From the Very Beginning United Helpers was Always Caring

 By: Benny Fairchild

OGDENSBURG – In 1923 when United Helpers celebrated its 25^th anniversary times were certainly different, but the first of many new service lines that would be launched by the organization over the years had already taken place as the company was now providing care for both children and, as company documents at the time called them “old ladies.”

Care for children was the organization’s mission from the get-go, and on May 4, 1898, United Helpers welcomed its first resident, a boy from Potsdam. In 1904 a babies’ ward was opened and in 1910 the organization began caring for elderly women. The first elderly male would not be admitted until 1955.

While the original United Helpers Children’s Home sat at 22 Congress Street in Ogdensburg, it didn’t take long for the organization to outgrow that space and in 1901, the new United Helpers Children’s Home opened. That building sat at 1220 State Street in Ogdensburg, the current location of the Edgar A. Newell II Memorial Golden Dome.

Coincidentally, Mr. Newell’s grandmother, Adeline “Addie” B. Newell was a founding member of the United Helpers organization and served as a Vice President for the Society until the time of her death in 1926. 

Looking back at the company’s 25^th anniversary through its 1923 Annual Report reveals an organization that while laying the foundation for the company United Helpers is today, differed greatly.

Committees mentioned in the report include a House Committee, Provision Committee, Clothing Committee, Incidental Committee, Fuel Committee, Babies’ Ward Committee, Sewing Committee, Admission of Old Ladies Committee, Grounds and Garden Committee, Hospital Committee, Committee on Insurance, Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and an Executive Committee.

At that time United Helpers was also supported by 29 different auxiliaries located in communities across St. Lawrence County. Lisbon had three different auxiliary clubs, Chipman had two, and the city of Ogdensburg housed six such clubs, the Golden Glow Club, Neighborhood Guild, Charity Club, Priscilla Sewing Club, West Side Helpers, and Clover Leaf Club.

In her President’s Report B.B. Hoard wrote about the occasion that was the Society of United Helpers 25^th anniversary.

“On behalf of the Officers and Board of Managers I give you a most hearty and cordial welcome on this the 25^th anniversary of the formation of the Society of United Helpers.

It certainly is an occasion for rejoicing when we see the number who have come from their homes throughout the county to manifest their interest and co-operation in this great work that finds us together as one family in one home.”

Writing about the children residing at the home, Mrs. Hoard said, “The holidays and gift days , such as circus, fair, and picnics, have each been observed and enjoyed to the utmost, and there will linger in the minds of the children, memories of a happy childhood, free from the shame that in years gone by was attached to a home-child. They will look back on these years without a sorrow, but rather as having enjoyed great privileges, that might otherwise never have come into their lives.”

In regard to elder care she wrote, “During the past year five new members have been welcomed into the shelter of our home, and three called hence, each leaving in the hearts of friends the grief that comes to the aged, as the circle of friendship narrows and becomes a memory of the past.” 

The Secretary’s Report submitted by E. McRostie noted that the fiscal year concluded with 63 children living at the home, with 122 children total cared for during the year. This included 41 babies in the nursery, which as she noted was “the only one of its kind in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties.”

With both children and elderly women residing at the home, Building Superintendent Martha M. Kezar noted the building really was like a large family.

“Our department for the aged ones has cared for 15, who as a whole are happy and contended as a family unto themselves. Many good times comes to them and all holidays are enjoyed with the children as grandma would do in her own home.”

Mrs. Kezar also included a statement of thanks to the donors and supporters of United Helpers.

“As a family from the youngest of a few hours to the aged one of ninety years, we are most grateful to all kind of generous friends for the comforts and joys of life which they have possible for us.” 

Highlights from the year’s expenditures include a total organizational payroll of $9,241.19, $46.55 spent on barbers’ fees, $24.55 spent on school supplies, and $117.98 paid to the Northern New York Phone Company. The organization’s total expenditures equaled $23,373.28. 

The Provisions Committee Report noted that 20,650 quarts of milk were purchased totaling $1,698.05, 552 dozen eggs at a total cost of $220.80 and 4,736 loaves of bread at a cost of $378.88 were also bought. Bread use was supplemented by donations totaling 656 loaves for the year.

The Society spent $4,181.59 on utilities, including $3,356.82 cents on coal, $29.50 on “six loads of wood,” and $795.27 for “power and lights.”

Also of note, the clothing committee reported purchasing seven suits for $80.42, 61 pairs of “rubbers” for $54.25, 56 pairs of shoes for $123.46, 78 pieces of underwear for $53.80, and 12 “supporters” for $13.70. 

The medical report for the year noted nine cases of chicken pox, one case of whooping cough, 13 cases of “La grippe,” two cases of pneumonia, two cases of “inflammation of ear, one appendicitis operation, and 26 operations for “tonsil and adenoids removal.” Four children died in infancy while at the home.

In the “Old Ladies’ Department” there were four cases of “La grippe” and one case of Lumbargo.

It was also noted the “drug bill” for the year totaled $155.91.

In terms of giving, Corresponding Secretary F. G.G. Strong reported there were 681 gifts “received at the home.”

“These figures are the names of societies, branches, and individuals and do not represent the size or value of the gifts. One gift often has clothing, food and treats under its name. These generous gifts almost fill the cellar bins, the store room and clothing closet shelves,” Mrs. Strong wrote.

A further breakdown of the gifts notes that 189 came on “Donation Day." She wrote that during the Christmas season, “97 friends gave toys and treats, 41 money.” August was the worst month for giving with “only 19” gifts coming in during that month.

Even from the beginning of the organization’s history, it is clear that United Helpers strived to be something different and something better than the other care organizations in the area. The report concludes with a note that begins with, “Inquiry is often made “How is the Home of the United Helpers conducted and how is it supported?” and this is the answer: The home idea rather than the institutional is carried out as far as possible,” possible foresight from the organization’s foremothers that 100 years later United Helpers would be known for “Always Caring.”