ACTORS' FUND OF AMERICA

(AFA)

In 1882, producerHarrison Grey Fiskelobbied through theNew York Dramatic Mirrorto establish a charitable organization to support the needs of elderly, infirm, or indigent actors. Major players and producers of the day, includingEdwin Booth, Joseph Jefferson III, Lawrence Barrett, A. M. Palmer, P. T. Barnum, andEdward Harrigan, were among its founders, with a $500 contribution from Booth. Lester Wallack was AFA's first president, and producerDaniel Frohmanlater held the office. In 1902, a retirement home was established on Staten Island, but it was eventually moved to Englewood, New Jersey.