McLean County, Illinois - Chapter 27: Hospitals and Charitable Institutions, 1924

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL - BROKAW HOSPITAL - MENNON1TE SANITARIUM - JESSAMINE WITHERS HOME - VICTORY HALL - DAY NURSERY - HOME FOR COLORED CHILDREN - THE BABYFOLD - GIRLS' INDUSTRIAL HOME - FAIRVIEW SANITORIUMI - SALVATION ARMY - BUREAU OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

McLean County is noted for its number and the quality of its eleemosynary institutions, which show the care of the portion of the population who are self-supporting* for that smaller portion which is afflicted with disease or suffers from misfortune and disaster. Chief among such institutions are the two large hospitals in Bloomington, one of them under the auspices of the Catholic Church, and the other under the patronage and management of non-sectarian organization, although mostly composed of representatives of the Protestant churches.

St. Joseph's Hospital, located in the southwestern part of Bloomington, occupies a tract of two blocks of land, and the building as it now stands is the result of several additions made to a large central structure* which was the original hospital. The hospital project was started in the fall of 1879, when Rev. Mother Frances and Sister Augustine from St. Francis Hospital in Peoria came to Bloomington to look over the ground with a view to establishing a hospital here. They met with Dr. Sweeney and Dr. C. R. Parke, who went with them from house to house for funds. The money was secured to make the first payment on the home of Samuel W. Waddle, which was purchased for a nucleus of a hospital. On March 22, 1889, the hospital opened with Sister Augustine and Sister Joseph Aloysia in charge. The medical staff first appointed consisted of

Drs. Sweeney, Parke, A. Luce, Worrell, Lee Smith, Elder and Wunderlich. In two years the first unit of the present building was erected, costing $22,000. In 1889 the second wing was built, costing $11,000. In 1885 the first operating room was created and named for Dr. Parke, and in 1899 the beautiful chapel was erected. In March, 1905, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the hospital was celebrated. Up to that time more than 5,000 patients had been treated in the institution, of whom 1,672 were charity cases.

The last and perhaps the greatest addition made to the hospital was that of the year 1922, when $60,000 was expended in building a large wing to the west, fronting on Morris Avenue, which makes a western front for the institution and adds to its impressive appearance. This newer structure is five stories in height, and it includes a modern operating room with every known facility for the latest surgical treatments. St. Joseph's Hospital now represents a total investment of nearly a half million dollars. The medical faculty of the hospital includes many of the best known physicians and surgeons in the county. The hospital takes care not alone of those who come to it with ability to pay for a portion of the cost of their treatment, but it also receives some who are absolutely without means. For instance, in the years of its existence it has housed, fed and given medical attention to scores of men and women who otherwise would have had to go to the county farm to spend their last days.

Brokaw Hospital - In May, 1893, there was organized in Bloomington a society for the establishment and maintenance of a Protestant hospital, the only hospital then in the city or county being the one under the direction of the Catholic Church. Subscriptions to the amount of $5,000 were pledged and in part collected, and an option obtained on a certain piece of property in the city as a start on the hospital. The house was found to be unsuitable for the purpose, and the project was allowed to lapse for the time being.

In 1895 some of the doctors in Bloomington and Normal organized to found a hospital, and secured an option on a tract of land just inside the corporate limits of the town of Normal, located on Franklin Avenue at the corner of Virginia Avenue. This is the present location of the hospital known as Brokaw Hospital, a large and modern institution. The earlier organization then turned over to this newer society what funds it had and its pledges so far as renewable. By 1896 the original or central building was erected and opened for patients. The hospital had been turned over for management to the Mennonite Deaconess Nurses, under the charge of Rev. Mr. Sprunger, and the hospital was first called the Deaconess Memorial Hospital. In this form it was continued until August, 1897, when it was taken over by the Methodist Episcopal Deaconess society of Chicago. With comparatively meager facilities and a small staff, the hospital was operated successfully under the Deaconess management until the year 1901, when it was the recipient of a large benefaction from I. Abraham Brokaw, at which time the name was changed to Brokaw Hospital and its management turned over to an incorporated society for that purpose.

