Josephine Fenton Gifford, daughter of Governor Reuben Fenton, was a leading humanitarian in the Jamestown community, instrumental in the founding of WCA Hospital, the Red Cross, Mozart Club, Fortnightly, and other societies. In the year 1900, she felt it was important to instill the same spirit of service in her teenage daughter, Cecile. Josephine suggested that Cecile and her friends sew garments for the infants at the WCA Hospital during Lent while Josephine read to them after school. Thus began The Creche, French for “cradle”.
Little did they know that this informal sewing circle of eight girls, fueled by hot chocolate and graham crackers, would grow to have an enormous impact on not only WCA Hospital, but the greater Jamestown community over the next 125 years.
The scope of Creche’s work has evolved over the decades, however the original mission of caring for the children of the Jamestown area has never wavered. The call to action that Josephine made in 1900 has been answered by every succeeding generation, passed down with care to daughters, colleagues, and friends. Today, Creche has living members from five generations, ranging from the Silent Generation to Gen Z.
That Creche has survived through multiple global pandemics, the two world wars, the Great Depression, and immense social and political change, is a testament to the dedication, talents, resourcefulness, and caring of the many women who made it possible.
The Fenton History Center staff and volunteers have graciously assisted Creche members in mounting an exhibit highlighting the history and some of the major projects of Creche as part of their 125th Anniversary year celebration. The exibit opens September 18th and will run through the month of October.
