Orphanages in Massachusetts - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Walsh-Brightside Orphanage-Mass.

jgalpin48428 — 11 Jun 2008 2:21:02 GMT

Looking for any relatives. Surname Walsh. Female Born 1932, Massachusets. Was an orphan at the Brightside Orphanage in Massachusets. Her birth mother had 2 or 3 children when she was placed in the orphanage. Any help or hints appreciated.
Jennifer

St. Mary's Home, New Bedford

cindy26291 — 23 Jun 2007 2:46:26 GMT

Looking for someone who may have lived at St. Mary's prior to the 1950's. My grandmother lived there during the 1920's. I'm conducting research on St. Mary's and looking to gain a better perspective on her stay and childhood. Her name was Annette Allen and she was taken there in the 4th grade along with her younger brother, Jimmy. Thank you, CJ

St. Vincents Orphange in Fall River

tiffinny66 — 25 Jul 2007 3:12:30 GMT

My Grandmother, her Sister and her Brother were in St.Vincent's in 1920. Does anyone else have any relatives who might have been in this establishment around the same time?

Beland / Fall River orphanage

emd1174 — 8 Nov 2008 5:18:04 GMT

My grandfather, Ovila Beland and his 2 brothers, Henry and Frederick Beland, were placed in an orphanage or boy's home in Fall River, Massachusetts by their parents, Jean B. and Amanda Beland, some time between 1910 and 1920. I don't know which one, as I don't know much about Fall River. No one in the family has any information except that both parents were alive at the time. I would love to find out more information and where they were placed, but don't really know where to start.

Does anyone have any advice to get me going?

Thanks.
Donna Gleason

Orphanages/Homes Run by French Nuns in Mass.

cynthiajuliab — 20 Mar 2008 11:38:33 GMT

Although my father was Irish, family lore says that he spent most early years in an orphanage/home run by French speaking nuns in Massachusetts in the 1930s. Fall River is a name that comes up, but cannot be sure --Does anyone know of a list of Catholic children's homes in Massachusetts? Or any ideas?

Boston Mass Orphanage, Pauline Connolly

melissadanysh — 24 Jul 2008 5:20:06 GMT

Pauline Louise Connolly, born 5/19/1937 in Boston?, Massachussetts, died 4/25/2004 in California . I have no information or names for any siblings or parents. What I have been told is that when she was a small girl, there was a house fire which killed several members of the family. Supposedly, her parents were not home at the time of the fire, and the surviving children were taken, separated, and Pauline was placed in an orphanage in Boston. There may have been as many as 6 or 7 children. I think this happened when she was quite young- so late 1930s-early 1940s.

So how do I go about finding out what orphanage she was placed in?

Sawdy family-House of the Good Shepard-Home of the Angel Guardian

nancykawa — 26 May 2008 2:53:45 GMT

My mother, France Lillian Sawdy & her sistern Mary Jo were taken to the House of the Good Shepard and their 2 brothers, James and William were taken to the Home of the Angel Guardian supposedly by their aunt, Helen Sawdy Callahan of Winchester. If anyone has any info about these homes of any of the family members memtioned, we would be very grateful. We have very little info about their family. Some of it is:

Grandparents, James Martin Sawdy and Annie Elizabeth Kelley Sawdy lived at 17 Catawba St,Roxbury when my mother's mother, Sarah Jo Reynolds Sawdy died in 1933. My mother's father, John Leo Sawdy was hospitalized at the TB hospital at the time of his wife's death and was unable to take care of the children. He died in 1947. My mother's other set of grandparents, William Reynolds and Mary Jo Cassidy Reynolds were already deceased - buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Roslindale.

Thanks for your help,
Nancy Babbitt Kawa
got2gowest@aol.com

How do I find where my father was in Boston, MA?

cataplexic — 8 Aug 2002 10:40:53 GMT

My father and his two brothers were either taken away from their parents or given up. He said he was in an orphanage and then placed in a foster care home with a woman named Mrs. Holmes on a farm in the Boston area. He was taken (or given up) in appx. 1925 and I am not sure when he was placed in the foster home. I know who his parents were (though cannot find any info on his mother but know everything about his father). I am having a terrible time trying to find any information. Does anyone have any ideas for me? I appreciate very much any help you can be.

