The Annisquam Female Benevolent Society founded in 1837 following a severe downturn in the economy continues today as the Annisquam Sewing Circle.
Today
Through our various fundraising activities we are able to donate to nonprofits that benefit the Cape Ann community. The organization is comprised of women from many backgrounds and points of view that unite in lend a hand to our neighbors when they are in need. In the past few years donations have been made to the Open Door, Wellspring, Pathways, Annisquam Village Church, Annisquam Village Hall Association and many scholarships to Annisquam high school graduates going on to college, technical school and apprentice programs.
Need for groups like the Annisquam Female Benevolent Society
Panic of 1837 was a financial crisis in the United States that touched off a major depression, which lasted until the mid-1840s. Profits, prices, and wages went down, westward expansion was stalled, unemployment went up, and pessimism abounded.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1837
Motto of the Annisquam Sewing Circle
The first mention in print of what was undoubtedly an older proverb comes in a 1614 work by William Camden, with a rather desultory title – Remaines of a Greater Worke Concerning Britaine, 1605: “Many a little makes a micle.”
This saying could very well be the motto of the Annisquam Sewing Circle, originally called The Annisquam Female Benevolent Sociely. Begun in 1837 by a small group of women who wanted to be able to help their less fortunate neighbors. The care for the poor might require they move to a workhouse. Public programs that are in place today did not exist. Funds were raised by doing tasks for others at $.03 an hour, knitting nippers and mittens that were purchased by fishermen, the first fair was held in 1846, many were to follow, dances were held, bake sales, dinners and “entertainments” and teas. In the mid 1800’s the name was changed to the Women’s Sewing Circle. In 1861 they were to knit mittens and socks, make quilts and collect, blankets, towels, etc. to send to the troops from Massachusetts.
.
https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/book_viewer/commonwealth:3r077d610
Title:
History of the Annisquam Female Benevolent Society
Description:
Details of early meetings described. Fundraising events highlighted including efforts during Civil War: quilts, bedding, mittens and other donations. Annisquam Village Church as recipient of financial support from the Society.
Name on Item:
By Miss C. A. Lane
Date:
May 24, 1889