Mr. Brokaw was one of the leading characters of McLean County in its early days. He came here when land was cheap and started a wagon and plowmaking shop, which grew to prosperous proportions for those times. Having become interested in the charitable work of the Deaconess Hospital, when he sold the building where his plow works had been located for many years, he created a trust fund of $30,000 for the use of the hospital. At that time the name of the hospital was changed to Brokaw, and this name was carved in the stone capping over the main entrance. When Mr. Brokaw died in 1905, he willed to the trustees of the hospital a fund amounting to $200,000, and a large and rich farm located in Dale Township. This endowment fund placed the hospital on a more substantial basis than it had ever before been. A third building was erected, attached to the others on the south. This structure was designed with the very latest ideas in hospital architecture, and included an operating room which was the very latest word in such equipment. An X-ray room of the most modern design was also included. . The Brokaw endowment yields an annual income of considerable size, although not enough to meet the expenses of the institution.

A number of the leading business and professional men of Bloomington and Normal have been untiring in their efforts to build, equip and maintain this institution on the very highest plane. Among the early loyal supporters was Dr. J. L. White who served as president of the medical staff until his death in 1915.

C. P. Soper, for many years one of Bloomington's most public spirited and successful business men was president of the board for seven years, and it was largely through his personal attention and executive ability that the hospital was carried through one of its most critical periods and its splendid growth and permanence were made. Mr. Soper passed away in Los Angeles, Cal., January, 1916.

Although not in robust health there was hardly a day in the year that Dr. McCormick did not visit the hospital and show his deep interest in its affairs.

He gave much time and study to the plans of the new fire-proof building also to issuing and marketing the bonds which made the building possible. From the time of the organization of the hospital until his death, in 1919, Dr. William E. Guthrie was one of the hospital's most active supporters and for five years of this time was Medical Director. Much of the success of the hospital in its whole history was due to Dr. Guthrie's skill, energy, and devotion.

Brokaw Hospital should not be considered strictly a Bloomington and Normal institution. It receives patients from any locality, and its records show an increasing patronage each year by people who live in the country and small Illinois towns who wish to avail themselves of this institution for medical or surgical treatment.

In January, 1902, the directors of Brokaw Hospital established a training school for nurses to be conducted in connection with the hospital. The school, incorporated under the title of the Brokaw Hospital School for Nurses, offers to women desirous of becoming professional nurses, a course of practical and theoretical instruction. The practical knowledge is gained by actual care of patients, under the supervision of the superintendent and her assistants.

The superintendent has immediate charge of the Training School, subject to the authority of the House Committee of the hospital. The curriculum has been lengthened to three years, thus fully meeting the requirements of the State Registration Board for Nurses. During the year

1909, a separate building was erected for a Nurses' Home. This provides for the needs and recreation of the nurses when off duty and offers, besides the necessary home comforts, many of its pleasures.

Miss Lula J. Justis has been the resident superintendent of Brokaw Hospital since 1908, and she has managed the institution with noted ability and general satisfaction. The first superintendent after the reorganization of the hospital and its accession from the order of Deaconesses, was Miss Carrie S. Flatt, who was in charge for about six years. Miss Flatt was the person mainly responsible for the organization of the training school for nurses. Miss Flatt, shortly after her resignation, was married to L. S. Rupert, a well-known Bloomington citizen. Under the management of Miss Justus, many notable changes have been made, including the addition of two of the modern additions to the buildings and an entire revolution in the internal management.

Mennonite Sanitarium and Training School. - Since history is in proportion to events, and events, in turn, in proportion to time, the Mennonite Sanitarium has a comparatively short record. Nevertheless it perhaps would be fitting in passing, to briefly review the origin of the Mennonite Sanitarium.

For a number of years, it was the conviction of a few of the leaders of the Mennonite Church, that the church ought to do more to meet the needs of the sick and suffering.. These convictions with a growing interest led to the organization of the Mennonite Sanitarium Association on the 23d day of January, 1919, with the following named Board of Directors: Rev. E. Troyer, Rev. J. H. King, Rev. John Kinsinger, Rev. Ben Rupp and Rev. Allen Miller.

The Association immediately purchased the Harber property located at 1308 N. Main Sreet, Bloomington, 111. This building being a large residence property, was remodeled and temporarily fitted for hospital use. The first patients were received May 1, 1919, as soon as the building was ready for occupancy, with Rev. Ben Rupp as superintendent.

The question of a new building was seriously considered by the board, estimates and plans were already in hand when it became known that the Kelso Sanitarium, a fully equipped institution, was available. At a called meeting of the Association, the board was authorized to purchase the sanitarium, which was done, the board taking full charge of this institution with its training school, May 1, 1920. Steps were immediately taken to reorganize the training school and put it on an accredited basis, recognized by the State of Illinois. All students who finish the course of training required are eligible to the credentials of a State Registered Nurse.

This institution has at its command a medical and surgical staff equal to any in the central west covering the entire medical and surgical field. All departments of the institution are well equipped, the surgical department being one of the most splendidly equipped in the state. The serilizing rooms adjoining are fitted with the latest devices for sterilizing dressings, instruments, utensils and clothing. Much consideration has been given to the equipment of the maternity department to meet the needs of all such cases. For the purpose of making an accurate diagnosis of diseases there is a standard X-ray machine and a first-class laboratory.

The bath department situated in the new building is so arranged that it is. easy of access both from the outside and by elevator on the inside. The bath rooms are sunny, cheerful and efficient. As an auxiliary in the building up of physical conditions, this is an important feature. They are able to offer the best in the way of Sitz, Steam, Needle and Shower Baths, Electric Light, Electric Water and Electric Robe Baths, Salt Glows, Oil Rubs, Hot Packs, Fomentations, Scotch Douches and Massage.

The present need is more room and plans are being formulated to enlarge the institution in the near future. The ideal is a Christian institution where service may be given in the Spirit of Him who said, "Even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give His life a ransom for many."

The Jessamine Withers Home is an institution designed for the residence of aged women who can fulfill the regulations as to entry, and who, having once become residents, may remain there throughout their lives. The Home is located on the north side of West Locust Street in the 300 block. It was formerly the home of Mrs. Sarah Withers, a well-known woman of Bloomington for many years. She left the property in trust for the uses indicated, and after it was put upon a substantial basis it was named Jessamine Withers Home in her honor. Along about 1913, when the property was first turned over to the trustees of the Second Presbyterian Church for the care of aged women, the house was in a bad sta'te of repair, and there was no funds to repair it. Through the generosity of Mrs. Martha Horr and Col. D. C. Smith, a cottage was built on the rear of the lot, and here a few women, otherwise alone in the world, were able to secure board and room at reasonable rates. This was in the inception of the Withers Home. In 1914 Capt. S. Noble King and Mrs. King, foreseeing the possibilities of the place, created an endowment for its upkeep by deeding to the trustees the fine farm of Captain King northeast of Normal. Its management was put in the hands of a board of trustees consisting of one woman from each of the Protestant churches of Bloomington and Normal. Contributions of money and furnishings began to accumulate, and at the end of the first year the Horr cottage and the original Withers house, now remodeled and improved, housed nine women. From that time to 1923, there were 23 different women who found homes and comfort there in the declining years of their lives.

When a woman, otherwise without a home, invests in one here, she is assured of a real home in every sense of the word for the rest of her life. Whatever she may have beyond the $500 purchase price is invested for her by the trustees, used by her during her lifetime, and at her death is bequeathed to the Home for the benefit of the family. If $500 is the sum of her possessions, all of the benefits of the home are equally hers at that price, whether she lives one year or twenty-five.

Mrs. Clara Simpson and her helpers have worked out a system of housekeeping lubrication whereby the maximum efficiency is produced with minimum friction in all details of the Home life. The contentment and happiness which broods over the place are due in great measure to these competent workers.

Victory Hall. - In the spring of 1919 there were thirty homeless Mc- Lean County boys living in the Girls' Industrial Home, an institution for girls, as its name indicates. What should be done for these boys needing care and protection? Mrs. E. R. Morgan, president of the board of directors, called together a group of interested women to organize a home for boys. This group included Mrs. Davis Ewing, Mrs. Charles Burr, Mrs. Frank Chase, Mrs. Oscar Mandel and Miss Bertha Cowles. A board of directors was formed, for a boys' home, of which Mrs. Fred B. Capen was the first chairman. The project was at first financed by memberships at $5 each per year. A drive was undertaken and a house and grounds on West Hovey Avenue in Normal were purchased and named Victory Hall. It was the former Brooks home, a large house with ample grounds. Later a gift of $3,000 permitted the purchase of six lots of additional ground. On the west is a playground, and on the north a garden and fruit trees. A small frame house on the new lots serves as a hospital when needed. Every activity that makes the boys mingle with other children is encouraged. They not only go to the public schools, but also to Sunday school. There are swimming classes at the Y. M. C. A. The boys have their own scout troop. It is a good one. Holidays are well provided for at Victory Hall. They have circus and movie treats, dear to the hearts of all boys.

