Library Collections: Document: Full Text


The "Lodge For Wayfarers" in Boston

From: Tramps Sawing Wood For Their Lodging And Breakfast
Creator: n/a
Date: August 2, 1879
Publication: Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper
Source: Available at selected libraries


Page 1:

1  

THE "LODGE FOR WAYFARERS" IN BOSTON.

2  

THE benevolence of Boston is always practical, One of the most striking illustrations of this tendency is furnished in the charity known as the "Lodge for Wayfarers," located on Hawkins Street. This institution, while comparatively young, has established a reputation for genuine usefulness which entitles it to a high place among municipal charities. It occupies a large building, formerly used for school purposes, and which, as reconstructed, is provided with a large kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room, dormitories, etc. Lodgers are supplied with plain, well-cooked food, but in order that the self-respect of the most sensitive may not be wounded, all are required to work for what they receive. So far as possible the labor of the applicants is utilized in the direction of their peculiar qualifications. Every lodger is required to cut one-eighth of a cord of wood in payment for lodging and breakfast -- the wood being sold under contract, and the expenses of the "Lodge" being thus in part reimbursed. Every lodger is furnished with a clean night-shirt on retiring, and absolute tidiness is at all times insisted upon by the management. The "Lodge" is managed directly by the city, Mr. Edward Riley being the efficient superintendent. From January 30th to June 4th of the present year, 6,286 lodgers were furnished beds and breakfast. The largest number entertained at one time was 100. On applying for lodgings at a police-station, a card is filled up showing the date, name, age, nativity, residence, occupation, etc., of the applicant, with the name of the officer in charge of the station, with the number of the bed to which the bearer is assigned, and with these credentials, the latter, presenting himself at the "Lodge," is received and properly cared for. The system is simple but complete, and is believed to afford an effectual guard against imposition on the part of the unprincipled.

[END]