Friends Instruction Association records

Friends Instruction Association was organized in 1873 by Philadelphia Quaker women as A Mothers Meeting. Originally part of the Penn Sewing School, the group incorporated in 1876 as Friends Instruction Association, and Philadelphia Monthly Meeting provided a meeting space in the Race Street meeting house. Its purpose was to provide poor women regardless of race, religion or nationality with the life skills to improve their condition and to furnish them with clothing. By providing sewing and tailoring instruction and discounted prices on cloth, these women assembled garments for themselves and their families. The material provided to the women was donated to them for their first garment, and thereafter it was provided to them at half price. The group was disbanded in December 1891 because of declining numbers and because its mission was being fulfilled by other charitable organizations.

The meetings consisted of many women sewing together under supervision of a sewing instructor and a superintendent. The superintendent's job was to make sure supplies were paid for and distributed accordingly and to enforce several rules of courtesy in the meetings. The meetings also served a social purpose in these women's lives. The minutes detail how the superintendent would read to the women at a designated time during the meeting. Holidays were celebrated with refreshments and songs. Prayers and Bible readings from the superintendent would open and close each meeting.