For the last two years, Victory Hall has participated in the general welfare drive and receives an apportionment of about $5,000 per year for the maintenance of the institution. The board of management for the year 1923 was made up as follows: Mrs. Davis Ewing, president; Mrs. Holmes, vice-president; Mrs. Louis Eddy, treasurer; Mrs. Fitch Harwood, secretary ; Miss Jeanette Johnston, corresponding secretary. Board : Mrs. Fred Capin, Miss Bertha Cowles, Mrs. Mercer Davis, Mrs. Harold Gardner, Mrs. Harris Hoblit, Mrs. Louie Kuhn, Mrs. Oscar Mandel, Mrs. James Melluish, Mrs. Eugene Funk, Mrs. Manchester, Mrs. L. Probasco, Mrs. Ebon Jones, Miss Julia Hodge, Mrs. Herman Ochs.

Day Nursery - In January of 1907, at the call of Mrs. Albert Schwarzman, a group of women met at the Illinois hotel to organize and establish a day nursery where mothers might leave their children when they went out to earn a livelihood. Mrs. A. E. Stevenson presided. The organization was completed, and soon afterward a small frame house on West Mulberry Street west of the Alton road was rented, the first year's rent being paid by Col. D. C. Smith and Howard Humphreys. Mrs. R. 0. Graham was first president, and continued in office till she left the city some years later. After a few years the Day Nursery expanded when funds were secured from the public for purchasing a twelve-room house farther to the west on Mulberry. It was secured free of debt and remodeled to suit its uses. In the present quarters, the expenses of maintenance is about $300 per month. Miss Jennie Thompson served as resident superintendent until her death in the winter of 1923. Mrs. Glines, her former assistant, succeeded Miss Thompson. Some of the women who have been prominent in the management of the Day Nursery are Mrs. C. M. Harlan, Miss Nellie Parham, Mrs. R. C. Baldwin, Mrs. Frank Aldrich, Miss Laurastine Marquis, Mesdames Harry Eckart, Harris K. Hoblit, A. Schwarzman, Fred B. Capen, Clinton P. Soper, Kern Beath, H. M. Rollins, Alfred Sample, Louise Robinson, Miss Margaret Robinson and Miss Lulu Peters. At the present house, a branch library is maintained, a kindergarten conducted, sewing and cooking classes, and night school for Americanization kept up.

The McLean County Home for Colored Children is one of the newer and smaller philanthropic institutions, but it is one which is serving a real need of the city and county. It is located in a house at 1203 West Moulton Street. There are from five to ten children in the Home at all times, and a colored matron is in charge. The boy children get good care and are sent to school during the usual term time. This Home participates in the general welfare drive which is annually put on in Bloomington for the combined charitable causes and institutions.

The Babyfold, located in Normal, is one of the most unique and interesting charitable institutions in McLean County, or indeed anywhere in Illinois. It has grown from a small beginning to a large house full of babies, all of its expansion and increase in usefulness having been accomplished without incurring at any time any debt which could not be promptly discharged. Some twenty years ago, Mrs. Mason, of Normal, donated her home on North Street for the purpose of founding a Deaconess Home, but after the Deaconess (now Brokaw) Hospital had provided a home for its nurses, the Mason property was converted into a home for homeless babies. Mrs. Asher, the present superintendent, took charge of it in 1903, and with the increase in the number of babies which came into her charge, it was found that the Mason property was inadequate. In 1910 this house was traded for a piece of property on Willow Street in Normal, just east of the Illinois Central and extending back to Cypress. The house had 11 rooms, and the grounds were large. A gift of $3,000 afterward allowed the property to be improved and enlarged. Then Dr. Quine, of Chicago, a son-in-law of Mrs. Mason, gave the Babyfold a gift of $5,000, with the provision that he should be allowed interest on it till his death, then it was to be an outright gift. With this money a small farm on Main Street was secured, on which the cows are kept for furnishing milk to the Babyfold. Several years later another and larger brick addition was built to the Babyfold. As many as 65 babies have been cared for in this institution at one time, ranging from new-born infants to children five or six years of age. Many of the babies are secured permanent homes in good families, so that the Babyfold serves a double purpose. The Babyfold formerly was supported by private donations. Now it participates in the general welfare drive, and secures an apportionment from the proceeds of that campaign.

