[2] The first Rivington Street Settlement house was established September 1, 1889, by the CSA with Jean Gurney Fine Spahr as head worker, with the purpose of "establishing a home in a neighborhood of working people in which educated women might live, in order to furnish a common meeting ground for all classes for their mutual benefit and education".

Mortgage bonds, bearing four per cent interest, were issued to the original subscribers, to the amounts of the respective subscriptions, the New York Settlement undertaking to pay, in lieu of rent, the interest on these bonds, the taxes, insurance and outside repairs.

It was hoped that the Settlement, through the generosity of its friends, would be enabled by gradual redemption to acquire all the bonds and become virtual possessor of the property.

[4] For many years, the Rivington Street Settlement carried on a series of sociological studies; largely into aspects of women's and children's life and labor.

Since 1889, it endeavored to create public opinion in favor of adequate facilities for children of school age.

The head worker of the Rivington Street Settlement was a member of the local school board for eight years.

In 1894, the Rivington Street Settlement secured moral and financial support for the garment makers, and since that time, interested itself in such unions as it could reach.

In connection with other agencies, it made numerous efforts to secure the enforcement of labor laws in the stores and factories of its quarter.

[3] The Rivington Street Settlement maintained a kindergarten (nursing service discontinued); school visiting; gymnasium and boys' club house; athletic association; cooking school; gymnastic, singing and dancing class; clubs for married women, men, young people and children; entertainments, concerts, lectures, etc.