Description
Consists of the records of the San Francisco Ladies Protection and Relief Society, the Scandinavian Benevolent and Relief
Society (later known as the Crocker Old People's Home), and the entity created by the merger of the two societies, Heritage
House, spanning the years 1853-1969. Includes twenty-eight volumes, including minute books (1853-1955), case histories (1871-1909),
and registers (1880s-1890s, 1929) of the San Francisco Ladies' Protection and Relief Society; bylaws, case files, and financial
records of the Crocker Old People's Home; and records of the organizations after their merger in 1955.
Background
With a pledge to "render protection and relief to strangers, to sick and dependent women and children," Mrs. A.B. Eaton and
her friends formed the San Francisco Ladies' Protection and Relief Society in 1853. From their offices at 151 Sacramento Street,
these middle-class women aided women not quite as fortunate as themselves. With a Board of Lady Managers in charge of the
daily affairs, and a Board of Trustees to manage the financial decisions, the Society offered relief to women who had moved
to San Francisco searching for either relatives or fortunes, only to find themselves alone and penniless. Seeking temporary
homes and secure employment, the recently arrived women sought out the Society for assistance for themselves and their children.
Extent
8 boxes, 1 oversize volume
(4.75 linear feet)
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the California Historical Society. All requests for permission to publish or quote from
manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Research Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf
of the California Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission
of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
Collection is open for research.