Skip to main content

Minutes of the Commissioners of the Alms-House and Bridewell

View
@ Manuscripts and Archives Division. The New York Public Library

New York (N.Y.). Commissioners of the Alms-House, Bridewell, and Penitentiary

Description

Minutes of the Commissioners of the Alms-House and Bridewell, dated 1791 August 22 to 1797 October 16, record the proceedings of the Commissioners' weekly meetings at the Almshouse, and quarterly meetings attended by supervising New York City officials. Proceedings concern the Commissioners' management of the two institutions and outdoor relief services during a period of growing need, but are chiefly devoted to Almshouse affairs and their review of individual cases of indoor and outdoor relief. Other documented responsibilities include the oversight of medical services provided, and the indenture of poor children as apprentices, especially the investigation of cases of their ill-usage or misbehavior. The name of Samuel Dodge, keeper of the Almshouse, appears on the inside front cover. The minutes document the Commissioners' oversight of the "support, government and employment" of persons under their care at the Almshouse and Bridewell. Outdoor relief activities include the distribution of food and fuel during winter months and visits to the poor at home, reported as needing temporary assistance. General administrative concerns include the allocation of space to deal with overcrowding and other needs; contracting with provision suppliers; hiring and management of staff, including apothecaries and physicians; oversight of medical care at the institutions; temporary closure of the workhouse; and management of the Almshouse school. There are also brief accountings of expenditures and projected costs for the Almshouse and Bridewell, and sales of workhouse products such as oakum. The minutes record the circumstances of many individual cases requiring decisions by the Commissioners or further...
Type:
Text
Format:
Minutes (Records)
Created Date:
1791 1797
View Original At:

From Collection

Minutes of the Commissioners of the Alms-House and Bridewell

Record Contributed By

Manuscripts and Archives Division. The New York Public Library

Record Harvested From

The New York Public Library