The History of the Kensington Soup Society

by Kenneth W. Milano

Overview

In the frigid winter months of 1876-77, more than twenty-seven thousand people called on the Kensington Soup Society. The society had come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1844. By World War I, however, the need for charitable soup organizations had begun its rapid decline. Facing financial crunches and internal turmoil, the society struggled to keep the doors of its soup house open. Other soup kitchens in the area closed; the Kensington Soup Society became the last of its kind. From the society's birth to its place in today's world, Kenneth W. Milano dives deep into the soul of the Kensington Soup Society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781596296244
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	02/01/2009
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Kenneth W. Milano is a historical & genealogical researcher. He was born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Milano received his degree in History from Temple University. His 2006-2011 column The Rest is History"? is well remembered by readers of Star Newspapers. He is one of the founders of the Kensington History Project."

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Chapter 1 The Founding of the Kensington Soup Society 11

Chapter 2 The Early Years of the Soup Society-Managers and Benefactors 27

Chapter 3 Early Homes of the Kensington Soup Society and the Financing of the Crease Street Soup House 47

Chapter 4 The Running of the Soup Society 59

Chapter 5 The Soup House in the Late Nineteenth Century 77

Chapter 6 The Williamson Family and Coal Fund 97

Chapter 7 World War I, the Great Depression and World War II 107

Chapter 8 Changing Shapes of the Kensington Soup Society 129