Series 3: Rosine Association records, 1848-1858

Two manuscript ledger case books, 1847-1858, describing in minute detail the case histories of over 270 individual women, who were admitted as inmates and clients of the Rosine Association during the first ten years of its existence in Philadelphia. The vast majority of the rescued women were between the ages of 14 and 30 and native born from not only the Philadelphia-Pennsylvania region but also several northern and southern states. Most of the foreign born women were from northern Europe with those from Ireland being most prevalent by far. This is unique documentary collection, which offers a primary source for the study of antebellum crime and vice in Philadelphia especially with its details about individuals/madams and addresses/areas where prostitution flourished as well as revealing the many means used by unscrupulous men and women employed to lead astray destitute or high risk women.