The Friendly Institution
Founded on Christmas Eve, 1796 by Nathaniel
Coleman and several other local Quakers,
the Friendly Institution became non-denominational shortly thereafter
when the wife of Mayor Joseph Bloomfield
asked to join.
This local charitable organization is still in existence today, but as
always is very secretive. Its members, primarily women, strive to
assist the needy without being noticed. The Institution's motto is, "To
spare the modest blush, to give unseen."
| 