The Girls' Industrial Home, a well-known and established McLean County institution, has been in existence for twenty-five years. It has a large brick building located on South State Street, where there are constantly a number of girls in good care who have been deprived of their natural family protection, either by death or separation of their parents. The first entry in the records of the institution was made in 1899, in the handwriting of Miss Mattie Marble. The records further show that when some thirty women formed a board for the establishment of the Girls' Industrial Home, Mrs. Ellen Light was chosen its first president. The names of the other persons interested at the founding of the Home were Gertrude Willever, Fannie Fell, Louise Maxwell, Sallie Kerrick, Ellen Phillips, Clara Waite, M. Louise Crothers, Frances C. Funk, Anna C. Read, Mary O'Connell, Sarah H. Aldrich, Mattie Newton, Carrie Brownell, Hattie Allin, Sue R. Cooper, Letta Livingston, Amelia Griesheim, Joseph

Thompson, Thomas Tipton, Edmund O'Connell, Louise J. Woods, Lydia McCoy, Mary C. White, Mattie Marble, Eliza Davis, Henry Augustine, Malinda Anderson, Anna L. Randolph, Orpha Hiett, Lydia Morehouse, Lydia Aldrich, Sarah E. Samms, Elizabeth Coale, Louise Wilson, Mary Jordan. For many years the Home occupied a wooden building, which had formerly been a residence. Then about 1916 a campaign was put on for securing funds to build a brick fire-proof building, three stories in height, which was successfully accomplished and the new structure was occupied in the fall of 1917. The girls at the Industrial Home attend the public schools and the Sunday schools and churches of that vicinity. The county of McLean, by action of the board of supervisors, each year appropriates a sum at a certain rate per capita for all the girls who are resident there. Some of the girls are placed in homes, and others on reaching the age limit are sent out into the world with good training for their future lives, either as wives or fitted to undertake a career. Miss Carrie Smith is the efficient superintendent, a position she has held for several years. The present board of management is as follows: President, Mrs. E. R. Morgan, vice-presidents, Mrs. Howard Humphreys and Mrs. George L. Parker; secretary, Mrs. Clara D. Munce; treasurer, Mrs. Gordon Cole. Mrs. Munce succeeds to the secretaryship after the death of her mother, Mrs. H. C. DeMotte, who held the position for niany years.

One of the notable helps to the permanency of this home was the bequest left in her will by Miss Mattie Marble, one of the charter members of the board. This was a very substantial sum, and after some litigation concerning final approval of the will has been disposed of, the sum will become a permanent endowment for the home. Mrs. Aldrich, another charter member who died in 1923, left $500 in her will for the home, which the board placed to a separate use under the title of the "Mrs. Aidrich Fund." Mrs. E. R. Morgan, long time president of the board in her last annual report, says: "Many have gone from this Home to useful corners, many wives and mothers in happy homes. We feel there is a growing knowledge on the part of the public that this home is a satisfactory harbor for girls who have been deprived of the shelter and protection of their natural homes and we hope to justify and maintain this position, not only at home, but abroad.

ized body of citizens who gave their time and money to promoting the fight against the disease which had a record at that time of being the most destructive single ailment to the human family. At a meeting held in the office of Capt. J. H. Rowell in January, 1908, the subject of the organization of such a society was first discussed. Col. D. C. Smith was chosen chairman, and J. L. Hasbrouck secretary. In addition, those present were Edmund O'Connell, Clinton P. Soper, Dr. F. 0. Jackman, Dr. E. Mammen and Dr. J. H. Fenelon. At that first meeting, Edmund O'Connell was asked to go to Springfield to attempt to secure a law for permitting counties in Illinois to levy a tax to establish and maintain an institution for the care and cure of tuberculosis patients. At a meeting on Sept. 26, 1911, it was voted that the society be called the McLean County Antituberculosis Society. On Oct. 17 following, the following officers were elected: Colonel Smith, honorary president; E. W. Cole, active president; Henry Behr, treasurer and corresponding secretary; J. L. Hasbrouck, recording secretary.

