The Social Work of the Salvation ArmyLamb, Edwin Gifford
History
The Social Work of the Salvation Army
Lamb, Edwin Gifford
Poor; Salvation Army; Social history
Born in Boston, Mass., of Irish parents. Twenty-five years of age.
Single. Worked in machine shop when a boy and then joined the navy.
After the navy experience he had worked both on water and on land. Had
beaten his way on freight trains to different parts of the United
States. Said he often got help from missions. Often slept in the parks
in summer. Had been in jail several times. The last time for four months
for stealing. Got out in August and had done odd jobs since. Had been
several times in the Army hotel and several times in the City Lodging
House. Had worked for a day or so in the country but did not know
farming. Looked shiftless and demoralized.
No. 20.
Born in Binghamton, N. Y., of American parents. About thirty-five years
of age. Single. Trade was lasting shoes in a shoe factory. Had worked in
different cities but never in the country. Came to New York three months
ago, as his factory had laid off a large number of hands. Had done odd
jobs since. Walked the streets three nights the previous week and got
coffee and rolls on the "bread line." Got a bed for the night this time
through charity. Expected to get work in a factory when the weather
became warmer. Drank occasionally but not often. Looked competent and of
average intelligence.
No. 21.
Born in Ireland. Twenty-four years old. Single. Left home and had been
in America one year. Worked in New York as waiter and lost his position
three weeks previous to interview. Had some money saved but drank and
lost it all on the Bowery. Walked the streets for one week and
frequented the "bread line." Had a position, now, waiting on table
during the dinner hour. Used to work on a farm in Ireland, and said that
as soon as the weather got warm he would go to the country and look for
work. Looked somewhat dissipated but hopeful.
No. 22.
Born in Brooklyn, N. Y. Twenty-six years old. Single. Had no trade. Had
lost track of his people. Had travelled a good deal by means of freight
trains and had been in several jails for vagrancy. Had never worked in
the country. Said when he could get money, he spent it in drink. Secured
a bed that night through an acquaintance. Looked like a confirmed tramp
and vagrant.
No. 23.
Born in Hartford, Conn., of American parents. Twenty-one years old.
Single. Parents dead. Had a married sister living in New Jersey, but he
did not wish her to know that he was out of work. Had been working for
years as a carpenter's assistant and hoped to become a full-fledged
carpenter shortly. Had never worked in the country. Had been out of work
for three months. Spent his money in a vain trip to Philadelphia and
back looking for work. Had been doing odd jobs but had often gone
hungry. Did not like to ask for charity. Expected to work as soon as the
contractors began the spring building. Did not drink. Looked
intelligent, bright, and was a very hopeful case. Went through the
grammar school.
No. 24.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account