Emmerton, Caroline O.

• Caroline Emmerton (1866-1942) was born into a Salem family long known for its philanthropic work. She began her public service career when she was in her late 20's. She served on the boards of many local social service agencies, including the Seaman's Widow and Orphan Society and the Plummer Home for Boys. She was especially interested in services for the newly immigrant population of Salem.
• Her two great accomplishments were the restoration and organization of the Seven Gables House and Settlement and her attentions to the Salem Fraternity, now the Boys and Girls Club.
• Emmerton organized the Settlement in 1907 and the following year bought and restored the House of Seven Gables. Tourist admission from the house helped pay for youth programs at the Settlement. She also oversaw the acquisition and restoration of the Hooper-Hathaway and Retire Becket houses.
• The Salem Fraternity boys club occupied much of Emmerton's attention in the 1920's and 30's. She served as director and helped them buy a camp in Rowley.
• In 1999, Emmerton was named "Person of the Century" by a Salem Evening News panel of local historians.
• Emmerton was also a founder of The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.

See Also

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Emmerton, Caroline O.

• Caroline Emmerton Salem Focus site
• Salem Women's History Website by Bonnie Hurd Smith

• The Chronicles of Three Old Houses by Caroline O. Emmerton
• Women's Heritage Trail; Four Centuries of Salem Women. by Bonnie Hurd Smith. p. 11-12, 22-23, 46, and 54.
• "Miss Caroline O. Emmerton passes away," Salem Evening News, Mar.17, 1942. p.1
• "Caroline Emmerton, a Woman Ahead of Her Time," Salem Evening News, Dec. 29, 1999., p.1