Article: Annual Report of the American Musical Fund Society

“This Society was formed Feb. 16, 1849. Its members are musicians by profession, who either live in this city, or have lived here formerly. Its objects are the assistance of members who are incapacitated by accident or sickness; the relief or support of the ages, and of the widow and orphans of deceased members, and the defraying of the funeral expenses of members or their weives. Gifts are sometimes made by the Society to those who have no proper claim on its funds The present number of members is about 300. Each member must pay $20 admission, and $12 yearly in quarterly dues. A member, when sick, receives $5 a week. In case of the death of a member, or his wife, $50 is paid for funeral expenses. The widow of a member receives $2 a week, and $1 a week for each child of a decased member under 12 years. A member, after 15 years’ membership, ceases at 60 to pay any dues, and draws an annual pension of $250, and a sinking fund of $1,500. It dispenses at present weekly allowances to nineteen widows, with fifteen children, and to three orphans. Four members receive annual pensions, and there is an average of eight members who, being sick, receive weekly allowances.

 

The following amounts have been paid for relief, etc., during the 21 years of the Society’s existence: Weekly relief for the sick, $16,151.59; weekly allowances to widows, orphans, etc., $15,367.05; funeral expenses, $3,005.75; pensions, $3,232.20; special gifts, $884; total, $38,641.59. The other expenses of the Society, during the same period, have been $3,861.85. [Lists officers.] The annual meeting of the Society is held on the third Friday in May.”