Melody Zarnke

Curtin Cousin

Gidari44 — 7 Oct 2004 3:02:57 GMT

MORSE SISTERS, ORPHANED 1872, BOSTON MA

maryfranceshughes1 — 11 Aug 2007 8:27:28 GMT

My greatgrandmother (Mary Jane Morse) and her sister Annie/Abby were orphaned at very young ages (7 & 5) respectively, in 1872. Their parents were Henry and Jane (Curtin) Morse. I believe they were raised Catholic, though I am not sure their father was born Catholic. Henry was born in Worcester MA--I don't know his parents names. Jane was born in Ireland, her parents names were John and Catherine. The family story is that Mary Jane had the chance to be adopted by a Protestant school teacher and the Church forbade it. It is also believed that her younger sister suffered some form of physical disability (deaf, dwarfism and mental retardation have all been suggested). At some point (apparently) they were both placed in service. Can anyone give me some suggestions of how I can find out more about this time of their lives? Mary Jane married my greatgrandfather in 1891, however from 1872-1891 her life is a mystery to me. Thank you.
Marie

orphan's home Fall River

kriselk — 10 Feb 2007 6:28:02 GMT

My mother and her siblings were put in a home in Fall River for a time after their father died. This would have been in the 1910s. Does anyone know anything about this home or orphanage?

Chicopee, MA area

Tom — 18 Jun 2000 2:24:15 GMT

I would appreciate any information on the existance/history of an orphanage in the Chicopee, MA area c. 1900. I wonder whether there may be any associated cemetaries or surviving records of the same. Even a location could be helpful. Thank you.

Catholic orphanages in the Boston area

barbm3ch1ll48 — 26 Mar 2007 7:29:18 GMT

I am looking for a Catholic orphanage that my mom and her sister could have been put in for awhile. My grandparents were getting a divorce and the kids were split for awhile. My grandfather got the girls and he put them into a Catholic orphanage and they stayed there for awhile until my grandma could get them out. The names were Julia Dunn b. Jan 12, 1920 and Elizabeth Dunn b Nov 18, 1918. The year that it could have possibly happened would be the yrs between 1921-1925. I don't have the exact yr or the time span but wasn't very long from what I hear. Thank you for any information that you would have. Barb

James Ronald Grant/ seek Clarksberg Mass orphanage /adoption

kiova — 2 Jan 2007 7:51:00 GMT

seeking any info or help in locating orphan records
or info on how to find parents of an orphaned child
who was adopted in berkshire Co. Mass

child was b. june of 1915 supposed Clarksberg mass.
James Ronald Grant
was adopted by Mrs Margaret Grant of North Adams & Clarksberg between june 1915 and 1920
census records show unknown for James parents

any advice is appreciated

orphanages in and around Quincy, MA

DShiner53 — 30 Oct 2006 2:12:39 GMT

Hi does anyone have any info re: orpanages or inst. around the City of Quincy, my grandmother was a foster child in Quincy. dob 1918 - 1935.
Thanks Donna

House of the Good Shepard, Boston

SheilaHarlow500 — 24 Oct 2006 3:23:10 GMT

I am looking for information on this institution. My great aunt remembered being there between her birth and 1910 but she could recall little else. I believe this was a home for little girls, would anyone know if there was a corresponding home for boys at that time? Her 3 brothers were also put in homes about that same period and all were adopted out. How would I go about getting records? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Orphanages in Quincy, Mass.

Donna — 20 Oct 2006 2:06:37 GMT

Hi,
Does anyone have any info about any orphanages in the Quincy, Mass. area in the 1920's.
Thanks
Donna

Orphanages and Institutions in and around Stoneham, MA

vconw — 27 Aug 2006 12:19:35 GMT

I am looking for orphanage or Institution records that may exist recording the relinguishing of rights of the parents to their children William J and Augustus P.BLAIR. They would have been given up between 1904 and 1910. The family was living in Stoneham, MA during this time.

