Guide to the Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary Records 1906-2009
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary Records
- Creator
- Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary
- Collection Number
- MSS#544
- Extent
- 2 linear feet linear feet (1 box, 12 Shelf Volumes)
- Date
- 1906-2009
- Abstract
- The Jewish Home for the Aged was founded in 1906 to provide care for the aged, impoverished, or infirm men and women of the Jewish community in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The institution is now known as the Jewish Association on Aging (JAA), and provides services to the elderly in the region regardless of religious affiliation. The institution has also been known as the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged (1933-1980s) and the Riverview Center for Jewish Seniors (1980s-1993). At the time of the dedication, a Ladies' Auxiliary was formed to assist the institution in the care of the residents. Throughout the years, the Ladies' Auxiliary provided services, activities, and support for the residents of the Home. They raised money to enhance the medical care and treatment for the residents including medical equipment and other medical needs for all residents who could not afford them. Besides monetary contributions, many of the members of the Ladies' Auxiliary also volunteered at the Home. In May 2009, the Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary voted to disband the organization after 103 years. . The collection consists primarily of board meeting minutes dating from 1951 through 1997. Also included in the collection are the organization's by-laws, photocopies of early papers, publications, newspaper clippings, correspondence, events, financial reports, and yearbooks that date from 1957 until 1987. Included in the collection are twelve shelf volumes consisting of scrapbooks dating from 1953 until 1986.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
The Jewish Association on Aging (JAA), previously known as Jewish Home for the Aged, Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged, and the Riverview Center for Jewish Seniors, evolved from a meeting held in 1905, at the residence of Rabbi Aaron Mordecai Ashinsky. Rabbi Ashinsky, with his associates, foresaw the necessity to create and construct a home for the elderly men and women of the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region who were impoverished, alone, or infirm. In 1906, the original facility for the Jewish Home for the Aged opened in a house at 2500 Breckenridge Street and Reed Street in the Hill District.
At the time of the dedication of the Jewish Home for the Aged, a Ladies' Auxiliary was formed to assist the institution with the care of its residents with the objective of promoting their welfare. The Ladies' Auxiliary cooked, cleaned and provided transportation to medical appointments. Although the Home has moved, expanded, and changed names throughout its existence, the Ladies' Auxiliary has provided continuing support for the facilities and its residents.
By 1964 there were well over 4,000 registered members of the Ladies' Auxiliary in the tri-state area. The medical facilities grew and the Ladies' Auxiliary contributed to purchase new medical equipment for the residents. Funding for new equipment came from a number of sources which included dues, life membership, contributions to specific funds, and the annual dinner dance. The Ladies' Auxiliary also raised money to enhance the medical care and treatment for the residents and sponsored programs for clinical research. They procured funds for medical equipment, eye glasses, hearing aids, and prosthetic devices for residents who needed them but could not afford them. Keeping with their objective to promote the welfare of the residents, the Ladies' Auxiliary also contributed funds to purchase linens, clothing, drapes, furniture, decorations, television sets, and books for the Home.
The Ladies' Auxiliary also hosted activities for the residents. One example was the weekly sewing circles led by an instructor who directed the needlework group. The gift shop sold the finished articles and a percentage went to their makers. Monthly birthday parties, arts and crafts, annual dinners, and other activities and fundraisers were scheduled throughout the year for the entertainment of the residents and to raise funds to buy the necessary equipment for the care and comfort of the residents.
Although the Jewish Association on Aging (JAA) continues to provide services for the elderly men and women of the tri-state area, the JAA Ladies' Auxiliary voted to disband the organization in May 2009 after 103 years.
Scope and Content Notes
The collection consists primarily of board meeting minutes dating from 1951 through 2009. Also included in the collection are the organization's by-laws, photocopies of early papers, publications, newspaper clippings, correspondence, events, financial reports, and yearbooks that date from 1957 until 1987. A bound yearbook, scrapbook, and a publicity and marketing folder were unbound from their original bindings for preservation purposes and re-housed in acid free folders. A small collection of "New Horizon," a publication from the Jewish Home of the Aged, with contributions from the residents is also included in the collection. The scrapbooks document the annual fundraising events and programs organized and run by the Ladies' Auxiliary. They contain both newspaper articles and photographs from the various events held throughout each year including membership luncheons and campaigns, activities, programs for the residents, dances, and various fundraising activities.
Arrangement
- The records of the Jewish Association for Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary are housed in one archival box and the folders are arranged alphabetically. The collection also includes twelve shelf volumes consisting of scrapbooks dating from 1953 until 1986.
Conditions Governing Access
No Restrictions.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gifts of Ruth Markowitz on February 28, 2007 and September 6, 2009.
Preferred Citation
Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary Records, 1906-2009, MSS#544, Rauh Jewish Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Theresa E. Rea on December 1, 2009.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Separated Materials
The Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary Photographshave been arranged and described with the catalog designation of MSP#544.
One oversize blueprint has been separated and described with the catalog designation of MSO#544.
Subjects
- Jewish Association on Aging
- Jewish Association on Aging, Ladies' Auxiliary
- Jewish Home for the Aged
- Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged
- Riverview Center for Jewish Seniors
- Ashinsky, Aaron Mordecai, c. 1867-1954
- Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh (Pa.)
- Hill District, Pittsburgh (Pa.)
- Jews--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh
- Jewish Organizations--Women--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh
- Philanthropic Organizations--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh
- Charitable Organizations--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh
- Assisted Living--Jewish Community--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh