Receipt to S.D. Woodruff from R. Woolworth and Co.

Receipt to S.D. Woodruff from R. Woolworth and Co. of St. Catharines for clothing and personal items, Jan. 1, 1877.

Pelham Cares Inc. fonds, 1980-2015

The beginnings of Pelham Cares occurred in 1982 when the Mayor of Pelham, Eric Bergenstein, received a letter from Janet Hassall, a social worker with Niagara Regional Home Care. Hassall requested that a Social Service Committee be established in Pelham to address gaps in community services, a practice that several other communities in the Region had adopted. Such committees were commonly composed of church parishioners, so Bergenstein contacted Canon J. Nowe of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, who expressed an interest in participating in such a committee. Bergenstein arranged a meeting in June, 1982 at the United Church Hall in Fonthill, for any interested parties to learn more about the existing Social Service Committees in the Region. The meeting was not part of a Town Council project, but rather an initiative undertaken by Mayor Bergenstein in a personal capacity. Subsequent meetings chaired by Eric Bergenstein were held throughout the remainder of that year, during which the name of Pelham Cares was decided, a steering committee established, and services to be offered were determined. These initially included “visits with the lonely, the shut-ins, at home, hospital or on an outing ; run errands for those who are “stuck”; step in, in emergencies, or regularly, to free a parent or spouse who can’t otherwise get a “break”; in emergencies, provide food, clothing, furniture, medicine and other necessities”. The first official meeting of Pelham Cares occurred in January 1983. Currently, the main services offered by Pelham Cares are a food bank; transportation services to medical appointments; and sponsorship programs to allow youth with limited financial means to participate in sports, recreational and educational activities. The organization also provides emergency food, supplies or short term accommodation due to fire or other catastrophic loss, as well as providing referrals to appropriate organizations or agencies. Pelham Cares is dependent on the funding from community partners such as service clubs, citizens, local businesses, financial institutions and churches. These services are provided by volunteers and one part-time employee. A permanent location for Pelham Cares was established in 2014 with the purchase of a property on Highway 20 East in Fonthill, after a 30 years search for a permanent facility.

Receipt from McLaren and Co., St. Catharines, Importers of Dry Goods, Millinery etc

Receipt from McLaren and Co., St. Catharines, Importers of Dry Goods, Millinery etc., for clothing and repairs to clothing, Aug. 14, 1886.

Receipt bearing the letterhead Masonic Temple, London, England

Receipt bearing the letterhead Masonic Temple, London, England yet the receipt seems to be from James D. Tait of St. Catharines for clothing, Aug. 14, 1886.

Receipt from McNay and Nicholls, Importers and Dressmakers, New York

Receipt from McNay and Nicholls, Importers and Dressmakers, New York for clothing, Sept. 1, 1886.

Receipt from Andrews and Aikine

Receipt from Andrews and Aikine, Hats, Caps, Furs and Gloves, St. Catharines for clothing, April 9, 1887.

Bill from Geoghegan and Co. Importers of Table Linen and Shirt and Stock Makers

Bill from Geoghegan and Co. Importers of Table Linen and Shirt and Stock Makers for clothing including cravats and hosiery, June 23, 1847 attached to receipt for Receipt from Family Linen Drapery, Shirt and Stock Warehouse, London England for payment on account, July 7, 1847.

List of goods shipped to Henry Nelles of Grimsby by Gerrard, Gillespie and Moffat Co.

List of goods shipped to Henry Nelles of Grimsby by Gerrard, Gillespie and Moffat Co. of Montreal (6 ½ page list, handwritten) for blankets, food, clothing and other items Sept. 14, 1821.