Original dated 1862 Cooper Volunteer Refreshment Saloon Receipt. Click picture and "Detailed Description".
Cooper Shop Saloon receipt. It measures 8 ½” x 3” and with the background of a Civil War era American flag is “Cooper / Shop / Volunteer / Refreshment Saloon”. In period brown ink, it is dated Oct. 30, 1862 for the amount of thirty-one dollars and fifty cents, and is made out to E.B. Turner. It is receipt “No. 1436” and written in next to it is “Bread”.
Due to the central location of Philadelphia, its extensive lines of transportation, the large military establishments, and its teeming population, the city became a hub of activity as great throngs of soldiers traversed the city to and from the War front from the beginning to the end of the Civil War.
Beginning in May of 1861, the patriotic citizens of the area, especially the ladies, would offer refreshment to the tired and hungry soldiers as they passed through Philadelphia.
The large numbers of these poor, suffering soldiers induced several responsible citizens to found and operate the “Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon”, located at Washington and Delaware Avenues (see period pictures). It was entirely funded by donations from the citizens of Philadelphia to feed and minister to the large numbers of the troops.
On Washington Ave., a large flag pole was placed, and the flag was continuously flying, and at its base a small cannon was positioned, which was originally cast at the Springfield Arsenal. This cannon was taken to Mexico by the American Army and captured by the Mexicans at Vera Cruz. It later saw service against its own forces, was mounted on a Mexican gunboat, later captured by the U.S. Navy and returned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where it was displayed as a curiosity. It was used to fire a charge whenever a telegraph report was received that a troop train was on the way. The shot notified the good ladies of Southwark to hurry to the Saloon to help with the preparation and distribution of food and comforts.
During the course of the War, literally hundreds of thousands of troops were served by this friendly establishment. After expansions, entire regiments could be fed simultaneously, and individual soldiers could be cared for.
In addition to the wholesome food served and coffee dispensed, medical care was available on the premises for the sick in the hospital with stationery provided, letters mailed, washing facilities provided, and gifts dispensed. To the young, homesick boys the citizens gave heart as they cheered the troops on their way, often accompanied by the stirring military music of brass bands. Later, free burial plots were provided for those soldiers who would die in the Saloon Hospital, where earlier they had been hastily interred in nearby existing cemeteries, of which a number lined Washington Ave. So famous and prized was the work of the Refreshment Saloon that Mary Todd Lincoln specifically asked to visit the site in June of 1864, when she came to Philadelphia to attend the “Great Sanitary Fair” then attracting throngs on Logan Square.
Anna M. Ross was only one of the many ladies of the district of Southwark who lent a gentle hand. Private citizens, many with their own families would dedicate themselves tirelessly for the welfare of the soldiers. Anna was recognized above the others only due to her equally great and strenuous efforts on behalf of her ‘Boys’. The Cooper Shop was founded mainly through her tireless exertions. In a city famous for its outstanding public and private charities, many inspired by the influence of the Quakers, Anna was distinguished by a kindness of heart and her consecration to good works. From the opening of the Cooper Shop in May of 1861, until her early and lamented passing due to overwork and fatigue, nothing would distract her from this noble cause.
As the War progressed and with the increasing demands on the hospital of the Refreshment Saloon, thronged with wounded and sick soldiers, Anna decided to open a larger, more appropriate hospital, where the weak and sick could remain to gather their strength until able to rejoin their units or continue their journey. Thus she took upon herself the goal of finding a new place of refuge, raise the needed funds, and operate the facility while still ministering to those in need. She canvassed the city, pleading for donations, going door to door. She traveled widely throughout Pennsylvania, seeking support, her errand of mercy ever on her mind. She helped to sponsor a “Soldiers’ Home Fair” to raise money for the cause. Due to her untiring efforts on behalf of her beloved soldiers, Anna‘s health broke down; she was already past 50, and after a life of toil and care for the less fortunate, well past her prime. Despite valiant efforts of her personal physician, Dr. Nebinger, the medical director of the Hospital and a dear friend, Anna’s health continued to deteriorate, and on the very day, that her efforts were to be crowned with success with the dedication of the new “Cooper Shop” Soldiers’ Home and Hospital on Race and Crown Sts., she died. The day was December 22, 1863.
Her funeral was immense in keeping with the love and esteem her life’s work had earned her. Thousands followed her casket to Monument Cemetery at Broad and Berks St. (now Temple University), military units honored her memory, and eloquent eulogies attempted to do her the honor her work had already gained her.
The soldiers of the Rebellion never forgot her! In a rare act, one of the earliest veterans’ posts of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) in Philadelphia, Post #94 chose to name itself after her, an honor normally reserved for the heroes of Battle and History. The Post also raised a fine monument over her grave and conducted Memorial Day services there every year. It is written on her monument, “As truly as the hero who fell, pierced with his death shot, just as his regimental flag was carried by the storming party over the battlements of the routed foe, so she, as true a heroine as any, fell at her post, in the heat and depth of the conflict, just before the blessed dawn light and joyful shouts of victory”.
This rare piece is in very nice condition, having no rips or folds, and all of the entries are very legible. This receipt was signed by “Edw B. Turner”, which could possibly be Edward or Edwin. Perhaps Turner was an officer or Commissary Sergeant, who was obtaining (as marked on the receipt) “bread” for his men. Further research may determine who Turner was. It is a rare document, so take advantage to add it to your Civil War collection.
