ORIGIN AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE Philadelphia Association of Friends, FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF POOR CHILDREN. TOGETHER WITH THE CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS, &c. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED BY JOSEPH & WILLIAM KITE. ........ 1839. PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS, FOR THE Instruction of Poor Children. "The Philadelphia Association of Friends, for the Instruction of Poor Children," having existed during a considerable period, it is thought that a brief narrative of its origin and proceedings, may be interesting to its members and early supporters, and perhaps also to Friends generally. The idle habits and neglected education of a great number of children, within this city and its vicinity, had long been a cause of painful regret. Several benevolent individuals being impressed with this interesting subject, had their attention awakened by the accounts of Bell or Lancaster's Monitorial System of Instruction, which was just beginning to claim notice; though it has since been so extensively adopted in both Europe and America. At their request, a number of Friends met on the 22nd of 9th Mo. 1807, to consider the propriety of forming an association, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a school or schools, for the children of the indigent, upon the Lancasterian, or some nearly similar plan. The proposition was favourably received; and a committee was appointed to take the subject "more immediately under their deliberation," and report to a meeting, to be held 10th mo. 6th, 1807. At this meeting the Committee produced a report, in which they express their persuasion, that an insti tution of the kind contemplated, would be productive of great benefit; and also submitted a plan for the Association, with rules and regulations for its govern ment. The report was adopted, and its recommendation promptly acted upon. At the next meeting, two days afterwards, the Association was organized, and a Treasurer, Clerk and Managers were appointed. The requisite funds having been obtained by the liberal donations and contributions of many Friends, the first school (for white boys only) was opened in a large room at the corner of Moravian and Watkins' alleys, on the 11th of 1st mo. 1808. In the beginning the school was small, but in the course of some weeks it had increased to about 90 children. It soon became apparent, that in order to carry the intentions of the Association fully into effect, it would be necessary to provide some permanent and larger accommodations for the school. Accordingly in the summer and autumn of 1808, a large building was erected by the Association, on Pegg street, in the Northern Liberties, at an expense of about $7000. In order to meet this heavy expenditure, appeal was again made to the liberality of Friends of Philadelphia, and the needful aid was not withheld. With a view to facilitate the operations of the Association, it was incorporated by the Supreme Court, 12th mo. 15th, 1808. Early in 1809, the school was removed to the new building on Pegg street. It was there continued under the name of the "Adelphi School," about nine years; affording the blessings of moral and literary instruction to many children, and the reward of conscious usefulness to its supporters and conductors. The number of scholars appears to have varied greatly at different periods. At the close of 1809, the names of 212 boys were on the roll; and the average attendance during the year, had been about 170. A law of the state passed about this time, making provision for the education of poor children, operated unfavourably upon the school for a year or two. At the close of 1810, only 120 boys belonged to the school; and the average attendance in 1811 was but 135. In 1812, arrangements were made with the County Commissioners, acting under the law above referred to, for schooling a number of children of both sexes; and accordingly a school for girls was opened in one of the rooms of the same house: the average attendance in this year was 330, of whom about 100 were girls. In 1813, 472 children belonged to the schools;in 1814, the period of its greatest prosperity, 582; in 1815, 340 ;—in 1816, 430, of whom 170 were girls; -and in 1817, 300 boys and 170 girls. In 1818, the instruction of the children of the poor was adequately provided for, by a new law; the system which is now in operation in the City and adjoining districts being then established. On duly considering all the circumstances of the case, it was judged best by the Association, that its schools should be suspended; and on the 29th of the 5th mo. the Managers parted with regret from the youthful subjects of their care. On this occasion they remark: "222 boys, and 160 girls, were present. Premiums were distributed in the girls' school; and the good order which was manifested in both rooms was truly gratifying. On the occasion of this our last visit to the schools, a renewed conviction was felt, that the Divine blessing has attended the labours of the Association; and that the seeds of virtue and knowledge, which it has been instrumental in sowing, will not be altogether fruitless." From the opening of the school in Moravian alley, 1* |