During the mid-1800's, Boston was an island of safety for African Americans. The laws reflected the liberal that was present. Officials were forbidden to aid in the capture of runaway slaves, intermarriage of races was allowed and African Americans were permitted to vote. Still, prejudice remained against people of color.
Mary Mahoney was born in Boston in1845, and at an early age announced her desire to because she was of African American descent. However because of her intelligence, competence and winning personality, she eventually hired as a nurse by some of the most prominent people in Boston, perhaps even the Lodge family.
Maybe you've heard of the very socially prominent Cabot and Lodge families from Boston. The statesman, Henry Cabot Lodge, was progeny of the two families. It is said that the Cabot’s only talk to the Lodges and that the Lodges only talk to God. They must do more than talk.
Mary Mahoney entered The New England Hospitals for Women and Children in 1878. Criteria for admission stated that applicants must be must be healthy and strong, between 21 and 31 years of gold character. Medical, Surgical and Maternity Nursing were required courses during the first twelve months. The last four months were set aside for home care, known as Private Duty Nursing.
A record of Ms. Mahoney's class shows the following statistics:
There were forty applicants nine of who withdrew by their own choice. Thirteen were found to be unsuitable which left eighteen accepted for probation. Nine remained after the trial period and only three finished the prescribed courses and received their diploma in nursing.