Philadelphia Judaica: An Invitation to the Ball

Ephemera of 1898 shows one community’s outreach to the vulnerable

An invitation and a ticket. Pretty simple.

For many years in Philadelphia, The Hebrew Charity Ball Association sponsored a ball with dancing and music. In the winter of 1898, the ball was held at the Academy of Music.

What we are talking about — [Hebrew Charity Ball Association] The Hebrew Charity Ball, Academy of Music, Tuesday, February 15th, 1898. [Likely Philadelphia, c.1898]. [4]pp. Brochure + Ticket. Ticket stamped in red on recto and verso.

Tickets to the ball were $5; fairly pricey in late 19th century dollars. But it was fundraising for a good cause — eight causes, actually.

The four-page, brochure-like invitation lists eight Jewish charitable groups in Philadelphia and describes their work. These charities primarily served the needs of the poor, the sick, women, and immigrants.

Organizations that benefitted included The United Hebrew Charities who assisted the “worthy poor,” the Jewish Hospital Association — a nursing home for men and women, The Orphans’ Guardians, and the Association of Jewish Immigrants.

Women were particularly targeted for charitable assistance. It is reported that one beneficiary, the Jewish Maternity Association, conducts “a maternity hospital and dispensary and maintains a training school for nurses.” The Young Women’s Union received funds to educate children: “girls are thoroughly instructed in the domestic arts, and are provided with a common school education.

On the back of the invitation brochure is a list of the Hebrew Charity Ball Association officers and members. All men. Over 90 names are listed including leading merchants such as Benjamin Gimbel and Samuel Lit and soap magnate and philanthropist, Joseph Fels.

Here, a rather plain invitation and ticket reveals an organized network of charitable groups formed to help the vulnerable members of Philadelphia’s Jewish community.

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