10. Mission Girls: At Play

Monaghan's Irish Dancing Class, 1905

TIME OFF

Irish immigrant women often caught up with their friends and families on their afternoons or evenings off. They also enjoyed meeting other Irish from home at county societies or parish dances. The Irish girls were active members of their parish societies and various Catholic charities so meetings were often scheduled on the servants’ nights off (Thursdays) to facilitate participation. Starting with the Ladies Land League, Irish women played a strategic part in the Irish nationalist movement in the United States. Many too, like Mary Harris Jones (Mother Jones), Kate Mullaney, Agnes Nestor, and Augusta Troup became active in the labor movement.
Mission Ephemera: Various Activities, 1896-1936

THE MISSION’S SILVER JUBILEE

The cover of the program features Erin and America clasping hands under the harp and eagle wearing robes with shamrocks and stars. At the bottom of the page a liner leaves an Irish round tower and sails toward the Statue of Liberty. The program marked the Mission’s twenty-fifth year (1883-1908) of service to Irish immigrant girls. In later years, the Mission was supported by Irish organizations in New York City who sponsored athletic tournaments and feiseanna to raise money for the Mission.