I'm looking for any information anyone might have on the St. Joseph's Orphanage in Superior. My grandmother, Betty Louise Richie, and her siblings lived there from 1932 until most of them were of age. I'm interested to know whether the records of these places would be public, and if so where they might be. I assume they would be at the diocese (also in Superior) but I might be wrong.
Also, my grandmother had a younger sister who was an infant at the time and put into the foster care system. She was never officially adopted. Although all six of the siblings (including this sister) were able to keep in touch after the orphanage, the family would still like to be able to view the records from both the orphanage itself and the state. Does anyone know how the process worked back then and if we'd even have access to these records?

I lived at St Joe's from 1949, not quite 4 yrs old, until 1959.

You're correct about the Diocese of Superior being a possible source of records. However, I think getting any info from them would be difficult.

I had a similar situation where 3 sisters and 2 brothers were also in the orphanage (technically.. it was called a "Childrens Home") and another sister was put in a foster home. Until I was about 10 years old, I had no idea that I had another sister. The nuns who ran the place did their best to deny us any knowledge of her.

I believe the building was torn down 2 or three years ago.

Steve, Thanks for the reply.
That's what I was afraid of. You're right, it was demolished a few years ago. I remember my Grandmother took a trip up to take pictures of it before it was destroyed. She had a fairly positive experience at the home and one of my great-aunts actually became a Sister for awhile in the same order as the nuns who helped run the place.
However, I've been finding with this research that churches in general can be hard toget information out of. It's so frustrating to know that there are records out there somewhere that could answer your questions and not be able to take a look at them.
But thanks for your help!

Hi.
My husband's grandmother was Vernie Steele, whose mother's maiden name is Harschlip. Her first name was Albertina. I think Albertina's father may have been Charles Harschlip.
Is any of this familiar to you? I would appreciate any information you can give. Thanks.
Carole

Hi,

my sister and I were there also from '52 -'59; divorce in the family and we were well treated. you wrote that your "Grandmother took a trip up to take pictures of it before it was destroyed.". My question is if you have those photos and if I could view them.

Thanks your consideration.

jeschmidt

I was there from '54-59 and am looking for photos and histories of that good place.

can you help?

I have a similar happening in my family. My two uncles and an aunt were placed in the home in March 1925, my father was "fostered" to a family as he was only one. I contacted the Diocese of Superior, 1201 Hughitt Ave, PO Box 969, Superior, WI 54880 and recieved verification and another name and address because the the sisters from Superior merged with the St. Paul Province several years ago. I wrote to Sister Mary Kraft, C.S.J. Archivist at 1880 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 who forwarded my request to Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc., 1416 Cumming Ave. PO Box 219, Superior, WI 54880 (fax 715-394-5951). Mr. Brian Soland, Executive Director sent what the state allowed him to send which were the forms that my grandmother filled out when the children entered the home. The forms did give me names of relatives I did not know about.

I hope these addresses will provide the information you are looking for. I have one photo that was given to me by my uncle. I can email a copy if you wish - and if you still have photos of the home, I would like to see them. My email is smvashaw@gmail.com.

Sharon

HI,
I googled the St Josephs Orphanage and it came up to your message. I am new to rootsweb.com. So this will be my first communication with anyone. But, my father and his siblings were also at the Orphanage in Superior. From what my father says, it was a terrible place. He hated it and when he thinks about the place, tears well up in his eyes. He left there at age 14. I too am looking for information about others that were there. My dad is 84 years of age now. His last name is Palko. His mother passed away in 1931. I believe he remembers your mothers name. I am trying to find information about the orphanage too. Joany

Things are a little confusing. But my great-grandfather was Charles Harschlip who was married to Dorathy Babbitts/Schlesinger. She had 2 children previous marriage unknown Schlesinger;
1.Albertine(aka Tina) who married Lou Steele who lived in Rock Creek Twp, Dunn Cty, WI.
2. Anna who after Dorathy's death married Charles Harschlip from what I have found out.

JeSchmidt,

You message me quite a while ago to ask for pictures of the Superior Orphan Home. I'm currently a student, so the time I get to devote to genealogical research is sometimes few and far between. I apologize for not responding sooner. I only have one picture of the orphanage, but I'd be happy to share.