Founded in 1886, the Aged Colored Women’s Home, one of the oldest social agencies in this city, has provided a place of comfort and enjoyment for many women who are unable to support themselves and are without a family to care for them. Ideally located directly opposite Brandon Park at 124 Brandon Place, the home enables women to derive much pleasure by sitting on the porch and watching the many activities which take place in the park.

Mrs. Mary Slaughter, a former slave from Maryland, realized the need of such women. She contributed her home and personally visited many of the residents in this city to obtain funds. Social work during that early period was made possible chiefly through personal solicitation.

The Home, incorporated in 1899, receives annual appropriations from the state and is one of the red feather agencies. As such, it obtains assistance from the Lycoming County Community Chest.

Have financial aid

SUN-GAZETTE ARCHIVES Women ask God’s blessing before partaking in noon luncheon.

In addition, most of the women receive a sum of money from the state department of public assistance. That money enables each woman to pay for room and board and to have a small allowance for personal use.

A board of directors, composed of 17 men and women, has been responsible for the management of the board for the last four years, and is vitally interested in this work for old women.

“Our people have been interested in this effort since they were first made aware of the great need,” Mrs. Haywood said. “Right now, we are attempting to get the younger group interested in this project. They can accomplish so much.”

The Up and Doing Civic Club will make its first official visit at tea this afternoon at 124 Brandon Place. Miss Linneia Erickson will be a guest speaker. The Up and Doing Club will act as an auxiliary to the home and also will participate in other projects.

Plays piano at 94

SUN-GAZETTE ARCHIVES The Aged Colored Women’s Home sits at its location across from Brandon Park.

Mrs. Elizabeth Stilles Young, 94, the oldest resident of the home, plays the piano for the women when they gather to sing. She also is actively engaged in knitting. She hopes to have several rugs completed for the annual festival and bazaar, which will be conducted in November. Mrs. Young has already made many hot pad holders and place mats for the home.

During the day, the women — who must be of sound mind and of good moral character — care for their rooms, sew, knit, crochet, listen to the radio, or visit with one another. Their favorite days are those of which other clubs and organizations meet at the Aged Colored Women’s Home

They like company

“We would like to have more groups to offer their programs to the home,” Mrs. Haywood stated,” as the women like to visit with them and have the club members see the Home.”

The home is a large, cheery house, which can accommodate 11 women. New residents are obtained by letting the women or their friends know that a home is available for them as long as they need one. If one of the guests becomes ill, a physician is provided. If necessary, she is taken to a hospital for medical care and treatment. No bed patients are admitted to the home.

One room in the house serves as their chapel. Religious services are conducted there, with guest ministers serving as the pastors. In October, the home will conduct its annual Harvest Day service. Canned goods, vegetables, and other food will be brought to the chapel. The food will then be put in the larder at the home.

Can watch children

Meals at the Home are served in a pleasant, airy dining room with lots of room available for chairs in which to watch the children playing in the backyards. Informal entertaining also takes place in this sunny room. Mrs. Lynn Knight is the matron at the home.

Now, only five women are residing at the home. The most recent guest, Mrs. Josephine Penn, of Slicksville, arrived Friday. Because she is suffering a heart condition, one of the first floor rooms was turned into a bedroom for her.

Through contributions to the community chest, this red feather agency is able to continue its needed work for aged colored women. The home is hoping its work can continue and that it will increase in effectiveness.