Woman's Institute of Yonkers
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Woman's Institute of Yonkers (originally known as Free Circulating Library for Self-Supporting Women; est. 1880) was an American social service experiment in 19th-century Yonkers, New York that grew into a far-reaching charitable, relief work institution for women.[1] It is Yonkers' oldest social service agency.[2]
The Institute was the natural outgrowth of circumstances rather than an original intention in the scope of the work of the Institute. It was so closely interwoven with, and incidental to, the educational, industrial, social and civic activities of the Charity Organisation Society that it was impossible to separate its sphere of usefulness from them.[3] Originating as a free circulating library, one of the most noteworthy achievements of the Institute was the work of the Fairview Garden School of Yonkers.[4]
In May 1880, Mary Marshall Butler and nine friends began a social service experiment in Yonkers. Butler was a pioneer in nearly all forms of social and civic work in the city. Like Butler, the other founders were members of the prominent families of Yonkers; they included Mary Marshall Butler, Harriet A. Butler, Armenia Palmer Baird, Louise Terry Collins, Harriet B. Dwight, Marcia F. Flagg, Kate S. Hawley, Charlotte Louise Jackson, Cornelia B. Lawson, and Emilie F. Randolph.[1]
Founded on interests in real work and service, it began in two small rooms at No. 49 Palisade Avenue. It increased in size and usefulness so that when two years had passed, it was necessary to secure larger quarters. In September 1883, a house at No. 48 Palisade Avenue was offered, rent free. In 1889, the society was incorporated. In October 1892, the name "Free Circulating Library for Self-Supporting Women" was changed to "The Woman's Institute of Yonkers". The buildings at Nos. 36 and 38 Palisade Avenue were erected for the use of the society and opened to the public April 3, 1893.[1]
