1880- April 24, 1967
President of the Board of Babies Hospital, Mariana was a founder or very early member of the Babies Hospital Guild, and quickly became President. In that capacity she helped plan children’s diets, and with purchasing, hiring and firing for the hospital. She also advocated for clean milk laws. She received a Citizenship Award from the Academy of Medicine in 1957.
Mariana was a board member and Trustee Emeritus of the Newark Museum and of Youth Consultation Services. She was also a board member of United Hospitals and VP of the board at the Home for Respectable Aged, later the Memorial Center for Women.
Mariana was also involved in the Red Cross, chairman of the Newark Red Cross Production Service during WWI & WWII and involved for 65 years. A friend remembered her leading the Red Cross march down Broad Street in WWI.
Born in Newark, graduate of Smith College 1901. She lived in Newark all her life including 375 Mount Prospect Avenue and stated, “Don’t I look like a woman she has enjoyed life.” She stated she enjoyed cards, theater and people.
Mariana came from a well-off family saying, “I think it must be difficult for young women to be active in different things nowadays. I always had plenty of servants. No one can afford them nowadays!…When I raised my children I always had wonderful nurses…The nurses had the drudgery and I had the fun.”
Bibliography
Cummings, Charles. “Meet the exemplary women who enriched the city” Star Ledger Jun 6, 2002
Smith Yearbook 1901
“Museum Elects Three New Trustees” Star Ledger Feb 1, 1967
“Red Cross to Be Host to Schools” Star Ledger Mar 16, 1947
“Guild Pledges $30,000” Star Ledger Jun 4, 1967
“Mariana H Barker, 86, Newark Civic Leader” Star Ledger April 26, 1967
“Mrs. George Barker, Long Active in Baby Hospital” Newark News April 25, 1967
“Mrs. Barker Ends Service” Newark News Jan 5, 1957