William was adopted before 1910 by the John Foley family in Holyoke, MA but the probate court has refused to release his adoption records even though I have all the information except the date.

Augustus on the other hand was never adopted. He was raised by the Maheux family in Lewiston Maine but I don't know what year he started living with them.

Both the Foley and the Maheux families were Catholic. The parents of William and Augustus were also Catholic at least until 1904 when their third child a daughter died. A minister from the Methodist Episcopal Church performed the service which I found strange since all 3 children were baptized Catholic.

Any ideas on where to search for these records would be appreciated.

Val

Orphanages and Institutions in and around Stoneham, MA

Val Conway — 2 Jul 2006 3:17:38 GMT

I am looking for orphanage or Institution records that may exist recording the relinguishing of rights of the parents to their children William J and Augustus P.BLAIR. They would have been given up between 1904 and 1910. The family was living in Stoneham, MA during this time.

William was adopted before 1910 by the John Foley family in Holyoke, MA but the probate court has refused to release his adoption records. Augustus on the other hand was never adopted. He was raised by the Maheux family in Lewiston Maine but I don't know what year he started living with them.

Both the Foley and the Maheux families were Catholic. The parents of William and Augustus were also Catholic at least until 1904 when their third child a daughter died. A minister from the Methodist Episcopal Church performed the service which I found strange since all 3 children were baptized Catholic.

Any ideas on where to search for these records would be appreciated.

Val

Mt. Hope Home for Children (Boston)

Judith Riley — 22 Jun 2006 2:32:35 GMT

Would anyone know where the Mt. Hope Home for Children was located in the Boston area? My dad and his siblings were there after the father died and the mother had to give them up in 1910. What state agency would have the records?

Patsy Rocheville - Franco-American Orphanage, Lowell, MA

Heather — 11 Feb 2006 3:08:06 GMT

Looking for my Aunt. Patsy Rocheville.
My grandmother (Frances Rita Rocheville Cipollo) gave birth to her in Canada and came back home to Lowell with her. My Grandmothers parents (Theodore Rocheville & Rose Anna St.Hilaire Rocheville) told people they had adopted the little girl because out of wed lock then was a big no no!
When my grandmother married in 1944 Patsy was placed at the Franco-American Orphanage, she was 3 or 4 years of age.
I am now searching and waiting to here back from Franco-American school. Any info anyone may have, please e-mail me at HeatherPelletier@Comcast.net

Patsy Rocheville Franco-American Orphanage Lowell, MA

Heather — 19 Feb 2006 4:39:37 GMT

Franco American Orphanage Lowell, Mass

Heather — 24 Jan 2006 4:54:56 GMT

Looking for family member (Patsy) that may have been a orphan at the Franco American Orphanage in Lowell, Mass. Anywhere between the years of 1937-1945. Was orphaned at age 3 or 4.

St. Joseph's Orphanage.

Evelyn Fermin — 19 Mar 2006 10:03:56 GMT

I attended St. Joseph's from 1959 to 1963. I would like to reconnect with former students.
Evelyn Fermin

dorchester industrial school for girls

sullibans — 22 Jun 2006 1:01:27 GMT

Anyone remember the Dorchester Industrial School for Girls? It was an orphanage. My great aunt went there in the 1920's, after her father died/left. I am looking for the whereabouts of any records. Any ideas anyone?

thanks!
Kim

Stetson HOme for the Boys in Barre/Worcester, MA

sullibans — 22 Jun 2006 1:01:27 GMT

My grandfather and his brother were placed in the , an orphanage in 1918-1919. looking for any information that I can find on them, George and Harry Sullivan, at this orphanage.

thanks!

Massachusetts Adoption Wooster 1928

Robin — 21 Jan 2006 10:05:53 GMT

Looking for info about adoption of Harold Oliver,son of Mary Oliver(aka Lottie Gowan) in Wooster Mass. 1928. Adopted by Arvid and Julia Ekvall. Probably a private adoption.

