Beschreibung:

Title: Manuscript record book of the minutes and proceedings of the San Francisco Ladies Protection and Relief Society Author: ** Place: San Francisco Publisher: Date: July 12, 1853-Sept. 23, 1857 Description: Approx. [320] pp., handwritten in ink, on blue lined paper. 8¼x7, half calf & marbled boards. Important and revealing original documentation of the founding and early years of the San Francisco Ladies Relief Society, the name of which was soon changed to the San Francisco Ladies’ Protection and Relief Society, which was instrumental in providing stability and protection for widows and other women who found themselves bereft in San Francisco, and for children and men as well. At the first meeting, a constitution was proposed, and it is given here, Article III stating “The objects of this Society shall be to render protection and assistance to strangers, to sick and dependent women and children.” Many details are given within on husbands dying, aid for ill children, assistance for unemployed women (such as purchasing cotton for budding seamstresses), and much more. The Society could also be stern, as on June 4th, 1856, “It was thought best to decline further assistance to Mrs. McDermot, so long as she persists in street-begging.” Also, election and resignation of officers, finances, and other administrative details are provided. A truly significant first-hand look at some of the more troubling aspects of the Gold Rush, and the efforts of the good women of San Francisco to address them. With the bookplate of Harold T. Manners. Lot Amendments Condition: Covers worn, detached, spine partially perished, shaken; internally very good. Item number: 170775