The law for the authority of counties to levy a tax for establishing sanatoriums for tuberculosis people was passed and became effective July 1, 1909. Agitation was at once begun to secure action of the board of supervisors for submitting this question to the people. This was without effect for several years, and it was not until Nov. 7, 1916, that the question was voted upon, with the result that 9,661 votes were cast in favor of it, and 7,714 against it, the favorable majority being 1,947. The county tuberculosis society had meanwhile carried on extensive educational work, having hired a visiting nurse and furnished information to families free where there were members suffering from the disease. The board of supervisors, following the referendum vote, levied and collected the prescribed tax of one mill on the $100 valuation. Three trustees were named to administer this fund, they being Dr. C. M. Noble, Mrs. J. A. Bohrer and Jacobs Martens. The first of the county agencies established to combat tuberculosis was the public dispensary, opened in January, 1918, in a room at 103 East Market Street, where it continues; to this day. Here free examinations and diagnosis were furnished to the public, Dr. Bernice Curry acting as medical director. The first year there were

333 cases handled by Dr. Curry and Mrs. Brett. In 1918 a site consisting of forty acres just north of Normal situated along Main Street on a commanding rise of ground, was bought for the location of the proposed sanatorium. The name of "Fairview" was chosen upon public suggestions, after many other names had been offered. The building was erected in the spring and summer of 1919, and on August 17 was formally dedicated with imposing ceremonies. The McLean County Sanatorium was the second one of its kind in Illinois, only one other county having preceded this in erecting such a building. The original capacity of the sanatorium was 34 patients, and a later addition provided six other rooms, accommodating a total of 49. One section was set apart for soldiers of the World War, of whom there were several at the start and have been ever since. In the lobby of the sanatorium, over the fire place, was unveiled a bronze tablet in honor of Mrs. Florence Fifer Bohrer, who had from the start been a moving spirit in the work of the McLean County Anti-tuberculosis Society and of the sanatorium project. Miss Catherine Smith was the first superintendent of the sanatorium, and she was succeeded by Dr. A. Bernice Curry, the present head. Mrs. Brett, after serving several years as visiting nurse, resigned and was succeeded by Mrs. Earl Cooper, the present incumbent. The Tuberculosis Society still carries on its educational work, its fundsi being furnished by sales of Red Cross seals. The sanatorium is constantly filled with patients, and usually there is a waiting list. Since beginning her work here Dr. Curry has examined 1,473 patients. It is the second sanatorium built and operated under the Glacken law.

Fairview Sanatorium is for the treatment of all stages of tuberculosis, children admitted and negroes are admitted in a separate building. The capacity of the Sanatorium is 49 beds, and it is free to residents of McLean County. The original cost of building which is fire-proof was $100,000; ground, $15,000; equipment, $10,000. Since original cost three new rooms, six beds and a cottage for colored people have been added. It is located three miles north of the C. H. at Bloomington and can be reached by street car from Bloomington to Normal ; transfer to Normal loop ; leave car at Lincoln and School Streets, and walk six blocks.

Salvation Army. - By purchasing and improving a three-story building at Madison and Washington Streets, Bloomington, in 1923, the Salvation Army took its place among the permanent establishments of Mc- Lean County which are devoted to religious and humanitarian work. It had been operating in Bloomington for several years previously, having first been located here as a post in the year 1891 by Col. Jack C. Addie. The organization had a precarious existence for many years, consisting of a small band of devoted followers who held religious meetings on the streets, and then in a small hall, and supported by the meager voluntary contributions secured by "drum-head"' collections on the streets. Later a small room was rented from James Shaw on South Center Street, and under various officers of the world-wide organization assigned to this station, the work was carried forward. In the year 1918 under World War conditions, the Salvation Army was put on a more substantial basis by creating a council of administration, composed of citizens of all parts of the county, who formed an annual fund for its sustenance and thereby relieved it from the former hand-to-mouth way of getting on. In 1923, from a balance left over from war drives and some funds made up in other ways, the Army, then under charge of Captain Ainsworth, made a first payment on the three-story business building at Madison, for which $20,000 was the price. The balance is to be made up in future payments. The building was remodeled and occupied in January, 1924.

