The Oakland Social Settlement was...

A “Settlement Home,” known as the “Manse” was opened in West Oakland in February 1895, through the efforts of Mr. Frank E. Hinckley and Miss Mary E. B. Norton. Nine months later the work and its responsibilities was transferred to an association of women, whose executive power was represented by a council of nine members, Mrs. Sarah B. Cheek, President; Miss Mary E. B. Norton , Head Resident.

The aim of the Association was to establish a neighborhood house where it could be shown that family life is capable of enlargement until it shall include the entire community. " To lead whatever of social life its neighborhood may afford to focus and give form to that life ; to bring to bear upon it the results of cultivation and training; to exchange for the music of isolated voices the volume and strength of the chorus.” To make better the civic conditions of our city and help solve the industrial problems of the day. 1

According to the annual reports, the council consisted of the following people.

Position 1899 1900
President Miss Sarah Horton Miss Sarah W. Horton
First Vice-President Mrs. R.H. Chamberlain Mrs. Frederick Turner (Elsie Turner?)
Second Vice-President Mrs. Ida Gorrill  
Secretary Miss Alice F. Coburn Miss Alice F. Coburn
Treasurer Mrs. Lewis Tascheira Miss Ethel Moore
council Miss Mary Norton Mrs. S.T. Alexander
council Mrs. S.T. Alexander Mrs. R.H. Chamberlain
council Miss Bunker Mrs. (Sarah) B. Cheek
council Miss Havens Mrs. Ida Gorrill
council Mrs. (Sarah) B. Cheek Mrs. H.J. Lee
council Miss Charlotte Playter Miss Charlotte Playter
council Mrs. H.J. Lee Miss Annie Sessions
council Mrs. Edwin Markham (Anna Markham)  
council Mrs. Charles Cotton  
council Miss Charlotte Louise Morgan  
council Miss Alice Wellman  
council Miss Ethel Moore  
council Miss J.B. Richardson  
council Miss Mary Alexander  

Links and References

  1. Annual Report, Oakland Social Settlement Baker Printing Co. 1899