Scots Charitable Society of Boston facts for kids
The Scots Charitable Society is a very old group that helps people. It was started in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1657. Its main goal was to help Scottish people in need who lived nearby. This society is special because it's the oldest Scottish group in America. It also became a model for many other charity groups that started later in the country.
Contents
A Long History of Helping
How It Started in the 1600s
The Scots Charitable Society began in 1657. A group of Scottish men in Boston decided to create a "box" to collect money. They agreed that each person would give a small amount when they joined. Then, they would pay a little more every three months.
This money was meant to help themselves and other Scottish people who needed support. They decided not to use any money from the box for the first seven years. This was to let the fund grow. They also chose a trusted person to collect the money and keep track of it. Children of members could also join later when they grew up.
Why was this society needed so early? In 1652, a ship called the John and Sara arrived in Boston. It carried 272 Scottish men. These men had been taken prisoner by Oliver Cromwell during a war. They were sent to the colonies to work for a period of time. Many of them needed help, so the society was formed to offer support.
Helping in the 1700s
By the early 1700s, the society often helped older people. They provided money regularly, like a pension. For example, in 1718, an older member named James Maxwell asked for help. He had contributed to the society when he was younger. The society voted to give him money right away and then every three months. Another person, Eliza Wilson, received help from the society for 23 years until she passed away in 1756.
In 1785, the society became an official organization. This meant it was legally recognized. Important people like John Scollay and James Swan signed the papers to make it official.
The 1800s and Beyond
In 1857, the society celebrated its 200th anniversary. They held a big dinner at the Revere House hotel. The president of the society and some members wore traditional Highland costumes. Pipers played Scottish music as they arrived. Many important guests gave speeches and read poems. They sang "Auld Lang Syne" and danced.
In 1869, the society opened "St. Andrew's Home" at 73 West Concord Street. This was a place where Scottish people who were struggling could stay. They were cared for until they found a job.
By 1889, the society was spending a lot of money to help people. They assisted hundreds of people each year. Some Scottish people who couldn't find work in Boston were even sent back to their homes in Scotland. The society also had a special fund of money to help with its work. They also kept a shelter called the "Scots Temporary Home" and a burial plot in the Mount Auburn Cemetery.
See also
- Philanthropy in the United States
