1870: Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons, Philadelphia, PA

Excerpts from the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons

Text from the Library of Congress American Memory Collection.

Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons
111 South 4th St., Philadelphia, PA
January 13, 1870

Appeal for Funds

As will be seen in the proceedings of the Annual Meeting, a lot of ground suitable as a building site has been donated to the "Home" by Stephen Smith, and it is very desirable that a building adapted to our wants be erected thereon without delay.

The number of applicants for admission is large, while our present building is very fully occupied.

Some worthy objects of our charity have been "called home" while waiting for admittance, and some have been compelled to enter the Almshouse. There are worthy aged men too for whom the Home is also intended, but who have not yet been benefited because of the need of larger accommodations.

Under these circumstances we earnestly appeal to the friends of the Home, and to the public, to aid us liberally, each according to his measure, in this effort to meet and relieve a most worthy class of our community.

Contributions may be sent to any of the Managers, or to the Treasurer
SAMUEL R. SHIPLEY,
111 South 4th St.
Philadelphia.

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HOME.

Rule 1.

The Matron shall have the entire charge of the Home, and keep it in neat order under the direction of the Committee of Management. She is to enforce the Rules, to be present at the meals, to see that they are properly served up, and every thing is on the table before the family are seated; that suitable nourishment is provided for the sick, and proper order is observed at the table. She must be respectful and kind to every one in the Home, and attentive (without partiality) as their circumstances require. She will promptly check any quarreling or other improper conduct in the inmates, and, if necessary, report the same to the Visiting Committee. She shall keep a record of all articles sent to the Home, whether purchased or otherwise, and an exact account of all expenditures, and furnish the Committee with a monthly account thereof. She will be expected to go through the house about 10 o'clock, P.M., and see that all unnecessary fires and lights are extinguished.

Rule 2.

No person will be admitted into the Home but such as bring satisfactory testimonials of the propriety of their conduct and the respectability of their character.

Rule 3.

Those received in the Home must be at least fifty years of age, and shall pay to the Treasurer the sum of fifty dollars. This Rule may be varied from if so directed by the Managers.

Rule 4.

Any property or personal effects which an applicant may be possessed of must be made over for the benefit of the Home prior to their admission therein; and if any inherit property whilst in the Home, and prefer remaining, the said property must likewise be transferred to the Managers for the use of the Institution; all such transfers being recorded in a book kept for the purpose.

Rule 5.

Colored persons over the age of fifty, of respectable character, and furnishing satisfactory references, may be boarded in the Institution, upon such terms as the Managers may decide; but shall be subject to the same rules, and have no privileges different from the other inmates. Satisfactory security must be given for the regular payment of the board previous to their admission.

Rule 6.

No boarder shall be received or continued in the Home to the exclusion of those entirely dependent. Two week's notice, however, must be given for the removal of any boarder.

Rule 7.

A register shall be kept of the names of all applicants, the persons by whom they are recommended, their place of residence, and the report of the Visiting Committee thereon, and any other information that may be deemed important.

Rule 8.

Those that are pensioners on any benevolent Institution or Society, it is expected will have their pensions continued to assist in their support, and that their funeral expenses shall be paid.

Rule 9.

Those received into the Home will be cared for without other expenses during their lives, provided the Managers have the funds.

Rule 10.

The inmates are prohibited from soliciting aid outside of the institution.

Rule 11.

None but the Physician of the institution or his substitute shall attend the inmates, unless he should request a consultation with another practitioner.

Rule 12.

After rising in the morning, and again before retiring at night, all who are of ability shall be assembled in a suitable room, and a chapter from the Bible read to them, after which an opportunity shall be afforded for silent or vocal worship.

Rule 13.

Religious meetings shall be held in the House on the first day of the week, at 10 1/2 o'clock, A.M., and 4 o'clock, P.M., for those unable or not desirous of attending elsewhere.

Rule 14.

Any one of the inmates may be visited (with their consent) for religious purposes at any suitable time, but if a religious opportunity is desired with all of the family, it must be first approved by at least two of the managers.

Rule 15.

A bell will be rung ten minutes before each meal, when all who are able will repair to the dining room. When seated, a suitable pause shall be observed before eating.

Rule 16.

The sick or infirm will be accommodated with meals in their own rooms, but all others will be expected to take them at the general table.

Rule 17.

It will be expected that all who are capable will make their own beds, and sweep their rooms, early every morning; such as are not will have it done for them.

Rule 18.

The inmates are expected to sew, knit or do any other services for the benefit of the Home of which they are capable.

Rule 19.

Any of the inmates desiring to visit their friends, must obtain permission from the Matron.

Rule 20.

If any of the friends of the inmates present articles for individual use or for general distribution, the same must be placed in charge of the Matron and furnished at her discretion.

Rule 21.

No stimulants or liquors to be used in the Home unless ordered by a physician, and then to be administered only by the Matron.

Rule 22.

No person will be permitted to interfere or find fault with the Matron. Any complaint should be made to the Managers for their action.

Rule 23.

All visitors shall be properly treated and shown through the Home, especially those visiting for religious purposes. Visitors will not be admitted before 10 A.M., or after 5 P.M., except in special cases.

Rule 24.

The strictest attention must be paid by each one of the family to these Rules. For the first and second offence, the Matron will admonish the offender; for a third, she will complain to the Visiting Committee; and for a fourth, removal from the Home, if so directed by the Board.