Family Welfare Service Bureau Records

Collection

Identifier: MC 15

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of the Bureau's Minute Book covering from its founding in May 1921 through December of 1944. This volume does not provide information about specific cases, but does reflect economic and social conditions in Columbus from the Roaring Twenties, through the Great Depression to World War II. It details both local relief efforts, and the relationship between the local Bureau and the national associations which coordinated these local activities. It also details the involvement of prominent Columbus families and organizations in relief activities.

Dates

Creation: 1921 - 1944

Biographical / Historical

The Family Welfare Bureau was organized in 1921. According to an undated petition to Muscogee County, Georgia for incorporation, the organization was “to be a center of intercommunication between the various churches and charitable agencies of the County." It placed orphans in homes, provided relieve for the unemployed, attempted to promote the general welfare “by social reforms, by industrial instructions, and by the inculcation of habits of providence and self-dependence. . .” It also sought to improve housing conditions. The city of Columbus, Georgia provided funds to the organization for both administration costs and unemployment relief. The organization changed its name to the Family Service Bureau in 1941.

Extent

0.5 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

These materials were donated to the Archives in 1980 by Romolo A. Cannamela, director of the Family CounselingCenter, successor agency to the Family Welfare Service Bureau.