Caroline “Carrie” Goldsmith Childs

It is fitting during Women’s History Month for Lions to become familiar with the contribution of Floral Park’s First Lady, Mrs. John Lewis Childs.

In 1902 Caroline “Carrie” Goldsmith Childs adopted the motto of Cynthia Westover Alden “If through act of mine, thankfulness, relief or peace can come in any face. Let me seek no other joy. Winning this I have achieved them all”. Alden was a social worker and activist whose energies were focused on securing the welfare of blind infants and children. In 1900, she headed the International Sunshine Society with a membership that peaked at half a million. The organization focused on establishing institutions for the blind.

In 1902, Caroline Childs became president of the NYS Division of the International Sunshine Society. In 1902 a sanitarium for blind children was set up in Bensonhurst. In 1905 a nursery and kindergarten for blind children opened in Brooklyn, and in 1910, the Sunshine Arthur Home for Blind Babies opened in Summit, NJ. Homes for the elderly, schools for orphans, lunchrooms for working women, libraries and summer camps were opened. The society also championed legislation for providing care for blind infants and children in 18 states.
Picture (left) from the Floral Park Historical Society Archives
Harper’s Bazar; Copyright 1898 Harper & Brothers

Biography Caroline “Carrie” Goldsmith Childs
“Carrie” was born in Washingtonville, NY. In 1886, at the age of 19, she married John Lewis Childs, affectionately referred to today as the Father of Floral Park.

John Lewis Childs was civic-minded and an extraordinary businessman. That said, Carrie’s contributions to society parallelled her husband’s achievements. She authored two books, wrote verses and was an amateur painter. She was a patron of the arts, promoting musician and vocal recitals and literary lectures. She was editor of “The Schoolmate” which was published by Mayflower Press, founded by John Lewis Childs.

Carrie was a founder and an early director of Nassau Hospital - now NYU Langone in Mineola, NY. She was active in the Red Cross during WWI and received recognition from President Theodore Roosevelt. She was president of the Sorosis Society in 1919, delivering a paper “Education for the New Age.” She was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Carrie founded the Floral Park Woman’s Club which is considered the oldest service organization in Floral Park. The club’s first meeting was at her home. John Lewis Childs created a special inaugural pin for the ladies. She was president from 1898-1906.

After her husband’s death, Mrs. Childs became president of her husband’s horticultural firm. She died on July 10, 1937.