In Aid of Young Working Women. (Manuscript Copy of Articles of Incorporation.)
Official Document
[Labor]. Anonymous. Young Women’s Aid Association. Articles of Incorporation. Albany, New York: March 6, 1872.
Two leaves, 3pp; 4to.; ribbon-tied at the top edge; clean small tears at creases. In a specially made cloth folder.
Certificate of Incorporation for the Young Women’s Aid Association, in Albany, New York. Signed by supporters of the Association, including the founders – Sarah B. Willets, Julia C. Peters, Mary E. Turner, Caroline S. Balestier, and Annie K. Nevins – as well as William C. White, E.D. Stanton, Harriet Kenower, P.L. Van Rensselaer, and Harriet Robbins. Dated March 6, 1872 on the second and third pages; and notarized by John S. Balestier on the third page. Occasional red ink emendations; printed certificate and a sealed certificate affixed to the second leaf.
The first two paragraphs of the document describe the Association’s purpose, and include the names of the founders:
We Sarah B. Willets, Julia C. Peters, Mary E. Turner, Caroline S. Balestier and Annie K. Nevins who are of full age and all citizens of the United States and citizens of and residents within the State of New York do hereby certify that we desire to associate ourselves together for benevolent purposes, the business of the Society to be conducted in the City and County of New York.
That the name or title by which such Society shall be known in law is the “Young Women’s Aid Association.” That the particular business and objects of such Society are the furnishing of a comfortable home at a moderate expense for respectable young women who depend upon their own labor and exertions for support.
The second leaf has two notarized items affixed to the bottom of the page, renewing the certification. These are dated June 22 and 23, 1883, and signed by the Secretary of State and the City and County Clerk.
Research turns up nothing on this Association or any of its founders. The dates provided here suggest that the Association existed for at least eleven years – between 1872-1883 – and provided a safe haven for young, single women working in New York.
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