3611 Baring Street

The History of the Building

There was a property transfer from John R. Paul to William Moland sometime between 1866 and 1869.

3611-13: “Circa 1870, two-and-one-half story, Second Empire-style double… 3611 has slate-shingled mansard…. Same developers as 3607-09”

(Inventory of Buildings in Powelton from the application submitted to the National Register of Historic Places, 1985)

Previous Residents

1880:

William N. Moland 37 Grocer

Josephine H. Moland 38

Albert Moland 11

Mary Gallagher 20 Servant; parents born in Ireland

(ED 487, 17)

In the 1866 IRS Records, he is listed at 4102 Spruce St. with and income of $1,121. In the 1870 census, they were living in Ward 15, Enumeration District 45.

1881 Directory: William N. Moland (William Moland & Sons)

1890 Directory: Moland William N. (William Moland & Sons) & pres Bullitt Bldg

William N. Moland was a member of the board of directors of the Corn Exchange National Bank.

(Philadelphia and Popular Philadelphians, 1891. p. 72)

1900:

William N Moland 57 Wholesale grocer; owned free of a mortgage

Josephine H Moland 60 Married 30 years, 1 child who is deceased

Florence A Moland 15 Adopted daughter; born in England

Margaret Callan 28 Servant; born in Ireland, immigrated in 1892

Mamie Geddes 24 Servant; born in Ireland, immigrated in 1890

(ED 543, 9A)

1910:

Stanley A Stanford 35 Hotel cashier; born in England immigrated in 1878

Beatrice Stanford 32 Married 6 years, 2 children; born in England, immigrated in 1882

Beatrice Stanford 15

Arthur Stanford 13 Born in Indiana

John W McCoach 35 Boarder; hotel manager; single

Penola Hyland 21 Servant; born in Md.

(ED 492, 4A)

1920:

Gertrude T Brown 55 Matron at “Door of Blessing;” single; born in N.Y.; renting

Catherine E Brown 52 Relationship to Head: Assistant; Assistant at “Door of Blessing;” single; born in N.Y.

(ED 686, 5B)

“The Door of Blessing, recently opened by the King's Daughters of Philadelphia, has an object similar to Mrs. Ballington Booth's Hope Hall, the principal difference being that, while the latter is intended for men just out of prison, the former is for women. The Door of Blessing is open to every woman who is penniless and friendless. The establishment is fitted like a private home, in the care of a housemother, and the women may remain in it until they are accustomed to freedom, earning in the meanwhile their living or learning some industry. No one is constrained to stay against her will.”

(Charities; A Weekly Review of Local and General Charities. Vol Vii, 1901. By Charity Organization Society of the City of New York. P 88. Google books.)

“PHILADELPHIA COUNTY PRISONS. The General Agent, FRED. J. POOLEY, has assisted several hundred at the time of their discharge with lodging, clothing, railroad fares, and with articles to sell, while they are awaiting more permanent employment. He has given help to a considerable number in securing situations. The Door of Blessing has indeed proved to be true to its name in giving help to the women at the time of their discharge .”

(The Journal of Prison Discipline and Philanthropy . Pennsylvania Prison Society. March, 1912.)

“A few homes have been established for the purpose of caring more exclusively for those who have been released from prison. In Philadelphia, the Door of Blessing provides women prisoners with lodgings until they can join their friends or relatives or find work. This institution, supported by private subscriptions and donations, can accommodate only seven women at one time. Sixty-three were given its care in 1926.”

(The report of the Pennsylvania State Parole Commission. By Pennsylvania State Parole Commission, Clair Wilcox c1927. p 105. Google books)

Temple Univ. Library has reports for the Door of Blessing: The Mignonette Violett Whelen Home

1950 Directory: Lawrence, Margaret E

Pearl, M.

Tomaino, Joseph

Tuckwood, Charles E. Mrs

Wilkinson, Matilda

2009: current owners: Minerva Barayuga and Tracy Smith

Purchase date: September 1997

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