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Photograph was edited for publication purposes; Title supplied by cataloger. The National Crittenton Foundation was founded in 1883 by Charles Nelson Crittenton, a drug manufacturer and distributor, shortly after his beloved 4-year-old daughter, Florence, died of Scarlet Fever. In his grief-stricken state, he was drawn to the sermons of street-preacher, Smith Allen, who devoted his time preaching on New York streets to "wayward women." Crittenton found a channel in which to direct his grief by turning his attention to finding ways to improve the lives of these women and other women in need such as, single mothers, homeless women, and abused and sexually exploited women. He created a safe haven, opening a home on Bleecker Street in New York and named it after his daughter, the Florence Crittenton Night Mission. The home was so successful in aiding these women that others were started in cities across America, creating the National Florence Crittenton Mission, an organization so successful it was recognized by congressional charter under President McKinley. In 1976, the organization merged as part of the Child Welfare League of America. In 2006, the organization re-emerged as it's own entity, the National Crittenton Foundation, whose goal and purpose remains to address the plight of young girls and women in need. Photograph caption dated April 3, 1965 reads, "Members of the Florence Crittenton group, North Hollywood, from left, Mmes. Frank Hintze, Burbank; John Sembower, president, North Hollywood, and Bernard N. Smith, Studio City, pose with cradle and doll." The article partially reads, "A galaxy of flowers in shades of pale blues and pinks to the more sophisticated yellows and oranges will highlight the decor for the annual cradle luncheon of the North Hollywood Circle of the Florence Crittenton Circle, Wednesday at the Lakeside Golf Club. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Crittenton Home for unwed mothers in Los Angeles."
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
National Crittenton Foundation North Hollywood Florence Crittenton Circle Associations, institutions, etc.--California--San Fernando Valley Women--California--San Fernando Valley Fund raising--California--San Fernando Valley Fund raisers (Persons)--California--San Fernando Valley Cradles--California--San Fernando Valley Dolls--California--San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley (Calif.) Group portraits Portrait photographs Valley Times Collection photographs
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