|
On Valentine's Day 1867, at a public meeting of the Ladies Benevolent Society, an organization providing for those in need since 1814, a letter was read. It was addressed to three prominent men in the town: Henry Poor, Warren M. Jacobs and Elijah W. Upton. "Gentlemen - having noticed a suggestion made by a prominent member of the Ladies Benevolent Association that it would be expedient to provide suitable homes or houses for elderly women of American patronage of this town who are in destitute circumstances, where they can be made comfortable and happy in their declining years, we the undersigned, this day jointly agree to place in your hands, as trustees, the sum of $2000 as the commencement of a fund for the purpose above indicated, the said amount to be securely invested until enough is added to this fund by donations or otherwise, to accomplish this object....In making this gift we wish it to be understood as being the foundation of a benevolent enterprise, and we solicit the aid of those of our people who are blest with means, to unite with us in the furtherance of this obj3ect.
Respectfully yours, The idea of a home for women "in destitute circumstances where they can be made comfortable and happy in their declining years" was proposed to the Ladies Benevolent Society by member Lavinia P. Osborne in her will. She also bequeathed $2000 towards the goal. The Probate Court granted an act of incorporation for "The Charitable Benevolent Association of the Town of Peabody", on April 17, 1869. Two years later, the Association built a house on Washington Street above Oak Street. On New Year's Eve, 1871, more than $847 was raised for the Association at a levee held by the group at Pierpont Hall.
|