Alice Peirson Gannett | |
Birth Date: | September 13, 1875 |
Death Date: | May 13, 1962 |
Nationality: | American |
Known For: | Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center |
Alice P. Gannett (September 13, 1875 – May 13, 1962) was an American settlement house worker and social reformer.[1] The Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center in Cleveland, Ohio, is named in her honor.
Alice Peirson Gannett was born September 13, 1875.[2] She was the daughter of Henry Gannett, chief geographer for the United States Geological Survey and a founding member and president of the National Geographic Society, and Mary (Chase) Gannett.[3]
Her early education was at the Washington High School, Washington, D.C., and by private study.[4] She received an A.B. degree, emphasis English and German, at Bryn Mawr College, 1898.
After graduation, Gannett taught English at Washington High School, 1898-1901, and worked as a teacher and tutor, New York City, 1901-05.
Gannett was the assistant headworker, at Welcome Hall, Buffalo, New York 1906-07, assistant to Mr. Howard. In 1907, she took up residence at Normal College Alumnae House, West 72d street, New York, as headworker.[5] She served as headworker, Lenox Hill House, New York City, 1907-12; Associate headworker, Henry Street Settlement, New York City, 1912; and Head Worker, Goodrich Social Settlement, Cleveland, Ohio, 1917–47.[6] [7] She was also identified with summer work in St. George's parish and at Richmond Hill House. She was a member of the Speakers' Committee, College Settlements Association, 1904-05. In 1922, Gannett attended the International Settlements' Conference in London.[8]
Gannett served as president of the, Ohio Consumers’ League, the National Federation of Settlements,and the Cleveland Settlement Union.[9] She also served as secretary, Working Boys' Home, Washington, D.C. 1905-06, treasurer, Neighbourhood Workers' Association, New York City, 1908-15; and Special Agent, Children's Bureau, 1915–17.
As well as being an active member in the International League for Human Rights, Gannett was a member of the Women's Trade Union League, American Association for Labor Legislation, Intercollegiate Socialist Society, and the Bryn Mawr Club of New York City. She favored woman suffrage; she chaired the 18th Assembly District, 1908-09. Gannett was a Socialist.
Alice Peirson Gannett died May 13, 1962. The Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center is named in her honor and that of Rev. Dr. William Henry Goodrich.[10]