THE BUREAU OF LABOR AND CHARITIES
THE BUREAU OF LABOR AND CHARITIES
City of Syracuse
Submitted by Robert T. Bond
Source: Dwight H. Bruce (ed.), Onondaga's Centennial. Boston
History Co., 1896, Vol. I, pg. 542.
The Bureau of Labor and Charities has been of
almost incalculable usefulness in the city, particularly in discriminating
between the worthy and the unworthy poor and in the proper distribution
of alms. The bureau was organized December 20, 1878, and incorporated March
7, 1881, with the following charter members: Edward A. Powell, Timothy
Sullivan, Elias T. Talbot, Austin C. Chase, James L. Bagg, Lawrence T.
Jones, and John M. Strong. The objects of the bureau are thus stated: (1)
To investigate the condition of indigent persons in Syracuse, and so far
as practicable to cause them to be properly provided for, so as to prevent
them from becoming or remaining paupers or criminals; (2) To look after
the welfare of children in Syracuse found to be wayward, neglected, or
improperly treated, and so far as practicable to procure suitable employment
in homes for them in the country or elsewhere. It will be seen that this
field is a broad one, and one in which a vast amount of good may be accomplished.
The number of directors of the bureau is thirty-two, and E. A. Powell was
the first president, with Charles R. Sherlock, secretary.
Submitted 18 October 1998