Description
The Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People of California was established on September 26, 1892 in Oakland, California and
was the first institution to provide elderly care and housing for African Americans in California. The organization was created
by Mary E.A. Cole, Ann S. Purnell, Elenora Amos, Areminto Stanford, Mary Goodman, Rosa H. Lockett, Mary C. Washington, Ellen
Whiting, Harriet E. Smith, Mary J. Humphrey, and Anna Williams to “sustain a home for the aged and infirm who may be from
any cause, incapacitated from taking care of themselves, and such others as the Board of Directors or trustees may think entitled
to its benefits.” The Home for the Aged and Infirm Colored People of California Records consists of articles of incorporation,
constitution and by-laws, correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, programs, and newspaper clippings documenting the history
of the home from its creation in 1892 through its dissolution in 1940.
Background
The Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People of California was established on September 26, 1892 in Oakland, California and
was the first institution to provide elderly care and housing for African Americans in California. The organization was created
by Mary E.A. Cole, Ann S. Purnell, Elenora Amos, Areminto Stanford, Mary Goodman, Rosa H. Lockett, Mary C. Washington, Ellen
Whiting, Harriet E. Smith, Mary J. Humphrey, and Anna Williams to “sustain a home for the aged and infirm who may be from
any cause, incapacitated from taking care of themselves, and such others as the Board of Directors or trustees may think entitled
to its benefits.” The association was directed by a Board of Directors consisting of thirty women and advisory board of ten
men, and the home was managed by a matron, nursing assistants, and a resident physician.
Extent
1.25 linear feet
(2 boxes)
Restrictions
Permission to publish Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People of California Records from the must be obtained from the African
American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.