The Bureau of Social Service, the central charitable organization in Bloomington was first broached at a mass meeting held in the Second Presbyterian Church on April 10, 1900. There were eight charitable organizations of the city represented, and it was voted to form an Associated Charities, modeled after the one in Chicago. Col. D. C. Smith was chairman, Mrs. Sue A. Sanders, secretary. Miss Charlotte Capen explained the object of the meeting, and a committee on constitution was named, consisting of Mrs. B. P. Marsh, M. Levy and H. R. Evans. One week later, Colonel Smith called a meeting to hear the report of the committee on constitution, and also announced a large committee headed by Mayor L. B. Thomas and ex-Mayor C. F. Koch to canvass the city and create interest in the project.

At the meeting on April 19, a constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: President, Howard D. Humphreys; first vicepresident, R. D. Levy ; second vice-president, C. P. Soper ; third vice-president, J. J. Thompson; secretary, J. L. Loar. On the following Sunday night, a union mass meeting of the churches of the city was held at the Second Presbyterian, when Charles F. Weller of the Chicago Associated Charities delivered an address.

Miss Ida Lange was appointed the first office secretary and general overseer of the work. The idea of a clinic was incorporated with the organization, and work of that kind was carried on with the co-operation of the physicians of the city. Mrs. Nannie Dunkin was named general secretary about a year after the organization, and she continued in the position for a number of years. In the list of officers and directors during the earlier stages were several changes, and the list for the year 1905 were as follows: President, R. F. Evans; vice-presidents, Oscar Mandel, Henry Capen, Mrs. Lucy Lucas; treasurer, W. L. Moore. Mrs. Dunkin in her report for the year 1904-5 showed that 762 cases had been taken care of. The treasurer showed $2,875 received, with a balance at the end of the year of $643.

Mrs. Dunkin remained as general secretary and superintendent from the time of her appointment in 1902 until 1915, when she resigned and was succeded by Mrs. Mabel H. Seymour, who had been assistant in the office. Mrs. Seymour acted as superintendent for about nine years, resigning in May, 1920. Her services covered the period of the World War, when the Associated Charities was called upon to do more and greater work than at any previous period. The co-operation with the Red Cross and other relief agencies for the care of the families of soldiers called into the service, and to the adjustment of their compensation and other work of that sort, created additional functions for the organization. In the year 1918, at the annual meeting in May, the name of the society was changed from Associated Charities to that of the Bureau of Social Service, that being more in line with its work and better suited to its co-operation with similar societies elsewhere. At about the same time, through co-operation with the board of supervisors, the city and county relief work were combined in the same office, and Mrs. Seymour was made county overseer of the poor for the city of Bloomington, as well as general secretary of the Bureau of Social Service. Her salary was partly paid by the county and partly by the Bureau. This was a great advantage all around, for it prevented duplication of relief and simplified the procedure in many ways.

Upon the resignation of Mrs. Seymour in May, 1920, the position of general secretary and overseer of the poor was filled by Mrs. Naoma M. Fry, who had been assistant. Mrs. Fry is still in charge, and she has as her present assistant Mrs. Florence Strohmeier. The office of the

Bureau has been located for more than twenty years in offices over No. 320 North Main Street. The Bureau is supported by private contributions, for which an annual campaign is put on. Of recent years the organization has received several bequests of large sums which are to be used as an endowment fund. These bequests came from the estates of George S. Hanna, Judge Myers, William T. Shorthose, Lyman M. Graham, Luman Burr and Mrs. Margaret Packard.

It is interesting to recall the names of the persons who have served as presidents and secretaries of the board of directors of the Bureau of Social Service since its formation.

James A. Wilcox was first president, serving in 1902-3. Col. D. C. Smith served for a short period in 1903. R. F. Evans then was president in 1904 and 1905. The next president was Henry Behr, in 1906 and 1907. Charles Northrup served in 1908 and 1909. Then began the long term of E. W. Cole, who was elected in 1910 and served until 1917, when he removed to California. John W. Harber served as president the next two years, 1918 and 1919. James G. Melluish was chosen president in 1920 and served for three years. At the annual meeting of 1923, Ralph M. Green was elected president, and he still holds the position.

Miss Ida D. Lange was chosen first secretary, and was succeeded in 1903 by Mrs. Lucy Lucas, who served until 1916. In the latter year, Mrs. Alonzo Dolan was chosen secretary and served until 1920. Mrs. Julius Griesheim succeeded her, and acted as secretary until the annual meeting of 1923, when Mrs. Louis FitzHenry was elected.