The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1915-03-05


to shine upon us.
Respectfully submitted,
SUSIE SMYTHE COLLIER.
Executive Committees Report
The annual report of the executive
committee for 1914-1915 was read by
Mrs. J. B. We'll.
To the President. Oficers and Mem.
bers OF the Benevolent Union Home /:
We are about to close another sue
cessful year In the annals of the
Benevolent Union Home. Feeling that
many of our contributors ar, unfamil-
lar with the life AID the growth of
this institution, will give an outline
Of its history.
A mass meeting Was called in Feb
ruary, 1885, by Rev. c. F. Williams,
then secretary Of the Y. NJ. c. A., the
object being to carry on systematic
benevolent work, and ultimately to OBJ
tain home for the poor and conva-
lescents still unable to work. This
meeting was held in the rear room of
the library building with Mrs. Orion
Clemens In the chair anc Miss Mary
Jewel, secretary. A motion was made
and carried to effect such an organi-
cation and Mrs. Sylvester Carter was
chosen president, Mrs. Harvey Green
vice president, Mrs. H. H. Clark treas
urer and Mrs. A. j. McCreary. secre-
tary. A constitution was drawn up
by Mrs. George B. Smythe. Mrs Glenn
ems and Mrs. Gum. wife of Rev.
Gum, and bylaws enacted. The name
Keokuk Benevolent Union was agreed
upon, and 1t launched upon its work,
a home being its object.
Efforts were made by the committee
to meet with the business men, bur
no announcement was given The
ladies', though working at disadvaa-
tage, and often at great sacrif1ee
were determined to accomplish their
purpose. They formed committees
and die charity work in the different
wards and held their business meet
lngs at private houses each month
and part OF the time in little room
rented for storing supplies at the cor
ler of Fourth and Concert. The Union
struggled on for Ave years without
being incorporated, as there was no
prospect OF holding property. but in
1890 there seemed some hope, SO 1t
was incorporated There was flve
years more OF struggle when C. A.
approving OF the work. gave
a building on Fourth street with the
provision that We use 1t five years,
The upper story of which was made
1ahitable and soon fille6 with occu-
pants and matron secured. the first
ioor being used as a store room, and
! work test room was established and
1sed during the five years.
In Present Quarters.
In June, 1900 the Union came into
he possession of the beautiful home
md grounds at Seventh and Bank
streets. which was given by Mr.. and
Mrs c. p Birge, who realizing the
,ae1s of the Union, We're moved to
present this generous and noble gift,
which was thoroughly appreciated by
BE- ladies It Was then made ready
or occupancy and taken possession of
October 6. This month tea was
siven by the Union ladies inviting all
Xeokuk to house warming.
AT the BEGINNING OF the year 1907
he ladies pledged themselves to
.a,se an endowment fund of $1,000 in
Va years. thereby putting the insti-
.ution on a more substantial basis
when Mrs. Rirge and her heirs would
Wv, the Union a quit claim deed to
he property. So the ladies set out
o raise $1,000 each year for five
,ears. which was accomplished.
The home being taxed to its capa-
.'ty. and feeling that our quarters
we're Inadequate. after having made
.wo rooms wherever we eoults put In
partitions, and also used the reception
com as bedroom. so that We were
to hold meetings in the din
nr room we undertook building our
.ew addition Of thirteen rooms in
1872.
Thu new annex was completed and
opened to tn, public May Is, 1918,
when the l"dses hell a tea, which
vas success in every way.
Charter Members Of Home.
The charter members of this home
were Mssdames Sylvester Carter. w.
n. Dolbear. A. NJ. steele. f. S. Baker,
Blom, Font Alexander Orion
rlcmans. H. H. Clark, J NJ. Love. II.
E. Harrison. J H. Cole. w. E. Kel-
ogg, 7. A. Sawyer and Wells M. IT.
win. Mrs. Sylvester Carter was presi-
dent of the Union until her departure
'cr her new home in Chicago. at
rhich time sh., rendered her resigna
lion. which was accented most reluct
7ntly. hut it was voted since Mrs. Car
'er could no longer serve as active