Finding aid for the George P. Bauer Correspondence


Title:
George P. Bauer Correspondence
Repository:
Western Reserve Historical Society
Phone: 216-721-5722
http://www.wrhs.org
Creator:
Bauer, George P.
Dates:
1975-1976
Quantity:
0.10 linear feet (1 container)
Abstract:
George P. Bauer (1899-1988) was a social worker at Hiram House, Cleveland's first settlement house established in 1896. Cleveland, Ohio, was one of the centers of the settlement-house movement in America, one of the major and most enduring reform movements of the late 19th century. They were a response to the overcrowding, impoverishment, corruption, and disease caused by the rapid industrialization and growth of many cities during the latter half of the century. They are closely identified with the various reforms of the Progressive Era in America. Unique to the movement was the attempt to produce change by working from within those areas of the city and the segments of its population affected by urban problems. By World War I, a variety of settlements in addition to Hiram House existed, each serving a distinct neighborhood. Hiram House initially served the Jewish (later Italian and then Black) community along lower Woodland Avenue in Cleveland. The settlements generally enjoyed autonomy prior to World War I, but by 1930 many came to be dependent on centralized welfare campaigns. The collection consists of correspondence between Bauer and John J. Grabowski regarding Bauer's experiences during his time at Hiram House. The correspondence includes information concerning social settlements in general, and Hiram House in particular, including the relationship between the settlement, the various ethnic groups and their churches, the Communist activities in the neighborhood, and observations on Hiram House founder George Bellamy.
Identification:
MS 4325
Location:
closed stacks
Language:
The records are in English