pay their interest, crippled us
for several years, but by economy we hope to
be relieved from the inconvenience OF di-
minished income. The reduction in prices Of
provisions and economy in purchasing, have
lessened our expenses this year 500. The
amount of our permanent fund is $13, 1915.
This has been derived from donations, be-
quests, entrance fees, &C., and has not increas-
ed latterly as much as we could wish, as the
cost of living has obliged us to use some OF tue
the household.
Since the Home was opened, ffty-four aged
women have found here welcome and quiet
waiting place, and the feeling of relief which
they express can hardly be appreciated by those
who have not been similarly situated. OF this
number twenty-eight have died, three have
been dismissed and two have been removed to
other homes. Twenty-four of these were over
70 wears when admitted, II were over 80, and
one was 90, which is the age Of our Oldest in
mate. During the past year two have died,
but as the applications are always in excess OF
the vacancies, their places are filled, and our
family consists of the usual number. Their
health is very good, and compares favorably
with that eff aged people who are cared for in
their own homes
1t may interest some to know that one OF the
managers visits the Home every week, seeing
each inmate in her own room, ascerta1ning
her wants, sympathizing in any illness or
trouble, and cheering by her presence the life
that at best must have some lonely hours. On
Sundays a service is held, kindly conducted i'll
turn by the pastors or members of the city
churches and often additional pleasure is given
by singing.
To these and all others, whose gifts and at
tentions, continued from year to year, have
added to the comfort and prosperity of the
Home, we return our heartfelt thanks, trust
ing they will find in their own experience,
that he that watereth shall be watered ais o
himself.
The treasurer, Miss Julia Greeley, reported
the financial condition of the institution as
follows: