Collection IDMG 1533

Size1 volume

Collection Description The A. J. Smith Council, a fraternal organization based in Newark, was formed by charter on December 9, 1910 and consisted of 28 founding members, mostly men in their twenties who were Newark residents. Members worked in a variety of professions, and included policemen, silver platers, clerks, jewelers, "testers," machinists, and florists.

Weekly dues of twenty cents were required to remain in good standing. Members were also eligible for entry into a Funeral Benefit Association, which provided for the member's funeral costs or provided the deceased's family with an insurance-like payment.

Collection Contents This collection consists of a ledger (1910-1916) that contains the accounts of members of the A. J. Smith Council. Each account contains the "brother's" name, the date he was admitted to the organization, his age at the time he joined, his address, and a record of the payment of dues. Some accounts also record birth and death dates, and occupation. Accounts are marked with notations such as "audited" or "suspended," and the ledger contains a list of "Brothers suspended for non-payment of dues" and "Brothers made honorary members being in arrears." There is also a list of "Number of members enrolled with both Funeral Benefit Assoc's."

FormatTextual materials

SubjectsFinance / Taxation; Leisure Activities / Clubs / Societies

Time Period20th Century

LanguageEnglish

Access policyOpen for research

ProcessedYes

Finding AidYes