Mutual Aid in the Hinckley Block
Women of the 'Industrial Army' organize to provide food and clothing to families in need during a time of economic instability.
The Women's Relief Corps of the Northwestern Industrial Army held their regular meeting in the Hinckley block on the evening of May 21, and the committee reported eight families supplied with provisions and clothing. Five families have been helped during the past week. The calls for aid continue to come faster than the means to supply them, and we still kindly invite charitably disposed persons to contribute clothing, provisions or cash. Quite a number have sent in bundles of clothing the past two weeks, which have been sent where they will do the most good. All donations can be sent to the secretary, Mrs. Hill, 112 West Pike Street, or she will give the names and addresses of those wishing aid. The meetings are held every Monday evening at room 21, Hinckley block, corner Second and Columbia. All in sympathy with the objects of the corps are cordially invited.
“The calls for aid continue to come faster than the means to supply them, and we still kindly invite charitably disposed persons to contribute.”
This account provides a rare glimpse into the grassroots, female-led mutual aid efforts that formed the backbone of Seattle's social safety net during the economic upheaval of the 1890s. The Hinckley Block, once a hub of organizing, is now a vanished site, reflecting how many essential community support networks operate out of the public eye today.
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