On This Day in History

This Day in History: ‘Mother Hale’ Born in 1905, Founder of Hale House

Clay Cane
April 1, 2025

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On this day (April 1) in 1905, Clara McBride—later known as “Mother Hale”—was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Orphaned by 16, she moved to New York, raised three children alone after being widowed, and began caring for neighborhood children in her home.

Mayor Ed. Koch of New York warmly greets Mother Hale, director of Hale House a foundings house, at a reception prior to the annual community awards dinner for St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City on Monday, Nov. 28, 1988. (AP Photo/Ed Bailey)

At age 65, Hale took in a drug-addicted infant, which led to her caring for dozens of abandoned babies. With support from her children, she nurtured many back to health, later including AIDS-infected infants. Their efforts led to the founding of Hale House, a safe haven supported by donors.

In 1985, President Reagan honored her as a “true American hero.” Hale died in 1992 at 87 years old, leaving behind a powerful legacy of compassion and service.

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane