A LECTURE IN AID OF AN ADMIRABLE INSTITUTION. 

San Francisco Examiner, July 21, 1865

A discourse will be delivered in aid of the Magdalen Asylum, by the Very Rev. Doctor O'Reilly, in St. Mary's Cathedral, on Saturday evening, the 23d inst. The Magdalen Asylum has had, from the very beginning, to depend for its support on the almost unaided exertions of the Sisters of Mercy, who, for the purpose of forwarding a work so much in character with their mission of sacred charity, were obliged to deprive themselves of resources which they could ill afford to spare from their own hospital. The noble foundation which the liberality of our citizens has enabled them to complete, at present contains forty inmates, to provide for whom the good Sisters are compelled to make the appeal to which we expect a generous and liberal response. In truth we all owe it to those who are most dear to us to leave no stone unturned to shield our erring sisters from the hard contumely of their fallen state; and we know no more effectual way of doing so than by strengthening the hands of the Sisters of Mercy by enabling them to continue on their noble work.

MAGDALEN ASYLUM.

San Francisco Examiner, July 25, 1865

The lecture delivered in aid of the Magdalen Society by the Very Revd. Doctor O'Reilly, in St. Mary's Cathedral, on Saturday evening, 22d inst., realized upwards of seven hundred dollars.

THE MAGDALEN ASYLUM.

San Francisco Examiner, Jan. 16, 1866

A benefit will be given by the Blaisdells in aid of this institution in the Academy of Music, on Thursday night. We shall think worse of the community than we now do, if there be not a crowded attendance on the occasion; for, among the many noble charitable institutions which the munificent liberality of our citizens has provided, the Magdalen Asylum is the one which appeals most intensely to every better feeling of our nature. When we consider the utter wretchedness of the class for whom it provides relief; the fearful misery, the dreary social isolation to which "man's inhumanity" has condemned them, we can scarcely recognize as anything less than "high" and "holy" the mission to which the Sisters of Mercy are so zealously devoting themselves. We trust, then, that the benefit on Thursday night will prove that our fellow citizens are not insensible to the claims which the good Sisters have on their sympathy and support.

MAGDALEN ASYLUM

San Francisco Chronicle, Jan. 23, 1867 (advertisement)

TO REV. MOTHER M. B. RUSSELL:—The Directors of the Builders' Insurance Company enclose One Hundred Dollars to your order for the funds of the Magdalen Asylum.

The Directors have placed that deserving institution on their books as an object of annual support, and we trust that next year, with an Increase of our business and profits, we shall be enabled to increase our donations to that and other deserving charities.

We regret to hear that the last Legislature ignored the claims of the Magdalen Asylum to the charity of the State. Every illiberal act of this kind tends to retard the prosperity of the country, by chilling the hearts of distant emigrants. Sooner or later, this error will be discovered and remedied by the people. I have the honor to remain, your very obedient servant,

THOMAS MOONEY, President,
California street, near Sansome. January 19th, 1867,

The Sisters of Mercy, in charge of the Magdalen Asylum, very gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the above kind communication and enclosed check for $100.

This is almost the first time the Asylum has had any share in such charitable donations, but the Sisters confidently hope the example given by the Builders' Insurance Company will be followed by many, as surely there is no more deserving institution in the city, and none, perhaps, in so great need.

The inmates of the Asylum pray daily for their benefactors, and Mr. Mooney and his associates may be assured they shall be fervently remembered, as they indeed deserve.

San Francisco, January 20th, 1867. 

THE MAGDALEN ASYLUM. 

San Francisco Examiner, Feb. 17, 1868

From the report of this institution, made by Sisters M. G. Brown, (Superioress,) M. B. Russell and M. D. C. Fleming, and presented to the Legislature by Senator Rose, we condense the following: Total number of inmates admitted since the establishment of the institution, 294; in Asylum at date of last report, 30; admitted since, 187; sent to the Lunatic Asylum, 2; variously provided for, 91; died, 5; returned to friends, 33; sent away or left, in. corrigible, 9; still remaining, 76; discharged prior to the last report, 77. The age of the oldest inmate is fifty years, and the youngest eight years. Sisters confidently hope that in view of the reformation already accomplished, and the great benefits that are to flow from the labors of the institution, the Legislature, in its generous wisdom, will make such an appropriation at the present session as will relieve the establishment from its embarrassment, and enable the management to continue and enlarge their mission of charity and usefulness.

A PLEA FOR THE MAGDALEN ASYLUM. 

San Francisco Examiner, June 1, 1869

The Sisters of Mercy in charge of the Magdalen Asylum most earnestly request the attention of the charitable ladies of San Francisco to its poor and somewhat neglected inmates, who latterly are too numerous for self-support. They do all kinds of embroidery and underclothes for ladies and gentlemen. Baby linen is got up neatly and tastefully. All that is asked for the institution is a trial, which the Sisters feel sure will be satisfactory as to price and in every other particular. Ready-made underclothes of all kinds constantly on hand. We need not comment upon the aims and objects of the Magdalen Asylum; the very name suggests the noble work of philanthropy the good Sisters have in view. Is it possible that in a community so powerful and affluent, a worthy institution like this shall be allowed to languish for the want of means? Whose heart is not gladdened to behold a sister of humanity, who has gone astray from the path of rectitude and right, once more returning to the course of virtue and holiness? Who would not extend these unfortunate ones a helping hand? We feel sure the large hearted and generous people of San Francisco need only be told of the present financial condition of the Asylum to cause them to come forward with a liberal response. The Asylum is on the San Bruno road, opposite the terminus of the Folsom street cars.

Excerpt, San Francisco Examiner, Dec. 27, 1869

The Magdalen Asylum is situated on the San Bruno road, about three and a half miles from the City Hall. It is under the control of the Sisters of Mercy, and its object is the seclusion and reformation of fallen women. There are at present seventy-eight inmates, of whom about half are young girls from four years of age to seventeen, many of whom are placed there by the Board of Managers of the Industrial School. The friends of the institution had taken care that all the inmates were well provided for. A large supply of turkeys, fruit and other articles were in the dining-room, and being duly apportioned, an equal quantity was placed at the seat of each girl. They then entered, and after reciting in concert the grace before meals, dinner commenced. During the meal they are in charge of a Sister, who reads to them a lecture from some religious work. After they had finished their meal, grace was again repeated; after which they filed into a room in the south wing of the building and were then left to amuse themselves. A number of the friends of the inmates visited the institution during the day. This institution is truly worthy the liberal charities and sympathy of our people.

Association for the Rescue of Fallen Women.

San Francisco Examiner, Feb. 24, 1870

We are asked to announce that there will be a meeting of those interested in the above entitled Association, held at the conversation rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association Building to-morrow, at 2 P. M. We are glad to see this movement. It is a step in the right direction. We are surprised such a movement has not teen contemplated and put into practical operation in San Francisco long ere this. We very much fear that a sickly sentimentality, a foolish prudery, a contracted view of the great problem of life, has prevented the inauguration of a philanthropic enterprise like the one now had in view. Human life is not one thing; it is complex and made up of many particles. We yield to no man on earth in our love for human- ity-we love our fellow beings. We are aware that one-half-yes, two-thirds of the people in this world do not understand the philosophy of life, and care no more about the welfare and happiness of their brothers and sisters than a hog does about Sunday. There is too much of this thing of living for self in the world. The great majority of men and women imagine that to make money, live well, keep all they have, put on their best and attend church twice on Sun- day, constitutes the end and aim, the first and last of life. These same people, too, have heard of Heaven, and have no definite conception of what is reserved for mortals beyond the grave, but desire to get to that realm above if possible, and on the most economical scale imaginable—just like they are mean and parsimonious in this life.