Orphanage in FairHaven or Fall River

lbirddog1 — 14 Mar 2004 3:57:49 GMT

I am looking for information about an orphanage in FairHaven, MA (or possibly Fall River) that was in existence around 1915-1920, and the children were cared for by French speaking nuns. Any information would be appreciated.

Baby's Breath

Judy Groves — 13 Jan 2006 10:37:57 GMT

I work at as church and I was wondering what the ladies might be able to do to help. I would also like to know if you have any positions available. I have a special heart for the hurting and I had always wanted to see an orphanage or a home for hurting women. Please could you give me some information. I would also love to visit. Thank you. Judy Groves

brighton mass orphanage 1926

rhonda — 22 Dec 2005 12:19:51 GMT

im looking for an orphanage type of place in oak square in brighton mass. my grandfather and his sister were put there for awhile before being adopted.a mrs sommerville took care of them. this was in the mid 1920's.

any help please e mail me or respond here:

violetviola@maine.rr.com

Home for Destitute Children/Boston,Ma.

harleypeg — 23 Mar 2002 4:09:33 GMT

Searching for anyone that remembers this orphange now called the Home for Little Wanderers. My mom was there 1934. She was 5 at the time.Mary Delaney. Any information please respond.

Mother-In-Law

OSU_BULLET — 18 Apr 2006 8:16:10 GMT

My family and I have limited information on the life and death of my mother. Her name was Priscilla "Pat" Lynnfield- Schofield. The last name Lynnfield was given to her in a Lynnfield Massachusetts orphanage. She worked at N.E. Telephone company as a telephone operator. Her death was classified as a homicide in November of 1972, which also became unsolved to this day. Would appreciate speaking to anyone who just simply knew her.

ORPHANAGE IN PAWTUCKET STREET, MASS

annette_jb — 8 Dec 2005 2:16:15 GMT

Francis, Florence and Louis (Edward) BERGERON were in this orphanage in 1930. Does anyone have any relatives who may remember these names, also where can we obtain records of admissions from.

thanx

Nazareth Convent of Mercy. Leicester

seanfleming15177 — 6 Jan 2005 9:47:23 GMT

Lowell Mass. French American

Brandon — 8 Sep 2003 6:07:10 GMT

Looking for info. on a French American orphanage in Lowell Mass.
Found my Grandmother in the 1930 Census. Seeking more info.

Records for Child Welfare Soc 1925+ Boston, MA

Melody — 27 Jun 2002 10:18:57 GMT

Through my fathers military records, I have just found that he listed his next of kin as: John Donahue, Legal guardian, Child Welfare Soc, 808 City Hall Annex, Boston, Mass. I had known that he was placed in an orphanage in appx. 1925 at an early age...what I need to know now is where I can find the records for Child Welfare Soc. Is there anyone who has this information? Thanks very much for any help anyone can be.

Melody
cataplexic@aol.com

Amedie Dessert, Fall River Mass

Beverlee Paradise — 6 Jun 2004 6:30:13 GMT

How would one go about finding parents of Amedie, who was in St. Joseph Orphanage in Fall River, in 1910? I assume his parents were deceased if he was in the orphanage?

Amedie was born June 5, 1900 in MA.

House of Guardian Angels...Boston, MA

Janet DeFelice — 28 Aug 2004 12:17:35 GMT

I am looking for information on an orphanage in the Boston, Ma. area that operated in the early 1930s. I believe the name of the orphanage was House of Guardian Angel and it may have been for boys only. Although I have been researching this quite extensively I have had no luck finding any information for this institution. Thank you for any help you can give.

St. Marys Home-New Bedford Mass 1955-56

Michael & Cheryl Helgeland — 1 May 2002 1:05:22 GMT

Hello, we are looking for some information about the priest who ran the St. Mary's Home in New Bedford Mass. about 1955-56.

