Finding aid to the Mizpah Club Records 1883-1954 SFH 547
Finding aid compiled by Katherine Ets-Hokin
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
2018
Title: Mizpah Club Records
Date (inclusive): 1883-1954
Identifier/Call Number: SFH 547
Creator:
Mizpah Club (San Francisco, Calif.)
Physical Description:
1 carton
(1 Cubic Feet)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: The Mizpah Club was a small San Francisco women's group dedicated to helping the poor and needy of the city. The club's main
activity consisted of a group sewing circle and pledging small amounts of cash donations to emergency aid to the poor. The
collection consists of minutes, financial records, scrapbooks and a treasures bag.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in
English.
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
[Identification of item], Mizpah Club Records (SFH 547), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Purchase.
The Mizpah Club was a small San Francisco women's group dedicated to helping the poor and needy of the city. The Club's inaugural
meeting with its five founding members, was held on February 14, 1883. The club's main activity consisted of a group sewing
circle at its club headquarters (on Clay Street), and pledging small amounts of cash donations (gifts or from the Club's treasurer)
to emergency aid to the poor. Sewing was central to their mission. In addition to other sewing projects, the club also sewed
layettes for babies whose mothers could not afford to provide them. Each layette included a large crib blanket, two or three
smaller blankets, three gowns, three jackets, three kimonos, four shirts, three dozen diapers and also bootees and caps.
The Mizpah Club was a small San Francisco women's group dedicated to helping the poor and needy of the city. The collection
consists of minutes, financial records, scrapbooks and a treasures bag.
The collection is arranged in 4 series: Series 1: Minutes; Series 2: Financial Accounts; Series 3: Scrapbooks; Series 4: Artifacts.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Charities -- California -- San Francisco.
San Francisco (Calif.) -- History.
Sewing -- San Francisco, Calif.
Women -- Societies and clubs -- California -- San Francisco.
Series 1 Minutes
box 1
box 1
Minutes January 1892-1895
Extensive minute notes on activities and expenditures.
A sample of the text: "Mrs. Breckenfeld sent the case of Mrs Ward to Mrs Bertz, who visited her and found her in great distress,
suffering from sciatica, and at present, not able to do any work. She has two children, a girl of 16 years, and a boy of 13
years. The girl wished a situation as nurse maid. Mrs Bertz kindly interested herself in getting a place for the boy and thought
'Mr King of the California Hotel, could give him employment.' The Ladies decided to assist Mrs Ward to the amount of $2.50
which was given to Mrs. Bertz for that purpose" (1/25/1892).
box 1
Minutes January 1921-October 1921
Extensive minute notes on activities and expenditures.
A sample of the text: "Before the regular business meeting Miss Wolf of the Near East Relief organization gave an address
on the dreadful and pitiful condition of the Armenian children and how they are looking toward America for support. Miss World
showed pictures of these starving little ones, which spoke more eloquently than words of their deplorable state. The Near
East Relief is the only organization which offers promises of food, shelter, clothing, etc. for these little unfortunates.
They have appealed for help from the people of the United States. Miss Wolf left a book entitled the 'Life of a Child' which
explains that $60 will save the life of a child for one year" (4/4/21)
box 1
Series 2 Financial Accounts
box 1
box 1
Treasurer [notes] 1892-1894, 1899
box 1
San Francisco Savings Union Bank Balance Book 1909-1916
box 1
box 1
1900, 1948-1954
Scrapbook includes material documenting activities of the Club, including: newspapers clipping and articles; cards of various
sorts; photographs; and correspondence, mostly from various organizations regarding specific donations. The assembler scattered
throughout the book pasted decorations, such as die-cut floral designs. Tipped to the inside rear cover is an original document,
"Mizpah Charity Club/ Report of Secretary for year ending Jan. 15, 1900."
Series 4 Artifacts