We think these remarks are perfectly applicable to our theme. We are endeavoring to show that, amid the many churches, public schools, and other means of enlightenment and christianization, in this city, it is strange that the great mass of the people have not been alive to the interests of that great army of poor, unfortunate women, who, having, in their tender years, been deceived by rascals wearing the forms of men, have sinned, and are now moaning, suffering and crying out from the very depths of their troubled souls for some friendly, helping hand to be stretched out to them and rescue them from lives of shame and misery. Because a poor girl has done wrong—and who has not erred—is that any reason why she should be banished forever from society to have the finger of scorn from a pitiless world pointed at her, and she be made to die a lingering death? Oh, no! We are aware that the Magdalen Asylum has done much for the class of helpless ones of whom we speak; but the circle must be enlarged; the field for doing good in this regard is extensive. Public opinion must be educated up to a proper recognition of the claims of these unhappy women. A strong, combined effort must be made to rescue and lead them back to the paths of rectitude and virtue. No broadcloth, no kid gloves, no silks nor satins need be soiled in working in the good cause—it is the cause of God.

Asylum on Fire.

San Francisco Examiner, Feb. 19, 1875

On Monday morning, about eight o'clock, the roof of the Magdalen Asylum was discovered on fire, and an alarm was given by inmates of the County Hospital. The employés [sic] of the Hospital turned out with a reel of hose, and by the aid of a hydrant stream extinguished the flames.

A defective flue had set the roof on fire. The inmates of the Asylum knew nothing of the fire until their attention was called to it by the Hospital employés.

SISTERS OF MERCY.

San Francisco Examiner, Aug. 8, 1884

An Appeal for Aid for a Deserving Public Institution.

The ever increasing demand on the resources of the Magdalen Asylum has obliged the Sisters of Mercy of this city to undertake the construction of an additional wing to that institution for the purpose of classifying their charges and keeping fresh arrivals separate from those older inmates who are either wholly or partially reclaimed. But the Sisters have no funds with which to give effect to their beneficent purposes, and must rely altogether on the generosity and charity of the general public. Many of those girls who come wild and untutored off the streets develop under their fostering care and instruction superior talent. In gold, silver and chenille embroidering and all kinds of fancy, plain and machine work, the subjects of their pupils can hardly be surpassed. Orders left either directly at the Asylum or sent through the Postoffice will be gratefully received and promptly attended to; or, if so advised, the Sisters will send for orders, and the work when executed will be forwarded by special messenger to its destination. 

It is to be hoped that their unselfish appeal will be met in the same broad and cosmopolitan spirit which they themselves exhibit toward all who invoke their aid and sympathy. The collector is now on his rounds.

NOT THE LORD'S SPIRIT.

San Francisco Examiner, Dec. 8, 1892

Society Condemns the Magdalen—A Helping Hand Wanted 

In the absence of Rev. Mother Gabriel of the Magdalen Asylum the Sister Superior spoke with an evidently deep-seated feeling. The object of the institution is reforming the characters of women who have become outcasts of society. From lack of funds to carry on this work of saving human souls from ruin, she said, there was a limit on the good that could be done.

"We have about 100 girls and women in the asylum," began the sister, "and for them there comes no aid from the State. The only resource they have is their needlework, and that at best is but a precarious means of support. We never refuse any poor creature when we think we can save. In numberless cases, in fact, the majority of them, these girls are more sinned against than sinning when they long for a better life. If there was a helping hand extended how happy it would make them, but they are shunned as unfit to mingle in society that condemns them. Ah, no; that is not the spirit of our Lord. We have seen in numberless instances, when they had the opportunity to be reclaimed they benefited by it. If the woman is an object for the house we take her in.

"A great many of these girls who were taken out from here, or who left to earn their own living, have their families raised now—good, respectable families, too—and they nearly all remained decent and respectable members of society. Some, however, come back to us, disgusted with the world, and were satisfied with life in the house. They are what we call consecrated penitents, who give up the world altogether and devote themselves to God. They are perfectly happy, take a sincere interest in their work and make one large contented family, who work and play and enjoy life. In their large room is a piano, which many of them play very well, indeed, and they have recreations, innocent games, a reading-room and library well stocked with interesting and instructing books. To-day about twenty-five are in the laundry, another day they will be working at the sewing machines or making fancy needlework for private orders. We work for the city and also for some merchants, and by that means principally is the institution supported.

"Sometimes girls remain only a few months, sometimes a year, sometimes two, and then they leave, either for their homes or for situations. We have applications for admittance all the time, but we are unable to do all we would wish because our funds are entirely inadequate.

"We went to a great expense in building and furnishing a building for girls sent us by the city, but they have been removed, and now that wing is idle."

Female Minors Charged With Offenses to Be Committed to the Magdalen Asylum Hereafter.

San Francisco Call, Oct. 24, 1893

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday afternoon. Considerable business was transacted, but there was little or no discussion over any of the measures passed on, most of them having been fully considered before.

Supervisor Dundon introduced a resolution instructing the clerk to notify the California Construction Company, which holds the contract for cleaning the public streets, not to sweep more than ten miles of the public thoroughfares during each working day, the Superintendent of Streets being instructed to designate the streets to be swept.

No objection was made to the resolution and it passed unanimously, the object being to curtail as much as possible the expenses of the Street Department.

A resolution was adopted empowering the Committee on Health and Police to fit up proper accommodations in the Receiving Hospital for the temporary custody of persons charged with insanity until after their examination, also for the temporary custody of inebriates committed to the Receiving Hospital by the Police Judges.

A second resolution adopted empowers the Police Judges to commit to the Receiving Hospital all inebriate persons required to be kept in custody for treatment. The Superior Judges were requested to commit to the Receiving Hospital all persons alleged to be insane for temporary detention pending examination.

The bond of H. J. Hart on his contract to supply Babcock's extinguishers and hose for the Fire Department till June 30, 1895, was fixed at $500 instead of $2500, as he has abandoned a great part of his monthly fire hose contract on account of inability to get the material.

Supervisor Stanton's resolution providing for the disposition of dead bodies where death has been caused by crime was passed to print.

Supervisor Hinton introduced a resolution, which was passed to print, providing that all female minors awaiting trial for offenses charged against them shall be detained at the Magdalen Asylum. The order provides that when a female minor shall be convicted of any offense, for which they would have been confined in the County Jail, she shall instead be committed to the Magdalen Asylum, and the sum of $15 a month be paid to the asylum authorities by the city for such care in each case.

Excerpt, San Francisco Call, May 5, 1906

The St. Catherine Home and Training School on Potrero avenue, formerly the Magdalen Asylum, is in remarkably good condition, the only [1906 earthquake] damage being the falling out of chimneys and one gable end. The laundry sustained the greatest damage, but that has been put into condition again, and all in that institution is in normal condition. The institution is fortunate in having an artesian well and two tanks, with a capacity of 45,000 and 80,000 gallons respectively. This proved a blessing to the people, as during the first two days of the disaster the good sisters in charge supplied many with water. To the limit of their capacity the sisters supplied clothing and supplies to the most needy.

Board of Health Inspects Hospital

San Francisco Examiner, Dec. 14, 1928

In order to expedite hospital constructions provided for in the recently authorized $3.500,000 bond Issue, the Board of Health yesterday Inspected the San Francisco Hospital and St. Catherine's Home, and later drew up tentative plans for buildings costing nearly $1,365,000,

The board discussed locations in the St. Catherine's grounds suitable for the proposed psychopathic ward and cancer institute, each of which will accommodate 150 beds and will cost in the vicinity of $500,000.

Sites were chosen for these projects that will not interfere with the $10,000,000 hospital carrying 1.000 beds that is planned within the next twenty-five years.

HOSPITAL SITE BEFORE BOARD

San Francisco Examiner, Feb. 10, 1931

The question of a site for the psychopathic buildings and the cancer institute was brought squarely before the Supervisors yesterday.

Supervisor Warren Shannon introduced an ordinance to appropriate $325,000 for the purchase of the St. Catherine Home site, adjacent to the San Francisco Hospital.

In answer to questions, Shannon said that Joseph J. Phillips, the city's right of way agent, had not been consulted as to the price, but that the $325,000 was the recommendation of the Board of Health.

The appraised price for the St. Catherine Home site was said to be lower than the $325,000 figure. Shannon's proposal was referred to the finance committee.