New York Friends Center records

Established in 1938 by the New York Monthly Meetings (Hicksite and Orthodox) at the 20th Street meeting house, the New York Friends Center was created initially to provide a meeting place for Quakers and to serve as a Quaker information and reception center in New York City. Lectures and social events were held. Sponsorship of service projects began in the 1940’s. Housing and community projects included an international visitors program and hostel, sponsoring alternative service for conscientious objectors, social rehabilitation through counseling and job placement of women prisoners, assisting WWII refugees through the monthly Tuesday Luncheon Clubs (1942 - 1961) and providing hospital visitors.

In 1955 the New York Friends Center joined with the Hiroshima Peace Center Association to sponsor the travel to New York City and reconstructive surgery for twenty five Japanese girls who had been injured in the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Known as the “Hiroshima Maidens,” the young women stayed with Quaker families during the year-long recuperation. The women initially stayed at the Pendle Hill, Wallingford, PA, from March 10 to March 25. This effort was coordinated by Norman Cousins and C. Frank Ortloff, President of the New York Friends Center.

New York Friends Center volunteers operated a Thrift Shop and held an annual bazaar to raise monies. In November 1962, due to financial debts, the American Friends Service Committee assumed responsibility for the programs of the New York Friends Center.