*** Source: Thompson, Robert A., Historical and descriptive sketch of Sonoma County, California. Philadelphia: L.H. Everts & Co., 1877, 122 pgs. Notice: This data is donated to the Public Domain by TAG, 2004, and may be copied freely by anyone to anywhere. *** ---page 115--- MUTUAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION OF PETALUMA. Incorporated..........July 19, 1870. Number of Members Limited to..................2,000 Present Membership............................1,209 Assets July 1st, 1877....................$35,045.35 Benefits paid up to July 1st, 1877.......$56,381.00 Dividend paid July 1st, 1877..............$2,770.00 Dividend to each Member.......$5.00 $6.00 and $7.00 ONLY 54 DEATHS IN SEVEN YEARS. OFFICERS. L. F. CARPENTER..........President. E. NEWBURGH.........Vice-President. G. R. CODDING............Secretary. JOHN S. VAN DOREN........Treasurer. DIRECTORS. L L. F. Carpenter, George Harris, John Cavanagh, W. P. Rutherford, F. W. Shattuck, E. S. Lippitt, E. Newburgh, William Camm, G. R. Codding, A. H. Dreese, D. W. C. Putnam, H. A. Lynch. OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. The object of the Association is to secure pecuniary aid (of $2,000) to the families or dependents of deceased members. This we accomplish in the most perfect and substantial manner, as has been proven in the past few years, and that, too, with an expense so light, that it has proved not to be a burden to its members, which not only increases its popularity, but brings it within the reach of those most needing its benefit and aid. Any person, male or female, may become a member, if in good health and over eighteen and under fifty years of age. Each member pays, according to age, four to ten dollars annually, and one dollar on the death of any member. On proof of the death of a member, his family, or the person he has appointed, receives immediately from the Association $2000, or a like proportion to the num- ber of the members if not filled. All surplus shall be loaned, on good and sufficient security (real estate), to form a "permanent reserve fund," the interest on which annually reverts to members in the form of dividends. In case of death, we send a notice to each member. We shall have agents in each town, to receive the assessments and save members the trouble of sending direct to the Secretary. The Association, as well as its funds, is under the control of a Board of twelve Directors, who are elected annually by the members of the Association, and is also incorporated under the Beneficiary Act of the State, which Act does not allow any funds used for purposes other than set forth in the Rules and Regu- lations, while the Secretary and Treasurer are required to give heavy bonds for the faithful performance of their duties. The officers and directors of the Association receive no compensation what- ever for their services, except the Secretary, who is simply paid for keeping the books of the Association. All members will be allowed the same interest on money standing to their credit that the funds of the Association draw, and can deposit such amounts as they may desire as advance payments, or as an endowment fund for future years, without risk or forfeiture, whether one or more deposit. The Association is designed to save money, not to spend it. None will feel poorer for belonging to it, while many bless the day their father, mother, husband or brother joined it. Do not confound us with life insurance. We are a "Protective Association." We do business in a different way--in part for the same purpose, but for one- third the expense to members, who receive all the benefit. Further particulars of the Association can be obtained from the Secretary in person, or by letter. Office in Derby's Building, corner of Main and Washington streets. Petaluma. G. R. CODDING, Secretary. *** end ***