1870-1951
Louise Shugard was known as “the most prominent woman in Newark”. Her obituary said she was, “long a leader in welfare work in Newark.” She said, “Why it is not work for me, it is a joy to do things for those adorable babies down at the nursery…I would probably be a discontented, sour women today if not for these interests which make every minute of my day worthwhile”.
East Side Day Nursery was named in her honor, after she served on the Board from 1913 and being very active with the nursery. It was the only emergency shelter in the city and the only shelter that served colored children (re: Sunday Call, Dec 20, 1931).
She was also for many years the President of the Associated Humane Societies, in this capaity helping with legislation to stop cutting dogs’ ears. She was also active in the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
She was also a member of the citizen’s committee of the Music Foundation upon its organization and chairman of the Women’s Corp at Presbyterian Hospital. She was a member of the women’s committee for the 1936 Newark anniversary celebration.
Louise also worked with the Red Cross, Girl Scout Council, Newark Community Chest, Colored Free Neighborhood House, the Visiting Nurse’s Association and many more charities and groups. She was Newark Girl Scout Commissioner.
Louise was born on 84 Clinton Ave in Newark, to an old Newark family, and lived there her entire life. She attended the Newark schools, followed by St. Mary’s Hall in Burlington.
Bibliography
“Miss Shugard Dies at Home” Newark News March 25, 1951
Newark Community Chest ad, Newark News, Nov 19, 1929
“Girl Scouts Cheif” Newark Sunday Call March 7, 1937
S-24 “Shugard, Louise D.”, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library
N-37 “East Side Day Nursery”, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library
Somebody cared : one hundred years of social work commemorating : Newark charter centennial, 1836-1936