My father was ill with T.B. and the children were all placed in the home for over one year. We cannot remember his name and any info would be a great help. If anyone also knows if he is still around we would appriciate it.
Thank you!

missing family

sue bianchini — 7 Jul 2000 2:10:20 GMT

I,m looking for any information on adoptions through the home for little wanderers in massachusetts around 1930- 1934.any info would be greatly appreciated

St. Joseph's Orphanage,Fall River,1910 Census

flora1921 — 25 Aug 2004 2:02:45 GMT

My grandmother was at the St. Joseph's Orphanage in Fall River from 1901 until 1910. There is a very good census record for the orphanage in the 1910 census. It appears as the last page in the census (ED 1932) in the Ancestry database. I did not find my grandmother in that record and have learnerd that by 1910 she was working at the Fall River Cotton Company.She was then 14. The orphanage supplied a lot of workers to the big mills in Fall River.

Donovan

TPKSBHR — 5 Sep 2004 5:17:25 GMT

My Grandfathers name was Jack Earl Donovan, He told his children that he was born in Massachusetts and that he was an Orphan. He lived in San Francisco, ca. Until his death in 1957 or 58. can anyone help find out more information?
Thank You
Kelly (Donovan) Chambers

ISO Christopher Caluthier, or Kaluthier

gauveykat — 25 Aug 2004 1:59:33 GMT

Christopher is believed to have been place in an orphanage at a young age( Elementary years) His Grandparents were Mary and Charlie Caluthier or Kaluthier, they lived in Florida. I was told that christopher was taken to Mass. and put up for adoption. I don't know if that is true, or if he went to live with another relative. Every search I do on Caluthier or Kaluthier comes up empty. If anyone knows of him please contact me. I can give identifying information.

Looking for Theresa Freeman (maiden name) from Mass.

Kim — 24 Mar 2003 9:09:08 GMT

Home for Little Wanderers in Boston

cblais — 26 Jun 2001 5:55:18 GMT

Has anyone had any experiences getting records from what was formerly the Baldwin Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, from the late 1800's?

Thanks!

Home of The Little flower Hyde Park, Ma.

jwlo97 — 12 Jul 2004 3:24:19 GMT

Looking for the name of the street that this orphanage was on ( Home of the Little Flower ) in Hyde Park Mass. Also looking to make contact with Kids that where in the Orphanage in the late 40' and early 50's.
Thanks

Joe Harlin

Mrs. Holmes, Foster Mother in Boston, MA in 1930's

cataplexic — 8 Aug 2002 10:40:53 GMT

My father and his two brothers were placed in either an orphanage or into foster care in 1925 when my father was 2 yrs old. I am not sure of his age when he was placed in a foster care home with foster mother Mrs. Holmes but believe he was there until he was 15 or 16 . He said it was a farm in the Boston area and kids were basically placed there to do farm work. Am looking for any information about this place hopefully to find more information on his brothers. Their names are Charles Stephen Lane, Harold Alden Lane, and Alden Harold Lane. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. Melody Zarnke

Brooke Farm in Mass.

Lisa — 11 Dec 2000 7:31:25 GMT

I am seeking any info. pertaining to Brooke Farm which was in Mass. somewhere, however, I heard that it burned down.
Any info. would be appreciated.
Thanks!

no luck at Little Wanderers for circa 1886

cblais — 26 Jun 2001 5:55:18 GMT

Hi - Just wanted to let you know that I received a reply from the Home for Little Wanderers in Boston in response to my request for placement records from 1886.

All records from that era were "lost"!

If anyone has any further information or suggestions, I would be most grateful!

Home for Boys

krumrill9976 — 12 Jun 2002 2:06:23 GMT

Anyone remember a Home for boys in Andover Ma. Run by priests and Jesuits. There was a Father Joseph McCall There who took my father and uncle into his home for a few years. Thank You
Karen(Hooper)Rumrill

St.Vincents Ophanage ,Fall River ,Mass.

anne — 7 Jan 2000 10:05:03 GMT

Anyone in the Home around 1950-1953