The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1911-11-09
ALL WORK NOW Centralized
Working Without Regard to Greed or
Denomination the Associated Chair
lies Does Much to Take Care Of the
Worthy Poor of the City.
(Rev. Edgar T. Farrill)


Three years ago this month I be-
gan to work towards the formation
of what is now known as the Associa-
ed Charities Of Kenosha. J. brought
together just before Christmas the
lists Of the Elks and Of few charit-
ably inclined people who were assist
inp families or individuals. This COM
parison Of lists was such an eye opener
and proved so helpful in determining
who ought to be aided as the different
cases were investigated, that the next
year we brought together these same
parties and ia addition,2 representa-
tives of the churches and the Saliva
tipn Army. During the succeeding
winter I kept agitating the subject Of
central organization which should
be permanent and important factor
in the life of Kenosha, not only to
dispense charities properly and to
the best advantage, but TO seek
to so change or modify conditions that
there should, in process of time, be
less need of dealing out the dole; al
so, to care for the tramp problem.
A year ago l was urged to call a
meeting of all citizens interested in
the formation of such au organiza-
ton. About fifty responded. After
a detailed explanation, and a free and
full discussion, it was voted that such
an organization be formed, and that
/ select q committee of nineteen to
determine what form it should take
That comittee was chosen, and decided
that an Associated Charities similar
to that in other cities should be es-
tablished here. [ was chosen presi-
dent, John O'Donnell, vice president.
William III. Purnell, treasurer. Mrs
p. S. Jordan, secretary. Seven direc-
tors were elected.
The next move was to appoint con
stitution committee. This committee
framed a document based upon the con-
stitution of Buffalo and Milwaukee,
principally the latter as we were to
work under Wisconsin laws. We next
applied for incorporation. This appli-
cation was granted and we became an
incorporated body. This constitution
called for an enlargement of the board
of directors to twenty-one. A meeting
was called of all churches, all bene-
VIOLENT organizations, in fact of all or
gained bodies in the city. This meet
ing was held in the probate court
room. The constitution and the by
laws were read, explained in detail
and discussed Mrs. Van Wyck, secre-
tary of Milwaukee Associated Chari-
ties, was present and rendered yalu-
able service. The delegates ratified
the constitution placing the seal of
hearty approval upon it. 1t was found
that in order to carry out the design
OF the organization, and have it do
for the city what was the most desir-
able, it would be necessary to have a
superintendent who was trained to the
work and had had some practical
experience. Miss Louise Cottren was
engaged to fill that position, coming
from the central district, Chicago. AS
the work enlarged and the number of
cases increased and the demands for
an open Office became imperative, an
office assistant who should be steno-
grapher to care for the clerical work
was secured. Mrs. Chase served most
efficiently until other duties compelled
her retirement from the work. Mrs.
Mcfarland is her successor AMI now it
is again necessary to the success Of the
ever enlargiug activities that we Nave
trained visitor in the field with the
superintendent. Besides the officers
mentioned there is an advisory commit
tee, an executive committee, finance
committee, publicity committee; a
membership committee and commit
tee ON medical aid.
The Charities has had the most GEN
erous support of the citizens and will
continue to grow in favor as its eff
ficient and practical as well as greatly
needed work comes to be better under
stood